It Has Goodness – Why I’m Sticking with the IHG One Rewards Program

IHG One Rewards Program

I’m probably more hot and cold with the IHG One Rewards program than any other hotel version – sometimes simultaneously.  Not too long ago, I shared my displeasure with IHG’s alarmingly-high redemption rate at the new Regent Santa Monica.  It was the latest in a series of my IHG frustrations.  But despite its shortcomings, we have reasons to like IHG properties and their loyalty program.  Indeed, those are big reasons why my wife and I each went for top-tier Diamond status via IHG Premier card spend (along with some unique opportunities).  Today, I’m focusing on what we still enjoy with IHG and why.

Fourth Night Free

I don’t focus much attention on cents-per-point valuation, opting for a goals-oriented approach, instead.  But like any rewards currency, IHG points have devalued over time.  One way of mitigating is holding one of the following Chase IHG cards, which unlocks IHG’s unique fourth night free benefit:

• IHG One Rewards Traveler
• IHG One Rewards Premier
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business

Some programs, such as Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, offer fifth night free awards to certain members, but no other major ones offer IHG’s fourth night free option.  That can lead to substantially higher points savings with IHG than other hotel point currencies.  Of course, ensure to incorporate your values for all currencies for more specific comparisons.

Award Night Deals

But the fourth night free benefit isn’t the only way to decrease points per award night with IHG.  The program periodically offers promo rates where award rates are decreased a certain percentage if members book by and stay within certain dates.  Certain credit cardholders and elites just recently had this option.  I took that opportunity to cancel and rebook an upcoming Kimpton stay, saving about 7k points along the way.  Unfortunately, such deals are nowhere near the savings as IHG’s previous Point Breaks promos, but at least they’re more widely applicable.

Reliable, Flexible Free Night Certificates

As an IHG Premier cardholder, I receive one free night certificate annually, which is redeemable for one night at a 40k point or cheaper award property.  Even better, I can top off that cert with as many points as I want, depending on my needs.  Legacy IHG cardholders have access to a different cert which doesn’t allow top-offs.  Regardless, I’ve historically been able to find excellent uses for both types of certs.  Friendly reminder:  the Premier Business cardalso offers the same cert type as the personal Premier.

Undiscovered Country

This next item has more to do with my family and me more than IHG.  We have less experience staying at IHG’s variety of brands when compared to other major chains.  Historically, our family’s go-to IHG brand has been Holiday Inn Express.  Only recently have we truly branched out to IHG’s others in a significant way.  Kimpton is by far my favorite; I’ve heard the brand isn’t close to what it once was, but I don’t care.  We have more Indigo and Intercontinental stays on the horizon.  I’m intrigued by Garner, and even Even!  Our collective curiosity to try something new makes IHG more appealing in our situation.

Solid Breakfast Benefit

We expected a valuable breakfast benefit when we reached Diamond status, and we’ve truly received it.  It’s perhaps the second-best elite breakfast benefit of any major hotel program, next to Hyatt’s.  (I loved my Gold Passport Diamond days, and the World of Hyatt’s Globalist version is still remarkable.)

But back to IHG.  As a Diamond member, I and one other room occupant each receive full breakfast at the variety of their properties, including their top luxury brands.  Of course, this doesn’t include brands that don’t offer a restaurant, but we generally don’t stay at those, anyway.  And certain limited service properties, like Holiday Inn Express, serve free breakfast to all.  But even there I’ve found something to love.

Cinnamon Rolls

I have an unhealthy relationship with the cinnamon rolls at Holiday Inn Express.  I’d have it no other way.  This is my favorite item from any limited service hotel brand’s complimentary breakfast.  This treat apparently comes from Cinnabon, and I’m not at all surprised.  Partaking in this decadence is the highlight of many of my Holiday Inn Express stays.

Consistency

I’m appreciative of the overall consistency of properties within brands across IHG’s portfolio.  With Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, and several other brands, I generally know what to expect, and they routinely deliver.  This, of course, isn’t necessarily unique to IHG, and experiences vary by the individual.  But I haven’t experienced the lows with IHG that I have with Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham.  Maybe that’s because I have less stick time, with IHG, too.  Regardless, I’ll keep experimenting and taking notes.

IHG One Rewards Program – Conclusion

I’m cautiously optimistic with IHG longer term, but I don’t know if we’ll bother requalifying for 2026 Diamond status and beyond.  That decision will depend much on our experiences in the next 14 months or so.  But without considering top-tier status (I’d theoretically still have Platinum status with the Premier credit card), there’s still much to appreciate in the IHG One Rewards program.  Devaluations will continue, but I’m confident some lasting benefits will, as well.  Hobbyists’ ability to find that nuanced value will continue to be key.  I’m up for the challenge with IHG.  Are you?

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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