I Prefer Complete Guide (2024)

by Neil McPherson

1 January 2020 - original article. Last updated. 28August 2023

Summary / Overview

What is Preferred Hotels and Resorts?

I Prefer Hotel Rewards (I Prefer) is the loyalty program of the Preferred Hotel & Resorts group.

I Prefer offers:

• Free membership
• A good range of attractive properties (including upscale and luxury) at reasonable pricing.
• Free room upgrades for all members.
• The possibility of double dipping of benefits. You will receive I Prefer points and benefits from your booking and the hotelin its discretion may honour benefits to which you are entitled from other programs. I haven't tested this as I have not hadstay in a property that was also a member of another relevant program. No harm in asking though!

Its weaknesses are:

• The low conversion rate for points to rebates. Spending USD 100 on a stay converts to a rebate of USD 2 for a later stay (plus tierbonuses).
• No ability to transfer points balances into airline miles (although in fairness, Bonvoy is the only program which does this well).
• The inconsistencies of the program across properties. Many of the benefits provided are determined by each property, not centrally set bythe program itself. This isn't necessarily a big issue, but something to be aware of and check prior to booking.

iPrefer is best for:

• less frequent travellers for whom room upgrades and cost savings via rebates for every stay are more important than tier status.
• travellers seeking more of an "experience" rather merely a "stay".
• travellers who might otherwise consider Small Luxury Hotels of theWorld (SLH) or possibly WorldHotels, both of which are covered in our Best hotel rewards programscomparison.

Contents

Introduction to I Prefer

Rather than only looking at the larger chain hotel programs, I also look into some of the smaller programs to see if we could uncover somegems for you.

This guide to the I Prefer rewards program does exactly that.We go through the key features of the program and then show you how to bestuse them, with specific tips and strategies.

Let's take a closer look.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts Brands & their positioning

The brands within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts (PH&R) portfolio will vary over time, as the portfolio consists of around 700independently owned properties that are subject to regular anonymous inspections by PH&R. Some of the properties also operate underlicense from a major chain.

In terms of number of properties available, this places I Prefer between SLH Invited and Radisson Rewards.

While the brands are varied, they are grouped into the following collections:

• Legend - PH&R's luxury collection (93 properties, includes spas)
• L.V.X. - the upscale collection (230 properties, includes spas)
• Lifestyle - comfort and style (435 properties, some with pools and fitness centres but no spas )
• Connect - more 4 star properties. Includes L'Empire, Paris and properties operating under Aliz, Regal, Fortune Inn flags(92 properties)
• Residences - villa, hotel and apartment residences providing larger accommodation for families or groups. Separatebedrooms, living spaces and well-equipped kitchens.

The I Prefer hotels range is quite broad, with concentration in the Lifestyle collection, but extending upwards into Upscale and Luxury segments, complementing the 4-star properties. Some of the properties are large, but many city-based ones are moreboutique in style and often better located relative to the larger chains with their larger land footprint requirements.

Sustainability

Following the acquisition in February 2020 of consulting firm Beyond Green Travel , PH&R launched The Beyond Greencollection.

To be included in the portfolio, properties will have to pass an initial and biennial on-site inspection and meet its three pillars ofsustainable tourism (environmental practices that go beyond just basics and contributing to the social and economic well-being of localcommunities), as well as 54 other sustainability indicators that are aligned with global sustainable tourism standards and the UnitedNations Sustainable Development Goals.

Among these are a benchmarking system for its sustainable practices with set goals for improving upon them, including carbon emissionreduction targets; elimination of plastic water bottles and reducing single use plastics.

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Geographic spread -Preferred Hotels & Resorts

The Preferred Hotels group properties are well spread throughout North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia.

Oceania is very under-represented, although the Lyall Hotel & Spa in Melbourne is a very nice boutique hotel located in trendy SouthYarra. A good choice if you want to be close to the action, but outside the CBD.

Similarly, The Fullerton Hotel in Sydney sets a high standard and is located right in the middle of the city, on Martin Place (it was anhistoric central Post Office in a previous life).

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How the I Prefer program works

I Prefer has only one type of point, which is earned solely from eligible stays at qualifyingproperties.

Completed and paid stays from bookings made directly or through travel agents (but not OTA's such as Expedia etc) earn 10 points perUSD spent. ExceptionsareandBeyond, Vermejo A Ted Turner Reserve, or The Brando where 5 points are earned per USD spent.

I Prefer uses dynamic pricing for award bookings:

Points earned can be redeemed for Rewards Certificates to offset against spending at properties at the rate of USD 1 per 500 points, inminimum lots of 12,500 points.

The number of these points earned within a membership year also determines which of the two membership tiers' benefits you will be entitledto.

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I Prefer Elite tiers & benefits

All members receive the following instant benefits:

• the ability to earn points for free nights in the future
• exclusive member rates - generally a guaranteed discount rate of at least 3%.
• priority early check-in & (s.t. availability) late check out
• Complimentary internet access
• Best Available Rate - If a lower unrestricted room-only rate is publicly available and found within 24hours of you booking, submita claim to IPreferand the rate will be matched. Offer is subject to availability and blackout dates may apply.

This is a fairly weak promise - only a price-match and subject to "availability".

• Complimentary room upgrade based on availability at check-in. It can include, but is not limited to: upgrade to a higher floor, a room with asuperior view, or higher room category.

This can be very generous when available.

The Program offers a "basic" and two "elite" membership tiers based upon the number ofI PreferPointsearned by a member.

Table 1 - I Prefer Membership Tiers & Benefits

*Varies by hotel
**Based on availability at check-in and/or property type. Not all properties are able to provide upgrades or an early check-in and latecheck-out

Moving to the Elite tier

Insiders are automatically upgraded to Elite status once they have earned 50,000 points.

Benefits of this tier are a welcome amenity and a 50% tier bonus when earning points.

Maintaining Your Elite Tier

The number of points earned are assessed on each anniversary of your membership (unlike most other programs that are typically based oncalendar years).

Once you have reached the Elite tier, you retain that status for the remainder of the membership year in which the Elite tier was earned andthe next calendar year.

If you fail to re-qualify for the Elite tier, your status falls to the Insider level.

There is only one type of point, which is used for both rewards calculations and status tier assessment, so the 50% tier bonus makes iteasier to retain your Elite status, once you have attained it.

Complimentary breakfast

Free breakfast is not a benefit of anymembership tier.

Complimentary room upgrades

Often difficult to obtain under other programs, room upgrades (including the possibility of a higher category) are abenefit for all members, regardless of status tier. This is not guaranteed, but subject to availability in all cases.

Status-matching

Status-matching from another program is possible. You must request an IPrefer status-matchvia the dedicated email and attach proof of your current status with the other program.

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Earning iPrefer rewards

Earning I Prefer Points from Stays

Qualifying Stays earn 10* I Prefer points per USD spent on the room (up to 15 points for Elite members due to their tier bonus). Thecalculation does not include taxes, service charges, resort fees, or gratuities. Some properties will award points based on non-roomcharges including food and beverage, spa, parking, business center etc, but this is at the discretion of each property and varies.

Given that you convert points into Reward Certificates at the rate of USD 1 per 500 points, you receive a cash value Reward Certificate fora rebate of USD 2 for every USD 100 spent on paid stays. This implies a yield of 2% for Insiders, 4% for Explorersand 6% for an Elite member. Not very attractive.

Unlike larger programs, this program focuses primarily on stays at properties. You cannot earn points through any other sources such as anonline mall (none exists) or a multitude of "partners". The focus of the program is to reward loyal travellers withenhanced benefits for each stay at a Preferred hotel.

I Prefer Members can book online through their I Prefer login,or better yet through our associated agency and receive enhanced benefits while still earning I Prefer points.

Earning I Prefer Points from SIXT Car Rental

The only points-earning partner is SIXTRent a Car,one oftheleading car rental companies in Europe. SIXT offers I PreferMembersthe ability to earn points, together with discounted rates and complimentary membership (but you must apply) of SIXT card membership andassociated perks.

• Up to 10% off best available onlinecarrental rates
• Earn 5,000I Preferpoints on SIXT car rentals
• Earn 10,000I Preferpoints on SIXT limousine rentals
• Insider Members: Gold SIXT Card
• Elite Members: Platinum SIXT Card

*except at Wilderness Safaris, andBeyond, Ted Turner Reserve Vermejo, and The Brando where a Member will earn five (5) basePoints for each U.S. dollar spent on Reservations Revenue.

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Buying I Prefer points

I Prefer points cannot be purchased.

Retaining iPrefer points

Normal Expiry

Your rewards points expire after 24 months of no “activity” on the account. Activity is defined asan eligible stay orredemption into a Reward Certificate. You will forfeit your current balance when your points expire and you will be downgraded to Insiderstatus.

This is quite tough. Not monitoring your balance could cost you dearly.Fortunately it is quite easy to prevent their expiry if you planahead.

Strategy prior to expiry

The options to prevent loss of value through you points expiring are limited to:

1.Redeeming your points for a Rewards Certificate. Rewards Certificates do not expire but can only be used to offset the cost of paidstays at properties participating in the iPrefer program.

2. Transferringpoints to another iPrefer member by sending a transfer request to IPrefer@PreferredHotels.com. Thetransfer request should include:

• the transferring member’s I Prefer member Number,
• the transferee I Prefer member’s Number, and
• the number of I Prefer Points the transferring I Prefer member wants to transfer to the other member.

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Using your I Prefer points

The only use for iPrefer points is to use them to book Rewards Nights (standard rooms only) or for Rewards Certificates that can only beused to offset the cost of paid stays at properties participating in the iPrefer program.

How do I use my I Prefer points to book a stay with free nights?

Can I book a free night stay with I Prefer points and cash?

Which is the best way to redeem I Prefer points?

How do I redeem my I Prefer points for Reward Certificates?

Exchanging I Prefer points

A request to transfer I Prefer points to another member can be made at any time via e-mail to iPrefer@PreferredHotels.com.

In the case of the death of an I Prefer member, PH&R may transfer unredeemed I Prefer Points to another I Prefermember upon PH&R’s receipt and review of documentation including a death certificate. To request a transfer of I Prefer pointsin the case of death, send an e-mail to iPrefer@PreferredHotels.com

Pooling and transferring I Prefer points

Points cannot be pooled with other members. Nor can they be transferred to other programs (eg airline miles of frequent flyer programs).

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Generous promotions to members make I Prefer more attractive than it may at first appear.Some are ongoing, some are for limited periods,while others have participating properties which change over time.Some of the pre-coronavirus special offers (Jan 2020) are summarisedbelow:

IPrefer ongoing offers:

• Last Minute Escapes - 35% discount from BAR if you both book and stay at selected properties within approx35 days
• Stay more, save more - book for a minimum of 3 nights and save 30% off the best available rate. Dates varyby property.
• Preferred advance - make a non-refundable booking more than 30 days in advance and save 30%. Dates vary byproperty.
• Preferred Bed & Breakfast - periodically offered, but for a limited time, book for a stay that includes breakfast for 2people.
• Preferred Pride - receive the best available rate and a welcome amenity.
• I PreferLoves,provide Members-only access to unique offers such as special products, services, gift cards, discounts, and even complimentary items.

IPrefer limited timeoffers:

• Preferred Plus - a bonus amenity, credit, or experience.From an off-property excursionto a spa credit, each participating property has something uniqueto surprise and delight.

In addition, there are special offers for members of specific credit card programs. These may be for limited periods and Terms &Conditions apply, so it pays to check regularly.

• American Express ExtraNight Offer:Getan extranight when you book two, three, or four consecutive nights andpay with an American Express Card.
• American ExpressPreferred Family Offer: Book and pay with your American Express Card for a minimumstay of two consecutive nights and get 10% off theroom rate and complimentarymeals for kids aged 12 and under.
• Mastercard offer -4nights for the price of 3,(save 25%) if you pay for your booking with your Mastercard
• Premium Mastercardoffer - 4nights for the price of 3(save 25%), plus Elite tier benefits, plus 25,000 I Prefer points if you pay for your booking with your World,World Black Edition, or World EliteMastercards
• Visa worlds offer - 10%discountfrom BAR plus free breakfast for 2 for each day of your stay (available at selected propertiesonly)if you pay for your booking with your Visa card.

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Special features of the I Prefer program

It is a very straightforward, revenue-based system that has one less common feature - the PreferredPride offer,which is aimed at the LGBTQ+ community.

Each property participating in Preferred Pride has inclusiveemployment policies andservices as well ascontinued support of theLGBTQ+community. It is more than just lip-service or a marketing ploy, as PH&R partners with TAG Approved and IGLTA to assure that eachhotel promotes equality and safety for LGBTQ+ tourism.

Some other programs offer a similar feature, but this is perhaps the best implementation.

iPrefer Auctions

Introduced in January 2021, IPrefer memberscan use as few as 5,000 of their pointsto bidin I Prefer Auctions to win exciting travel-related auctionitems such as :

• a Winemaking and Tasting tour in Tuscany;
• multi-day staysin destinations around the globe; and more.

The items available to bid for change regularly, so it is best to enable I Prefer Offer Notifications in your member communicationpreferences to stay informed of future Auction dates.

To give you an idea, at launch the items on auction were listed as:

• Penthouse suite stay and dinner for two atTheJouleinDallas, Texas:Bids are open for an overnight stay in a 2,000 sq. ft. penthouse featuring fine artwork, communal living, kitchen, and dining areas, andprivate outdoor terrace with downtown views. The offer also includes dinner for two at on-property restaurant CBD Provisions – an acclaimedmodern Texas brasserie.
• Overnight stay for two with in-suite dining atHotelGaultinMontreal, Canada:Memberscan tender points for an indulgent one-night stay at this boutique hotel housed in an elegant 19^thcentury Greystone building inthe heart of Old Montreal. Choosing from either a Terrace Suite with city views or a spacious, residential-style apartment, the winner andone guest can stay in until check out by enjoying in-room dinner from a Japanese-Peruvian “Best of Tiradito” menu or a Peruvian-Chinese“Best of Chifa” menu, before waking up to a gourmet breakfast in bed.
• Couples spa experience atLasBrisas AcapulcoinAcapulco, Mexico:Thisoffer is ideal for travelers planning a stay at the romantic hillside resort, which extends private casitas with outdoor pools across 40acres of beachfront estate. Members can bid to win two 60-minute treatments at the resort’s luxurious ESPA Spa, with treatment optionsincluding body wraps, hot stone or bamboo massages, and personalized facials. Nightly rates at Las Brisas Acapulco start at US$123.
• Dine, laugh, play, and stay atDowntownGrand Hotel & CasinoinLas Vegas:This thrilling getaway experience is packed with entertainment and escapism, inclusive of a two-night stay in a deluxe one-bedroom suite, a$200 dining credit to use at any of the hotel’s six food and drink outlets, two tickets for a comedy show, and $100 in match play per personfor two people on the casino floor.

iPrefer for Event Planners

For I Prefer members who arrange meetings or events, there is a separate provision for iPrefer Planners.

As an I PreferPlanner, you are eligible to earn I Prefer points on room revenue (excluding taxes and additional charges) when you bookthrough the Preferred Hotels & Resorts North American National Sales Offices +1 (877) 497-6976 or the European GroupDesk +1 (636) 736-4397 .

Who can join the I Prefer Planner program?

Observations -I Prefer

I Preferprogram Pro's:

1. The specialoffers are attractive and available to all members. Some include breakfast, others discounts of 30%.
2. The "yield" or value for points redeemed for free night stays can be very attractive relative to other programs for awardsstays(but not for Rewards Certificates which provide 4% for Insider and 6% for Elite).
3. Points can be transferred (but not pooled). The handling of a member's points after their death is more clear than many other programs.
4. The benefits for all members are generous, especially the free room upgrade, which can be a to a higher categoryroom,This is not guaranteed, but is a benefit only available on other programs at their upper status tiers.
5. I Prefer's alliances with selectpremium credit cards can provide significant discounts and/or perks
6. The types of stays can vary quite widely and include:

• beaches and islands
• mountains and ski resorts
• boutique hotels
• historic hotels
• spa retreats
• sustainable travel and
• stays catering for food & wine buffs.

I Preferprogram Con's:

1. The threshold for top-tier Elite status is quite high for the marginal additional benefits of an amenity and 50% tier bonus.
2. The larger markets of North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia are well catered for, even though the actual number of properties is farless than the major chains.
3. The member discount of "at least 3%" seems stingy, but prices are very reasonable without it. Perhaps other chains havelarger discounts applied to inflated prices....
4. Breakfast is not a benefit available at any membership tier. However, regular promotions or membership of premium Visa can overcome this.
5. You cannot purchase I Prefer points
6. I Prefer points expire after 24 months without making a paid stay or exchange for Reward Certificates. They cannot be otherwise"refreshed".

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Conclusions -I Prefer

This is not a large program with a range of brands offering their own versions of cookie-cutter properties. It is a group of curatedcollections each with variety and value for money within their respective niches.

It is also a program that focuses on properties and stays, not trying to be a one-stop shop for standardised everything.

The strong level of benefits for all members mean this is not a program for travellers who seek to play a"climbstatus tiers" game.

Overall. I see this as a program offering very good value for leisure travellers who are more selective and seek a stay that is out of theordinary, with appropriate comfort and value-for-money at all levels of luxe. Ensure you join and only book online or througha Travel Agency offlineto get your rebate against the cost of future stays.

Definitely one to belong to for the times when their property destinations suit your travel plans.

Also good as a second program to complement membership of one of the larger programs (where you may decide to target tier status).

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How to Join or Status-match to I Prefer

It is easy to open an account and is free - apply here for the i preferhotel rewards sign up.You can also apply at any participating property, but will not receive points for that stay, as you won'talready have an ipreferlogin.

There is a dedicated email address for you to request an I Preferstatus-match.

You will need to provide evidence of your status at another hotel rewards program (a recent statement showing status, list of recent staysand any proposed future stays at a Preferred Hotel all help support your application).

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FAQ -I Prefer

Do I Prefer points expire?

Yes.Points expire after 24 months of no “activity” on the account. Activity is defined asan eligible stay or point redemption into aReward Certificate. You will forfeit your current balance when your points expire and you will be downgraded to Insider status.

Do I earn points for a hotel’s own loyalty program in addition to my iPreferpoints?

You will earn I Preferpoints and benefits for every eligible stay at participating hotels. It is at the discretion of each hotelto extend benefits from any other hotel loyalty programs they may offer. Double-dipping is a possibility, but not guaranteed. Never hurts toask!

How do I contact IPrefer Customer Services?

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