IHG: BEST PRICE GUARANTEE WHEN YOU BOOK WITH US
IHG Hotels is one of the world’s largest hotel groups, and IHG Rewards Club is the loyalty program for each of its hotel brands. As membership to the IHG Rewards Club is free, it’s worth signing up if you plan to stay at any IHG hotel. With 15 different hotel brands spread across nearly 5,800 properties, IHG is a must for any traveler around the world.
IHG REWARDS
The IHG Rewards program is worth it. Joining the program is free and easy – and with the wide variety and a large number of IHG hotels around the world, the opportunities to redeem are endless. There are also some benefits if you are a basic member.
IHG REWARDS: QUICK FACT
| How many hotels does IHG have? | 5,990+ hotels in 100+ countries |
| How many IHG Rewards Points for Free Nights? | 11,000 to 84,000 |
| Redemption options | Hotel nights, merchandise, betting on unique experiences, magazine subscriptions, digital rewards such as e-books, Transferring points into airlines, transferring points to friends, donating points |
| IHG points value | $0.005 (10,000 IHG points are worth around $50) |
| Pros | Large selection of hotel types The point value is relatively stablePoints can be transferred to airline programs Lots of ways to earn points, including IHG credit cards. Award Night starts with just 11,000 points Plenty of hotel properties |
| Cons | Points expire after 12 months of inactivity, which is less than other programs. A large number of points per night is required for exclusive accommodation |
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- You earn ten points for every dollar
At most IHG hotels, you’ll earn 10 points for every dollar spent. The exceptions are Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites, where you earn five points per dollar, and Kimpton, which has its loyalty program.
- There are 11 category levels
All IHG hotels are assigned a category that specifies the number of points required for a free night. They range from Category 1 hotels that require 10,000 points to Category 11 hotels that require 60,000 points. Each category from 1 to 11 will increase by 5,000 points.
- Pay discounted rates
As a member of the IHG Rewards Club, book directly with IHG to receive member discounts. It’s not a big discount, but the more you stay, the more you save.
- You can pay with points and cash
If you want to reduce the cost of your stay, you can use the “Points and cash” option. By increasing or decreasing the number of points you use, you reduce or increase the amount of cash you must pay.
- Save Money at Shell
IHG Rewards Club has partnered with Fuel Rewards to save you at least 5 cents a gallon every time you fill up at a Shell gas station.
- Pointbreak Hotels
Every three months, IHG publishes a list of PointBreaks hotels. These hotels typically fall into categories 1-11, but only require 5,000 points to stay within three months.
- Transfer Partner of chase ultimate reward
Many Chase credit cards can earn Ultimate Rewards. In some of them, points can be transferred 1: 1 to hotel and airline loyalty schemes.
One of these transfer partners is the IHG Rewards Club. If you need points for a particular redemption, this is a way to replenish your balance.
WHAT HOTELS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM?
IHG has a global presence with approximately 6,000 hotels in over 100 countries. With so many hotels to choose from, you are likely to find an IHG-branded hotel wherever you travel.
IHG also offers a wide variety of hotels, ranging from ultra-luxury (InterContinental) to budget and extended-stay (Candlewood Suites).
| Brand | Type of Property | No of locations |
| Six Senses | Luxury | 21 |
| Regent | Luxury | 7 |
| Kimpton | Luxury | 75 |
| Crowne Plaza | Luxury/Business | 404 |
| Holiday Inn | Budget/Family | 1218 |
HOW TO EARN IHG POINTS?
The IHG Rewards Program is widely recognized as one of the most consumer-friendly loyalty programs, due to the number of opportunities to earn IHG Points. Here are some of the most popular ways to earn IHG points:
- IHG Credit Card
IHG has partnered with Chase on a co-branded credit card that is popular with travelers for its great value. If you’re staying at an IHG hotel, these cards offer great income on top of your base points — up to 26 points per dollar with the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card. If you calculate IHG points at $0.005 per point, you’ll earn nearly 13% back on your IHG hotel stays.
- IHG Hotel Stays
You earn IHG points when you book an IHG stay directly with IHG. The number of points you earn depends on the price you pay and your IHG Elite status.
- IHG Promotions
IHG frequently announces opportunities to earn more IHG points. Taking advantage of such promotions is a great way to start your point balance dramatically. For IHG offers for members, visit the IHG Rewards Club Offers website.
- Dining Rewards
IHG Hotels & Resorts Dining is a free program that earns you IHG points when you link your IHG Rewards account to any credit card you use for dining.
- Car Rentals
You can earn IHG Points and get discounts and special promotions when you rent a car through the IHG website. Car rentals participating in the program will depend on your location – you can find details on saving money and earning IHG points with car rentals on the IHG rental car deals page.
CONCLUSION
If you want to participate in a hotel loyalty program but are at stake about which one to participate in, IHG is probably for you.
For those who like to travel for fun several times a year and occasionally travel, it’s worth pursuing the IHG Rewards Program.
FAQs
How do I check IHG Rewards points?
The easiest way to check your IHG Rewards Club account balance is to log into your account on IHG.com. If you’re staying at an IHG hotel, you can also have your account balance checked at the front desk.
Can I buy IHG Rewards points?
Yes! You can buy IHG Reward points.
What are the IHG reward levels?
Currently, the IHG Rewards Club program has five different levels of status. When you first sign up, you become a club member. With additional qualifications, you can earn Gold, Platinum, Spire, or Ambassador Status.
