Got a trip on the horizon and no reservation yet? Preferred Hotels just rolled out its Last Minute Escapes sale, and it's a good one if you're flexible on where you're headed. You can save up to 35% at 80 participating properties worldwide, no promo code required, but you have to book by August 31 to lock it in.

The details

Preferred Hotels isn't a household name like Marriott or Hilton, and that's kind of the point. It's a collection of over 650 independent hotels and resorts spread across 85 countries, which means you get boutique character without giving up loyalty perks. This particular sale covers stays from September 1 through October 1, 2026, at 80 select properties.

There's no minimum stay requirement sitewide, though individual hotels may have their own blackout dates or length-of-stay rules, so check the fine print on the specific property before you book.

Standout options in this round include Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, Haven Riviera Cancun in Mexico, and Hotel New Otani Tokyo, so this isn't just a domestic play. If a fall escape has been sitting on your someday list, this is the kind of push that makes it easy to pull the trigger.

Don't skip this step

You need to be a free I Prefer member to book the discounted rate and to earn points on the stay. Sign up takes about two minutes, and it's worth doing even if you're not sure you'll book, since I Prefer points are useful for future independent-hotel stays and the program regularly runs promos like this one.

Maximize the booking

Pay for the stay with a card that earns bonus points on hotel spend and you're stacking savings on top of savings. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3x on general travel purchases, so a discounted room becomes even more of a win when the spend also builds toward your next redemption. If you're newer to points and miles, this is a solid card to have in your wallet for exactly this kind of opportunistic booking.

Bottom line

If you can commit to travel dates by August 31, this is real money back on a stay that's already going to happen. Move fast, since Last Minute Escapes promos tend to have limited inventory at the best properties.

This article contains affiliate links. If you apply through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue sharing points and miles strategies with the community.