IHG Rewards Club
Table of Contents
IHG Rewards Club, now called IHG One Rewards, is the loyalty program for InterContinental Hotels Group. It allows members to earn points for stays at IHG properties and redeem them for free nights, upgrades, and other rewards.
1. Earning Points
Base Points
- Members earn 10 points per $1 spent at most IHG properties, including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, and Kimpton Hotels.
- Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites earn 5 points per $1 spent.
Elite Tier Bonuses
- Silver Elite: 20% bonus points.
- Gold Elite: 40% bonus points.
- Platinum Elite: 60% bonus points.
- Diamond Elite: 100% bonus points.
Promotions
- IHG regularly runs promotions, such as double or triple points campaigns, bonus points packages, and milestone rewards for frequent stays.
Credit Cards
IHG offers co-branded credit cards that significantly enhance earning potential:
- Earn points on IHG stays, dining, and everyday purchases.
- Cards often include perks like free anniversary nights and elite status.
Partnerships
- Earn additional points through airline partnerships, car rentals, and shopping portals.
2. Membership Tiers and Benefits
IHG One Rewards offers five membership tiers with increasing benefits:
Club (Entry Level)
- Free membership with basic perks like free Wi-Fi and flexible redemption options.
Silver Elite (10 nights/year)
- 20% bonus points.
- Priority check-in.
Gold Elite (20 nights/year)
- 40% bonus points.
- Extended check-out.
- Welcome amenity at check-in (e.g., points or snacks).
Platinum Elite (40 nights/year)
- 60% bonus points.
- Complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability).
- Reward Night discounts and guaranteed room availability.
Diamond Elite (70 nights/year)
- 100% bonus points.
- Free breakfast as a welcome amenity.
- Premium Wi-Fi and milestone rewards (free nights after a certain number of stays).
3. Redeeming IHG Points
Free Nights
- Points can be redeemed for free nights at more than 6,000 IHG hotels worldwide.
- Redemption rates vary by property, starting at 10,000 points per night for budget hotels and going up to 70,000+ points for luxury stays.
Points & Cash
- Combine points and cash to book reward stays, which helps preserve your points balance.
Milestone Rewards
- Frequent travelers earn milestone rewards, such as free nights, suite upgrades, or bonus points, after every 10 nights stayed.
Other Redemption Options
- Points can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, airline miles, or IHG Experiences.
4. Key Features of IHG One Rewards
Flexible Cancellation
- Most reward bookings come with flexible cancellation policies.
No Blackout Dates
- Reward nights are available as long as standard rooms are open for booking.
Award Night Stays Count Toward Status
- Reward nights contribute to earning elite status.
5. Pros and Cons of IHG One Rewards
Pros
- A wide range of properties across budget, mid-tier, and luxury categories.
- Generous earning rates for frequent travelers.
- Flexible redemption options with no blackout dates.
- Milestone Rewards and tier-based perks add value for loyal members.
Cons
- Points value can vary depending on property and redemption.
- Limited elite benefits at some mid-tier and budget hotels.
- High redemption rates for luxury properties.
6. Tips for Maximizing IHG Rewards
- Register for Promotions: Keep an eye out for IHG’s regular promotions to maximize points.
- Book Bonus Points Packages: Some rates include additional points for a small premium.
- Leverage Credit Cards: Use IHG co-branded cards for stays and everyday purchases to boost your earnings.
- Plan Stays Strategically: Book during off-peak times to take advantage of lower reward rates.
- Redeem Points for High-Value Nights: Luxury properties or high-demand locations often provide better point value.
Comparison: IHG One Rewards vs. Hilton Honors Rewards
1. Program Overview
| Feature | IHG One Rewards | Hilton Honors Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Network Size | 6,000+ hotels in 100+ countries | 7,000+ hotels in 123 countries |
| Earning Rate | 10 points per $1 spent at most properties | 10 points per $1 spent at most properties |
| Redemption Options | Free nights, gift cards, experiences, flights | Free nights, room upgrades, experiences |
| Elite Tiers | 5 tiers: Club to Diamond Elite | 4 tiers: Member to Diamond |
2. Elite Status Comparison
| Tier | IHG One Rewards Benefits | Hilton Honors Rewards Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | Free Wi-Fi, flexible redemptions | Free Wi-Fi, flexible redemptions |
| Mid-Tier | (Gold Elite) 40% bonus points, extended check-out, welcome amenities | (Gold) 80% bonus points, breakfast/credit, room upgrades |
| Top-Tier | (Diamond Elite) 100% bonus points, free breakfast, milestone rewards, guaranteed availability | (Diamond) 100% bonus points, executive lounge access, premium Wi-Fi |
3. Points Earning Comparison
| Category | IHG One Rewards | Hilton Honors Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Base Points | 10 points per $1 (most properties) | 10 points per $1 (most properties) |
| Credit Card Bonus | Higher bonuses on dining/travel with co-branded cards | Hilton cards provide strong earning on travel |
| Promotions | Frequent stay promos (e.g., double/triple points) | Regular promos like double points |
4. Redemption Value
| Aspect | IHG One Rewards | Hilton Honors Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Free Nights | From 10,000 points per night | From 5,000 points per night |
| Dynamic Pricing | Redemption rates vary by demand and property | Redemption rates fluctuate with demand |
| Value Per Point | ~0.5 cents per point (varies by property) | ~0.4–0.6 cents per point (depends on property) |
| Experiences | Points can be used for IHG Experiences | Access to Hilton Honors Experiences |
PROS:
- Wide Property Network
- Generous Earning Structure
- Flexible Redemption Options
- No Blackout Dates
CONS:
- Dynamic Award Pricing
- Limited Elite Benefits at Some Properties
- Points Expiration
- Less Comprehensive Elite Benefits
