Money Management
Preferred Hotels & Resorts Becomes Latest Bilt Transfer Partner
Bilt is once again expanding its lineup of travel transfer partners.
About the I Prefer Hotel Rewards-Bilt Partnership:
Another travel brand has joined the Bilt party. Now, Bilt members will be able to transfer points to Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ I Prefer Hotel Rewards Program. In total, Bilt now offers transfers to 24 airline and hotel programs.
Notably, this option becomes Bilt’s second non-1:1 transfer ratio. Bilt Points will transfer to I Prefer at a rate of 1:2 — meaning 1,000 Bilt Points can be converted to 2,000 I Prefer Points. The only other non-1:1 partner Bilt has is Accor Live Limitless, which transfers at a rate of 3:2 (3,000 Bilt Points to 2,000 ALL points).
Preferred Hotels & Resorts offers more than 700 independently owned hotels and other properties in 85 countries. These properties are divided across four collections, including Legend, LVX, Lifestyle, and Preferred Residences.
Transfers to Preferred Hotels & Resorts I Prefer Hotel Rewards are now open for Bilt members. Keep in mind that members must transfer points in increments of 1,000 and that a 2,000-point minimum transfer applies to those with Bilt Blue status (those with Silver, Gold, or Platinum status can transfer as few as 1,000 points).
What They’re Saying:
Announcing the latest addition, Bilt founder and CEO Ankur Jain said, “What I love about this partnership is that these properties aren’t interchangeable. Each one is genuinely distinct, fully rooted in its place and its history.”
Jain added, “Being able to take points you earned on rent and use them at a cliffside villa in Santorini or a historic estate in Tuscany are the kinds of moments we’re building toward. Preferred Hotels & Resorts gets that same thing about real hospitality that we do, and we’re excited to bring their world to our members.”
Meanwhile, Preferred Hotels & Resorts SVP of Marketing, Digital Experience & Loyalty Lori Strasberg stated, “Our partnership with Bilt introduces our global portfolio of unique luxury hotels to Bilt members. As more travelers seek memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences, this is an exciting opportunity for Bilt members to learn about and access the extraordinary experiences our hotels offer. We’re proud to welcome Bilt members into the I Prefer Hotel Rewards community.”
My Thoughts:
As interesting as it is that Bilt is adding yet another transfer partner, it’s even more intriguing with a bit of backstory. Previously, Citi offered transfers to I Prefer at a rate of 1:4. Unfortunately, that was cut in half to 1:2 earlier this year. Now, it seems possible that this move set the stage for Bilt to add Preferred Hotels without looking inferior by comparison.
In terms of whether this is a good deal on its own, that will vary from person to person and redemption to redemption. Additionally, there will surely be those (especially current or former Citi cardholders) who may avoid this option on principle, seeing as a better valuation was available just a few months ago. Nevertheless, it’s always great to see Bilt expanding, delivering more options for cardholders and other members.
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