Spending extensive amount of time on the road equates to frequent stays at hotels. Checking in, checking out, making sure the hotel is right for the stay, and much more goes into the process of choosing a hotel for when I travel. I have often been a creature of habit, and lean on brands I know I can rely on time and again. Preferred Hotels & Resorts has been a brand I go to when searching for a hotel in my next destination.
Preferred Hotels represents a collection of independent hotels around the world that are required to meet a set of quality standards, so guests can feel confident knowing they will receive the best level of service and quality no matter which independently-owned hotel they choose. My favorite part about the collection of hotels is that each are unique, and being independently owned means that each hotel has its own special experience. Some of my favorite stays have been at places like the Katamama in Bali or Farmhouse Inn & Spa right here in Sonoma, California. These hotels draw in theculture of the destination, creating an authentic experience for the traveler.
With such a large collection of independent hotels, I was incredibly excited to know that I could earn points for my stays with Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Getting to earn and redeem points at independent hotels is something I didn’t think was possible but with iPrefer, the loyalty program of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, I can.
This year, Preferred Hotels launched its new mobile app, making it even easier to earn and redeem iPrefer points. Some of my favorite program perks that all members receive — regardless of status — are early check-in and late check-out (based on availability.) This last summer I was at the Farmhouse and they gave us a 3 pm check out to enjoy the rest of a Sunday afternoon by the pool. Guaranteed complimentary Wi-Fi, first access to room upgrades, and access to member rates makes the stay even better. With the new app, you can access all of this, see how many points you’ve earned, and search for your next stay.
If you’re on the hunt for your next hotel, head to the discover page to checkout destinations around the world. Some of my favorite Preferred Hotels I’ve stayed at are Cavallo Point in California, Hotel Metropole in Venice, Italy, Castille Paris, and more.
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*Thank you to Preferred Hotels & Resorts for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are own.
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
