NEWPORT BEACH, CA—Preferred Hotels & Resorts, provider of sales, marketing, and distribution services to independent luxury hotels, generated $1.35 billion in reservations revenue in 2017 on behalf of its member properties worldwide, a 22% increase over 2016; welcomed 103 new properties; and enriched its points-based I Prefer hotel rewards program by launching a mobile app and members-only rates.
“Preferred Hotels & Resorts took a thoughtful approach to growth in 2017, focusing on key programs, disciplines and regions that would be most effective in helping us not only achieve our brand awareness and financial goals but also create strong, seamless momentum as we enter our Golden Anniversary year,” said CEO Lindsey Ueberroth. “I am incredibly proud of the success we have continued to achieve year after year, especially since our momentous rebranding in 2015, and am confident that there will be many milestones to celebrate in 2018.”
I Prefer was enhanced in April 2017 to create a richer, more personalized experience for loyal guests through the launch of a mobile app and exclusive member rates at select hotels worldwide. These new offerings fueled a strong response for the program overall, producing an 84% increase in stays, more than 50,000 downloads for the I Prefer mobile app (available on iOS and Android), and more than $4.8 million in member rate reservations revenue for participating hotels.
Last year, the brand also marked first-time presence in key destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with One World Hotel; Oslo, Norway, with The Thief; Hamburg, Germany, with east Hamburg; and Beirut with Le Bristol.