IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program of the globally operating InterContinental Hotel Group.
As a member of IHG One Rewards, you can enjoy various benefits based on your status, along with the opportunity to earn and redeem points at participating IHG hotels. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the essential information about what the program offers and the specific advantages you can receive.
The InterContinental Hotel Group is a British hotel company headquartered in Denham near London. It was established in 1946 as InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Pan Am. Over time, the group has become one of the largest and most international hotel chains, with over 6000 hotels.
The prominent brands under IHG include Holiday Inn Express and Holiday Inn, both falling within the mid-range category. Additionally, IHG encompasses other brands such as Crowne Plaza Hotels, Indigo Hotels, Kimpton Hotels, Regent Hotels and Resorts, Six Senses Hotels, and the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.
IHG also offers its guests a complimentary membership in its loyalty program, IHG One Rewards. You can advance to the next status level after a specific number of nights, base points, or meetings.
IHG One Rewards distinguishes between five status levels:
- Club Status
- Silver Elite
- Gold Elite
- Platinum Elite
- Diamond Elite
The points you accumulate during your stays can be redeemed for free nights at all participating IHG hotels worldwide.
Benefits of Membership
IHG One Rewards membership is, of course, free. Depending on your attained status, you’ll receive valuable, hotel-specific benefits.
Club Status
Even though the Club Status isn’t a formal tier, requiring a minimum number of nights or elite points to achieve, it still provides you with some benefits. Moreover, reaching the next level – Silver Elite, after just ten eligible nights, is quite straightforward.
As a Club Status holder, you earn 10 IHG One Rewards points for every eligible U.S. dollar spent during each stay. Here are the additional perks you enjoy as a member of IHG One Rewards:
- Earn points or airline miles
- Exclusive rates
- Exclusive customer service number
- No blackout dates for Reward Nights
- Member-only promotions
- Reward Nights count towards elite status
- Free Wi-Fi
- Late check-out from 2 PM onwards (subject to availability)
Silver Elite Status
Attaining Silver Elite Status with IHG One Rewards is quite achievable with a minimum of ten nights stayed in a year. This level already grants you some fantastic benefits, as follows:
- All Club Status benefits
- 20% bonus points on base points
- No point expiration
- Priority Check-In
The same conditions apply for maintaining the Silver Elite Status after one year.
Gold Elite Status
To achieve Gold Elite Status with IHG One Rewards, you need either 20 nights stayed in a year or 40,000 elite points. Participating IHG hotels offer you the following exclusive benefits:
- All Silver Elite Status benefits
- 40% bonus points on base points
- Transferable nights (Elite Rollover Nights)
- Milestone Rewards collection starting from 20 nights, with initial rewards available after ten nights
The same conditions apply for maintaining the Gold Elite Status after one year.
Platinum Elite Status
The second-highest level you can achieve with IHG One Rewards is the Platinum Elite Status. To obtain this status, you need either 40 nights stayed in a year or 60,000 elite points. Participating IHG hotels worldwide offer you a maximum level of valuable benefits:
- All Gold Elite Status benefits
- 60% bonus points on base points
- Discounts for Reward Nights
- Guaranteed room availability 72 hours before check-in
- Free room upgrade (subject to availability) – including suite upgrades
- Welcome gift at check-in – choose between extra points or snacks
- Milestone Rewards starting from 20 nights
- Early check-in (subject to availability and starting from 10 AM)
Diamond Elite Status
The highest level in IHG One Rewards is the Diamond Elite Status. You achieve this by having 70 nights or accumulating 120,000 points in a calendar year. Here are the benefits that you can enjoy:
- 100% bonus points on base points
- Personalized Diamond Support
- Welcome gift at check-in – Free breakfast, points, or a drink/snack
IHG One Reward – How to earn Points
There are different ways to earn points with IHG, like car rentals, credit cards, or simply buying points (can be a good option if there’s a good promotion). But, the most common way to accumulate points in IHG One Rewards is by staying at a qualifying IHG hotel. During your stay, you receive 10 points for every eligible U.S. dollar spent, plus additional bonus points based on your status. This applies not only to your room but also to expenses within the hotel, such as restaurant visits or spa services.
IHG One Rewards – Redeeming Points
The most rewarding part of collecting points is using them. They are most attractive when redeemed for free nights and for paying for stays. However, you can also redeem your points in hotel restaurants, at the spa, or for other activities and hotel offerings. Conversely, you can also exchange your points for miles in partner frequent-flyer programs, shopping and more. As is customary with hotel programs, redeeming points for hotel stays is by far the most appealing option.
The following options are the best for redeeming your IHG One Rewards points:
- Reward Nights: You can redeem reward nights at one of the over 6000 IHG hotels starting from just 10,000 points. The minimum number of IHG One Rewards Reward Night points varies depending on the hotel and is categorized accordingly. The most expensive hotel is the InterContinental Maamunagau Resort in the Maldives, where one night costs 100,000 points. Each reward night covers only the overnight stay in a room with a double or king-size bed, in addition to taxes. Point prices in Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels, which you can also book through IHG, may vary.
- Points & Cash: You don’t have to pay for your nights exclusively with points; you can use a combination of points and a payment method for the rest. To use Points & Cash, you need a minimum of 5,000 IHG Rewards points.
IHG One Rewards – Cancellation Policies for Points Payment
As an IHG One Rewards member, you enjoy special benefits with every stay. Unfortunately, unforeseen incidents can occur during any planned trip, leading to a need for cancellation. Typically, reservations and bookings can be canceled free of charge between 24 and 48 hours in advance. There are usually exceptions to this rule only during peak seasons and at holiday resorts. This applies to stays paid with points as well. It’s essential for you to know the deadline for canceling your stay to have your points credited back.
Bottom Line
IHG offers some attractive benefits with its loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, depending on your status. However, the perks become particularly rewarding starting from the Platinum Elite Status, although reaching the highest level, Diamond Elite Status, can be challenging unless you travel frequently. Nevertheless, the ascent is worthwhile, as achieving this status finally comes with the added bonus of complimentary breakfast as a welcome gift.
Even with other statuses, such as the Gold Elite Status, you can already enjoy exclusive rates, flexible check-in times, priority check-in, free Wi-Fi, and additional benefits.
IHG offers unique hotels worldwide in the most beautiful destinations, and if you happen to stay in an IHG hotel now and then, a membership is definitely worthwhile!