AARP Members Can Get I Prefer Gold Status And 2,500 Bonus Points After One Stay

This one isn't breaking news — it's a standing partnership that's been running for years — and I only learned about it when Frequent Miler ran a story about the perk earlier today. But if you're staying at a Preferred Hotels property soon, it's worth a look.

Here's the deal: book any participating Preferred Hotels & Resorts property using rate code IPAARP — the "I Prefer Member Rate – AARP Member Exclusive" — and you'll get 2,500 bonus I Prefer points plus an upgrade to Gold elite status once the stay is completed. The code applies automatically when you book a stay through I Prefer's AARP landing page, and it works regardless of your past stay history with the program.

It's worth noting that you don't have to be of retirement age to be an AARP member. Membership is open to anyone 18 or older, costs $15 for the first year with auto-renewal, and includes a free second membership for another adult in your household. Before you sign up, check the cashback and points portals — AARP memberships appear there regularly, and the payout has historically been big enough to cover most of the membership cost.

A few terms to know. The bonus points and tier upgrade are a one-time thing, so you can't run this play every year. Gold status includes space-available room upgrades, a welcome amenity, and early check-in and late checkout.

Andrew's Take

Gold normally takes 25,000 points in a year, or about $2,500 of room spend, so getting there off a $15 AARP membership and one stay is a good trade. Just make sure the IPAARP rate is competitive before you book.