Clarion Pointe Hotels 2025: Smart Comfort on a Budget

Picture this: you’re halfway through a long road trip, kids are hungry, the dog is restless, and you just want a clean room that doesn’t cost a fortune. You spot a sign that says Clarion Pointe and wonder, “Is this place any good?” I’ve been there. Let me save you the guesswork.

Key Takeaways

• Clarion Pointe is Choice Hotels’ fresh take on midscale stays—think comfy beds and local murals without the big price tag.
• You get free hot breakfast, a 24/7 snack shop with beer and wine, and Choice Privileges points every time.
• Pick newer or renovated locations, and you’ll feel like you’re staying somewhere twice the price.

What Is Clarion Pointe Exactly?

Back in 2018, Choice Hotels looked at its huge family of brands and thought, “We can do better for travelers who want nice but not fancy.” That’s when Clarion Pointe was born. It’s not the old full-service Clarion with ballrooms and room service. Instead, it’s a select-service hotel—fewer frills, lower rates, but still modern and comfortable.

Most Clarion Pointe hotels started life as something else (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, or even independent motels) and got a total makeover. New paint, crisp white bedding, big TVs you can stream Netflix on, and a lobby with a giant mural inspired by the local area. Choice Hotels says there are over 60 open right now, with more coming every year.

How Clarion Pointe Differs from Siblings

Choice Hotels has a lot of brands, and it’s easy to mix them up. Here’s the quick cheat sheet:

• Clarion Pointe vs Comfort Inn: Same price range, but Clarion Pointe feels newer with cooler lobbies and a marketplace that sells beer and wine.
• Clarion Pointe vs Sleep Inn: Sleep Inn rooms are usually smaller. Clarion Pointe gives you more space and that 24/7 shop.
• Clarion Pointe vs Quality Inn: Quality Inn can feel dated. Clarion Pointe is the refreshed, Instagram-friendly cousin.

I stayed at a Comfort Inn last year and then a Clarion Pointe a month later—same $89 rate, but the Pointe had way better lighting and a coffee station that actually tasted good.

Core Amenities You’ll Actually Use

No one wants to read a long list of stuff that sounds nice on paper but isn’t there when you arrive. Here’s what you can count on at almost every Clarion Pointe:

• Free hot breakfast—think waffles, eggs, yogurt, and a fancy coffee machine (not just the burnt pot from 5 AM).
• 24/7 marketplace—grab a frozen pizza, chips, or a cold beer without leaving the building.
• Super-fast WiFi that actually works for Zoom calls and streaming.
• Big flat-screen TVs with HDMI ports and streaming apps ready to log in.
• Fitness room with at least a treadmill and dumbbells.
• Those famous locally inspired murals—perfect for a quick selfie before checkout.

Real Guest Reviews: The Honest Truth

Let’s be real—reviews are all over the place. On Booking.com, renovated Clarion Pointe hotels average 8.1 out of 10. TripAdvisor is similar. Here’s what people say most:

The good stuff

• “Spotless rooms, best hotel breakfast I’ve had in years.”
• “Quiet, great value, staff went out of their way to help.”
• “Loved the mural in the lobby—felt like the town welcomed us.”

The not-so-good stuff

• Older locations can feel tired—peeling paint, slow drains.
• Some guests complain that hot water runs out if everyone showers at once.
• A few parking-lot safety worries in bigger cities.

Pro tip: check reviews from 2024-2025. If the last good review is from 2021, keep scrolling.

Best Clarion Pointe Locations in 2025

Some stand out way above the rest. Here are my top picks based on recent guest scores:

• Clarksville, TN – 9.2/10, brand-new building, huge breakfast area.
• Wake Forest, NC – right off I-85, perfect for Raleigh visits.
• Sulphur Springs, TX – the very first Clarion Pointe, still getting love six years later.
• Harker Heights, TX – near Fort Cavazos, military families rave about it.
• Harrisonburg, VA – Shenandoah Valley views and a killer mural.

If you’re driving cross-country, plot these on your map. They’re usually right off the highway with easy gas stations nearby.

Pet Policy, Accessibility & Extended Stays

Traveling with furry friends? Most Clarion Pointe hotels say yes to pets. Expect a $25–50 fee per stay (not per night—huge difference). Always call ahead because a few locations don’t allow pets.

Wheelchair users: ADA rooms are standard, and most have elevators. Just request the ground floor if stairs are an issue.

Doing a longer trip? Many offer weekly rates that drop the price to $60–80 a night. The marketplace becomes your mini grocery store, and the desk in the room is big enough for actual work.

Practical Tips to Get the Best Stay

Want to feel like a travel pro? Use these easy hacks:

1. Book direct on ChoiceHotels.com – you’ll get the lowest price plus 100 bonus Choice Privileges points.
2. Join Choice Privileges – it’s free and instantly saves 5-10%.
3. Look for the opening year – anything 2020 or newer feels brand-new.
4. Check Google Maps street view – see if the outside looks fresh.
5. Ask for a room away from the elevator – quieter sleep.
6. Travel midweek – rates can drop $30 a night Sunday-Wednesday.

I once saved $48 on a three-night stay just by moving my trip from Friday to Tuesday. Same room, same breakfast, way happier wallet.

Franchise Facts for Investors

Thinking about owning one? Choice makes it easy to convert an old hotel. The average remodel cost for an 80-room property runs $281,000 to $1.58 million, depending on how much you upgrade. The initial franchise fee is $40,000. The brand has grown steadily—30 hotels in 2021, 60 by 2023, and more opening through 2026. Owners love the low staffing needs and strong Choice booking engine.

Final Takeaway

Clarion Pointe proves that comfort and affordability can go hand in hand. Whether you’re road-tripping across the country or booking a quick business stop, you’ll get modern rooms, free breakfast, and reliable WiFi—all for less than $120 a night. Stick to newer locations, join Choice Privileges, and you’ll stretch your travel budget without sacrificing style or rest. Next time you’re browsing hotels, filter by Clarion Pointe—you’ll see why it’s one of 2025’s smartest midscale picks.