IHG Hotels – Your Quick Guide to Brands, Benefits & Booking Tips

If you’re looking for a reliable place to stay, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is a name you’ll see all over the map. From luxury resorts to budget‑friendly stops, IHG runs a mix of hotels that fit almost any travel style. Below you’ll get the basics on what they own, how their rewards work, and a few tricks to snag the best rate.

IHG Brands at a Glance

IHG’s portfolio is split into clear tiers, so you can pick a brand that matches your budget and vibe:

• InterContinental – The premium side of IHG. Expect high‑end rooms, fine dining, and locations in major cities or exotic destinations.
• Kimpton Hotels – Boutique luxury with a quirky, local feel. Great for travelers who want personality with their plush bedding.
• Crowne Plaza – Business‑focused hotels offering reliable Wi‑Fi, meeting rooms, and comfortable workspaces.
• Holiday Inn – The classic family hotel. Clean rooms, free breakfast, and a kid‑friendly vibe make it a safe pick for trips with children.
• Holiday Inn Express – A step down from the full‑service Holiday Inn. You get the essentials—bed, bath, free breakfast—without the frills.
• Hotel Indigo – Design‑centric hotels that reflect the neighborhood they sit in. Perfect for Instagram‑savvy travelers.
• Staybridge Suites – Extended‑stay options with kitchenettes and living‑room space. Ideal for longer trips or temporary relocations.
• EVEN Hotels – Wellness‑oriented properties that focus on fitness, healthy food, and sleep‑quality rooms.

All these brands share the same booking engine, so you can compare prices side‑by‑side and pick the one that fits your itinerary.

How to Get the Most from IHG Rewards

The IHG Rewards Club is free to join and works across every IHG brand. Every night you stay earns you points, and those points can be exchanged for free nights, upgrades, or even airline miles. Here are three simple ways to boost your balance:

1. Book Directly – Use IHG’s official website or app. Direct bookings usually add a bonus point multiplier and give you the best cancellation flexibility.
2. Take Advantage of Promotions – IHG often runs limited‑time offers like “double points on weekend stays” or “20% off for members.” Sign up for the newsletter to stay in the loop.
3. Use a Partner Credit Card – Some banks issue IHG co‑branded cards that earn points on everyday purchases. Those points pile up fast, and you can even get elite status faster.

Elite tiers (Gold, Platinum, Spire) unlock perks such as late checkout, free room upgrades, and complimentary breakfast. If you travel a lot, reaching Gold or higher can turn a regular stay into a much nicer experience.

When you’re ready to redeem, look for “Points & Cash” options if you’re short on points. This lets you blend cash with points to lock in a room without waiting for a full free night.

Finally, keep an eye on the “Points Expiry” date. IHG usually expires points after 24 months of inactivity, so a quick booking or point transfer can keep your balance alive.

Quick Booking Tips

Even if you’re not a rewards member, you can still save money:

• Check the “Member Rate” – It’s often lower than the public rate, and you can still book without being a member (though you won’t earn points).
• Use flexible dates – Mid‑week stays are usually cheaper than weekend nights.
• Look for package deals – Some IHG sites bundle breakfast or parking at a discount.
• Read the cancellation policy – Free‑cancellation rates are a bit higher, but they protect you from unexpected changes.

By knowing the brands, using the rewards program, and applying a few booking tricks, you’ll get more value out of every IHG stay. Happy travels!