How to Book IHG Hotels With Points: IHG One Rewards Guide for 2026
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post..
Understanding how IHG One Rewards works, from earning points to redeeming them for free hotel nights, can completely change how much you spend on travel. IHG is one of the easiest hotel loyalty programs to book with points, with everything from Holiday Inn to Kimpton and InterContinental under one roof.
In this guide I will walk you through how to earn IHG One Rewards points, how to book a hotel stay with points step by step, and the best IHG properties to redeem your points on.
Brands under the IHG Umbrella
IHG’s portfolio includes Atwell Suites, Avid Hotels, Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels, Garner Hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Resort, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Regent Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses Hotels & Spas, Staybridge Suites, Vignette Collection, and voco.
That is 19 brands in total, which means there is almost always an IHG hotel where you want to go, whether that is a Holiday Inn Express on a road trip or a Kimpton on the beach.
The Basics of IHG One Rewards (Points)
You can transfer points into IHG from two flexible programs, both at a 1 to 1 ratio. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers 1 to 1 from cards like the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, and Ink Business Preferred. Bilt Rewards also transfers 1 to 1, which is perfect if you earn Bilt points on your rent.
However, I would not transfer points from Chase to IHG unless I needed to top off, as there is a shortage of IHG One Rewards points, or there is a transfer bonus.
It’s better to redeem Chase points with Hyatt.
Points don’t expire for Elite members, but for Club members, points expire after 12 months without any earning or redeeming activity.
IHG points can be transferred to another member in 1,000-point increments for a fee of $5 per 1,000 points. This is definitely a negative aspect of IHG’s program.
IHG uses dynamic award pricing, meaning the points required to book a reward night at a particular property may vary from night to night.
Premier and Premier Business cardholders get the fourth night free when they book an award stay of four or more nights on points. That alone saves you 25% on every longer redemption.
Cardholders with the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card or the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card receive numerous benefits, which are bulleted below. One is a free anniversary night each account year.
- Enjoy 60% bonus earnings on top of base points for every stay.
- Book: Book 72 hours in advance, and we’ll ensure we have a room for you (blackout dates apply).
- Complimentary Upgrades (subject to availability)
- Reward Night Discounts
- Welcome Amenity at Check-In
- Early Check-In (subject to availability)
It’s worth noting that the free night is capped at a point redemption of 40,000 points or less, but points from the IHG account can be added to top off the award for a more expensive stay.
Your rewards can be found by logging into the IHG site and clicking “Rewards Wallet.”
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, a level below the Premier Card, also offers good perks and ongoing spending benefits at IHG.
Perks for Everyone
Joining the IHG Club is free, and you can receive various benefits, such as access to member rates and promotions, reward nights counting toward elite status, free internet access, and late checkout upon request, subject to availability.
Book Your Stay with Points
To book a night using points on the IHG website, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the IHG website and log in to your IHG Rewards Club account.
- Select your destination, travel dates, and the number of guests.
- You’ll see an option to “Use Points/ Rewards Nights” when you stay on the search results page. Click on that option.
4. Browse through the available hotels and select the one that fits your preferences.
5. Once you’ve chosen a hotel, you’ll be able to see the points required for your stay.
6. Proceed with the booking process, ensuring you select the option to pay with points.
7. After completing the booking, you should receive a confirmation email with all your reservation details.
Need Some Booking Inspiration?
Here are some of my favorite IHG properties to book with points, from stays we have done ourselves to bucket-list dream stays.
Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort + Spa, Honduras. We stayed here and it was stunning. West Bay Beach, an infinity pool, and snorkeling right off the sand. Cash nights often run over $1,000, but award nights start around 60,000 points.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Washington DC. One of our favorite city stays, set inside a historic marble landmark that used to be the old post office, steps from the Smithsonian museums. It even has free bikes for the whole family, including kid sizes. Award nights are often around 40,000 points.
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Grand Cayman. Seven Mile Beach, incredible food, and one of the most family-friendly luxury resorts in the Caribbean. Award nights start around 70,000 points against cash rates over $1,000.
InterContinental Le Moana, Bora Bora. Overwater bungalows in French Polynesia for around 70,000 points a night. Book Le Moana rather than the InterContinental Thalasso, which rarely releases award nights.
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba. Proof IHG resorts can be a family win. This beachfront all-inclusive starts around 51,000 points a night, and with the fourth night free you can turn four nights into the price of three.
Remember that IHG uses dynamic pricing, so always check your exact dates. Flexibility means fewer points.
Photo courtesy of IHG
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you book Kimpton hotels with IHG points?
Yes. Kimpton is part of IHG, so you can redeem IHG One Rewards points at Kimpton properties just like any other IHG hotel. Availability and blackout dates can vary, so check your dates early.
What credit cards transfer to IHG One Rewards?
You can transfer to IHG from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards, both at a 1 to 1 ratio. You can also earn IHG points directly with the IHG One Rewards Premier, Premier Business, and Traveler cards.
Do IHG points expire?
IHG points do not expire for elite members. For basic Club members, points expire after 12 months of no earning or redeeming activity.
How many points do you need for a free night at IHG?
It varies because IHG uses dynamic pricing. Nights start around 10,000 points at budget properties and climb past 70,000 at luxury resorts. The Premier card free night certificate covers any hotel up to 40,000 points, and you can add points to top off a pricier stay.
Final Thought
Mastering the art of booking hotel nights using points through the IHG website is a valuable skill for any IHG loyalist and points enthusiast.
Following the simple steps outlined above, travelers and business owners can maximize their IHG Rewards Club membership and credit card benefits, ensuring memorable and rewarding stays at IHG properties worldwide.
Happy travels, and may your future IHG redemptions be seamless and enjoyable!
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
I found out about points and miles accidentally.
I was researching index funds and happened upon the points and miles community through creators who also post about budgets, financial independence, and investing.
Points and miles allowed those people to travel and work toward financial independence simultaneously.
Thank goodness I got started when I did. The past almost two years of travel have been something we will never forget.
Earning points and miles through credit cards is only a good choice if you have the financial discipline to use them, like cash/debit cards.
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