🐿️ Ive had the premier card for years and its a keeper card for me. Always use the anniversary night for $200+ night so the value is already there. Ive gotten the occasional upgrade but ive valued the late check out a lot!
🐿️ I’m a big IHG loyalist for the last 10+ years. Finally got the card in ‘22 and wish I’d gotten it WAY earlier. Besides the perks while at a hotel, the 5x at gas stations adds up really fast.
We recently had our resort fees waived at a Intercontinental for having Platinum status. Aside from that status seems not to matter at any IHG property. So we mainly use them for family stays when we need a bigger room at a Holiday Inn Express for example.
My experience(with platinum status), in the US is what status. When I was in Bali the IHG gave a 20% discount on food and a minimal room upgrade with a better view. At hotel indigo they upgraded me to a suit in the app but when I got there they gave me a slightly bigger regular room. I had to complain multiple times stating the app shows they upgraded me to a suite but they didn't. Finally after enough complaining and speaking to a manager regarding the app showing I was upgraded to a suite they upgraded me and then provided me free breakfast for my 4 nights.
🐿 I've got IHG Platinum through the Chase card and I have no plans for staying enough to get Diamond. For me, the card is totally worth it. I always wind up using the free night for a room that cost more than the annual fee. I've also consistently gotten my points bonus and a thanks for being a Platinum member and Holiday Inn properties in the US. I once got a suite upgrade at a Holiday Inn Express and I didn't even know that that was a thing.
Honestly, IHG is one of the most underrated programs. They have a lot bigger footprint if you are in more rural areas. They are really handy when visiting national parks when there often isn't another major hotel chain in the area.
I got both the business and personal card last September, just one day apart from each other. Idea is to have a solid weekend available (or two airport nights for flying in / out). One interesting thing about IHG that was missed was the fourth night free? I believe that is still a thing. Also, one can easily buy points for under equivalent valuation. So overall, I think it's a good program for this little 🐿
🐿️ surprisingly as platinum member we get a lot of room upgrades. Some noticeable ones were in New York and the Maldives. 4th night free is underrated imo
@@AskSebbyBusiness yeah they were both suites! Kimpton Eventi in New York and a 2 story lagoon suite at the intercontinental Maldives the on my profile picture.
🐿 desperately want an IHG card for the 4th night free. I feel like it is so much more versatile than the Marriott and Hilton 5th night. Also so sad can't get the IHG select anymore because 4th night free, 10% rebate, and buying IHG points for ~0.50cpp so OP!
Got into IHG a year ago, got both cards. IHG is the GOAT imo. That 4th night free is so valuable especially when you stack pts when they have the double points offers.
🐿️ I use my ihg card primarily for quick overnight stops on roadtrips. I don’t focus on maximizing returns with this program. Just a free night when checking in late .
🐿️ I’ve had the IHG Premier Rewards for a few years now. I’m not crazy about it. Just like you said it’s hard to get an upgrade. I was in Boston recently at the IC Boston, with my family and no upgrade. To be fair the room was still quite nice and overall the service was great. I might move to a different hotel card soon though. Maybe the United Infinite Club card as I live in Denver ( a huge hub for United)
🦫I've had a pretty good experience with the IHG card. I spend quite a few nights in hotels and qualifying for the intro bonus gave me enough points to get about 7 nights paid with points! 😃 Last month I stayed at the Intercontinental on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. It was one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in. Protip... if you see an Avid next to a Holiday Inn Express (both IHG and it happens a lot in the US), usually go with the Avid. Avids are usually more modern in design and amenities.
Depends on you obviously! People that love IHG, REALLY love it. I somehow (error on their end?) had Diamond status for a year. My experience was pretty meh (vs. Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist).
Sweet spot seems to be $20k/year at IC properties: www.flyertalk.com/forum/intercontinental-hotels-ihg-one-rewards-intercontinental-ambassador/1772309-new-ra-qualifying-criteria-based-ic-revenue-310.html
question here! I'm mostly looking to maximize my spendings looking for a cc that has dinning, gas, and groceries (not necessarily in that order) and this card has 2 of the 3 in 5% . I already have a Sapphire Preferred that I have since April 2023. Do I qualify for the sub? If not, what other hotel cc makes a good fit 🐿🐿
🐿Great video. I think I'm going for Premier. It looks self- sustainable just for the annual 40k room. It's unfortunate that IHG points aren't more valuable. Where do you stand on buying IHG points at a discounted rate when they're available? Ty.
Sebby, I have Amex gold, plat, IHG premier, Hilton Aspire. Do you think it's better to keep a pair like gold + plat or aspire? Aspire has more earning points and I travel a lot. Not a Hilton royalist to be specific. My goal is to just use the CC and save up points for free hotels every 6 months. Not sure which one is worth more, booking with FHR or with Hilton. I know Hilton has 5th night free with reward booking. I don't normally transfer airline points since I buy the cheapest tickets I can find. What would be your best suggestion?
To me at least, Aspire is it's own decision (unless you're really trying to cut down on fees). You also have to like their hotels and the value is on the top end / aspirational properties. I would probably look at some Hilton hotels and see what the price / value looks like.
