In 2022, we saw IHG revamp its loyalty program, with the introduction of IHG One Rewards. I’d argue that the updated program represents a significant improvement over the old program, thanks to the new suite of benefits that have been introduced.
Continue reading: Guide To IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
At 70 nights, the option is for *two* suite upgrade vouchers, so you can get four in total.
Since 2017 I've had top tier status in Marriott, Hilton and IHG for most of that time.
For travels outside the US I'd say IHG is definitely the weakest in terms of upgrades (with Marriott being the best, even as Platinum), but you can still get good treatment in SEA.
IHG has changed T&C without notice many times. The lounge benefit as laid out now is not going to survive. Personally, I believe the credit card stacking will be limited in some manner and the Club access Milestone will be maybe pushed out to 70 EQNs. Time will tell. As a 20-year IC loyalist, trust me when I say the confirmed suite upgrades are fairly useless given that you can only confirm 14-days in advance IF there is availability.
You left out that you can qualify for Diamond via $40K spend on the Premier card, or is that option going away with the refresh?
I was surprised to see how nice the IC Istanbul was. I have stayed at GH Istanbul across the street for a few years now(GH absolutely sucks). IC probably has one of the Best Breakfast in that area. The Lounge offerings in the evening were also Great, you just have to get to them before the Chinese Invasion in the evenings. Diamond Status was Definitely worth there. Diamond Status is pure Garbage in US.
IHG does not have a great portfolio for high end hotels, but for mid-tier customers it is the best program out there.
Buying points at 1/2 cent with 100% promotion makes it the best program for points redemption. For the past 2 years 90% of my IHG stays have been with points redemption as it gets around having to pay local taxes and fees (up to 18% in the USA and sometimes more than 20% overseas).
But the most important point is that there is better consistency of what I can expect from the "brand' lines like Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites. The worst "brand" experience is Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza in the USA but still outstanding internationally.
Marriott absolutely sucks on brand experience and I am a Lifetime Titanium (earned through Starwood). I have not stayed at a Marriott property in the past 2 years even though I travel 150K actual flight miles/year