The 13 Best IHG Luxury Hotels To Book With Points for Maximum Value

Key Takeaways

• Top IHG luxury properties include the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa in Japan, Kimpton Seafire Resort in Grand Cayman, and InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa in French Polynesia.
• You can earn IHG One Rewards Points by spending on the IHG credit card or using eligible Chase credit carts and then transferring the points to IHG.

You generally don’t hear much about the IHG One Rewards program, especially if you’re new to points and miles. While it gets less attention than Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt, that’s no reason to write it off.

With over 6,000 hotels and resorts around the world, IHG has a robust array of offerings that should satisfy most travelers. And that, of course, includes luxury travelers.

In early 2022, InterContinental Hotels Group, better known as IHG, completely revamped the tier system for its loyalty program, adding a new tier (Gold Elite), renaming Spire Elite (now Diamond Elite), changing the points earning structure, downgrading some members, and more. Here, we’ll show you the best luxury hotels you can book with your IHG One Rewards points under the new system.

Currently, we value IHG One Rewards points at around 0.5 cents per point. You’re probably in good shape if you can book an IHG hotel for more than that.

Hot Tip:

It’s important to note how much a hotel room costs fluctuates depending on the season, day of the week, and other factors affecting supply and demand. The cents-per-point value you receive may not match what we list it as. Don’t forget to include taxes and fees when calculating the value you’re getting since taxes and fees are usually included in reservations made with points.

A Brief History of IHG: What’s Its Actual Name, Anyway?

If you’re confused by all the names IHG and its properties have gone through, you’re not alone — it has a complicated history.

The Windsor, England-based company now commonly known as IHG was founded in 1777 by brewer William Bass, whose name still adorns those red-triangled bottles of Bass Ale. The Bass Brewery company soon expanded to include British pubs and, eventually, hotels sprinkled across Western Europe.

In 1988, Bass PLC paved the way for its future as primarily a hotelier when it greatly expanded its hospitality division. That’s the year it began franchising Holiday Inn hotels, only to buy the whole company a year later. Bass significantly grew its portfolio — notably its luxury offerings — in 1998, when it acquired Inter-Continental Hotels & Resorts. (A PLC, for “public limited company,” is essentially the U.K. version of a U.S. LLC. More on Inter-Continental’s own unique origin story below.)

In 2001, Bass sold its name and brewing business to the Belgian company Interbrew (now the global drinks goliath Anheuser-Busch InBev) so it could instead focus entirely on hospitality. IHG no longer holds any stakes in beverages — besides serving them in its hotel bars and restaurants, of course.

The new company name, Six Continents, only lasted 2 years. After deleting the hyphen from “Inter-Continental,” it adopted its new official moniker: InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. That’s the name the company now uses in its Securities and Exchange Commission registration, which requires organizations to use their exact names as specified in their charters.

In marketing materials, though, it often refers to itself as IHG Hotels & Resorts, and that’s the name most people know it by.

Hot Tip:

Pan American World Airways founder Juan Trippe and President Franklin D. Roosevelt brainstormed the international luxury hotel chain concept over breakfast in early 1945. But their purpose wasn’t solely to provide comfortable places for businessmen to lay their heads — they saw it as a way to promote Western-style democracy and capitalism and stave off communism in Latin America.

FDR never got to see the idea come to fruition, though: He died in April 1945. Trippe founded Inter-Continental in 1946.

IHG One Rewards Credit Cards

IHG One Rewards resembles World of Hyatt regarding its credit cards. Unlike Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, both of which have a wide array of credit cards, IHG currently offers only 3 credit cards, exclusively issued by Chase.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

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 perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

140,000

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$700

Annual Fee

$99

APR

19.99% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
• 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, Indigo^® Hotels & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The IHG Premier card is geared toward travelers who value IHG elite status and can receive value from the anniversary award night.

Throughout the year, the card rotates through different but usually huge welcome offers. On the benefits and perks front, it comes with an anniversary reward night at any IHG property that costs up to 40,000 points per night, and you can now get higher-tier anniversary nights by spending additional points. Cardmembers also receive complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status.

The IHG Premier card is a Chase 5/24 credit card. This is important to consider because you won’t be approved if you’ve opened 5 or more personal credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months. That includes certain business cards, as well, so check out our Chase 5/24 guide to see if you’re eligible for this card.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

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.

Earn up to 17x when you stay at IHG hotels, 3x on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants, and 2x on all other purchases.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Earn up to 17x when you stay at IHG hotels, 3x on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants, and 2x on all other purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

80,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$400

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.99% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

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’re someone who is looking to enhance your IHG stays by earning more points and benefits, without paying an annual fee, then the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card might be the perfect fit for you.

In this guide, we will provide a detailed view of what the card can offer so you can decide if it makes sense to add to your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 17x total points per $1 on IHG stays
• 3x points per $1 on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants
• 2x point per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Not as rewarding as the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Bonus Points
• No Annual Fee
• Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• No Foreign Transaction Fees
• Redeem 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental^®, Crowne Plaza^®, Kimpton^®, EVEN^® Hotels, Indigo^® Hotels & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

IHG Rewards Loyalty Program Review

The IHG Traveler card gives you high earnings when you stay at IHG properties, along with bonus earnings on everyday spending on bills, gas stations, and restaurants.

One of the most significant benefits for card members is that you get a reward night when you redeem points for any stay of 3 or more nights — without an annual fee.

The card also grants you complimentary Silver Elite status and a way to earn Gold Elite status through card spend, giving you a faster path to achieving a higher status without having to stay at IHG hotels for a certain number of nights.

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

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

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

140,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$700

Annual Fee

$99

APR

19.99% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

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

Read Full Review

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, Indigo^® Hotels & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Introduced in March 2022, the IHG Premier Business card is great for business owners who want IHG status, since it automatically comes with Platinum Elite membership. Some of the card’s other benefits include:

• Up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
• 5 points per $1 spent on travel, hotels, dining, gas, office supply stores, and social media and search engine advertising
• 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• A yearly anniversary night worth 40,000 points (you can upgrade to higher tiers by spending additional points)
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus application fee credit (up to $120)

IHG Award Chart

IHG doesn’t have an award chart and instead uses dynamic pricing, like Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy do. This means the number of points required to book a room varies depending on factors including the cash rate, seasonality, the dates you want, and availability.

Points and Cash

If you’re low on points, it’s good to keep in mind that IHG sometimes lets you book hotels with a cash copay. Not all IHG properties offer this, so run an award search to see if the hotel you want to book offers this payment alternative.

Best Luxury IHG Hotels

1. Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa (Cayman Islands)

Cayman Islands trips aren’t just for stashing away wealth anymore — this British overseas territory has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination in its own right. Since opening in November 2016, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa has been a much-loved stop along picturesque Seven Mile Beach.

This hotel opens right onto the sugary sands of the beach and boasts balconies in every room, 3 restaurants, a cocktail bar, 2 pools, water sports, a kids club, a large gym, and a spa.

Cash rates for a standard room at the Kimpton Seafire swing wildly from low season to high season, from $495 a night in the off-season to as much as an eye-popping $3,325 during the winter holidays. (A more typical weekend rate in the Caribbean high season of December to April is around $1,140.)

Despite the dizzying cash-price fluctuations, points redemptions remain steady at 70,000 points no matter when you’re booking, making for a remarkable value in the high season, from around 1.63 cents per point for more typical nights up to 4.25 cents per point on certain days — that’s a phenomenal 8.5 times our valuation of IHG points! Even in the low season, you’re looking at a more-than-respectable 0.71 cents per point. Under the right conditions, this is easily one of the best Kimpton hotels to book with points.

Do note that the hotel charges an $80 daily amenities fee and an 11% service charge, neither of which is included in our calculations.

Hot Tip:

All the major U.S. airlines offer nonstop flights from several U.S. cities to Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Grand Cayman. JetBlue and Southwest also have nonstop flights throughout the year, and you can book a flight to the Caribbean on points.

2. ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa (Japan)

The Japanese spa city of Beppu sits on a bay circled by a volcanic mountain range in Ōita prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu. It’s famous for always being wreathed in steam from its thousands of volcanic vents.

ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa is one of IHG’s most expensive resorts. Because it’s one of the rare hot spring resorts that can be booked using points, it’s also one of the more remarkable properties in the IHG portfolio.

This aspirational property offers an indulgent wellness experience centered around traditional Japanese hot spring baths, or onsen, with Western luxury elements. The hotel has 2 public, single-sex indoor/outdoor onsen, free of charge to hotel guests. You can also rent out private indoor/outdoor onsen rooms, though, even as a hotel guest, you’d have to pay about $65 per hour.

If you have tattoos, you’re permitted to use both the hotel and the private onsen, though it isn’t clear from the hotel website whether you’d be asked to cover your body art.

Hot Tip:

Tatted up and headed to Japan? Be aware of the stigma that tattoos carry in much of the country, where they’re still strongly associated with the yakuza. Though younger generations of Japanese are becoming more tolerant of body art, most onsen still have restrictions against tattoos and may require you to wear patches over your ink — or deny you entry altogether.

Always check ahead of time with the onsen you’re thinking about going to.

This 89-room hotel also has a spa, breakfast-to-dinner international restaurant, fine-dining Japanese restaurant, Club InterContinental lounge, beautiful cocktail bar, gym, outdoor infinity pool, bay views, and event spaces.

A standard room at this property costs 60,000 points per night, although this number can fluctuate because of IHG’s dynamic pricing system. If you paid cash, you’d be spending at least $400 per night, up to $2,000 per night during the peak season. The latter redemption would net you a value of 3.3 cents per point!

3. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (French Polynesia)

If you’re an IHG loyalist lucky enough to visit Bora Bora and its incredible natural beauty, you’ll be pleased to learn that InterContinental has incredible resorts there.

We like the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, which offers 2 fine-dining restaurants, including what the company claims is French Polynesia’s most extensive wine cellar; a Polynesian buffet with nightly Tahitian dance shows; beachfront eatery and bar; 3 cocktail bars; a spa; gym; tennis courts; a water sports center; lagoonarium; concierge; and complimentary resort activities.

Best of all, even the standard rooms are overwater villas of at least 1,022 square feet, complete with plush bedding, luxurious décor, and private terraces.

Assuming you can find an available standard room, this property costs around 175,000 points per night for award stays. For paid rates, the average sits around $1,100 per night, while the low season rate is approximately $720 per night, and the peak season rate is up to $1,300 per night. That’s up to 0.74 cents per point in value, which probably isn’t going in your redemptions trophy case but is still respectable.

4. InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Maldives is a destination that you hear and read about all the time. It’s a long way from the U.S., but it can be a great place to visit if you find yourself in that part of the world.

On the western side of Raa Atoll, the InterContinental Maldives offers guests everything they could need on a vacation. From the overwater spa to the fitness center to the executive rooms and suites to the UNESCO marine conservation site, there’s no shortage of things to do.

The hotel requires at least 150,000 points per night. It’s also one of the most expensive in the IHG stable, from over $900 per night for a standard room up to $1,700 per night during the high season. The great news for those with IHG One Rewards points is that you can receive up to 1.13 cents per point in value.

Hot Tip:

The InterContinental Maldives is on Maamunagau Island, which doesn’t have its own airport. Most travelers fly into Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island. To get to the resort from there — and if your flight lands before 3:30 p.m. — you can transfer to the airport’s new seaplane terminal to board a 35-minute seaplane flight straight to the resort.

If your flight into MLE arrives after 3:30 p.m., you must catch a 20-minute flight to Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport (DRV) on Dharavandhoo Island, followed by a 30-minute speedboat ride to Maamunagau Island.

The round-trip, direct seaplane service costs $700 per person 12 and up and $350 per child from 2 to 11. The longer transfer from MLE to DRV and then to the resort via speedboat altogether costs $600 per person 12 and up and $300 per child 2 to 11, round-trip. Book either transfer with the resort.

5. Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel (Miami)

The Caribbean isn’t the only ideal winter destination for U.S. travelers — South Florida’s a great option, too. But there are so many branded hotels in this area that it’s good to know which hotels offer the most value.

The Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel is on Collins Avenue in South Beach, which is part of the city of Miami Beach and the epicenter of nightlife for the greater Miami metropolitan area. It offers guests a pool, fitness classes, and prime beach access. During your stay, you can also book banana boats, kayaks, paddleboards, parasails, and wave runners.

Points rates can fluctuate between 28,000 and 120,000 points per night, depending on when you book. Cash prices range between $195 and $725 per night, so if you booked for peak season (generally from January to April), you’d get a return of up to 0.6 cents per point.

The Kimpton Surfcomber charges guests a daily $41 amenity fee (before taxes). We haven’t included that in our valuations.

Hot Tip:

Many first-time visitors to South Florida get Miami mixed up with Miami Beach, which is a separate city but part of the greater Miami metropolitan area. If you want beach adventures, you may want to look more into Miami Beach. If you want to immerse yourself in the high-rise bustle, the art scene, or South Florida’s rich cultural melange, you may want to lean toward Miami proper.

6. InterContinental London Park Lane

Nestled in Mayfair, the InterContinental London Park Lane screams classic hotel luxury. Guests can access the hotel’s bars, restaurants, gym, and spa during their stay.

London is not a cheap city, especially during its peak June to September tourist season when cash rates are nearly $800 per night. That makes points redemptions even more attractive.

Depending on when you’re staying here, expect to redeem around 76,000 to 80,000 IHG One Rewards points per night. Considering peak cash rates of $800 per night, you could net up to 1.05 cents per point in value!

Hot Tip:

For other great stays in The Big Smoke, check out the best hotels in London to book with points.

7. Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam

Despite its recent efforts to shed its reputation as the capital of partying hard, Amsterdam is still a European city with much to offer. Known for its museums, canal system, architecture, and cycling, it’s the perfect city to stroll around and soak in the culture.

The Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam makes that easy as a boutique hotel in the center of the Dutch capital with on-property dining and other amenities.

» Related: The Best Ways To Fly to Europe With Points & Miles [Step-by-Step]

When redeeming points, you’ll spend around 25,000 to 56,000 points per night, depending on whether you’re booking during the low or high season. On the flip side, cash rates can vary from $150 per night during the low season to $500 per night during the high season. The resulting value is up to 0.9 cents per point!

8. InterContinental Hayman Island Resort (Australia)

InterContinental Hayman Island is a private island resort that lies off the northeast coast of Australia amid the Whitsunday Islands, nicknamed the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Unsurprisingly, this exclusive destination strongly focuses on water sports (complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing) and sustainability (nature walks, hands-on marine life classes for kids, fish feedings). It also includes pools, a golf simulator, a full recreational center, yoga and wellness classes, 5 restaurants, and access to secluded beaches. The 182 guest rooms, including several villas, underwent major renovations in 2019.

Hayman Island’s peak tourism season runs from August to the end of the year, with Australians flocking to this resort over the winter holidays. Expect cash rates of up to $756 per night and redemptions of 112,000 points in this period, for a value of around 0.68 cents per point. Off-season rates are more like $476 per night or 67,000 points, giving you a value of up to 0.71 cents per point.

The nearest way to fly in is via Hamilton Island Airport (HTI), also known as Great Barrier Reef Airport, on the biggest inhabited island of the Whitsunday Islands. It’s serviced regularly by Qantas and Virgin Australia. From the airport, the hotel arranges a transfer to the resort by boat ($210 per adult or $110 each child from 5 to 16 each way) or helicopter ($970 or $1,940 each way, depending on the size of the helicopter).

Hot Tip:

You may need an equally great redemption to get to Australia in the first place. Check out our guide to the best ways to fly to Australia on points and miles.

9. Kimpton EPIC Hotel (Miami)

The Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel isn’t the only South Florida property IHG has to offer. The Kimpton EPIC Hotel is another option, this time on the river in Downtown Miami.

Amenities at the hotel include 2 rooftop pools, cabanas, an outdoor cigar lounge, a bar, a fitness center, a spa, and 2 restaurants. Remember that it’s in Miami, not Miami Beach, and about 6 miles from the beach most people think of when they plan a trip to the Magic City.

A points stay here costs from 32,000 to 78,000 points per night, whereas paid stays run around $215 to $455 per night. The resulting value is up to 0.68 cents per point.

Hot Tip:

The Kimpton EPIC is in Miami proper. If the Florida beach scene is what you’re after, the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in Miami Beach may make more sense. 

10. InterContinental Paris – Le Grand

Looking for art, fashion, food, culture, and epic selfies? Then you probably already know that Paris has it all.

In the ninth arrondissement and right around the corner from the Opéra station on the Métro, the InterContinental Paris – Le Grand is ideal for those who want a luxurious experience in Paris. Amenities include fine dining, a bar, a spa and hair salon, a fitness center, and a steam room.

Built in 1862 in the Second Empire style as Le Grand Hôtel, it’s hosted empresses, tsars, kings, presidents, prime ministers, intellectuals, and artists. It has been the site of many pivotal moments in history and literature. Its ground floor is also home to the famous Café de la Paix, itself a Parisian cultural institution.

You’ll need 67,000 to 120,000 points per night to book a room at the InterContinental Paris – Le Grand. Cash rates run from a low of $437 per night in the off-peak season to a typical high of $700 per night in peak tourism season (generally May to early September). That yields values of around 0.65 cents per point in the low season and 0.58 cents per point in the high season.

If you’re up for a spur-of-the-moment trip to Paris, however, it may be worth checking the close-in dates for this hotel. We found a last-minute booking that would normally have cost $1,029 but was available for 120,000 points, for a value of 0.86 cents per point.

Hot Tip:

The InterContinental Paris – Le Grand houses the biggest and what many have dubbed the most magnificent ballroom in Paris, Salon Opéra, an opulently gilded, mirrored, and domed event space that’s over 4,800 square feet and can accommodate up to 800 people.

11. InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

You don’t visit Chicago without at least considering sitting down to a steak dinner one evening, and the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile has a place that maxes out the Chicago-ness quotient: Michael Jordan’s Steak House. (Table 23 is permanently reserved for His Airness, who is reportedly a frequent diner.) That includes the hotel’s wine bar, junior Olympic-size indoor pool, fitness center, and spa.

From within one of America’s first skyscrapers, the hotel resides over Michigan Avenue — it’s the only hotel that opens directly onto the city’s grand boulevard in this area — and has a prime spot in the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s premier upscale shopping district for nearly a century.

Cash rates fluctuate between $161 and $474 per night, with the related points redemptions from 23,000 to 64,000 per night. Booking a night during the high season using points results in a value of 0.74 cents per point.

Hot Tip:

If you’re going to the Second City, you should get to know the airport you will most likely spend time in. Check out our guide to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

12. InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72

Cloud-high panoramic views are among the big draws at this skyscraper hotel in the Central Business District of Hanoi, Vietnam. The InterContinental Landmark72 takes up the top floors of the tallest building in the capital city, the second-tallest building in Vietnam, and one of the tallest hotels in Southeast Asia. It also has 5 restaurants and the largest Club InterContinental Lounge in the entire Southeast Asian region.

Cash rates go from $127 in the low season to $280 in the high season, though peak rates more often hover around $165. Points redemptions range from 20,000 in the low season to 29,000 in the high season, meaning you could get up to 0.64 cents per point in the low season and 0.57 cents per point in the high season.

Hot Tip:

You wouldn’t be the only traveler interested in visiting Vietnam — it’s a rapidly growing tourist destination. And we naturally have you covered when it comes to getting to Vietnam on points and miles.

13. InterContinental Budapest

Right above the Pest bank of the Danube and with views of the Chain Bridge and Royal Palace on the Buda side, the InterContinental Budapest lords over a picture-perfect spot in one of Europe’s most majestic cities. Guests here have included U.S. presidents, the Dalai Lama, and, yes, Hungarian-American celebrity and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor (whose onetime husband, hotelier Conrad Hilton, probably wouldn’t have approved of her straying from the Hilton chain).

This hotel has a spa, Club InterContinental Lounge, a Lebanese restaurant, and a terrace restaurant and bar with a view of Buda Castle.

Cash rates range from around $175 to $315, with correlating redemptions from 27,000 to 57,000 points a night for a standard room. (Budapest’s high season is generally late spring to the end of summer.) At these prices, you could get up to 0.64 cents per point in value in the low season or 0.55 cents per point in peak tourist season.

Hot Tip:

If your tastes run more to smaller yet still stylish, you should check out our guide to the best boutique hotels in Budapest.

How To Earn IHG One Rewards Points

There are several ways to earn IHG One Rewards points. The primary ways to earn points are:

• Spending on an IHG credit card
• Spending on Chase credit cards (IHG is a Chase transfer partner)

If you have IHG elite status, you can rack up points quickly by focusing on stays at IHG properties. The higher your elite tier, the more IHG One Rewards points you earn.

Chase credit cards are another way to earn IHG One Rewards points. Though transferring Chase points to IHG might sound reasonable, we do not recommend it. Unless you’re short on IHG One Rewards points, it’s better instead to redeem Chase points with more valuable Chase partners like Hyatt.

Bottom Line:

Staying at IHG properties and putting your spending on an IHG credit card are the best ways to earn IHG One Rewards points. Combining these 2 strategies will usually ensure you have enough points for any of the hotels in this article.

Final Thoughts

You can actually get real value out of IHG luxury hotels. Even though the IHG One Rewards point value is nominally around 0.5 cents per point, we were able to find properties with redemption returns way higher than that.

That said, IHG still ranks fourth in our rankings of best hotel loyalty programs. Hyatt takes first place, followed by Marriott in second place and Hilton in third place.

Though IHG One Rewards elite status doesn’t offer many of the benefits and perks that you find at Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, the brand does have a luxury property portfolio where you can receive outsized value with your IHG One Rewards points — if you have them.

We’ve listed only some of the possibilities, but if you’re diligent, you can sniff out comparable or even better luxury IHG redemptions. Happy hunting!