Having hotel status is one of the best and easiest ways to bring your vacation to the next level. IHG is a fantastic hotel chain that can provide lots of value for travelers, especially those on a budget. Of course, it’s membership program is known as IHG Rewards Club.
The Points Guy has similar posts that assume values for hotel statuses from different chains. But it’s inherently unfair to peg values for each level because everyone’s mileage may vary. Therefore, this post simply explains what you can get at each level.
Club
This level is where everyone starts out when creating their IHG account. There are no spend or stay requirements and anyone over 18 can join. Club level does not provide many perks, but it’s a start. Free internet, exclusive rates, and a dedicated customer service line are the highlights of Club membership.
Gold
Gold is the lowest earned level of status. You must either earn 10,000 Elite Qualifying Points or stay 10 nights to earn this level. IHG Gold is akin to Marriott Silver Elite Status and Hilton Silver Elite Status.
Gold Status gives you the following additional perks:
Bonus Points
You will receive a 10% points bonus on all IHG purchases with your Gold Status. That’s one extra point for every dollar spent. This is a nice boost especially for those who have just been promoted from Club Status
Also, Gold Status is the first level where points do not expire. Basic Club members are subject to points expiring, but those with status are immune.
Priority Check In & Extended Check Out
These perks give Gold members the option to check in early and check out late. Unlike Hyatt, there are no set times and the perks are subject to availability. It never hurts to ask the front desk, but your mileage may vary.
Platinum
The perks start to get better when you hit Platinum Status. You must either earn 40,000 Elite Qualifying Points or stay 40 nights in a calendar year to get there. Applying for the Chase IHG Premier Card is the easiest way to obtain this level of status. That’s because the card offers it as a complimentary perk. The IHG Card has an $89 annual fee and some nice ways to earn more points.
Platinum Status gives you all the points and perks from Gold Status plus the following:
Bonus Points
Platinum members will receive a 50% points bonus on all IHG purchases. That’s an extra five points per dollar spent.
Complimentary Room Upgrades
Platinum members can upgrade their room to a preferred room. The extent of the upgrade is up to the individual hotel. But most hotels exclude suites for Platinum members.
Guaranteed Availability
Members at this level are guaranteed a paid room if they book 72 hours in advance. This is nice to avoid blackouts and other people potentially taking your room.
Spire
Spire is the top level of IHG Rewards Club Status. You must earn 75,000 Base Points or stay 75 nights in a calendar year to earn this level. Spire Status gives you all the points and perks from Platinum Status plus the following:
Bonus Points
Spire members will receive a 100% points bonus on IHG purchases, double that of Platinum members. That’s an extra 10 points per dollar spent.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star Upgrade
This benefit is nice for renting cars through Hertz. IHG Spire members can upgrade their Hertz Gold status to Hertz Five Star Status. The higher status lets you upgrade your car rental by one class and earn additional points.
Benefit of Your Choice
Upon achieving Spire Status, IHG gives you a choice of two benefits: 25,000 bonus points or gifting Platinum Status to a family member.
While Platinum status is valuable, you can achieve it by getting the IHG Premier Card. If you have a loved one who is credit (or annual fee averse), gifting the status is the better option.
Otherwise, take the bonus points if you don’t know anyone who could use the status.
Final Draw
While IHG won’t provide you with the luxury perks of other hotel chains, it is still a nice status pyramid to climb. Budget travelers especially can receive lots of value with their IHG Rewards Club Status.
Consider how often you’re traveling and how loyal you are to any hotel chain before deciding to go for a higher status. Your mileage may vary.
If you stay at Holiday Inn Express, you will receive free breakfast, even in Waikiki.
Some employers require you to stay at IHG on business trips, as it’s usually the cheapest brand that isn’t a slap in the face. In this case, their loyalty scheme is pretty ideal: no perks but tons of points. This makes sense, because a business traveler doesn’t care about free breakfast if the company is paying for it anyway, but does appreciate a free room for vacations.