If you enjoy staying at hotels like InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Kimpton, or Hotel Indigo, the IHG One Rewards program can help you save money, earn free nights, and enjoy a more comfortable travel experience. With more than 6,000 hotels across 100 countries, IHG offers a large global footprint and a loyalty program that is simple to understand and full of value.

Many travelers overlook the IHG One Rewards program in favor of bigger names like Marriott Bonvoy or World of Hyatt. This can be a costly mistake. IHG offers some of the most generous promotions in the hotel industry, along with elite status levels that are easier to earn and maintain. The program also includes credit card partnerships and flexible point transfer options that allow you to build a strong points balance quickly.

Whether you travel for business, leisure, or a mix of both, learning how to use IHG One Rewards can unlock meaningful savings. You can earn bonus points on paid stays, receive upgrades at check in, enjoy late checkout, and redeem points for upscale hotels that may normally feel out of reach.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. You will learn how the program works, how to earn points faster, how to redeem points for maximum value, and how to make the most of elite status benefits. By the end, you will have a clear and simple strategy that helps you stretch your travel budget further and enjoy better hotels on every trip.

IHG One Rewards Brands

The IHG One Rewards program includes a wide range of hotel brands that fit almost every type of traveler. With more than 6,000 properties in over 100 countries, IHG gives you many choices for both earning and redeeming points. IHG organizes its hotels into several groups. Each group offers a different experience, price point, and set of amenities.

Luxury and Lifestyle

These hotels offer stylish design, high service levels, and memorable experiences. Properties in this group are ideal for a relaxing beach escape, a romantic city break, or a wellness focused retreat. They also tend to offer strong redemption value because cash prices can be high, making points a smart way to book.

Brands: Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, Hotel Indigo

Premium

Premium hotels provide more features than basic brands, such as larger rooms, better meeting spaces, and higher comfort levels. This group is a favorite for work trips and multi night stays where comfort and convenience matter. Many IHG promotions and status benefits shine in this category because paid rates are often competitive.

Brands: voco, Hualuxe Hotels and Resorts, Even Hotels, Crowne Plaza

Essentials

Essentials brands help you stretch your travel budget. Holiday Inn Express is reliable for short visits, road trips, and airport stays. Holiday Inn offers full service features at an affordable price. These hotels can deliver very strong point redemptions during off peak weekends or shoulder seasons.

Brands: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Garner, avid

Suites and Extended Stay

These properties offer larger rooms, kitchenettes, and extended stay comfort. Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites are great for long visits or family travel. Atwell Suites, one of IHGs newest brands, blends the feel of an extended stay hotel with a modern design. These brands earn fewer base points than others, but they can be an excellent redemption choice for longer trips.

Brands: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites

Exclusive Partners

This partnership expands IHGs reach into popular resort destinations. Iberostar offers beachfront and all inclusive stays that create new ways to redeem points for vacation style trips.

Brands: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts

IHG One Rewards Elite Status

IHG One Rewards offers a clear and flexible elite status structure that gives meaningful perks to both occasional and frequent travelers. These benefits can make every stay more comfortable, more rewarding, and in many cases more affordable. Understanding how elite status works is the first step toward planning a strategy that fits your travel habits.

IHG has four elite tiers above the basic Club Member level. Each tier adds extra perks such as bonus points, room upgrades, priority services, and special milestone rewards. The more you stay, the more valuable your benefits become.

How IHG One Rewards Elite Status Works

Elite status is based on qualifying nights or qualifying points earned within a calendar year. Once you earn a status tier, it remains active through the end of the following year. Both paid nights and award nights count as qualifying nights, which makes progress easier for members who use points often.

There are three paths to move up the elite tiers:

• Stay enough nights across IHG hotels
• Earn a set number of qualifying points
• Hold an IHG credit card that provides automatic elite status

Many travelers find IHG status easier to earn compared with other hotel programs because award nights count, promotions are frequent, and IHG credit cards offer shortcuts to mid level tiers.

IHG One Rewards Club Member

You become a Club Member as soon as you join IHG One Rewards for free. While this is the entry level tier, it still offers helpful perks.

Benefits

• Member only rates
• Earn points on qualifying stays
• Free internet access
• Late checkout at 2 p.m., based on availability

Ideal For: Travelers who stay occasionally and want access to lower rates and regular points earning.

IHG One Rewards Silver Elite

Silver Elite status is the first step into meaningful recognition with IHG. You can qualify by staying 10 nights per year, or you can receive Silver Elite automatically with the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card.

Benefits (in addition to Club Member perks)

• 20 percent bonus points on paid stays
• Points do not expire while you hold Silver Elite or higher

Ideal For: Guests who take several trips per year and want stronger point protection and faster earning without needing a credit card with a higher annual fee.

IHG One Rewards Gold Elite

Gold Elite status is a smart mid tier level for travelers who stay at IHG properties more frequently throughout the year. You can qualify with 20 nights or 40,000 qualifying points. Members with the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card can also reach Gold Elite by spending $20,000 on the card in a year.

Benefits (in addition to Silver Elite perks)

• 40 percent bonus points
• Rollover nights, which means qualifying nights above 20 roll into the next year

Ideal For: Travelers who mix business and leisure trips and want a faster path toward Platinum Elite.

IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite

Platinum Elite is where many of the most valuable perks begin, especially for travelers seeking upgrades and better earnings. You can qualify with 40 nights or 60,000 qualifying points.

You can also receive Platinum Elite automatically through:

• The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
• InterContinental Ambassador Membership

Benefits (in addition to Gold Elite perks)

• 60 percent bonus points
• Room upgrades at check in, based on availability
• Early check in, based on availability
• Welcome amenity at check in, such as points or a drink or snack
• Occasional reward night discounts
• Priority for special requests on longer stays

Ideal For: Travelers who want reliable upgrades, better service, and faster point earning without needing to stay a very high number of nights.

IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite

Diamond Elite is the highest published tier in IHG One Rewards. To qualify, you need 70 nights or 120,000 qualifying points per year. You can also earn Diamond Elite by spending $40,000 in a year on the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card.

Benefits (in addition to Platinum Elite perks)

• 100 percent bonus points, which doubles your base earnings
• Special welcome amenity choice at check in, including:
• Complimentary breakfast for up to two guests
• Bonus points
• A drink and snack
• Highest upgrade priority
• Dedicated Diamond Elite customer support line

Ideal For: Frequent travelers who stay with IHG many times per year, especially business travelers who want consistent recognition, free breakfast, and reliable support.

Milestone Rewards

As you collect nights with IHG, you also unlock Milestone Rewards, which allow you to choose valuable perks every ten nights beginning at twenty nights. These rewards are separate from elite status and can be earned by anyone who stays often, even if they do not hold a high tier.

Milestone Reward Options Include

• Bonus points
• Food and beverage credits
• Confirmable suite upgrades
• Annual lounge membership at higher milestones

These choices help you tailor the program to your travel style.

Does IHG One Rewards Status Expire

IHG One Rewards elite status does expire if you do not meet the requalification requirements each year. Status is earned through qualifying nights or qualifying points within a calendar year and remains valid through the end of the following calendar year.

For example, if you earn Platinum Elite status in 2024, it will remain active until December 31, 2025. This gives you an extra full year to enjoy benefits such as upgrades, bonus points, and early check in.

IHG makes it easier to maintain elite status than many hotel programs. The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card both provide automatic Platinum Elite status as long as your account stays open.

IHG also offers occasional fast track promotions and elite status challenges. These can help members extend or regain their status with fewer nights required.

Hotel Specific Elite Programs

Some IHG brands offer their own special elite programs that sit above the standard IHG One Rewards tiers. These programs deliver extra perks that can make your stays feel more personal and more rewarding, especially if you enjoy upscale or boutique hotels. While these programs are not required to get strong value from IHG One Rewards, they can be excellent additions for travelers who prefer certain brands.

InterContinental Ambassador

InterContinental Ambassador is a paid elite program designed for guests who stay at InterContinental Hotels and Resorts. Unlike standard IHG One Rewards status, Ambassador is not earned through nights or points. Instead, you join by paying an annual fee of 225 USD or redeeming 45,000 IHG points.

Ambassador membership also grants automatic Platinum Elite status in IHG One Rewards, which can help you earn more points and secure better upgrades across the entire IHG portfolio.

Key Benefits of InterContinental Ambassador

• Guaranteed one category room upgrade for each stay
• Extended 4 p.m. checkout, which is helpful for late flights
• A complimentary weekend night certificate, valid on paid stays at InterContinental hotels
• A 20 USD (or local equivalent) food and beverage credit during each stay
• Dedicated check in area at many InterContinental properties
• Complimentary mineral water and free internet access
• Complimentary breakfast at InterContinental hotels in Mainland China

Kimpton Inner Circle

Kimpton Inner Circle is an invitation-only elite tier available to the most loyal Kimpton guests. Unlike InterContinental Ambassador, Inner Circle cannot be purchased or earned through a simple qualification chart. Instead, members are selected based on their Kimpton stay history and brand loyalty.

Kimpton is known for its design forward hotels, stylish restaurants, and warm service. Inner Circle status enhances this experience with personalized touches and generous upgrades.

Key Benefits of Kimpton Inner Circle

• Guaranteed room upgrades, including suites when available
• Early check in and late checkout when possible
• A special Chef’s Taste amenity at Kimpton restaurants
• Dedicated Inner Circle customer service support
• One free night stay at newly opened Kimpton properties before they officially launch

How To Earn IHG One Rewards Points

Earning IHG One Rewards points is the key to unlocking free nights, room upgrades, and valuable perks across the entire IHG portfolio. While staying at IHG hotels is the most common way to earn points, there are many additional strategies that help you build your balance faster. By combining paid stays, promotions, credit cards, dining rewards, and partner programs, you can grow your points throughout the year with ease.

Earn Points With Hotel Stays

Hotel stays are the most direct way to earn IHG points. The number of points you earn depends on the hotel brand, the amount you spend, and your elite status level.

Base Earning Rate

• Earn 10 points per 1 USD at most IHG brands, including InterContinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn.
• Earn 5 points per 1 USD at extended stay brands such as Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.

Elite Status Bonuses

• Silver Elite: 20 percent bonus
• Gold Elite: 40 percent bonus
• Platinum Elite: 60 percent bonus
• Diamond Elite: 100 percent bonus

These bonuses apply to the base points you earn during each stay, which means elite members can build points much faster over time.

IHG One Rewards Promotions

IHG frequently runs promotions that offer bonus points, double or triple earning, or even free night opportunities. These promotions often represent the fastest way to boost your account, especially during busy travel seasons.

Common IHG promotions include: 

• Bonus points for each stay
• Double or triple points on paid nights
• Extra points for multi night stays
• Milestone Rewards tied to your total nights stayed
• Targeted promotions based on your travel history

To maximize these offers, check your IHG One Rewards account regularly and register as soon as promotions become available. Many of IHGs best deals only require one click to activate.

Earn Points With IHG Co-Branded Credit Cards

Using an IHG credit card is one of the most effective ways to earn points on IHG stays and everyday purchases.

IHG offers three co-branded cards through Chase:

• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

These cards often provide large welcome bonuses, bonus points at IHG hotels, and extra rewards on spending categories like dining, gas, or travel. Cardholders also receive benefits such as:

• Automatic IHG One Rewards Silver or Platinum Elite status
• Annual free night certificates
• Fourth Night Free on award stays (Premier and Traveler cards)

If you stay at IHG properties several times a year, holding one of these cards can greatly accelerate your points earning.

IHG One Rewards Dine And Earn

The IHG One Rewards Dine & Earn program rewards you with points when you dine at participating restaurants in the United States. You simply link a credit or debit card to your Dine and Earn account, then use that card at eligible restaurants.

Earning Levels

• VIP Members: 8 points per 1 USD (requires 11 or more dines per year and email opt in)
• Select Members: 5 points per 1 USD (requires email opt in)
• Basic Members: 1 point per 1 USD

This program is a simple way to earn extra points for meals you already plan to enjoy, without needing to stay at a hotel.

IHG Trip Extras

IHG Trip Extras is a travel platform that lets you earn points on activities, transportation, dining, and car rentals. These extra earning opportunities can add up quickly during vacations and work trips.

Examples of Point Earnings

• Hertz Car Rentals: Earn 1,500 points per rental, plus daily bonus points
• Dollar and Thrifty Rentals: Earn 125 points per day
• Tours and Activities: Earn 1,000 points per activity
• OpenTable Reservations: Earn up to 500 points when booking a restaurant through the IHG Trip Extras portal
• Ground Transportation: Earn up to 1,000 points for airport shuttles or private car services

These options help you earn points even when you are not inside a hotel.

Transfer Points From Partners

Two major point currencies transfer to IHG One Rewards at a 1:1 ratio:

• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Bilt Rewards

This gives you the flexibility to top off your account when you are close to a redemption. Chase Ultimate Rewards earning credit cards include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

While transfers can be useful, these points often hold higher value with airline partners. To get the most out of them, transfer only when you have a specific IHG redemption in mind.

Purchase IHG Points

If you need extra points for a specific booking, you can purchase points directly through IHG. Points usually cost 13.50 USD per 1,000, but IHG often runs promotion sales offering 75 to 100 percent bonus points.

Buying points can be a smart strategy when:

• You are close to a high value redemption
• The cost of buying points is cheaper than paying the cash rate
• A promotion offers bonus points that reduce your cost per point

Before purchasing, compare the cash price of the hotel with the cost of buying points to ensure you are getting a good value.

Do IHG One Rewards Points Expire

IHG One Rewards points do not expire for elite members. For Club members without elite status, points expire after 12 months with no account activity. To keep your points active, you must earn or redeem points at least once per year.

You can maintain an active account by:

• Staying at an IHG hotel and earning points
• Using an IHG One Rewards credit card for purchases
• Booking an award night or redeeming points for an upgrade
• Earning points through the IHG Dine and Earn program
• Purchasing points through the IHG Buy Points program

IHG does not reinstate expired points, so it is important to complete at least one qualifying activity each year to protect your balance.

How Much Are IHG Points Worth

The value of IHG One Rewards points changes based on how you use them. Point values can rise or fall depending on the hotel, destination, and travel dates. The Points Analyst estimates that IHG points are worth about 0.5 cents each when booking award nights. This baseline value makes it easy to see when a redemption is average, below average, or a strong deal.

How To Estimate Point Value

To calculate the value of a redemption, use this simple formula:

Point Value = (Cash Price of Stay ÷ Number of Points Required)

Example: If a hotel costs 200 USD per night or 40,000 points per night: 200 ÷ 40,000 = 0.5 cents per point

When IHG Points Offer The Best Value

IHG points tend to provide higher value in these situations:

• When cash rates are high due to local events or busy travel seasons
• When staying at luxury brands like InterContinental or Kimpton
• When using the Fourth Night Free benefit for longer award stays
• During off peak dates when award prices drop but cash rates remain high

By using these simple guidelines, you can identify strong redemptions and make smarter choices about when to use your IHG points.

How To Redeem IHG One Rewards Points

Redeeming IHG One Rewards points is the most exciting part of the program, especially when you learn how to stretch your points for free nights, upgrades, and special experiences. While IHG offers several ways to redeem points, the best value almost always comes from booking hotel stays. Award nights at IHG properties can help you save money, enjoy better rooms, and turn expensive trips into affordable getaways.

Redeem For Award Nights

Redeeming points for free hotel stays is the best use of IHG One Rewards points. You can book award nights at more than 6,000 hotels worldwide, from budget friendly Holiday Inn Express locations to luxury brands like Kimpton, InterContinental, Regent, and Six Senses.

Dynamic Pricing

IHG uses a dynamic pricing model, which means award rates change based on demand, location, and season.

Typical pricing ranges:

• 5,000 points per night at the lowest tier
• More than 100,000 points per night at luxury properties and peak dates

Dynamic pricing creates flexibility, and with careful planning, you can find excellent deals during off peak or shoulder season travel.

Premium Rooms and Upgrades

Some hotels allow you to use points for premium rooms or upgraded views. While these often cost more points, they can be a strong value when cash prices for upgraded rooms are high.

Fourth Night Free For IHG Credit Card Holders

Travelers with select IHG credit cards enjoy one of the most powerful benefits in the entire program. When you book four consecutive award nights with points, the fourth night is free.

This benefit is available on the:

• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

The Fourth Night Free effectively gives you a twenty five percent discount on points for any four night stay. This benefit boosts the value of your points and can turn a normal redemption into a great one.

Cash + Points Bookings

If you do not have enough points for a full award night, IHG offers Cash + Points options that let you pay part of the rate in cash and part in points. This approach gives you flexibility when your balance is low or when you want to stretch your points across more stays.

It is important to compare:

• The cash rate for the stay
• The full points rate
• The Cash + Points combination

In some cases, the cash portion of Cash + Points acts like buying discounted IHG points. When IHG runs promotions where Cash + Points rates stay low, this method can be a smart way to secure a high value stay.

Other Redemption Options

While hotel stays offer the best value, IHG also allows you to redeem your points for several other options. These can be useful for topping off small balances or redeeming points you do not plan to use for travel.

• IHG One Rewards Access. This platform lets you redeem points for exclusive experiences such as VIP event tickets, culinary experiences, and behind the scenes tours. Values vary, but unique experiences can make special trips more memorable.
• Transfer Points to Airline Miles. IHG partners with more than 40 airlines, and you can convert 10,000 IHG points into 2,000 airline miles. This is a low value option, but it can help if you need to top off a frequent flyer account for a specific redemption.
• Digital Rewards. You can redeem IHG points for e books, games, and digital downloads. This option works well for clearing out small leftover balances.
• Gift Cards and Merchandise. IHG offers gift cards and merchandise redemptions through its catalog. These tend to provide low redemption values, so they are best used only when you have no plans to redeem points for travel.

Tips For Maximizing IHG One Rewards

Once you understand how to earn and redeem IHG points, the next step is using a few smart strategies that unlock real value. IHG combines dynamic award pricing, frequent bonus promotions, and strong credit card benefits. This mix creates great opportunities to stretch your points, along with a few pitfalls to watch for.

Use these simple tactics to get more value from every stay, then review the common mistakes section to help protect your balance.

• Compare Cash and Points Before You Book. Always check the cash rate and the award rate to make sure you receive strong value for your points.
• Take Advantage of Fourth Night Free. Cardholders who book four consecutive award nights receive the fourth night at zero points, which reduces the total cost by about twenty five percent.
• Register for All Promotions. IHG releases frequent bonuses, so register for every promotion even if you are unsure about your travel plans.
• Watch for Transfer Bonuses. When banks offer transfer bonuses to IHG, move points only after confirming your award space. A bonus can help you top off your account for high value redemptions while reducing the number of points you need.
• Time Paid Stays During High Earning Periods. When IHG offers double or triple points, place larger or longer stays within those dates to maximize your return.
• Book Award Nights First, Confirm Plans Later. When you find award space at popular or hard to book IHG properties, reserve the room right away. Most IHG award bookings are easy to cancel without penalty, so booking early protects your spot and prevents losing out on limited availability.
• Use Milestone Rewards Wisely. Choose suite upgrades for special trips, food and beverage credits for city stays, and bonus points when you want flexibility.
• Search Off-Peak Dates for Better Award Pricing. Dynamic pricing means off peak travel often offers much lower award rates and higher point value.
• Evaluate Cash + Points Offers. Treat Cash + Points as a tool, and only use it when the cash portion gives you a favorable cost per point.
• Plan High Value Redemptions Early. Award space at popular IHG properties can be limited, so search early and adjust dates when needed.
• Protect Your Points from Expiring. Complete at least one qualifying activity per year to keep your balance active and avoid losing value.

Final Thoughts

IHG One Rewards offers a simple and flexible path to better travel. With more than 6,000 hotels worldwide, generous promotions, and useful credit card benefits, the program makes it easy to earn points, enjoy elite perks, and book comfortable stays without spending more than you need to.

By focusing on strong earning habits, understanding how dynamic award pricing works, and taking advantage of benefits like Fourth Night Free and Milestone Rewards, you can turn everyday travel into real savings. Even a few well planned redemptions each year can unlock meaningful value, especially at premium and luxury IHG brands.

Whether you are planning short weekend trips, business travel, or a special vacation, IHG One Rewards gives you the flexibility to design a strategy that fits your travel style. With steady earning, smart redemptions, and a little planning, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy memorable stays across the entire IHG portfolio.

Kevin Zanes