IHG Points 101: How to Earn, Redeem & Maximize for Family Travel
There’s something really satisfying about checking into a hotel where you’re staying for free—especially when it’s somewhere you’d never want to pay cash for. IHG One Rewards points can make that happen, and while I know they don’t get as much love as some other hotel points, they can still unlock some seriously good redemptions for family travel.
If you’re just getting started with points, you might want to check out my Beginner’s Guide to Points & Miles before diving in.
Why IHG Points Are Worth Earning
IHG Hotels & Resorts has a massive footprint, with over 6,000 properties worldwide. Whether you’re looking for a luxury stay at an InterContinental, a fun boutique hotel with Kimpton, or a family-friendly Holiday Inn Resort, there’s something for everyone.
Unlike some hotel programs, IHG uses dynamic award pricing, which means point prices aren’t set in stone. However, I’ve seen standard rooms go for anywhere from 5,000 to 100,000 points per night, depending on the property and time of year. There’s no strict award chart, but that also means you can find great deals if you’re flexible.
If you want to stretch your points, IHG credit cards offer a Fourth Night Free on award stays—which is one of the best ways to maximize redemptions. If you’re booking a four-night trip, you’re only paying points for three nights!
Ways to Earn IHG Points
You don’t have to be a road warrior to rack up IHG points. Here are some of the easiest ways:
Hotel Stays: Earn 10x points per dollar at most IHG hotels (lower at some brands). Elite members earn even more.
Credit Card Bonuses: Certain cards earn IHG points directly, while other travel cards allow transfers to IHG.
Shopping Portals: Earn extra points by booking through the IHG shopping portal or using a general points-earning card with shopping rewards. If you’re not familiar with shopping portals, check out this guide on how to use them.
Dining Programs: Enroll in the IHG One Rewards Dine & Earn program to earn bonus points at participating restaurants.
Buying Points During Promos: IHG sometimes sells points with up to a 100% bonus, which can be a cheap way to book stays.
If you’re looking for the best cards to help you earn IHG points, here’s a list of my favorites.
Best IHG Redemptions for Family Travel
If you’re looking to use IHG points for a family trip, here are some great options:
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resorts – These family-friendly resorts often have spacious villas, full kitchens, and tons of kid-friendly activities. I’ve seen these go for 30,000-50,000 points per night depending on the location.
Kimpton Hotels – If you want a stylish boutique hotel with free wine hours and pet-friendly policies, Kimpton is a fun option. Some properties start at 40,000 points per night.
InterContinental Hotels – IHG’s luxury brand can get pricey in points, but if you’re looking for an upscale stay in Europe or Asia, you can find some good deals starting at 50,000 points per night.
All-Inclusive Resorts – IHG has been adding more all-inclusive properties in places like Mexico and the Caribbean. These can be a great way to stretch your points for a full vacation experience.
A Few Tips for Maximizing IHG Points
Use the Fourth Night Free: If you have an IHG credit card, always book in four-night chunks to take advantage of the free night.
Look for Sweet Spots: Since IHG doesn’t have an award chart, you can sometimes find properties that cost fewer points than they should. These deals don’t last forever, but they can be incredible when you find them.
Book Early for Best Prices: Because pricing fluctuates, booking ahead often locks in lower point rates.
Stack Elite Benefits: Even mid-tier IHG status can get you perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and welcome amenities.
If you want to start earning points for your next family trip, make sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter—I share the best deals, award availability, and travel tips just for busy moms.
Final Thoughts
IHG points might not get as much attention as other hotel programs, but they can still be a valuable tool for family travel. With a huge number of properties, flexible pricing, and perks like the Fourth Night Free, they’re worth considering if you want to stretch your points for more vacations.
If you're planning an IHG stay, check out IHG's official website to explore hotels and availability.
Looking for more ways to travel for free? Here are my favorite travel credit cards to get you started on earning points for your next trip!
