Choice Hotels International announced that Choice Privileges, its award-winning rewards programme, is now open to European residents and has been expanded to include over 300 Choice brand properties in Europe, including nearly 70 in the UK.

To launch the programme in Europe Choice has partnered with American Express to offer travellers a special double-points promotion. Up until the end of November, guests who pay with their American Express card will earn double Choice Privileges points on qualifying stays in European properties.

Choice Privileges’ members can earn points on qualifying stays at hotels throughout ten European countries including Belgium; the Czech Republic; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Portugal; Spain; Switzerland and the UK.

“We are delighted to expand membership of Choice Privileges and offer our members the opportunity to now earn points at European properties,” said Mark Pearce, Vice-President, International Operations for Choice Hotels International. “We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to add value to our rewards programme and I believe our expansion into the European market is a big step.”

Becoming a Choice Privileges member is free and they can now earn ten points per every U.S dollar equivalent spent at hotels. Members also enjoy express check-in, extended check-out, and the opportunity to redeem points for free nights at over 5,500 properties throughout Europe, the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Members can also redeem points at luxury partner hotels, such as Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and through airline partners including American, Qantas and Delta.

The Choice Privileges rewards programme, which has been available in the US since 1998, was voted best of the best at the 19th annual Freddie Awards in 2007. Each year frequent travellers are asked to vote for their best frequent travel programmes and Choice Privileges won “Best Award” representing the best flexibility and value for its members.

Pearce, added: “The integration of Choice Privileges firmly positions Choice Hotels International in the European market while meeting the needs and expectations of our customers. Our franchise owners are excited about the upcoming rollout of the loyalty program, as it will allow European* members the opportunity to truly benefit from Choice Hotels expansive network of properties.”

Choice Privileges members can earn points spent on qualifying stays at participating Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion® and Cambria Suites® hotels or five points per U.S. dollar at MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge® and Rodeway Inn® hotels throughout the U.S. (including Hawaii), Canada, Europe*, Mexico and the Caribbean.