The 10 Best Preferred Hotels & Resorts To Book With Points for Max Value
The best Preferred Hotels & Resorts to book with points include Last Word Franschhoek in South Africa, The One Palácio da Anunciada in Lisbon, The Londoner in London, and Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands, where reward bookings can offer substantial savings compared with expensive cash rates.
The real opportunity lies in choosing the right loyalty program. Preferred Hotels & Resorts brings together independently operated luxury hotels, boutique properties, and private-island retreats. Select properties can be booked using Choice Privileges points, while others offer redemptions through I Prefer Hotel Rewards.
A spectacular hotel does not automatically make a spectacular points redemption. Award availability, nightly rates, taxes, and the number of points required all influence whether a booking represents good value.
This guide examines ten standout Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties, explains their appeal, compares reward options, and shows travelers how to identify a worthwhile redemption before transferring points.
Read this blog: 6 Luxury Hotels Where Amex Points Can Unlock Exceptional Stays
What Are Preferred Hotels & Resorts?
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is a global collection of independently operated luxury hotels, resorts, and residences. Unlike a conventional hotel chain, its participating properties maintain their individual identities, architecture, service styles, and guest experiences.
The collection includes historic European palaces, contemporary city hotels, secluded beachfront resorts, and intimate countryside retreats.
For travelers, the appeal is variety. A stay in Singapore might involve a restored landmark building, while a booking in South Africa could mean a small guesthouse surrounded by vineyards.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts also operates the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program, which provides points and eligible membership benefits. Its partnership with Choice Privileges creates another potential route to booking select luxury properties with rewards.
How Can Travelers Book Preferred Hotels & Resorts With Points?
Travelers can book participating Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties through Choice Privileges or I Prefer Hotel Rewards, although availability and redemption requirements differ between the two programs.
How Does Choice Privileges Work With Preferred Hotels & Resorts?
Choice Privileges is the loyalty program associated with Choice Hotels. It also provides access to award stays at a selection of Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties.
This is particularly interesting because certain independent luxury hotels may require fewer Choice points than their cash prices would suggest.
However, the partnership does not cover every Preferred property, and award prices vary significantly by hotel and date. Travelers must find the specific property through Choice’s eligible booking channels rather than assuming that every hotel in the Preferred collection can be reserved with Choice points.
How Does I Prefer Hotel Rewards Work?
I Prefer is Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ own loyalty program. Members can earn points on eligible stays and use them toward available rewards, including hotel nights and other redemption options.
The program advertises reward nights starting at 15,000 I Prefer points, while selected points-and-cash offers start at 3,000 points. These are entry-level program offers, not guaranteed prices for the luxury hotels featured below.
Members may also qualify for benefits such as room upgrades or flexible check-in and checkout arrangements, depending on eligibility, property participation, and availability.
Which Loyalty Program Usually Offers Better Value?
Neither program is automatically the better option. Choice Privileges can deliver attractive value at certain participating luxury properties, while I Prefer may offer useful alternatives when Choice award rooms are unavailable.
The important comparison is the actual cost of the same stay, not simply the number of points displayed. Different loyalty currencies have different acquisition costs and redemption opportunities.
Travelers should compare both programs, where available, before moving transferable credit card points into either account.
Continue Reading: Hilton Honors Loyalty Program Review: Points & Elite Status
Which 10 Preferred Hotels & Resorts Offer the Best Opportunities for Points Redemptions?
The following ten properties stand out for their location, distinctive experiences, or potential savings when redeeming points. They range from accessible boutique escapes to exceptional luxury resorts where cash rates can be substantial.
The point amounts below are published example starting rates, not live quotes. They are based on previously reported award searches and can change by travel date, availability, or program rules. The comparison is focused on Choice Privileges; I Prefer rates should be checked separately.
| Hotel | Destination | Reported Choice points per night, from |
| Last Word Franschhoek | Franschhoek, South Africa | 27,000 |
| The One Palácio da Anunciada | Lisbon, Portugal | 27,000 |
| The Fullerton Hotel Singapore | Singapore | 45,000 |
| Virgin Hotels New York | New York, USA | 50,000 |
| The Londoner | London, UK | 55,000 |
| Huntley Santa Monica Beach | California, USA | 60,000 |
| Palazzo Dama | Rome, Italy | 65,000 |
| The Capitol Hotel Tokyu | Tokyo, Japan | 71,000 |
| Salamander Middleburg | Virginia, USA | 74,000 |
| Peter Island Resort | British Virgin Islands | 150,000 |
Illustrative starting redemption figures, not verified live inventory or guaranteed minimum rates. Source: published hotel award comparisons.
1. Why Is Last Word Franschhoek a Standout Redemption in South Africa?
Franschhoek, South Africa · Published example from 27,000 Choice points
Last Word Franschhoek is particularly appealing because it combines an intimate boutique setting with access to one of South Africa’s celebrated wine regions.
Rather than staying in a large international resort, guests can enjoy a smaller property where personalized service and a quieter atmosphere are central to the experience.
Franschhoek is known for its vineyards, restaurants, and mountain scenery. The hotel makes a practical base for wine tastings, leisurely lunches, and countryside excursions.
Why it can offer excellent value: Luxury accommodation in desirable wine-country destinations can be expensive, especially during popular travel periods. If an award night is available at a relatively modest points rate, the savings can be compelling.
Best suited for: Couples, wine enthusiasts, and travelers who prefer boutique accommodation over large resorts.
2. What Makes The One Palácio da Anunciada a Smart Choice in Lisbon?
Lisbon, Portugal · Published example from 27,000 Choice points
The One Palácio da Anunciada offers the opportunity to stay in a restored historic palace without giving up the convenience of central Lisbon.
Its architecture provides a sense of place that is difficult to replicate in a conventional modern hotel. Elegant interiors, landscaped spaces, a pool, and spa facilities create a retreat from the busy streets outside.
The location also works well for travelers planning to visit Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Why it can offer excellent value: A comparatively low published Choice redemption rate makes this hotel especially interesting when central Lisbon’s luxury cash rates rise.
For example, a hypothetical $400 room redeemed for 27,000 points would provide approximately 1.48 cents per point before accounting for any additional charges.
Best suited for: First-time Lisbon visitors, couples, and travelers seeking historic architecture with modern comforts.
3. Is The Fullerton Hotel Singapore Worth Booking With Points?
Singapore · Published example from 45,000 Choice points
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is a strong option for travelers who want to experience the city’s architectural heritage while remaining close to major attractions.
Housed in a landmark building that once served important civic functions, the hotel combines historic character with upscale contemporary accommodation.
Its setting near the Singapore River and Marina Bay makes it convenient for sightseeing, waterfront walks, dining, and business appointments.
Guests can also enjoy facilities such as a swimming pool, spa, and on-site dining.
Why it can offer good value: Singapore’s premium hotels can command substantial cash rates. A points reservation may be worthwhile when a desirable room is expensive, although the value is less compelling on discounted nights.
Best suited for: City-break travelers, architecture enthusiasts, and visitors who want a central luxury hotel.
Read Our Latest Blog: How to Earn Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Miles in 2026
4. Why Should Travelers Consider Virgin Hotels New York?
New York, USA · Published example from 50,000 Choice points
Virgin Hotels New York combines a lively Manhattan location with contemporary rooms, city views, and lifestyle-focused amenities.
Situated in the NoMad area, the hotel is convenient for travelers who want to experience Manhattan’s restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Its design-forward interiors and social spaces make it feel more like a modern urban retreat than a traditional business hotel.
Why it can offer good value: New York hotel rates can fluctuate sharply with events, conferences, and seasonal demand. Redeeming points on a high-priced night may protect a travel budget from a particularly expensive cash booking.
However, travelers should carefully compare the total cost, including any mandatory property charges.
Best suited for: Couples, city-break travelers, and visitors who appreciate contemporary design.
5. Is The Londoner One of the Best Luxury Hotels to Book With Points?
London, UK · Published example from 55,000 Choice points
The Londoner is an attractive points option for travelers who want a luxury stay in the heart of London’s West End.
Located at Leicester Square, it places guests close to theatres, entertainment venues, shopping streets, and several major landmarks.
The property offers a distinctive combination of stylish rooms, wellness facilities, dining spaces, and guest-focused areas such as The Residence.
Its central location can also reduce the need for lengthy journeys across the city.
Why it can offer excellent value: High-end hotels in central London often charge premium rates, particularly during busy travel periods. The Londoner is worth comparing across Choice Privileges and I Prefer when both award options appear.
Best suited for: Theatre lovers, luxury weekend travelers, and visitors who want to spend most of their time in central London.
6. What Makes Huntley Santa Monica Beach Appealing for a Points Stay?
California, USA · Published example from 60,000 Choice points
Huntley Santa Monica Beach is a practical choice for travelers who want coastal scenery without sacrificing access to restaurants, shopping, and local attractions.
The property is known for its contemporary accommodation and elevated dining experience, with the Pacific coastline close by.
Its location makes it suitable for a beach-focused weekend or a longer Southern California itinerary.
Why it can offer good value: Santa Monica hotel prices can be particularly high on popular weekends and during peak holiday periods. Award nights become more attractive when cash rates climb.
Still, travelers should check parking and other possible expenses, as these can influence the overall value of the stay.
Best suited for: Beach lovers, couples, and travelers planning a relaxed coastal getaway.
7. Why Is Palazzo Dama a Distinctive Choice in Rome?
Rome, Italy · Published example from 65,000 Choice points
Palazzo Dama offers an intimate luxury experience in Rome, with elegant interiors and an atmosphere inspired by the city’s historic residences.
Unlike larger hotels with extensive public spaces, this boutique property emphasizes a more private setting.
Its outdoor pool and garden are particularly appealing after a day exploring Rome’s busy streets and cultural attractions.
Why it can offer good value: Boutique luxury hotels in central Rome may command high nightly rates, especially during popular sightseeing seasons.
A points redemption can be attractive when the alternative is paying a premium for a small, characterful property.
Best suited for: Couples, boutique-hotel enthusiasts, and visitors who want a quieter base in Rome.
8. Is The Capitol Hotel Tokyu a Good Use of Points in Tokyo?
Tokyo, Japan · Published example from 71,000 Choice points
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is an appealing option for travelers who appreciate Japanese design, refined hospitality, and convenient access to central Tokyo.
The property combines contemporary architecture with traditional details, including Japanese-inspired interiors and a restrained, elegant aesthetic.
Its location in the Nagatacho area is useful for travelers visiting multiple parts of Tokyo, while wellness and dining facilities provide opportunities to unwind between outings.
Why it can offer good value: Tokyo has a wide range of excellent hotels, so a premium points booking should be compared with both luxury and upscale cash alternatives.
This property makes the most sense when travelers specifically value its design, service, and central location rather than simply wanting an affordable place to sleep.
Best suited for: Design-conscious travelers, luxury city visitors, and guests seeking a quieter Tokyo hotel experience.
9. Why Is Salamander Middleburg Worth Considering for a Resort Getaway?
Virginia, USA · Published example from 74,000 Choice points
Salamander Middleburg offers a countryside resort experience with an emphasis on wellness, outdoor activities, and spacious surroundings.
Set in Virginia’s scenic horse and wine country, the resort provides a different experience from the city hotels on this list.
Guests can plan spa treatments, outdoor recreation, and visits to nearby vineyards, making it suitable for a trip where the property itself is a major attraction.
Why it can offer good value: Resort stays can become expensive once accommodation, activities, and dining are combined.
Using points for the room may free up more of the travel budget for experiences, although activities, spa treatments, and additional charges generally remain separate.
Best suited for: Couples, wellness travelers, and visitors seeking a countryside escape.
10. Is Peter Island Resort Worth a High-Value Points Redemption?
British Virgin Islands · Published example from 150,000 Choice points
Peter Island Resort stands out as an aspirational redemption because it offers a private-island experience that can be considerably more expensive than a typical luxury hotel stay.
Surrounded by Caribbean waters, the resort emphasizes privacy, beaches, upscale accommodation, and opportunities for relaxation and water-based activities.
Its secluded setting is the main attraction. Guests are booking more than a room; they are choosing a destination where the resort and surrounding island shape much of the holiday.
Why it can offer excellent value: Although the published starting award rate is high, the property’s cash prices can also be substantial.
For example, a hypothetical $2,100 room redeemed for 150,000 points would return approximately 1.4 cents per point before considering additional costs.
That can be appealing, but it does not automatically make this the best option. Transfers, transportation, meals, and resort charges must be included in the overall travel budget.
Best suited for: Honeymooners, special-occasion travelers, and guests seeking a secluded luxury retreat.
How Can Travelers Calculate the Value of a Preferred Hotels Points Redemption?
The simplest way to evaluate an award stay is to divide the cash cost avoided by the number of points required.
Valueperpoint=Cashpriceavoided-AwardbookingchargesPointsrequired100
The result is expressed in cents per point when the prices are in US dollars.
Consider three hypothetical hotel bookings:
| Cash price avoided | Points required | Value per point |
| $300 | 30,000 | 1.00 cent |
| $550 | 40,000 | 1.38 cents |
| $800 | 100,000 | 0.80 cents |
The second booking offers the highest mathematical return, even though it is not the most expensive hotel.
However, the calculation should use the cash rate for a comparable room with similar cancellation conditions. It should also exclude fees that the traveler must pay regardless of whether the booking uses cash or points.
A points booking that saves $500 may still be poor value if acquiring the required points costs more than $500.
How Can Travelers Earn Points for Preferred Hotels & Resorts?
Travelers can accumulate Choice Privileges points through eligible hotel stays, participating credit cards, purchased points, and transfers from selected rewards programs.
I Prefer points can be earned through qualifying Preferred Hotels & Resorts stays and certain participating transfer arrangements.
Which Credit Card Rewards Programs Transfer to Choice Privileges?
Choice Privileges lists several transferable rewards partners, although eligibility and transfer ratios depend on the card and account.
| Rewards program | Published transfer relationship |
| American Express Membership Rewards | 1,000 points to 1,000 Choice points |
| Capital One | 1,000 miles to 1,000 Choice points |
| Wells Fargo Rewards | 1 point to 2 Choice points |
| Citi ThankYou Rewards | Up to 1,500 Choice points per 1,000 ThankYou points, depending on card |
These are published program relationships, not guaranteed transfer options for every account or country. Citi’s ratio, in particular, varies by eligible card product.
Choice Privileges® Hotel Rewards
A traveler holding 20,000 eligible Wells Fargo Rewards points, for example, could potentially obtain 40,000 Choice points at the published 1:2 ratio.
That might be enough for certain participating Preferred Hotels award nights, depending on the property and dates.
Important: Credit card transfers are generally difficult or impossible to reverse. Travelers should confirm an available award before initiating a transfer and check whether the transferred balance will arrive in time.
Is Buying Choice Privileges Points Worth It?
Buying Choice points can be worthwhile when the purchase price is lower than the cash savings from a confirmed award booking.
Suppose a hotel costs $450 in cash, but a traveler can book it for 30,000 Choice points. If those points can be obtained for $240, the potential savings are $210 before considering additional charges.
However, promotional purchase prices, annual limits, and availability change. Buying points speculatively can leave travelers with a balance that is difficult to use efficiently.
How Can Travelers Book Preferred Hotels & Resorts Through Choice Privileges?
Travelers can reserve participating Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties through the dedicated partner booking route linked from their Choice Privileges account.
The official process is:
- Visit Choice Hotels and sign in to a Choice Privileges account.
- Open the Preferred Hotels & Resorts partner redemption option.
- Follow the booking link to the eligible Preferred Hotels booking platform.
- Enter the destination, travel dates, and number of guests.
- Compare participating hotels and available award rooms.
- Review the points required, cancellation terms, and any additional charges.
- Complete the booking using the required Choice points and retain the confirmation.
Choice’s official rules specify that members must have sufficient points in their account when booking. Points Plus Cash is not available for these Preferred Hotels partner reward reservations, even though Choice offers that option for certain other properties.
Can Travelers Change or Cancel a Preferred Hotels Points Reservation?
Choice Privileges reward reservations at Preferred Hotels & Resorts cannot be directly modified. To change dates or extend a stay using points, travelers must cancel the existing booking and make a new reservation, subject to availability.
The selected hotel’s cancellation policy applies. When a reservation is canceled within the permitted period, Choice states that redeemed points are returned, generally within 72 hours.
Canceling and rebooking carries a risk: the original award price or room availability may disappear before a replacement reservation is secured.
What Additional Costs Should Travelers Check Before Redeeming Points?
A reward night does not necessarily mean the entire stay is free.
Choice explains that Preferred Hotels partner award reservations cover the eligible room cost and associated room taxes, but travelers remain responsible for applicable resort fees, service charges, incidentals, food, beverages, and deposits.
Other possible expenses include transportation, parking, additional guest charges, and experiences not included in the room booking.
These costs can matter particularly at remote resorts.
For example, a private-island hotel might offer an attractive room redemption while requiring additional spending on transfers and meals. A central city hotel may have fewer logistical expenses but higher parking charges.
Checking the complete booking terms is more useful than focusing exclusively on the points total.
Which Preferred Hotels & Resorts Should Travelers Choose for Different Types of Trips?
The best property depends on the purpose of the trip, not just the redemption rate.
| Travel preference | Property worth considering | Main attraction |
| Wine-country retreat | Last Word Franschhoek | Boutique atmosphere and vineyard access |
| Historic European city break | The One Palácio da Anunciada | Palace setting in Lisbon |
| Heritage luxury | The Fullerton Hotel Singapore | Landmark architecture and central location |
| Contemporary city stay | Virgin Hotels New York | Modern design and Manhattan location |
| Theatre and entertainment | The Londoner | Leicester Square location |
| Coastal getaway | Huntley Santa Monica Beach | Santa Monica setting |
| Romantic boutique stay | Palazzo Dama | Intimate Rome property |
| Japanese design and hospitality | The Capitol Hotel Tokyu | Refined interiors and Tokyo location |
| Wellness and countryside | Salamander Middleburg | Spa and outdoor experiences |
| Private-island escape | Peter Island Resort | Seclusion and Caribbean beaches |
A lower-priced redemption may be preferable for a short sightseeing trip, while an expensive resort award could be more rewarding when travelers intend to spend most of their holiday at the property.
What Mistakes Should Travelers Avoid When Booking Preferred Hotels With Points?
Several common mistakes can reduce the value of an otherwise promising award booking.
- Assuming every property participates: Preferred Hotels & Resorts membership does not guarantee availability through Choice Privileges or I Prefer.
- Transferring points before checking award space: A hotel may have cash rooms available without offering the same dates for points.
- Ignoring cancellation conditions: Partner award reservations may have stricter procedures than standard hotel bookings.
- Comparing different room types: A standard award room should not be valued against a premium suite’s cash price.
- Overlooking additional charges: Resort fees, transportation, and extra guest costs can substantially affect the savings.
- Choosing the highest-value redemption regardless of location: Saving points is not useful if the hotel creates inconvenient travel arrangements.
A good redemption should combine attractive financial value with a property that genuinely suits the trip.
Related: How to Use Google Hotels: Prices, Locations & Bookings
Conclusion: Which Preferred Hotels & Resorts Offer the Best Overall Value?
The best Preferred Hotels & Resorts points redemption is one that combines a desirable hotel, a competitive award rate, and meaningful savings over the equivalent cash booking.
Last Word Franschhoek and The One Palácio da Anunciada are particularly attractive starting points for travelers seeking boutique luxury with relatively accessible published redemption rates. The Londoner offers a compelling option for a premium city stay, while Peter Island Resort is worth considering for travelers seeking an exceptional private-island experience.
For practical value, the most important step is to compare actual award availability with the total cash price before transferring or purchasing points. A carefully selected redemption can make an expensive independent luxury hotel considerably more attainable without compromising the experience that makes the property special.
Related FAQs!
Yes. Participating hotels may offer reward nights through Choice Privileges or I Prefer. However, additional charges such as resort fees, dining, transportation, and incidentals may still apply.
No. Only selected properties participate in the Choice Privileges partnership. Travelers should confirm that the specific hotel appears in the eligible reward booking platform.
No. They are separate loyalty currencies with different redemption structures. Travelers should not assume that points held in one program can be used directly through the other.
No. Choice’s Preferred Hotels partner terms state that guests do not earn Choice Privileges points on these reward stays.
Not automatically. Complimentary breakfast and upgrades depend on the hotel’s offer, the reservation terms, membership eligibility, and availability. Travelers should confirm benefits directly rather than assuming they apply to every award stay.
Yes, where suitable award rooms are available. However, Choice’s partner reward nights are generally based on single or double occupancy, and additional person charges may apply. Families should check room capacity and children’s policies before booking.
For non-elite members, Choice generally requires qualifying account activity within 18 consecutive calendar months to prevent points from expiring. Its current program rules provide additional protection for members holding eligible elite status.
Yes, subject to award availability and the booking conditions. Each night’s points requirement should be reviewed because prices can differ across dates. Extending an existing Preferred Hotels partner reward reservation requires a new booking rather than a direct modification.