Let’s be honest—traveling isn’t always cheap, especially when hotel stays are involved. That’s where IHG One Rewards comes in. It’s more than just a loyalty program; it’s your ticket to smarter, more affordable travel. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or someone who takes two vacations a year, IHG’s reward system helps you turn your hotel nights into points that actually matter.
IHG One Rewards is the official loyalty program from IHG Hotels & Resorts, the global brand behind big hotel names like InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, and Hotel Indigo. With more than 6,000 properties worldwide, IHG makes it super easy to earn and redeem points while traveling in almost every corner of the world.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into how IHG One Rewards works, what makes it stand out, and how you can get the most bang for your buck—err, points.
How Does IHG One Rewards Work
IHG One Rewards is based on a simple system: earn points when you stay, and use those points later for rewards. But there’s more to it than just free nights.
Earning Points
You earn points every time you stay at participating IHG hotels. Here’s a quick breakdown of how:
- Base Points: Usually 10 points per $1 spent at most IHG hotels (some exceptions like Candlewood Suites offer 5 points per $1).
- Promotions: IHG regularly runs seasonal promos that allow you to double or even triple your point earnings.
- Credit Card Bonuses: Using IHG co-branded credit cards gives you extra points on hotel stays, dining, and everyday purchases.
Redeeming Points
IHG points are super flexible. Here’s what you can do:
- Free night stays starting from 5,000 to 70,000+ points depending on the hotel and location.
- Points & Cash option if you don’t have enough for a full redemption.
- Use points for digital rewards, airline miles, or gift cards (though these give lower value than hotel nights).
IHG Elite Tiers and Benefits
The more you stay, the better the perks. IHG One Rewards has four main elite levels:
- Club – Free to join, access to member rates and late checkout.
- Silver Elite – 10 nights/year; 20% bonus points.
- Gold Elite – 20 nights/year; 40% bonus points.
- Platinum Elite – 40 nights/year; 60% bonus points, free upgrades, priority check-in.
- Diamond Elite – 70 nights/year; 100% bonus points, welcome amenity, lounge access.
Each level opens more benefits, and if you’re a frequent traveler, aiming for Platinum or Diamond status is totally worth it.
Why Choose IHG One Rewards Over Others
So what makes IHG’s program stand out in a sea of hotel rewards?
- Massive Global Network: From luxury resorts to budget stays.
- PointBreaks Offers: Special reward night deals that let you book rooms for way fewer points.
- No Blackout Dates: If a standard room is available for cash, you can book it with points.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Use a mix of points and cash or gift them to someone else.
And yes, compared to programs like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, IHG’s simplicity and no-nonsense point value system really appeals to travelers who don’t want to spend hours doing calculations just to get a good deal.
Tips to Maximize Your IHG One Rewards
Want to get the best value out of IHG One Rewards? Here are some smart moves:
- Join When There’s a Promo: New members often get bonus points just for signing up.
- Stack Promotions: IHG often lets you combine point promos with cardholder perks.
- Book Direct: Always book through the IHG site or app to qualify for points.
- Use IHG Credit Card: These usually come with annual free nights and instant status upgrades.
- Plan Stays During Off-Peak: Point requirements can be lower when demand is low.
Is IHG One Rewards Free to Join
Yes, joining IHG One Rewards is absolutely free. Just sign up via their website or app, and you can start earning points on your very next stay. There are no hidden fees, no catches, and you’ll get access to exclusive members-only rates right away.
Popular IHG Hotels You Can Book with Rewards
Here are a few crowd favorites you might want to consider using your points on:
- InterContinental New York Times Square – Perfect for your next big city escape.
- Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa – Ideal for beach lovers.
- Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya – A chic spot right in the heart of Tokyo.
- Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok – For a boutique luxury stay with modern vibes.
- Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina – Excellent for business and leisure travel alike.
Conclusion
IHG One Rewards is an incredibly versatile and user-friendly loyalty program that fits the needs of both casual vacationers and hardcore travel junkies. With so many ways to earn, redeem, and enjoy exclusive benefits, it’s easily one of the smartest ways to stretch your travel dollars.
Whether you’re planning your next staycation, international trip, or business travel, IHG One Rewards should be on your radar. You’ll not only save money but also enjoy added perks that make every stay a little more special.
If you’re interested in other loyalty programs like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy, you might want to check out our complete guide to hotel rewards programs to see how they compare.