Guests who join the Choice Privileges program between now and Sept. 30, 2008 will already be halfway on the path to Elite Gold status. Every qualifying night’s stay will count double towards Elite Gold status until Dec. 31, 2008. New members will reach Gold with only five nights instead of the usual 10 and receive Gold benefits such as a 10 percent point bonus, access to exclusive reservations and customer service phone numbers and elite member special offers. To qualify, prospective members must enroll online at http://www.choicehotels.com/goldoffer or call (888) 770-6800 and mention code AGOLD.