Here is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to earn Gold Elite Status in the Preferred Hotel Group I Prefer program. All you need to do is join the AARP, complete one stay at a participating hotel and the status plus some bonus points are yours.
Back in 2023, the hotel chain launched a partnership with AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) which continues to this day and this is the key for getting this status.
Despite its namesake, the AARP is not just for retired persons nor is it just for Americans. People from all around the world who are 18 years or older can join the membership program and it’s very inexpensive to do so. You can purchase a one year membership for US$15 when you choose automatic renewal. You can cancel at anytime if you don’t find you are getting value out of the program.
The program operates a lot like the AAA with many discounts and benefits afforded to its members and this I Prefer benefit is one of those provided to AARP members. FFB has also confirmed with Preferred Hotel Group that this status benefit is available to non US residents.
Another AARP benefit that is extremely popular is a discount on British Airways flights where you can get $65 off for travel in economy Standard fares (World Traveller) and premium economy (World Traveller Plus) or $200 off for travel in business (Club World).
Click here to join AARP
It should be noted that some AARP benefits are only available to retired people since their mission is dedicated to 50+ but most of the travel offers are open to all members.
Earn Gold Elite Status + 2,500 bonus I Prefer points with one stay
When you complete one stay as an AARP Member at any one of over 420 participating Preferred Hotel Group locations worldwide you will receive the upgrade to I Prefer Gold Elite status plus you’ll earn 2,500 bonus points. If you are not an I Prefer member you’ll want to make sure you join the program prior to booking the AARP member rate offer.
Join I Prefer here with our referral code and we’ll both earn 1,000 points!
Once you have your I Prefer membership all set up and have joined the AARP you simply need to book and stay using the promo code “IPAARP” / “I Prefer Member Rate – AARP Member Exclusive” at any of the participating hotels around the world.
Click here to see the participating hotels and to book this offer.
At the time of posting this article, the AARP benefit included 139 Preferred Hotel Group properties in the U.S., 8 in Canada, and hundreds more around the World.
AARP stay example
Here’s an example of the AARP one stay tier upgrade rate vs. the I Prefer member rate at the Dupont Circle Hotel in Washington D.C.:
As you can see from these examples, the AARP bonus points + tier upgrade rate is the same as the I Prefer member rate.
The 2,500 points are worth roughly $12-15 (it will depend on your redemption) so the points alone could cover the cost of the AARP membership.
What does I Prefer Gold Elite Status provide?
Here are the key benefits associated with I Prefer Gold Elite status:
- Enhanced Room Upgrades
- Exclusive Member Rates
- Complimentary In-Room Wi-Fi
- Early Check-In, Late Check-Out
- Earn an Additional 20% Bonus Points per Stay
- Welcome Amenity
Wrapping it up
I would say this is a pretty good deal to spend US$15 for an AARP membership and then complete one stay to earn this Elite Status that normally requires earning 25,000 points (US$2,500 in spending) You’ll definitely want to consider it if you know that you’ll have more stays with Preferred Hotel Group beyond the first stay that you complete to earn the status!
And while I used an example of a hotel over US$200, there are many Preferred Hotel locations in places like Mexico, Thailand and other countries which cost even less for this offer. So, if you are travelling to any of those locales and they have an AARP participating hotel, you can achieve this status with even lower spend.
Click here for more details & to book the AARP Preferred Hotel Group offer.
TIP: You can also get free Gold Elite with Best Western Rewards for being an AARP member Click here to register for this offer with Best Western
Images via Preferred Hotel Group and AARP
Nope. I want a credit card with a 100000 points SUB. Nothing else will do.
You don’t mention how long the status is valid for.