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Citi just launched its new ultra-elite credit card, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (Rates & Fees), and with it, a curated luxury hotel collection is coming to light as well. Akin to The Edit by Chase, Home Away from Home by Bilt, or American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, it was only a matter of time before Citi waded into the market. Enter The Reserve by Citi Travel.
Here's what to know about this program, what benefits you get — and which cardholders are eligible to make these luxe reservations.
Page Contents
What Is The Reserve by Citi Travel?
The Reserve by Citi Travel is a collection of exclusive hotels. Properties range from 4.5 to 5 stars and include both major hotel chains and boutique, independent hotels. When you book your stay at one of these properties through Citi Travel, you’ll enjoy additional benefits.
When running a few searches of my own in some of the largest cities in the country and other international destinations, not many hotels came up in my results. It does look like so far the collection is rather small, but Citi's intention is to continue to grow it, obviously.
Aside from The Reserve hotels, other properties are listed under The Hotel Collection. These are a relative step down, including 4 star hotels and resorts.
Benefits You Get Through The Reserve by Citi Travel
Bookings made through Citi Travel under The Reserve rates include the following in-property amenities:
- Breakfast for two guests daily
- Free Wi-Fi
- $100 experience credit (varies by property)
- Early check-in when available
- Late check-out when available
- Complimentary room type upgrade based on availability
Needless to say, an often overlooked angle is that programs like The Reserve allow you to enjoy elite-like perks at hotels that either don’t have a loyalty program or where you don’t hold elite status. Additionally, when booking through The Reserve using your ThankYou® Points-earning Citi card, you’ll earn additional points that can be redeemed for future travel.
Related: Credit Card Hotel Collections That Offer Elite-Like Benefits Without Needing Elite Status
How to Use The Reserve by Citi Travel
The Reserve hotels are bookable through Citi Travel, just like any other property within the portal. Just make sure you're looking for hotels tagged as part of The Reserve.
Once you narrow down your results and select a property, make sure you're choosing a The Reserve rate. That way, you'll receive those additional exclusive benefits.
At checkout, you’ll have the option to pay for your stay using ThankYou points, cover just part of it with points, or pay entirely with your card.
What Cards Are Eligible for The Reserve by Citi Travel
The Reserve benefits are only available to Citi Strata Elite, Citi Strata Premier® Card (Rates & Fees), and Citi Prestige® Card (no longer open to new applicants) cardholders. The Citi Strata Elite is the latest entrant into Citi’s premium credit card lineup.
As a reminder, bookings through Citi Travel with any of these cards entitle you to a 4th night free benefit. This can help you save substantial money on your travels, on top of all the new and existing benefits offered through Citi Travel.
Bottom Line
While The Reserve collection is still new and doesn’t have too many properties in most places, it’s great to have access to additional perks. With barely any extra effort on your part, if it helps you book unique and exciting properties and enjoy perks you wouldn’t otherwise have access to, it’s a clear win for travelers. If you hold a Citi Strata Elite, Citi Strata Premier, or Prestige Card, make sure to check Citi Travel before booking your next getaway.
- For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
- Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
- Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
- Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- 12X – Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com.
- 6X – Earn 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com.
- 6X – Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time.
- 1.5X – Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (Rates & Fees), and Citi Strata Premier® Card (Rates & Fees)
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