Hotel stays should earn you something back. With the right program, they do.
IHG runs hotel brands from simple stays to luxury resorts. When you join IHG One Rewards, you earn points on your stays. You spend those points on free nights. This guide shows you the current offer, how the tiers work, and which IHG brand may fit your trip.
Table of Contents
IHG Offers You Can Use
Our main offer this fall is a points bonus. We found it through a travel news report, and IHG had the final say on the rules. Read the terms on the IHG site before you book.
- 2x points per dollar from your second eligible stay.
- 3x points per dollar if you book through the IHG app.
- Stay dates: October 1 to December 31, 2026.
- Register first. Sign up before your first eligible stay.
- Direct bookings of $30 or more a night qualify. Award nights do not.
- No cap on the bonus. Points post within six weeks, per the report.
Tip: use the app. The extra points cost you nothing.
Member rates and offers are also listed on the IHG One Rewards page as a perk for all members.
What Is IHG, in Plain Words?
IHG is a hotel company. They run well-known names like Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Crowne Plaza. They also run InterContinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.
Most guests earn about 10 points per dollar at most brands. Staybridge and Candlewood earn 5. Free nights start at 10,000 points.
IHG One Rewards Tiers
| Tier | How you reach it | Bonus on points |
|---|---|---|
| Club | Join free | Base |
| Silver | 10 nights | +20% |
| Gold | 20 nights or 40,000 points | +40% |
| Platinum | 40 nights or 60,000 points | +60% |
| Diamond | 70 nights or 120,000 points | +100% |
Tier numbers come from the travel site Prince of Travel. Check IHG for the latest rules.
Platinum members get upgrades and a welcome gift. Diamond members get free breakfast.
Best for: travelers who stay at IHG hotels a few times a year.
6 IHG Hotel Brands Travelers Keep Choosing
Holiday Inn. A family favorite. Good for road trips and city visits.
Holiday Inn Express. Simple, fast and easy. Good for a short stop.
Crowne Plaza. A step up. Good for work trips and events.
Kimpton. A boutique feel. Good for city weekends.
Staybridge Suites. Longer stays with more room. Good for families and movers.
InterContinental. Luxury stays when you want to treat yourself.
IHG vs Marriott Bonvoy
| Feature | IHG One Rewards | Marriott Bonvoy |
|---|---|---|
| Tiers | 5 | 6 |
| Hotel brands | More than 20 on the IHG page | 38 |
| Free entry | Yes | Yes |
| Base earn | 10 points per dollar at most brands | Check Marriott |
| Free night start | 10,000 points | Check Marriott |
Best for: pick IHG if you want a simple program and familiar names.
Why Consider IHG
- Free to join. You earn points on your first stay.
- Many brands. Pick the style that fits your trip.
- Clear tiers. Stay more and get more.
- Low point cost. Free nights start at 10,000 points.
- App perks. Booking in the app can earn you extra points.
Who IHG Fits Best
- Road trip families who need a clean, simple room.
- Business travelers who stay often and want status.
- Long stay guests who need a kitchen and space.
- Weekend trip planners who want a boutique feel.
- Points collectors who like to earn on every night.
How to Earn More With IHG
Let us walk through a simple plan.
Join IHG One Rewards first. It is free. Then register for the fall offer before your first stay. If you forget, you may lose the bonus on that stay.
Book direct on the IHG site or in the IHG app. The offer lists 3x points per dollar if you book through the app. Direct bookings of $30 or more a night qualify. Award nights do not.
Then think about your tier. Silver starts at 10 nights. Gold starts at 20 nights or 40,000 points. Each tier raises your bonus on points. Even a few extra stays can move you up.
Last, use your points. Free nights start at 10,000 points. That can be a good use for a weekend away.
Picking the Right Brand for Your Trip
Every trip is different, and IHG has more than 20 hotel brands on its rewards page. Here is a quick guide.
For a quick road trip stop, pick Holiday Inn Express. For a longer stay with a kitchen, pick Staybridge Suites or Candlewood Suites. For a city weekend with style, pick Kimpton or Hotel Indigo. For a special treat, pick InterContinental.
Staybridge and Candlewood earn 5 points per dollar. Most other brands earn 10. Keep that in mind if points matter most to you.
Tips Before You Book
- Join first. Then book.
- Register for the offer before your first stay.
- Book direct. Partner sites may not earn points.
- Check if the hotel is part of the offer.
What IHG Members Get
Members see member rates and offers, per the IHG One Rewards page. They also earn points on stays. Higher tiers bring more bonus points and perks.
Platinum members get upgrades and a welcome gift. Diamond members get free breakfast. Those perks matter most if you travel for work or stay many nights a year.
A Simple Booking Plan
Pick your city and your dates. Choose the brand that fits your trip. Join IHG One Rewards. Register for the fall offer. Book direct or in the app. Keep your confirmation until the points post.
The report says points post within six weeks. Wait that long before you ask for help.
Why Direct Booking Matters
When you book direct, IHG knows your stay. That helps your points post and your tier grow. The fall offer lists direct bookings of $30 or more a night as eligible.
Check the confirmation email. Make sure your rewards number is on the booking. If it is missing, add it before you arrive.
Tip: take a screenshot of the offer terms on the day you register. It helps if you need to ask about missing points later.
FAQs
Is IHG One Rewards free?
Yes. Club is the free base tier.
How many points does a free night cost?
Free nights start at 10,000 points.
Do award nights earn the bonus?
No. Award nights do not qualify.
When does the fall offer end?
Stays must be by December 31, 2026.
Should I use the app?
Yes. The app can give 3x points.
Final Verdict
IHG One Rewards is an easy program to start. Join free, register for the offer, and book direct. Pick the brand that fits your trip. Read the terms before you book.
