Maximizing IHG Rewards Membership for household journey

Replace: Some gives talked about beneath are not obtainable. View the present gives right here.

The InterContinental Accommodations Group (IHG) has greater than 5,000 properties sprawled throughout 100 nations. The IHG universe consists of the posh InterContinental Accommodations and lots of different manufacturers: Kimpton, Regent, Voco, Resort Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Crowne Plaza, Candlewood Suites, Hualuxe, Avid Accommodations, EVEN Accommodations, Vacation Inn, Vacation Inn Resorts, Vacation Inn Specific and Vacation Inn Membership Holidays.

Whether or not it is a luxurious trip or a cushty keep close to the grandparents, you possibly can nearly all the time discover a family-friendly IHG property and you’ll reap good advantages by belonging to the IHG Rewards Membership.

Earn 125,000 bonus factors plus a Reward Night time after spending $3,000 on purchases inside the first three months of account opening with the IHG Rewards Premier Credit score Card.

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Listed here are a few of the methods you possibly can profit from stays with IHG Rewards.

Benefits of IHG Rewards Membership for households

Youngsters keep and eat free at Vacation Inns

Youngsters, as much as age 11, get pleasure from a free meal at Vacation Inn eating places worldwide (12 and beneath in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Center East, Africa and Higher China), and so they can keep without cost of their dad and mom’ room (as much as two children, ages 18 and youthful within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean and South America). Though few properties within the U.S. cost additional for kids, it occurs on a regular basis in Europe so it is a worthwhile perk.

Associated: Find out how to get free resort breakfast

Keep at Vacation Inn Kidsuites

Many Vacation Inn properties supply Kidsuites, which will be so simple as a small partitioned space with a tv and Xbox for the youngsters, or as elaborate as a separate, themed bed room — generally with bunk beds.

Search for Vacation Inn Resorts with household actions

Of all of the IHG manufacturers, Vacation Inn Resorts appear to be probably the most family-friendly. Many embody waterparks, actions corresponding to cooking courses, arts and crafts, and children golf equipment. Some particularly well-liked resorts embody:

• Vacation Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista
• Vacation Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark
• Vacation Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive
• Vacation Inn Resort Aruba-Seashore Resort & On line casino
• Vacation Inn Resort Cayman Islands

Kimpton gives family-friendly facilities

Kimpton greets children with a welcome reward and gives rooms with bunk beds, a Youngsters Comfortable Hour or Hula-Hoops within the health middle. Different facilities (some complimentary) embody kayaks, bikes and swimming pools.

Mother and father can request a toddler security package to “childproof” the room. (Listed here are some ideas for babyproofing resort rooms.) Resort eating places supply booster seats and excessive chairs and the resort may also allow you to discover a babysitter for a father or mother’s evening out.

Complimentary breakfast at choose manufacturers

Sadly, standing with IHG would not include as many perks as you will discover with different applications (corresponding to membership lounge entry, late checkout, welcome items or breakfast). However, lots of IHG’s low-tier properties embody complimentary breakfast day by day to all company included within the nightly fee. No standing wanted.

• Vacation Inn Specific: At Specific Begin Breakfast, households can get pleasure from recent eggs, egg white omelets, bacon and sausage, yogurt, cinnamon rolls and make-your-own pancakes.
• Staybridge Suites: Scorching breakfast buffet with all of your favorites, together with recent and wholesome objects.
• Avid Accommodations: This comparatively new model inside the IHG chain gives on-the-go breakfast objects: hard-boiled eggs and egg sandwiches, breakfast bars and yogurt, and lots of different objects. Espresso is accessible to company 24 hours a day.

You should buy factors cheaply

Though I by no means recommend speculatively buying factors, the IHG Rewards Membership program runs promotions all year long when you possibly can buy factors with a whopping 100% bonus. When this promotion pops up, you might be buying factors at a low 0.5 cents per level. This implies you possibly can keep in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora for a hard and fast $350 per evening (even much less relying on what number of nights you keep and in case you are an IHG cardholder). (Seashore bungalows on the InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora value out at 70,000 factors per evening. For those who purchase miles at 5 cents every and redeem these factors for a bungalow, you are paying the equal of $350.)

IHG additionally lets you e book Level + Money reservations when you would not have sufficient factors for a full award redemption. This lets you buy the remaining factors at a fee of 0.6 to 0.8 cents per level. IHG generally even runs promotions on the money portion. These promotions generally let you “purchase” factors for lower than a half-cent per level.

Speed up promotions

The IHG Rewards Membership program often has a promotion the place you possibly can earn bonus factors in your keep. Typically known as the Speed up promotion, members obtain completely different gives and “duties” to finish to maximise the variety of factors earned. Relying in your supply and your upcoming journey plans, these promotions can present nice worth for households. The supply often is the likelihood to earn double factors on each keep, or full two weekend stays and obtain a sure variety of bonus factors.

Accommodations as little as 10,000 factors per evening, all the time

IHG Rewards Membership gives a simple rewards program. There are 13 classes with lodges requiring anyplace from 10,000 to 70,000 factors for a free evening keep. The 40,000-point lodges are usually the “candy spots” within the award chart because the reward evening certificates that comes with the IHG Rewards Premier Credit score Card is capped at lodges pricing 40,000 factors or much less.

Households have many alternatives to redeem factors. Both redeem as you earn, or save up for that tremendous resort that will have in any other case been unobtainable with money.

Incomes standing is simple however not helpful

Incomes standing is simple by way of the IHG Rewards Premier Credit score Card (automated Platinum standing), by way of a standing match or just by staying at IHG properties. Nonetheless, advantages of standing aren’t almost nearly as good as a few of the different resort chains (no assured advance upgrades, membership lounge entry or complimentary breakfast). Nonetheless, some standing is best than no standing in any respect.

Platinum Elite standing, for instance, will grant your loved ones the next advantages:

• Bonus factors: On paid stays, you will obtain a 50% bonus on all factors earned. Or, in case you are utilizing factors for a free evening keep, any incidentals you cost to the room can even earn the bonus.
• Room upgrades: Upon check-in, try to be given a complimentary room improve, though suites are excluded. Sadly, award stays are additionally excluded from this profit. I would not stroll into an IHG property and anticipate an improve, however as I discussed earlier than, your probabilities of getting upgraded are greater with Platinum standing, so it’s higher than nothing.
• Late checkout: Though Platinum members get late checkout, there isn’t a rule in regards to the additional time. It’s as much as the discretion of the resort, so I recommend asking at check-in. Paying with that “Platinum card” additionally won’t harm.

Notice: In earlier years, we’d have touted IHG’s PointBreaks promotions, which diminished the variety of factors per evening required for a free evening to only 5,000. The listing of properties rotated quarterly. Nonetheless, PointBreaks isn’t presently lively.

High kid-friendly IHG properties

Listed here are just a few IHG lodges to your subsequent household trip.

Vacation Inn Membership Holidays Orlando at Orange Lake Resort

IHG additionally has a ton of Vacation Inn Membership Holidays the place you should use your factors for an upgraded suite with a kitchen. The Vacation Inn Membership Holidays Orlando At Orange Lake Resort falls into that class the place you possibly can e book a 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom villa that sleeps eight (with a washer/dryer) — all from simply 40,000 factors an evening. Staying right here will let you get pleasure from a 1,450-acre resort and go to Mickey at close by Walt Disney World. You may even have a totally geared up kitchen and a washer/dryer.

Among the many leisure amenities are seven swimming pools, 4 waterslides and a lazy river, tennis, racquetball, basketball or golf, together with mini-golf for the youngsters.

For those who signed up for the IHG Rewards Premier Credit score Card and earned 125,000 bonus factors plus a Reward Night time after spending $3,000 on purchases inside the first three months of account opening, you’d have greater than sufficient factors for a three-night keep at Vacation Inn Membership Holidays Orlando at Orange Lake Resort.

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Vacation Inn Buena Park-Close to Knott’s

For those who favor to go to Mickey on the opposite coast, you possibly can keep on the Vacation Inn Buena Park-Close to Knott’s. Though there are various IHG properties in Anaheim, in case you are open to staying just a few miles away, you possibly can get pleasure from this property from 25,000 IHG factors an evening. (The entire different close by properties are at the least an extra 10k factors an evening.)

For those who’re working numbers primarily based on IHG’s present 125k welcome-point bonus, you’d be capable of e book six nights at this property. (5 nights paying with factors and cardholders obtain the fourth evening free on all award stays.)

Though you’ll not be inside strolling distance of Disneyland whereas staying at this resort, you might be solely six miles away and the property supplies a complimentary shuttle, saving you cash on parking. And when you have children, Knott’s Berry Farm is correct down the road. This property gives the most important outside heated pool in Buena Park, excellent when you resolve to take a day to loosen up by the pool.

Associated: Find out how to plan a visit to Knott’s Berry Farm

Vacation Inn Resort Grand Cayman

At 25,000 factors an evening, the Vacation Inn Resort Grand Cayman is a complete steal. You will get greater than 1 cent per level in worth many instances of the 12 months by redeeming at this tropical resort.

It isn’t the fanciest choice on Grand Cayman and awards aren’t obtainable each evening, however it’ll get you solar, sand and pool time in a double queen-bed room that sleeps 4. Even higher, ocean-view rooms present up as an choice you possibly can e book on factors. Grand Cayman is a Southwest Airways vacation spot with nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore-BW and Houston-Interest, so you’ve got acquired a Caribbean getaway on a budget when you have a Companion Go or Speedy Rewards factors burning a gap in your pocket. For those who make the journey, listed here are a few of our favourite issues for households to do in Grand Cayman.

Vacation Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive, Jamaica

For those who’re searching for a no-stress getaway, take a look at the Vacation Inn Resort Montego Bay. The all-inclusive 50,000-per-night factors fee consists of two adults and two children beneath 12. (Additional individuals 13 and older are charged $80 per evening, collected on the resort.) With charges simply topping $350 per evening, the resort is a stable worth. Though “Vacation Inn” and “luxurious trip” is probably not in the identical sentence fairly often, the resort’s location on a personal island will get nice evaluations from company. Montego Bay can be a Southwest Airways vacation spot if that helps convey the journey nearer to actuality.

Vacation Inn Resort Aruba

The Vacation Inn Resort Aruba is considered one of my favourite IHG properties to go to with factors. This resort is correct within the center of Palm Seashore the place you will discover many different high-end lodges, however the different properties require considerably extra factors — despite the fact that they’re all on the very same seashore. At this Vacation Inn property, rooms price simply 40,000 IHG factors for a one-night keep.

Resort Indigo San Diego-Del Mar

The Resort Indigo San Diego Del Mar is in a quaint seashore group that will make for a soothing household getaway. The resort prides itself on being dog- and kid-friendly. The rooms characteristic two queen beds and a few supply an ocean view. The resort evaluations point out pleasant workers and a super-convenient location. Value is from 30,000 IHG factors per evening (room charges on this location at peak season are about $300 per evening).

Vacation Inn Resort & Suites, Montreal Centre-Ville Ouest

Montreal is a terrific long-weekend vacation spot and IHG factors properties supply stable values all through town. The most suitable choice is the Vacation Inn Resort & Suites Montreal Centre-ville Ouest because it prices an reasonably priced 30,000 IHG factors an evening versus money charges of $200 or extra all through a lot of the 12 months.

Vacation Inn & Suites Clearwater Seashore S-Harbourside

Florida seashore locations could be a excellent match for households who need to get away with out leaving the mainland. Flights to Florida from different US gateways are usually inexpensive and extra plentiful than flying to the Caribbean. This makes the Vacation Inn & Suites Clearwater Seashore S-Harbourside the proper vacation spot to contemplate with IHG factors.

At simply 30,000 IHG factors an evening, you might be at a resort proper on the water and a trolley trip away from Pier 60 at Clearwater Seashore. Plus, this property is correct subsequent door to the brand-new Splash Harbour Water Park. Parking is complimentary and there aren’t any resort charges.

Kimpton Resort Palomar Washington, D.C.

You possibly can redeem your IHG factors at Kimpton properties, which brings extra funky and upscale choices to the desk. Kimpton properties are primarily in main cities corresponding to New York, Austin and Denver, though there are few outliers (such because the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa in Grand Cayman, Kimpton Shorebreak Resort in Huntington Seashore, California, and the Kimpton Taconic in Manchester, Vermont).

In case you are searching for a family-friendly metropolis vacation spot, Washington, D.C., there are nearly a dozen Kimpton properties, such because the Kimpton Resort Palomar Washington, D.C. This property prices 50,000 IHG factors per evening and places you proper in Dupont Circle, the place you possibly can take the Metro or stroll to the zoo in Woodley Park, the Nationwide Mall and the numerous museums away from the mall. After a protracted day of exploring, there’s an indoor pool ready for your loved ones.

How the IHG bank card enhances household journey

The IHG Rewards Premier Credit score Card is a kind of playing cards that has ongoing advantages 12 months after 12 months (versus ones that present restricted worth after the primary 12 months). And, proper now you possibly can earn 125,000 bonus factors plus a Reward Night time after spending $3,000 on purchases inside the first three months of account opening.

With simply an $89 annual price, the yearly advantages are value far more:

Reward evening certificates yearly

Among the best advantages of this card is that you’re going to obtain a reward-night certificates on each anniversary 12 months — redeemable for properties that price as much as 40,000 factors an evening. For those who can benefit from this certificates yearly, this profit alone is valued at $200. If each you and your important different maintain this card, that can provide you two complimentary nights a 12 months (learn: weekend getaway). You possibly can consider this perk as paying for the annual price after which all the different advantages you obtain are pure add-ons.

Fourth evening reward on award stays

My second favourite good thing about this card is that when reserving award stays, you obtain your fourth-night reward. This is applicable to each fourth evening of a single reservation. So when you have an eight-night keep, you will obtain the reward evening twice. Though just a few different resort chains offer you a free evening when utilizing factors, it usually applies to your fifth evening free.

Complimentary World Entry or TSA PreCheck

For those who or your loved ones do not have World Entry, this card gives an as much as $100 assertion credit score. All it’s important to do is pay the $100 World Entry software price and you may obtain a $100 assertion credit score. And the perfect half is that the names don’t have to match, so if you have already got World Entry, you should use it to pay to your kid’s software. If your loved ones is touring internationally (together with a lot of the Caribbean), zipping by way of customs by utilizing the World Entry kiosk is large. There may be nothing worse than standing in a protracted line after getting off a protracted flight with younger children. All youngsters have to have World Entry to undergo the World Entry line, no matter age.

World Entry is legitimate for 5 years. You can even use the assertion credit score on TSA PreCheck however with World Entry, you robotically obtain TSA PreCheck, so that you may as effectively get World Entry.

Platinum Elite standing

IHG might be one of many weaker resort loyalty applications in terms of standing, however strolling right into a resort with some standing is best than no standing in any respect. Many households can even parlay their IHG Platinum standing to finish a standing match or standing problem with one other resort chain. This consists of incomes Hilton Honors standing, Marriott Bonvoy standing, Wyndham Rewards standing, Alternative Privileges standing and Radisson Rewards standing. And sure, having Platinum standing merely from the bank card will qualify.

I additionally love that IHG factors won’t ever expire when you have standing. With out it, factors expire if there isn’t a exercise within the account for 12 months. Having standing (even whether it is simply by being a cardholder) will make sure you by no means have to fret about dropping your factors.

Backside line

Whether or not you might be searching for a weekend or every week away for your loved ones, there are various resort choices to select from inside the IHG program. There are additionally loads of methods to maximise your reward alternatives inside the IHG Rewards Membership program by utilizing the Level + Money and PointBreaks redemptions in addition to with the fourth-night-free and free-night certificates from the co-branded bank card.

One phrase of warning when looking for IHG properties: Many instances, even when an IHG property gives rooms with one king mattress or two double/queen beds, the two-bed choice isn’t all the time obtainable on factors. Moreover, IHG is likely one of the few applications that implement capacity-control awards. This could be a big drawback for households and means you will have to be versatile and diligent along with your search. You may additionally need to e book effectively forward throughout peak journey instances.

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With extra reporting by Jennifer Yellin