A New Choice Hotel Brand, Clarion Pointe, Is Coming Later This Year
Whether you travel frequently or just a few times per year, you likely have hotel brands and groups that you know and trust. I I find a lot of value in Choice, Wyndham and IHG. So, when IHG added its Avid brand, I was there shortly after it opened to review the hotel. Now, Choice is adding a new brand to its family that seems pretty exciting: Clarion Pointe.
So, what can you expect from Clarion Pointe? According to a press release from Choice, Clarion Pointe is a "midscale select-service brand extension of Clarion" that will leverage the Clarion brand's focus on "creating environments for people to connect and socialize" while also providing:
- Contemporary design touches, including signature murals in guest rooms and the lobby that reflect local points of interest.
- Curated food and beverage, like free premium coffee and tea from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, as well as free breakfast with fresh and nutritious items. The lobby marketplace will also include craft beer, select wines, juices, smoothies and small bites for purchase.
- On-demand connectivity that lets guests stream content from their mobile devices onto 49-inch TVs with casting capabilities and free streaming-strength Wi-Fi.
- Modern fitness space featuring cardio equipment, a strength-training station, plus casting-capable TVs that enable guests to stream workouts on demand.
The first three Clarion Pointe locations will be in Medford, OR, Gatlinburg, TN, and Florence, MS. The Florence location will "be the first hotel to open later this year," but exact opening dates haven't been announced and none of the locations are bookable through Choice's website yet. In total, there are currently more than 50 Clarion Pointe franchise agreements in the development pipeline.
From the press release, the Clarion Pointe brand seems like it will be a slightly more premium version of IHG's new Avid brand that's perhaps more comparable to a newer Aloft property. Between high-speed Wi-Fi that can support streaming, healthy food options and well-stocked gyms, I'm looking forward to trying out Clarion Pointe once the first property opens later this year.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app