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 they don’t always get as much attention as some other hotel points, they can still unlock great value—especially when you know how to get the most from IHG points with kids.
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 Work Well for Families
IHG Hotels & Resorts has a huge footprint—over 6,000 properties around the world. Whether you want a luxury InterContinental, a unique boutique Kimpton, or a reliable Holiday Inn Resort with a pool and breakfast, there’s something for almost every kind of family trip.
IHG uses dynamic pricing, so award rates fluctuate depending on dates and demand. I’ve seen rooms go for as little as 5,000 points or as much as 100,000. There’s no fixed chart—but that means you can sometimes score amazing deals if your dates are flexible.
One of the best perks for families is the Fourth Night Free you get with certain IHG credit cards. If you’re booking four nights with points, you’ll only pay for three—instantly saving 25% on longer trips, which is huge when you’re traveling with kids.
How to Earn IHG Points (Without Staying in Hotels)
You don’t need to be a frequent traveler to earn a bunch of points. Here are a few easy ways:
Ways to Earn IHG Points Without Staying in Hotels
| Earning Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit Card Bonuses | Earn large welcome bonuses with IHG or flexible points cards. See my favorite cards. |
| Shopping Portals | Use the IHG shopping portal or stack with cashback sites to earn extra points. |
| Dining Programs | Register for IHG One Rewards Dine & Earn to earn points when dining out. |
| Buy Points During Promos | IHG regularly offers up to 100% bonuses when you buy points. |
| Referrals & Household Strategy | Refer a spouse or partner for credit cards to double your family’s point earning potential. |
Want more guides to other types of hotel points? You’ll love The Moms Guide to Hyatt.
Best IHG Hotels for Families Using Points
When you’re figuring out how to get the most from IHG points with kids, choosing the right hotel makes all the difference. Here are a few of our favorites:
Favorite IHG Hotels for Families
| Hotel Type | Why Families Love It | Typical Point Range |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Club Vacations | Villas with kitchens, washers/dryers, and activities like lazy rivers or game rooms. | 30,000–50,000 |
| Kimpton Hotels | Kid-friendly touches, bunk beds in some rooms, wine hour for adults, pet-friendly. | 40,000–60,000 |
| InterContinental Hotels | Upscale international stays—especially in Europe and Asia—often great value with points. | 50,000–70,000 |
| All-Inclusive Resorts | Meals, drinks, and entertainment included—less stress and great with kids. | 50,000–60,000 |
Need help earning more points? Here are the cards I recommend to start stacking points for your next vacation.
Is It Ever Better to Pay Cash?
I ask myself this every time I book: is this a smart use of points, or should I just pay cash?
There have been plenty of times I’ve chosen to pay out of pocket—especially when cash rates are low and I want to save my points for higher-value stays. One example: I saw a Holiday Inn Express for $115 or 30,000 points. I paid cash, earned points from the stay, and saved the 30k for something better down the line.
Points + Cash Can Add Flexibility
IHG lets you book award nights using a mix of points and cash if you’re short on points. What’s interesting is that if you cancel, the refund comes back entirely in points—even the cash portion converts into points. That can be useful if you’re trying to build your balance for a bigger trip.
Resort Fees and Taxes on Award Stays
Most IHG redemptions don’t come with extra charges, but there are exceptions. Some resort properties, especially internationally, may charge local taxes or resort fees even when you’re booking with points or certificates.
Before confirming a booking, I always scroll to the final page to see what’s due at check-in.
How I Search for IHG Free Night Availability
If I’m trying to use a free night certificate—especially one capped at 40,000 or 60,000 points—I go directly to the IHG site and search a few different date combinations.
I always check the “Reward Nights” box and scroll through manually to get a feel for pricing trends. There’s no filter to show which hotels qualify for certificates, so this trial-and-error approach has been the most accurate for me.
A Few Tips for Maximizing IHG Points
Use the Fourth Night Free: If you have one of the IHG credit cards that offers this perk, always book in four-night increments when possible.
Look for Sweet Spots: Because of dynamic pricing, some hotels drop below their usual rates—these don’t last long but are great opportunities when they appear.
Book Early: Since award pricing can rise as rooms fill, it’s smart to lock in a booking early. You can always cancel and rebook if the price drops.
Stack Elite Status Benefits: Even mid-level status can get you perks like late checkout, welcome gifts, and occasional upgrades.
Final Thoughts
IHG points may not always be top of mind, but they’ve played a key role in some of our favorite family trips. With flexible award pricing, thousands of properties worldwide, and valuable perks like the Fourth Night Free, they’re a great tool to keep in your travel toolbox.
If you’re planning a stay, you can search for options on IHG’s website.
Looking for more ways to earn points for family travel? These are my favorite travel credit cards to help you get started.
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