Even if you’ve been tightening your travel belts during the economic downturn, there’s a bright spot on the horizon: It’s easier than ever to earn free nights at Choice Hotels properties across North America, thanks to a new spring promotion. And that translates into more “walking around” money to enjoy at the destination.

Guests who book two separate stays at http://www.choicehotels.com or 800-4CHOICE for arrival now through April 30, 2009 will receive enough Choice Privileges points to redeem for a free night at up to 1,500 hotels. This is the first time Choice has offered free night stays across all 10 of its brands:

Comfort Inn * Comfort Suites * Quality Inn * Sleep Inn * Clarion * Cambria Suites * MainStay Suites * Suburban Extended Stay Hotel * Econo Lodge * Rodeway Inn

Also included in the program are select members of the upscale Ascend Collection of Historic, Boutique and Unique hotels across the country.

Opportunities abound for every budget and interest: Ski enthusiasts will find lodging convenient to Park City, Lake Tahoe, Denver and Stowe. Families seeking adventure travel can use their free night to stay at the Grand Canyon, or just five blocks from the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Sun-seekers have options ranging from Miami and Hilton Head Island to Newport Beach and Keauhou Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. Theme park thrill riders can choose from hotels near Disney World, Disneyland, SeaWorld, Dollywood and Universal Studios.

Joining Choice Privileges is free, and members start earning points toward free nights immediately. For a list of the 1,500 participating properties and their locations, please visit http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/CPRedemptionList?sid=1VjA.v7NYNg9D0g.7

Source: YPartnership