Preferred Hotels & Resorts, an independent hotel brand, has announced a strategic partnership with payment services provider Worldline.

This collaboration is set to streamline the payment process and enhance guest experience across more than 600 member properties in 80 countries.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts' Alliance Partnership marketing vice president Michael Osgood said: “Through our strategic alliance with Worldline, Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ member properties are well-positioned to take the guest experience even further.

“Worldline provides fast and reliable transaction processing, empowering hoteliers to boost guest satisfaction and revenue while benefiting from the efficiencies of managing a single payment platform.”

The focus of this partnership is particularly strong in Europe, where Worldline will offer a range of solutions, including e-commerce and acquiring services.

With its advanced payment technology, local expertise and customised solutions, Worldline claims to help in the growth of more than one million businesses worldwide. In 2023, it generated a revenue of €4.6bn.

Worldline global head of hospitality Linda Groot said: "Our partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts signifies an important milestone for us, as it demonstrates Worldline’s dedication to delivering seamless and efficient payment solutions, enabling hotels to meet their omnichannel goals and enhance the guest experience."

In April, Preferred Hotels & Resorts announced the expansion of its global portfolio with 15 new member properties from 1 January to 31 March 2024.

The expansion includes a range of boutique and luxury hotels spanning 13 countries on four continents.

Among the properties added include the 33-room Farol Hotel in Cascais, Portugal; the 45-room CordeValle in San Martin, California; Hotel Mousai Cancun – A Tafer Resort; and Hotel Ambassador Split in Croatia.