When Citi introduced Preferred Hotels as a transfer partner with an astonishing 1:4 transfer ratio ([details here](https://frequentmiler.com/citi-adds-preferred-hotels-iprefer-at-14-ratio-new-transfer-partner/)), the initial excitement was tempered by the fact that only a handful of hotels were redeemable entirely with points. However, that has now changed. At the time of writing, 212 hotels are bookable with points, making this partnership suddenly very appealing—dare we say, exciting!
### A Rocky Start with iPrefer’s Website
Currently, the iPrefer website isn’t cooperating when it comes to finding points-bookable hotels. The page that should display available properties ([found here](https://iprefer.com/offer/i-prefer-reward-nights)) frustratingly returns a “Failed to fetch” error. Bad website. Bad.
### The Good News: Preferred Hotels’ Main Website Works!
Thankfully, the [Preferred Hotels website](https://preferredhotels.com/) is functioning perfectly. Simply enter your search criteria and click “Find Hotels.” If you leave the destination field blank, it will display all Preferred Hotels. Good website. Good.
To book with points, follow these steps:
1. Click “View Rates” for the hotel you’re interested in.
2. Select your desired dates from the availability calendar.
3. On the next screen, cash rates will be shown by default. Check the “Use I Prefer points” box to see the points price.
4. Click “Rate Details” under the “I Prefer Reward Nights” section to view the full cost, including taxes. For example, a two-night stay might cost 200,000 points plus $70.18 in taxes.
What’s great is that the rate details clearly outline all taxes (including resort fees, if applicable) and cancellation policies. In this example, you can cancel for free up to 48 hours before 4 PM on the day of arrival.
—
### Early Findings: Value Analysis
I’m currently working on a more detailed analysis, but here’s a sneak peek at what I’ve discovered so far:
– **Value of iPrefer Points**: On average, iPrefer points are worth approximately **0.5 cents each** when redeemed for hotel stays. With Citi’s 1:4 transfer ratio, this translates to an impressive **2 cents per Citi point**. In some cases, you can extract even greater value.
– **Comparison with Choice Points**: There’s a significant overlap between Preferred Hotels bookable with Choice points and those bookable with iPrefer points, but it’s less than expected. Only **44% of Preferred Hotels available via Choice points** are also bookable with iPrefer points.
– When overlap exists, transferring Citi points to iPrefer (1:4) is usually more cost-effective than transferring to Choice (1:2). However, there are exceptions where Choice points offer better value. Always compare both platforms before transferring points.
– Here are some properties where transferring to Choice is the better deal:
– Corso 281
– Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast
– Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences
– INIALA HARBOUR HOUSE & RESIDENCES
– Palazzo Dama
– The One Palácio da Anunciada
– THE THIEF
—
### Final Thoughts
A special thanks to [@nguoilangthang](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LohtfYSYf7A&lc=UgyQPuTqSdpKdMO4k6t4AaABAg) for alerting us to the fact that Preferred Hotels are now truly bookable with points. This development opens up exciting new opportunities for maximizing Citi points.
—
### Want to Learn More?
If you’re eager to dive deeper into the world of miles and points, [subscribe to our email updates](https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/) or check out [our podcast](https://frequentmiler.com/frequent-miler-on-the-air/) on your favorite platform.
Source: frequentmiler.com