Beyond the well-known hotel loyalty programs lies a hidden gem for travelers seeking unique and luxurious experiences: I Prefer Hotel Rewards. This program isn’t about sprawling global chains; it’s a curated collection of independent, upscale resorts and hotels, offering a distinctly intimate and personalized travel experience.
Recently expanded with the addition of 14 new resorts, I Prefer continues to grow, yet maintains its focus on individuality. It’s a haven for those who prioritize character and charm over cookie-cutter consistency, offering a refreshing alternative to the mainstream hotel giants.
The program encompasses four distinct brands, each with its own allure. Preferred Hotels & Resorts showcases boutique premium hotels in over 80 countries. Beyond Green champions luxury properties committed to sustainability. Historic Hotels of America preserves the grandeur of the past within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. And Historic Hotels Worldwide unveils former castles, palaces, and monasteries transformed into exquisite accommodations across the globe.
A significant shift has recently elevated I Prefer’s value: it’s now a transfer partner with both Capital One and Citi ThankYou Rewards. This opens up exciting possibilities for travelers to unlock award stays using their existing credit card points, potentially maximizing their travel budget.
I Prefer Hotel Rewards operates with three elite status tiers – Silver, Gold, and Titanium – all freely attainable. Benefits escalate with each level, including room upgrades, complimentary Wi-Fi, bonus points, early check-in, and late checkout. Status isn’t tied to the number of nights stayed, but rather to your total spending within a 12-month period, offering a unique and rewarding path to exclusivity.
Silver status, granted immediately upon joining, earns you 10 points per dollar spent. Gold status, achieved with $2,500 in spending, boosts your earnings to 12 points per dollar and adds a welcome amenity. Reaching Titanium, with $5,000 in spending, unlocks the highest earning rate of 15 points per dollar, along with a complimentary food and beverage offering and exclusive anniversary gifts.
Earning points is straightforward: simply book eligible stays directly with the four associated brands or through their call centers. You’ll earn 10 points for every dollar spent, with bonus multipliers for Gold and Titanium members. While points aren’t earned on taxes and fees, some properties extend earning opportunities to non-room charges like dining and spa treatments.
The program also offers “I Prefer Reward Nights Plus,” allowing you to combine points and cash for bookings starting as low as 3,000 points plus a small cash co-pay. This flexibility provides an accessible entry point to experiencing the program’s benefits.
Transferring points from Capital One yields a 1:2 ratio (1,000 miles = 2,000 I Prefer points), while Citi ThankYou Rewards offers a more generous 1:4 ratio (1,000 points = 4,000 I Prefer points). This makes Citi points particularly valuable for maximizing your rewards.
Redeeming points unlocks free nights at a growing selection of properties worldwide, with rates starting at 15,000 points per night. While the program’s footprint is smaller than its competitors, it offers exceptional value at luxury properties, especially when leveraging transferred points.
Navigating the I Prefer website can be slightly challenging. Ensure you’re logged in to view the full range of available properties – the number jumps significantly when authenticated. Filters allow you to search by region, country, or city, and sort by points cost.
Consider Castlemartyr Resort in Ireland, a restored 18th-century manor, available for 50,000 points (plus taxes and fees) per night. Utilizing Citi ThankYou Rewards, this translates to a remarkable redemption value of nearly 3 cents per point – far exceeding the typical valuation.
Similarly, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal in Venice, a stunning palace on the Grand Canal, can be booked for 150,000 points per night. Even with Capital One miles, this offers a competitive redemption rate, and with Citi points, the value is exceptional.
Always compare the points cost to the cash rate, as fluctuations can impact the overall value. Transfers are irreversible, so careful consideration is key. However, even a modest redemption value of 1 cent per point or mile can significantly reduce your travel expenses.
With the addition of Capital One and Citi as transfer partners, I Prefer Hotel Rewards has emerged as a compelling option for discerning travelers. It’s a program that rewards exploration, individuality, and a passion for unique, luxurious experiences. While its portfolio is still growing, the potential for exceptional value makes it a loyalty program worth watching.
