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5 Reasons I Always Consider IHG Properties When Booking a Hotel Stay

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Christine Krzyszton
Edited by: Michael Y. Park
& Ben Neighbors-Giles
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Selecting a hotel with a prime location that delivers good value is an important element of my trip planning. My go-to hotel brands are Marriott, Hilton, Choice Hotels, Hyatt, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), usually in that order.

While IHG isn’t my first choice when researching hotels, I’ve found that IHG properties can end up being the best option. This happens often enough that I’m always sure to include the brand in every hotel search, no matter the destination.

Let’s dive into the key reasons IHG has earned a spot on my hotel consideration list.

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1. IHG Has a Broad Worldwide Footprint

No matter the destination, there’s likely to be an IHG property. Whether it’s a road trip to northern Michigan or a weekend visit to Quito, Ecuador, I’ve been able to find an IHG hotel nearby.

Queenstown New Zealand Crowne Plaza Hotel View
View from my room at the Crowne Plaza Queenstown, New Zealand.

With nearly 7,000 properties worldwide, there’s always an IHG brand that matches my travel budget. Whether I choose to stay at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the night before my flight home or at the InterContinental Madrid to enjoy the executive lounge and city access, the diverse selection is a real plus.

Largest Hotel Chains 2025
Largest hotel chains by number of rooms worldwide as of 12/31/2024. Image Credit: MKG Consulting

I’ve enjoyed IHG hotel stays worldwide in New Zealand, Ecuador, Mexico, Italy, Singapore, Switzerland, and too many destinations in the U.S. to count.

2. Generous Rewards and Card Benefits

The IHG One Rewards loyalty program is robust, and by holding an IHG credit card, I receive complimentary elite status that provides a long list of benefits.

With Platinum Elite status from my IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, I rack up points faster, receive room upgrades, receive award-night discounts, get a welcome amenity, and more. Every cardmember anniversary, I also receive a free night certificate worth up to 40,000 points.

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IHG One Rewards Premier Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.
Earn up to 185,000 bonus points. Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 35,000 bonus points after spending a total of $6,000 in the first 6 months from account opening.
up to 185,000 points
$925
$99
19.24% - 27.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.

The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
  • 5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
  • 3x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $99 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable points
Card Highlights
  • Limited Time Offer! Earn up to 185,000 bonus points. Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 35,000 bonus points after spending a total of $6,000 in the first 6 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG® Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
  • Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
  • IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Hotel Indigo® & Holiday Inn®
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The IHG Premier Business card is the perfect option for business travelers who regularly stay at IHG hotels.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
The IHG Premier Business card is the perfect option for business travelers who regularly stay at IHG hotels.
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
140,000 points
$700
$99
19.24% - 27.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

IHG Rewards and Chase have teamed up to offer the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card, a compelling option for those who travel often for their business and stay at IHG hotels.

In this review, we will cover all of the benefits of the card, including earning rates, perks, fees, and more to help you determine whether the card is a good fit for your travel goals.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Up to 26x total points per $1 spent on IHG Hotels and Resorts
  • 5x points per $1 spent on travel, at gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants
  • 3x points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Cons
  • $99 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Card Highlights
  • Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG® Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
  • Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels and Resorts
  • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier Business cardmember
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
  • IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at hotels such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Hotel Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Both IHG cards also offer a fourth-night-free benefit when booking 4 consecutive award nights. These cards come with a generous welcome offer redeemable for several free award nights with a reasonable annual fee.

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3. It’s Easy To Book With Points or Free Hotel Award Nights

One reason I always consider adding IHG to my hotel searches is that I’m very likely to find a hotel I can book using my stash of points. Also, the annual free night certificate I receive each year can be very valuable for securing a free hotel night.

Between booking with points and using the yearly certificate, I rarely have to pay out of pocket for an IHG hotel room.

We value IHG One Rewards points at 0.5 cents each. This is because you can purchase IHG points during regular promotions for that amount. However, it’s possible to receive a much higher value for my points.

Intercontinental Melbourne Australia
It was great to book the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto with IHG One Rewards points.

Perhaps a beachside resort in Malta, the InterContinental Malta, that starts at 26,000 IHG One Rewards points per night, would be the best use of my points? Or, when I’m headed to Hong Kong, the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong at 32,000 points per night might be on my list. I also enjoyed my stay at The InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto in Australia, from 36,000 points per night.

There are many properties worldwide where IHG hotels can be booked easily with points or free hotel certificates, and we’ve put together a list of some of the best properties to redeem IHG One Rewards.

Hot Tip:

To find your own IHG hotel deals, use the flexible price calendar when searching. Click the calendar to select dates, then select the “Flexible Dates” option, and scroll through the months to find an award amount that fits your budget. Learn more about how to use the flexible date calendar with IHG and other hotel brands.

4. I Can Stack Chase Hotel Statement Credits

Since I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Sapphire Reserve for Business℠, I receive a $250 annual statement credit for certain hotels. Through December 31, 2026, this credit is valid for 2-night stays at an IHG hotel booked via Chase Travel.

If the IHG property is part of The Edit by Chase Travel hotel collection, I could receive an additional $250 statement credit. The Edit statement credit benefit provides up to $500 in credits each calendar year for 2-night stays or longer at properties in The Edit and booked through Chase Travel. There is a $250 statement credit limit per reservation, but a brand statement credit and the credit for The Edit can be applied to the same booking.

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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 125,000 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000 150,000 points
$3,000
$795
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
  • 5x points on Lyft rides
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
Cons
    • $795 annual fee
Card Highlights
  • Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $288 annually
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
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Chase Ultimate Rewards

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.

Apply Now
The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.
Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening and access more than $6,000 in total business and travel value in your first year.
150,000 points
$3,000
$795
Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.74% - 28.49%
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card is a great pick for business owners who can easily make use of the annual credits for travel, Google Workspace, ZipRecruiter, and more. Plus, it offers helpful bonus categories such as ad spend and offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges — including Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 8x points on Chase Travel purchases
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines (uncapped)
Cons
    • $795 annual fee
Card Highlights
  • Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • $6,000+ in value your first year. 150K points, valued at $3,000 for select flights and hotels through Chase Travel℠, plus $3,000+ in annual value through travel and business benefits.
  • Earn 8x points on Chase Travel℠ for airline tickets, hotels, including The Edit℠, car rentals, cruises, activities and tours.
  • Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
  • Earn 4x points on flights & hotels booked direct.
  • Earn 3x points on social media & search engine advertising.
  • Get the most flexible travel credit compared to any other card, with up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year on travel purchases.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club network and Priority Pass™ Select membership. Two guests may accompany the Primary Cardmember to the lounges free of charge.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.74% - 28.49%
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

IHG One Rewards loyalty program benefits, as well as The Edit program benefits, apply to my booking. Since both statement credits apply, the total is $500 in potential statement credits, plus many valuable hotel benefits.

IHG Intercontinental The Edit Booking Example
The Edit and IHG One Rewards benefits apply to eligible bookings on Chase Travel. Image Credit: Chase

It makes sense to consider IHG in all my hotel searches, especially when there are valuable benefits I can take advantage of. I can receive statement credits for The Edit by Chase Travel, the credit for specific hotel brands, The Edit’s on-site benefits, and my IHG One Rewards benefits, all in a single booking.

Typically, hotel reservations made through a third-party site, such as Expedia or Hotels.com, do not qualify for any loyalty program benefits. Booking through Chase Travel is an exception, as benefits are to be honored as stated.

5. I Can Receive Overall Great Value

Booking a hotel right in the heart of things, receiving an upgraded room with my IHG elite status (which isn’t even top tier), and using IHG One Rewards points to pay for the booking translates to real value for me.

IHG Crowne Plaza Christchurch NZ Room
In New Zealand, IHG was a great choice for overall value. Crowne Plaza Christchurch, New Zealand.

One reason IHG is not my No. 1 choice for hotel stays is that, without top IHG One Rewards status, breakfast typically isn’t included at most brands. Also, premium room upgrades are not as frequent as with other brands, where I have top elite status.

Still, with upper-midlevel Platinum elite status, I have received consistent good value with the Crowne Plaza brand. I nearly always receive room upgrades and the occasional complimentary breakfast at the brand, especially internationally. Examples that stand out include Santiago, Chile (lounge access was also included); Athens, Greece; Christchurch and Queenstown, New Zealand; and Anchorage, Alaska. There are still over 400 Crowne Plazas worldwide, and though experiences vary, I’ve had good stays with the brand.

The other IHG brand where I consistently receive good value is Holiday Inn Express and Suites. The brand has provided me with great rates, complimentary breakfast, upgraded rooms, and fresh and modern decor. In a pinch for an overnight stay in a city or at an airport, the brand delivers a predictable and occasionally excellent experience.

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When it makes good sense to pay extra for executive club access, the InterContinental hotel brand can also provide good value.

Final Thoughts

With the brand’s worldwide presence, there are IHG properties in nearly every place I travel. I can count on redeeming my IHG One Rewards points for good value or finding an affordable cash rate.

Increasingly, I’ve been including IHG more often in my recent hotel searches with Chase because of The Edit by Chase Travel and the statement credits for certain brands. These credits can offset the price for more upscale IHG stays.

Christine Krzyszton's image

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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