What’s the Value of IHG Points?

What’s the Value of IHG Points?

In the world of hotel rewards programs, the IHG Rewards Club stands out as a robust, globally recognized platform. The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) encompasses a broad range of hotel brands, including InterContinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn. The IHG Rewards Club program allows members to earn points on stays at any of these branded properties. These points, known as IHG Points, can be redeemed for free nights, merchandise, and various other rewards.

The IHG Rewards Club is designed to cater to all types of travelers, from the budget-conscious to the luxury-seeking. Whether you're a regular business traveler or an occasional vacationer, the program can offer significant benefits. The more you stay at IHG properties, the more points you accumulate, leading to more opportunities for rewards.

The IHG Rewards Club is not just about earning free nights. It also offers its members a host of other benefits like complimentary WiFi, priority check-in, and late check-out, and the ability to earn points for dining and shopping. With the IHG Rewards Club, every stay brings you one step closer to your next reward.

Understanding IHG Points

IHG points are the currency of the IHG Rewards Club. Members earn these points through various activities, primarily by staying at IHG hotels. The number of points earned per dollar spent varies depending on the member's status level within the rewards program and the type of purchase made.

IHG Points are flexible and versatile. They can be redeemed for a wide array of rewards, from free nights at IHG hotels to gift cards, merchandise, and even airline miles. This flexibility means that IHG Points are not just a way to save money on hotel stays; they can also be a tool for getting more value out of your travel and lifestyle spending.

However, it's important to understand that not all IHG Points are created equal. The value of IHG Points can vary significantly depending on how they are earned and redeemed. This means that maximizing the value of your IHG Points requires a strategic approach.

Calculating the Value of IHG Points

So, how do you calculate the value of IHG Points? A common method is to divide the cash rate of a hotel stay by the number of points required for that stay. This gives you the value of each point in terms of dollars.

For example, if you can book a hotel room for $100 or 10,000 points, each point is worth $0.01. This is a relatively straightforward calculation, but it's important to keep in mind that the value of IHG Points can fluctuate. Factors such as the hotel's location, the time of year, and the demand for rooms can all affect the cash price of a stay and therefore the value of the points.

Another factor to consider when calculating the value of IHG Points is the cost of purchasing points. IHG occasionally offers promotions where you can buy points at a discounted rate. If you can buy points for less than their redemption value, it may be worth considering as a way to get more value from your IHG Points.

Ways to Earn IHG Points

There are several ways to earn IHG Points. The most straightforward is by staying at IHG hotels. The number of points you earn per stay varies depending on your membership level. For example, Club members earn 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying stays, while Elite members earn more.

You can also earn IHG Points by using an IHG-branded credit card. These cards offer bonus points for IHG purchases and other categories of spending. Some cards also come with additional benefits like free night certificates and automatic status upgrades.

IHG also partners with various other businesses, allowing you to earn points for dining, shopping, and other activities. You can even earn points by participating in surveys or renting a car from IHG's partner companies.

How to Maximize the Value of IHG Points

Maximizing the value of IHG Points requires a strategic approach. Here are a few tips to help you get the most from your points:

  1. Redeem points for high-value stays: As we've noted, the value of IHG Points can vary depending on how they are redeemed. Generally, you'll get the most value by redeeming points for stays at high-end IHG properties. These stays typically have a high cash price, meaning you'll get more value for each point.
  2. Take advantage of PointBreaks: IHG occasionally offers a promotion called PointBreaks, where you can book rooms at select hotels for a reduced number of points. This can be a great way to get more value from your points.
  3. Use your points before they expire: IHG Points expire if you don't earn or redeem points for 12 months. To keep your points active, be sure to earn or redeem points at least once a year.

Case Study: Getting the Most Out of Your IHG Points

To illustrate how to maximize the value of IHG Points, let's look at a hypothetical case study. Let's say you're planning a vacation and considering staying at an IHG property.

First, research the cost of the stay in both cash and points. Let's say the cash rate is $200 per night, and the points rate is 20,000 points per night. This means each point is worth $0.01.

Next, consider any promotions or special offers. If IHG is offering a PointBreaks deal, you might be able to book the same stay for fewer points, increasing the value of each point.

Finally, consider alternative ways to use your points. If you can get a higher value by redeeming points for a different reward, it might be worth saving your points for that instead.

Redeeming IHG Points: Best Practices

When it comes to redeeming IHG Points, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:

  1. Plan in advance: Some of the best deals can be found by booking well in advance. This is particularly true for high-end properties and popular travel times.
  2. Consider all your options: IHG Points can be redeemed for a wide range of rewards. Before you redeem, consider all your options to ensure you're getting the best value.
  3. Keep an eye on your points balance: IHG Points expire if not used within a certain period. Make sure to keep track of your points balance and expiration dates to avoid losing out.

Comparing IHG Points Value to Other Hotel Reward Programs

When considering the value of IHG Points, it's helpful to compare them to other hotel reward programs. Many factors can influence this comparison, including the earning and redemption rates, the range of redemption options, and the availability of promotional offers.

Generally, IHG Points tend to be worth around $0.005 to $0.01 each. This is comparable to the value of points in many other hotel reward programs.

However, the true value of IHG Points, like any rewards currency, is subjective. It depends on how you earn and redeem your points, as well as your personal travel preferences and habits.

Common Misconceptions about IHG Point Value

There are a few common misconceptions about the value of IHG Points. One is that all points are worth the same amount. As we've discussed, the value of IHG Points can vary significantly depending on how they are earned and redeemed.

Another misconception is that the only way to get value from IHG Points is by redeeming them for free nights. In fact, IHG Points can be redeemed for a wide range of rewards, from airline miles to gift cards.

Finally, some people believe that IHG Points are only valuable for frequent travelers. While it's true that frequent travelers can earn points faster, even occasional travelers can accrue enough points for valuable rewards over time.

Conclusion

So, is the IHG point value worth it? The answer to this question is largely subjective and depends on your individual travel habits and preferences.

If you frequently stay at IHG hotels, enjoy their brands, and take advantage of their promotions, you might find great value in the IHG Rewards Club. If you're flexible with your travels and make strategic redemptions, you can get significant value out of your IHG Points.

But even if you're not a frequent traveler, the IHG Rewards Club can still offer value. The program's range of redemption options means that there's likely something for everyone. Whether you're saving up for a free night at a luxury hotel or just want to get a little extra value from your travel spending, the IHG Rewards Club can be a rewarding choice.

Do you have unpaid credit cards?

Gauss money can help pay off your credit cards easily. Pay off any credit card balance using a low-interest credit line from Gauss. You’ll save with a lower APR and you can pay off balances faster. Gauss offers no annual fees, no origination fees, and no fees of any kind. Check out Gauss for a lower APR today to maximize your credit cards.

Additionally, use tools like the credit card payoff calculator to visualize your progress overtime, and get insights into how much you should put towards your debt to achieve your debt free date. Our debt payoff calculator and debt tracker is 100% free to use via our website or our mobile app.