The rules and regulations do not state "prior to":

Choice Privileges points expire on December 31, two years after the year in which they were deposited into your account unless forfeited or canceled earlier due to membership inactivity or otherwise in accordance to these rules and regulations.

I have always experienced that tickets, gift certificates, and coupons can be used through the date of expiration. So the points actually expired at midnight on December 30th.

No big deal just leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

"Choice Privileges points expire on December 31"

Seems clear to me...12:01 am on the 31st = gone.

I agree it's unclear from their rules and regs. Now I see what they wrote in the letter isn't really in their written rules is it? I'm glad it's not a big deal for you.

The only thing I can think of that's similar is store coupons. I always feel funny if I am using a coupon on the expiration date, but if memory serves coupons are honored on the expiration date.

Oh Im just beginning to use Choice Privelages and its a pain. Right away they say two separate nights one night free, that's not true, its 8000 points and depends on the hotel, second its not 8000 points they top up 5000 on top of three thousand that you earned, and if you don't register for the promotion you don't get the points, As much as I love jumping through hoops, I have done this with Best Western and it is a lot simpler

>>>and depends on the hotel<<<

Of course it does, do you even know how many brands are within the CHoice Hotels International Group? Unrealistic to think the same earning and redemption applies to all brands equally. That would be like saying it should be the same points value for redeeming flights, regardless of whether its first, business or economy.

Why should a Econolodge be entitled to the same rebate as a Clarion, when one is a 3 Star product, and the other a 5 Star?

Just like airline loyalty points, it's a bonus on top of a product you've paid for.

If the are going to play the Choice Privileges points game, then study the rules and maximize your benefits. A no fee credit card can earn 24,000 points after first use and paying for a night at a Choice property. Some promotions require a 2 night stay ( example: Econo lodge) to qualify as 1 stay while a Comfort Inn only requires a 1 night stay. This is probably due to the much lower cost at staying at the Econo lodges.

The real value in Choice points is booking rooms in Europe when they lower the points requirement. I have a 225 Euro hotel in Rome booked for 10,000 points. At a $1.40 per Euro, this is a heck of a deal.