Book Independent Luxury Hotels with Choice Points (2021)
Award Nights 101: Using Your Hotel Points, Guide to the Choice Privileges Program
The Choice hotel program isn't only about Comfort and Quality Inns.
A little known feature of the Choice Privileges program is that you can redeem your points not just at Comfort and Quality Inns, but also at luxury independent hotels that participate in the Preferred Hotel and Resorts program.
If you are interested in staying at one of these hotels, you can acquire the necessary Choice points using the Cash & Points trick at .80 cents each and often book the hotel for less than the normal asking price. You won’t get a cheap hotel night this way, but you can often get a great hotel night at a cheaper than normal price. Get Cheap IHG and Choice Points Using the Cash & Points Trick.
For example, the Quinta Real Zacatecas, built in a restored 19th century bullring, has room rates often over $600 per night in the winter, but can be booked at a point cost of around $200. Or the Montage Laguna Beach, which has room rates of $945 in the summer, can be booked at a point cost of “just” $440.
"Cost" of booking Preferred hotels
There are four tiers of Preferred hotels that participate in the Choice program. Prices aren’t cheap, but they are often cheaper than booking these hotels at the cash rates. Before booking with Choice points, make sure to check to see what other discount rates are available and what kind of extra perks these hotels may be offering as part of luxury travel programs. Take Advantage of Luxury Hotel Programs for Valuable Extra Perks
| Tier | Points Needed | “Cost” per Night | TY Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25,000 | $200 | 12,500 |
| 2 | 35,000 | $280 | 17,500 |
| 3 | 45,000 | $360 | 22,500 |
| 4 | 55,000 | $440 | 27,500 |
Participating hotels
Not every hotel in the Preferred Hotel & Resorts program can be booked through Choice, although the majority can. A full list of the participating hotels is available on the Preferred Hotel and Resorts website. You can search by region or hotel tiers. Participating Hotel List.
A few of the hotels that show up in the directory are participating in name only. If you look at their availability calendar, they never have any nights available. I suspect that hotels switch in and out of the program, sometimes depending on season, so the hotels stay listed, but don’t always have rooms available.
Leela Palace Udaipur, India
Luxurious modern palace hotel with stunning views of the City Palace and Lake Pichola. Experience exotic luxury in one of the best hotels in India. Normal rates average $600 per night, 55,000 points ($440).
Hotel Waldhaus Sils, St. Moritz, Switzerland
This Legendary hotel is an ideal base for skiing and exploring one of Europe’s most prestigious ski resorts. Regular ski season rates average $600 per night. 55,000 points ($440).
Montage Beverly Hills, Location
One of the most prestigious hotels in Los Angeles, with panoramic city views from the heart of Beverley Hills. Regular summer rates average $750 per night. 55,000 points ($440).
Surf and Sand Resort, Laguna Beach, California
This lavish oceanside resort is perhaps the top high-end beachfront hotel in California. Regular summer rates average $600 per night. 55,000 points ($440).
The Sebastian, Vail
Luxury mountain lodge located at one of America’s top ski resorts. Ski season rates average over $1000 per night. 55,000 points ($440).
Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newport, RI
Don’t just visit the 19th century mansions on Newport’s cliff walk, stay in one as well. #56 hotel in the world according to Travel & Leisure. Rates average $800-1000 per night. 55,000 points ($440).
Peter Island Resort, British Vigin Islands
One of the rare opportunities to stay on a private Caribbean island. Visit five private beaches from your luxurious private villa. Winter rates average over $1000 per night. 55,000 points ($440).
Hotel Gault, Montreal
Boutique hotel in the middle of Old Montreal, with all the right touches like private balconies, exposed brick, and loft-style rooms. Rates average $500 per night. 35,000 points ($280)
Suryagargh, Jaisalmer, India
A grand palace hotel, whose traditional Rajasthani architecture evokes a desert fortress—just one with elegant rooms and a luxurious spa. Rates often over $300 per night, 35,000 points ($280)
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, Cancun
One of the best locations and pools in Cancun, and a perfect choice for your winter break. Winter rates average over $500 per night, 55,000 points ($440)
Hacienda Del Sol, Tuscon, Arizona
Historic ranch hotel with elegant Southwestern style in the Catalina foothills just outside of Tucson. Winter rates average $400 per night, 45,000 points ($360)
The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
The Grand Dame of the Rockies, this legendary hotel is famous for its breadth of activities. Perhaps the most famous mountain resort in the country. Normal rates average over $500 per night, 45,000 points ($360)
Limelight, Aspen
Hip, modern base for one of America’s most expensive ski resorts. Ski season rates average over $700 per night, 45,000 points ($360)
Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans
Majestic luxury hotel whose gilded décor seems the perfect fit for a high-end stay in the middle of New Orleans’s French quarter. Normal room rates average $400 per night, 45,000 points ($360)
