Citi Thank You adds Choice Hotels as a transfer partner

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Citi has a really great list of transfer partners and what I believe to be the most underrated card on the market, the Citi Thank You Premier. Citi just added Choice Hotels as a transfer partner with a 1:2 transfer ratio.

If you’re like me, odds are, when you hear the name Choice hotels, the likes of Quality Inn, Comfort Suites, etc come to mind. Great budget minded hotels, but the thought of getting pampered silly isn’t synonymous with the brand.  That’s where we are both a bit wrong. While the overall hotel chain isn’t taking the luxury hotel market head on, their points program actually does an excellent job of opening up high end redemption options through their partnership with Preferred hotels.

Choice Hotels and Preferred Hotels:

If you’re unfamiliar with Preferred hotels, they are a collection of independent luxury hotels ( some 650+ ) around the world. Choice…allows the usage of their points for redemption. VOILA!

Redemptions I’d be interested in via Preferred hotels:

The 1:2 redemption option actually makes redemptions like this an interesting proposition. Many of these are 45k and 55k redemptions which translates to just 22.5k and 27.5k Citi Points per night. Properties like Montage, Sherry Netherland, Kahala, would usually provide values well in excess of 2 pennies a point. Definitely something to at least consider going forward.

Montage rarely drops below $595 a night – with this deal you could have it as low as $265

Ojai Valley Inn is a Hollywood fave located in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Rates regularly fetch $500+

Easily one of the most Iconic hotels in all of America and around the corner from BoardingArea’s HQ!

The Jefferson has one of the best locations in the city and rates regularly push upwards of $500 a night

A drop dead gorgeous hotel located in Hana ( formerly the Hotel  Hana) where rates normally crack $400 +

The Brown for $125 a night is a steal.

The Grand Dame of New Orleans where rates regularly start at $400 a night

Another fanastic hotel in a great location. $265 is a steal for the Boston Harbor Hotel

One of the most famous hotels in New York. On my bucket list to stay at and may be one of the reasons I’d purchase. Rates typically start at $450+

Overall

This requires a higher level of point savviness because you’d need to understand that Choice is partnered with Preferred hotels, search on their website to find award avail, and then call Choice to book. Most people will never think of this redemption, and if you’re reading this you’re ahead of the curve. For those that understand this technique, the ability to redeem Citi Thank You points for luxurious Preferred hotels will find a valuable redemption option in the future.