Preferred Hotels "I Prefer" Program
 

Does anyone have any details of how this works? I enrolled, but did not seem to get any info. I am considering a stay at Ganesvoort T&C and that would be a $10k+ stay so would like to know what kind of points I can get from that :)

Unfortunately I Prefer is not conventional rewards program in the sense that points are not awarded for stays. It is much more like Fine Hotels and Resorts from Amex Platinum/Centurion. Joining simply entitles you to possible room upgrades(sometimes at booking, sometimes at check in), free wireless internet, early check in/late check out and some kind of amenity which is usually a spa or dining credit. The only way to get any kind of redeemable points is to charge your stay to some kind of amenity credit card (i.e. Chase Visa or Starwood American Express).

got it - thought as much but thanks for confirmation

I had used this program about 10 years ago for a trip to Singapore. It had an offer of a lower rate when using an AMEX card. --Moving forward to today: I was browsing for a London hotel. I checked the offerings and Chancery Court (left Marriott 6/2011) was listed. Scrolled the deals: had AMEX, Visa, theater tickets, etc. For us the best deal is the one using a M/C for a pay for 3 nights and get one more for free AND breakfast is included. Our dates are for mid-May. '' I Prefer" is a fee free membership and there are some other benefits.

Well worth looking at from time to time. The hotels listed do change their participation and specials. Just no points except what one's cc offers.

Complimentary Internet access
 

According to IPrefer.com, the membership benefits, and in particular free internet access, can be denied for most online travel agencies bookings:

"Only bookings made at IPrefer.com or the brand website (Preferredhotels.com, Preferredboutique.com, Summithotels.com, Sterlinghotels.com or Sterlingdesignhotels.com), through our call center, or through a travel agent using Preferred Hotel Group booking channels are eligible for I Prefer rewards. "

Has anyone succeeded in getting free internet access on, say, an Expedia.com booking?

I have booked directly with the hotel in order to get the benefits and asked them to match the best price I could find on the Internet. In the case of le Palais in Prague, the hotel's own website had far better rates than the corporate site or Expedia. On all 4 iPrefer stays (montreal x3, Prague x1) i have had an upgraded room, free Internet and some sort on in room amenity. No points, but for an infrequent guest, really a pretty good deal.

I had a stay at a property in Marrakesh that was part of iPrefer. Made the reservation for same day arrival, but the hotels reservations department was off. Showed them my confirmation and then requested an upgrade. The next category was a suite and they gave it to me after a phone call.

Definitely worth signing up if you are even going to have just one stay.

Excellent stay at the Chancery Court Hotel, London. Honored request for an early check in, great in room amenities (Nespresso machine , well stocked soda & juice minibar selection), free WiFi, and daily buffet breakfast for 2. Quiet room. --^^sidenote: valuable personal belongings were left behind at check out: same day alert & same day retrieval!! Thank you housekeeping and hotel management.

Our stay ended up to be $308/night; per DH price search, the hotel is charging $499/nt without breakfast.

They also offer a "best price guarantee", so you always can ask them to match the rate on ex.com ;)