TripRewards – April, 25 2006

TripRewards – April, 25 2006

TripRewards has not been idle in its first years. The loyalty program of Cendant hotel brands (AmeriHost, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Knights Inn, Ramada, Super 8, Travelodge and Wingate Inn) has, since its launch a few years ago, offered more award choices than some programs twice or three times its age.

That selection just got bigger. In the wake of Cendant’s acquisition of the Wyndham brand last October, members of TripRewards may now redeem points for free stays at more than 100 participating Wyndham destinations. Redemption values range from 10,000 to 40,000 points per stay.

This should come as a pleasant surprise to those who might otherwise sneer at the overall reputation of Cendant brands as “budget” or “economy-level.”

Naturally, some of the Wyndham awards are more “expensive” than traditional TripRewards options. The highest level award in the old scheme was 16,000 points for a Tier 4 hotel. Wyndham awards can run as high as 40,000 points a night. Most, however, are not nearly that high. The Wyndham Palm Springs Resort, for example, runs just 20,000 points a night, as does the Wyndham Garden Hotel in New York City.

Members must redeem their points at least three weeks in advance and book their reservation by calling (800) WYNDHAM — (800) 996-3426 in the United States and Canada, or (972) 915-7070 from outside the United States and Canada.