IHG One Rewards has just launched its newest promotion, which is valid for the first quarter of 2026. Let’s go over the details of the offer, for those with any planned upcoming stays… and be sure to register!
In this post:
IHG One Rewards early 2026 promotion details
For the winter of 2026, IHG One Rewards is offering double points on all stays, starting with the second eligible stay.
As you’d expect, there are some details to be aware of:
- Registration is required, and must occur prior to any eligible stay
- The promotion is valid for stays between January 1 and March 31, 2026
- There is no booking deadline, so nights consumed anytime during the promotion period are eligible, as long as you register in time
- All paid nights booked directly with IHG qualify for this promotion, as long as the nightly rate is at least $30 (award nights don’t qualify)
- The promotion kicks in starting with the second eligible stay, so the first stay earns points at the normal rate
- There’s no limit to how many bonus points you can earn with this promotion
How lucrative is this IHG One Rewards promotion?
IHG One Rewards members ordinarily earn the following return on spending at IHG properties (for what it’s worth, I value IHG points at 0.5 cents each):
- IHG offers 10x points per dollar spent at most brands, and 5x points per dollar spent at Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites
- IHG members receive bonus points — Silver members receive a 20% bonus, Gold members receive a 40% bonus, Platinum members receive a 60% bonus, and Diamond members receive a 100% bonus
- If you pay with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (review) or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (review), you earn 10x bonus points per dollar spent
With this promotion, at most brands you’d earn 10x bonus points starting with your second stay. So if you were earning double points, paying with the right co-branded credit card, and had Diamond status, you’d be earning 40x points per dollar spent on eligible stays, which is solid, as I value that at a 20% return on spending.
Bottom line
IHG One Rewards has just launched its Q1 2026 promotion. With this, registered members can earn double points starting with their second stay, with no cap on how many bonus points can be earned.
This has the potential to be a lucrative offer, and IHG is now leading the industry when it comes to the quality of promotions. Unfortunately I don’t find the program to be terribly interesting otherwise, but this is at least a good incentive to stay at IHG properties.
What do you make of IHG One Rewards’ new global promotion?
I can't speak for Ben but I agree that IHG has some great properties and that between being Diamond and Ambassador there is real value to be had. The problem is a lack of coverage so its hard to make them your main brand.
That said anyone traveling to places where they have a presence, particularly one of their historic Intercontinental, is likely to experience a real treat. The Le Grand in Paris for example.
Chase quietly added a $250 credit on reserve to IHG and a handful of other groups for 2026
Happy New Year! We made it through 2025!
Just wondering what is not exciting to you Ben re IHG hotels generally?
I am personally a big fan of IC, Kimpton, and Hotel Indigo - I find them to be lovely hotels, and the IC Thalasso Bora Bora is my favorite hotel in the world. Additionally, the 4th night free on points redemptions (with Chase card), weekend free night at IC with Ambassador (great for suites),...
Happy New Year! We made it through 2025!
Just wondering what is not exciting to you Ben re IHG hotels generally?
I am personally a big fan of IC, Kimpton, and Hotel Indigo - I find them to be lovely hotels, and the IC Thalasso Bora Bora is my favorite hotel in the world. Additionally, the 4th night free on points redemptions (with Chase card), weekend free night at IC with Ambassador (great for suites), and consistent at least moderate upgrades as a Diamond/Ambassador keep me coming back year after year.
How is the Thalasso Bora Bora with upgrades for Diamond Ambassadors when they use points? For example if you use a weekend free night to book into a better room, followed by 4 nights on points do they tend to let you keep the room if there's space?
I stayed there for 7 nights on points in January (granted it was Covid times) and they upgraded us 2 categories from the base room. I was Platinum then but Diamond now. They are all overwater villas there, so in my opinion even the base room is A-OK. Award availability can be spotty there with points but sometimes they do release a batch. I liked it better than the Conrad where we also stayed. But...
I stayed there for 7 nights on points in January (granted it was Covid times) and they upgraded us 2 categories from the base room. I was Platinum then but Diamond now. They are all overwater villas there, so in my opinion even the base room is A-OK. Award availability can be spotty there with points but sometimes they do release a batch. I liked it better than the Conrad where we also stayed. But anywhere in Bora Bora is going to be beautiful!
Haven’t tried using the ambassador weekend night thrre. I used it at the Mark Hopkins in SF to book a suite and that was a great deal to me. This year I’m using it at IC Sydney for an Opera View suite and am excited for that :)