Choice Hotels launches online virtual-payment option

Choice Hotels International has launched a virtual payment option on ChoiceHotels.com to create a seamless booking experience for corporate travelers, becoming the first hotel company to adopt this payment method on its consumer-facing website, the company said.

With one click during the checkout process, corporate travel managers now have the option to book reservations using a centralized form of payment, and without having to supply each traveler with a physical card or provide an authorization form. Choice is currently rolling out this program to its corporate clients in a phased approach. This feature is in addition to Choice's current virtual pay capabilities for bookings via GDS channels.

“Travel managers have consistently told us that they want an easier booking process—so Choice delivered with yet another innovation,” Choice Hotels VP of global sales Chad Fletcher said in a statement. “By using our seamless, virtual-pay solution, travel managers can quickly and effortlessly book stays for their travelers without needing to present a personal credit card at check-in. Everyone wins with virtual pay.”