Maximizing Your IHG One Rewards: Tips and Tricks

IHG Hotels & Resorts has undergone significant transformations in recent years, marking a period of expansion and progress. These changes include the inauguration of their inaugural Atwell Suites hotel in Miami, the forging of a strategic partnership with Iberostar, and, most notably, - the introduction of the new IHG One Rewards loyalty program.

In our guide below, we'll look at every aspect of the program and booking process, from answering "What are IHG One rewards?" to showing you how to maximize the value of IHG One Reward points for rooms, air travel, and more.

What is IHG One Rewards?

The IHG One Rewards program for the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group). Membership in this program is entirely free, allowing individuals to earn IHG One Rewards points that can subsequently be utilized for various benefits, including securing hotel reward nights and transferring points to airlines.

IHG One Rewards members can ascend to IHG Elite status, unlocking an array of advantageous privileges such as room upgrades, late check-out, and other exclusive perks that enhance the overall lodging experience.

With a global network encompassing over 6,000 properties, IHG offers a diverse portfolio to cater to the various preferences of every kind of traveler.

Booking Hotel Rooms for IHG One Rewards Members

To redeem your IHG One Rewards points for hotel stays, the process is straightforward and can be accomplished through IHG's website, mobile app, or customer service.

However, you may come across certain exceptions where the redemption of IHG points may not be applicable. These exceptions include select IHG Army Hotels, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, InterContinental Residences, and Six Senses properties.

Typically, IHG One Rewards points can be used for standard room types, and the reward night covers taxes and fees. But they don't cove other resort fees, service charges, transportation costs, gratuities, and additional charges. Also, the reward nights are based on booking a double occupancy for stays at all-inclusive resorts.

How Many IHG One Rewards Points Do You Need to Book a Hotel Room?

The IHG One Rewards Program has a dynamic award pricing system. So, the number of points members need to redeem a reward night may vary. IHG's reward night pricing can fluctuate based on factors such as the brand, day of the week, season, and the specific hotel.

Also, although there are no official blackout dates for reward nights, availability may occasionally be limited due to "room inventory constraints and prior reservations."

How Do IHG One Members Book Hotel Rewards Nights?

To check both award night availability and pricing before you book, you should begin by visiting IHG's website or using their mobile app.

Input your destination, booking dates, as well as the number of guests who will be staying. Then, under the rate preference section, select "reward nights" from the drop-down menu to access the relevant information.

On the next page, you will be presented with the results for award night availability based on your search criteria. These results can be further refined using filters, allowing you to focus on specific amenities or brands. Additionally, you can sort the results based on various criteria, including distance, price, and rating.

By selecting the "map" option, you can visualize the locations of the properties within your search.

When you decide to click on "select hotel" for one of the listed properties, you will gain access to the room choices available for redemption using your points. You can then browse through these options and select the room type that aligns best with your travel preferences and requirements.

Before making your reservation, reviewing the cancellation policy thoroughly is crucial. While many reward night stays permit cancellations without any charges up until shortly before your scheduled visit, it is important to be aware that cancellation policies may vary according to the hotel.

Can IHG One Rewards Members Access Rewards Nights Discounts?

IHG sometimes extends reward night discounts to eligible IHG One Rewards Members holding Platinum Elite, Diamond Elite status, or IHG One Rewards credit cards.

Typically, IHG communicates these special offers through email notifications. If you receive one of these emails, acting promptly is essential, as these discounted rates often require swift booking to secure the benefits.

IHG now permits a second guest listed on a reward night reservation to occupy the room, even if the member who made the reward night booking won't be staying. This flexibility allows you to use your IHG points to book stays for friends or family. (The availability of this perk may vary according to where you make your booking, so be sure to check the requirements before making payment.)

What is the IHG One Rewards Program's Fourth Night Reward?

One of the most effective ways to maximize the value of your IHG One Rewards points is by obtaining an IHG credit card with the fourth-night-free reward feature.

This advantageous perk is available to cardholders of the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, and the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card. It enables them to pay zero points every fourth night when utilizing points for stays lasting four or more.

Even if you utilize your IHG points for extended stays of four nights or more only once or twice a year, applying for an IHG credit card is highly beneficial due to this valuable perk.

Paying for Hotel Rooms with Your IHG One Rewards and Cash

IHG offers the option to book points and cash rates. However, it's essential to understand that when you choose to book an IHG One Rewards points and cash rate, you are essentially purchasing points. So, if you cancel your booking within the allowable cancellation period, you will receive a refund solely in the form of IHG points.

Using Your IHG One Rewards Points to Pay For Your Expenses and Upgrades

The "Pay with points" feature allows you to utilize your IHG One Rewards points for a credit against qualifying charges on your room bill when staying at participating hotels.

The types of eligible charges may vary depending on the specific property, but IHG's terms and conditions for pay with points typically encompass a range of expenses.

These often include items such as:

• Food and beverage,
• Spa and salon services,
• Spa and salon retail items,
• Room upgrades,
• Laundry and dry cleaning,
• Telephone charges,
• Pay-per-view movies,
• Parking,
• Gift/retail shop purchases,
• Service charges and gratuities.

Upon check-in, you will receive a notification if the pay-with-points option is available for your current stay. To determine whether a particular property participates in the pay-with-points program before your arrival, you must contact that specific property directly.

You can use the IHG's Pay with Points website or use the IHG app to initiate the redemption of your IHG points. On this platform, you have the flexibility to choose the amount you wish to credit to your bill or input a custom amount, with a corresponding display of the required points for that specific credit amount. However, IHG may impose limit points daily.

How to Transfer Your IHG One Rewards Points to Airline Partners

You also have the option to transfer your IHG One Rewards points to a variety of airline partners. You can visit IHG's "earn miles" page to view the complete list of available airline options.

Most of these airline partner programs typically transfer points at a rate of 10,000 IHG points for 2,000 airline miles. So, it is likely that the value of your IHG points will decrease when converting them into airline miles.

Therefore, the advisable approach is to consider transferring IHG points to an airline partner only when you require a top-up of your airline account balance for a specific redemption. In most circumstances, you can maximize the value of your IHG points by redeeming them for hotel stays instead.

Alternative Methods for Redeeming IHG One Rewards Points

Aside from the usual hotel stays and airline transfers, IHG offers additional avenues for redeeming your IHG One Rewards points. These alternative methods may not always yield the highest redemption value and may vary based on your location.

1. IHG One Rewards Catalog:

You can use your IHG One Rewards points to acquire various items and gift certificates or make donations through the IHG One Rewards catalog. For instance, you can redeem between 1,000 and 2,500 IHG points for specific items.

2. Gift Cards:

IHG also allows you to redeem your points for gift cards from various retailers. Here's a breakdown of the points needed for physical gift cards of different denominations:

• $100 gift card: 49,000 points (0.2 cents per point)
• $60 gift card: 30,000 points (0.2 cents per point)
• $50 gift card: 25,000 points (0.2 cents per point)
• $25 gift card: 13,000 points (0.19 cents per point)
• $15 gift card: 8,000 points (0.19 cents per point)
• $10 gift card: 5,500 points (0.18 cents per point)
• $5 gift card: 3,000 points (0.17 cents per point)

3. Activities and Event Tickets:

IHG points can be used to book various activities and event tickets through the IHG One Rewards catalog. For instance, you can find options like Madison Square Garden tickets in New York City or other activities.

4. TSA PreCheck Application Fee:

For 30,000 IHG points, you can cover the cost of a TSA PreCheck application fee, making your travel and airport experience more convenient.

5. Charitable Donations:

IHG provides the option to donate your points to charitable causes, with contributions starting at just 2,500 points.

6. Merchandise:

If you prefer physical items, IHG allows you to redeem your points for merchandise, including items like headphones, backpacks, and even laptop computers. Additionally, you can request unique gadgets and high-value items through the rewards concierge service if you can't find what you're looking for.

Remember that the redemption rates for these alternative options may not always offer the same value as hotel stays or airline transfers.

Takeaway: How to Redeem Points with the IHG One Rewards Program

Now, you should have a clear idea of the answer to "What is IHG One rewards?" and how to get the best value from your points. There are lots of ways for IHG One Rewards Members to redeem their points.

But the best value will be unlocked when you use your IHG points for hotel stays. This approach offers the greatest value for your IHG One Rewards program points and allows you to access the opportunity to experience accommodations at any of the 6,000+ IHG properties spanning the globe.