In the miles & points world, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt, seem to be the loyalty programs that get the most attention. However, IHG One Rewards is also potentially worth a look, given the group’s large hotel footprint, plus reasonably compelling loyalty program.
In this post, I want to take a closer look at the benefits of IHG One Rewards Platinum status, which is the program’s upper mid-tier status (I’ve separately written a guide about IHG One Rewards Diamond status). How do you earn the status, what are the benefits of being a member, and is it worth it?
In this post:
How to earn IHG One Rewards Platinum status
There are several ways to earn IHG One Rewards Platinum status — you can earn it based on the number of nights you stay, you can earn it based on how much qualifying spending you have at IHG properties, you can earn it by having a co-branded credit card, or you can even (indirectly) buy it outright.
Earning IHG Platinum status with hotel stays
IHG One Rewards Platinum status can be earned either based on the number of nights you stay or the number of qualifying points you earn, as follows:
- Stay 40 qualifying nights in a calendar year; even award nights count toward that total
- Earn 60,000 qualifying points in a calendar year; you ordinarily earn 10x base points per dollar spent, so you’d earn that after spending $6,000 at most IHG brands
Earning IHG Platinum status with credit cards
IHG has three co-branded credit cards, and two of them offer Platinum status just for being a cardmember. This includes the following two cards:
There’s no spending requirement, but rather this benefit applies for as long as you keep one of these cards open. Given all the awesome perks these cards offer, plus their low annual fees of under $100, this could be an excellent reason to pick up an IHG card.
On top of that, the United Club℠ Infinite Card (review) also offers IHG Platinum status for as long as you’re a cardmember.
Buying IHG Platinum status via Ambassador
Separate from the IHG One Rewards program, there’s also the InterContinental Ambassador program, offering perks at InterContinental and Six Senses properties. This is a paid program that costs either $225 or 45,000 points per year, depending on whether you want to pay cash or redeem points.
If you buy Ambassador status, you automatically also get IHG Platinum status, so it’s pretty affordable to just buy the status outright. Still, I’d of course prefer to earn it via a credit card, if possible.
IHG One Rewards Platinum status benefits
With the requirements to earn status out of the way, what are the benefits of IHG One Rewards Platinum status? Below are the benefits and perks, roughly in the order in which I value them (I’m putting Milestone Rewards at the end, because the value is so dependent on how much you stay and how you earn your status).
60% IHG bonus points
IHG Platinum status offers a 60% points bonus on all eligible stays. Since you ordinarily earn 10x IHG points per dollar spent at most IHG brands, you’d earn an extra 6x points per dollar spent, which will make your points add up quickly. This is in addition to any points earned through IHG One Rewards promotions.
Room upgrades (subject to availability)
IHG Platinum members are entitled to room upgrades, subject to availability at check-in:
- Upgrades are offered up to standard suites, though this is at the hotel’s discretion; that’s to say that a hotel doesn’t have to make a suite available for an upgrade, even if it’s empty
- Unfortunately many IHG properties aren’t great about proactive upgrades; however, hotels are coached to confirm upgrades up to 48 hours before arrival, though that doesn’t mean it always happens
Personally I wouldn’t count on a suite upgrade as a Platinum member, though hopefully you receive some sort of an upgrade if there’s availability. No matter what, it can’t hurt to ask at check-in.
Welcome amenity at check-in
IHG Platinum members are entitled to a welcome amenity at check-in. This could include bonus points or a drink or snack, though the exact details will vary by brand, region, etc. Don’t get too excited, this will probably be worth $10 at most.
Reward night discounts
IHG Platinum members get access to award night discount promotions several times per year. There’s no specific timeline with which this happens, though a few times per year we see brief periods where you can get a 15-20% discount on awards. Since IHG has dynamic award pricing, there’s definitely value to redeeming during these promotions.
Early check-in & late check-out (subject to availability)
IHG Platinum members receive early check-in (no exact cutoff specified) and late check-out (as late as 2PM). The catch is that this is subject to availability, so it isn’t guaranteed as it is with some other hotel groups. Don’t count on this being granted, though it’s something you can definitely ask for.
Guaranteed room availability
IHG Platinum members get guaranteed room night availability when booking at least 72 hours in advance. This could come in handy if you’re trying to book at a sold out hotel, but expect that you’ll pay a very high rate for this privilege.
The main issue is that this benefit doesn’t apply “during special events that result in extraordinary room demand, as determined solely by the hotel.” That would typically be the time when something like this would be most valuable.
Access to Milestone Rewards program
Arguably the most exciting aspect of the new IHG One Rewards program is Milestone Rewards, which is only somewhat tied to elite status. With Milestone Rewards, members can be rewarded for every 10 elite nights they earn in a calendar year, starting at 20 elite nights and all the way up to 100 elite nights. Potential rewards include confirmed suite upgrades, club lounge passes, food & beverage vouchers, and more.
At 20 elite nights, IHG members can choose one of the following:
- 5,000 bonus IHG points
- Two food & beverage rewards worth $20 each
- A confirmable suite upgrade
At 30 elite nights, IHG members can choose one of the following:
- 5,000 bonus IHG points
- Two food & beverage rewards worth $20 each
At 40 elite nights, IHG members can choose two of the following:
- 10,000 bonus IHG points
- Five food & beverage rewards worth $20 each
- A confirmable suite upgrade (limit one)
- An annual lounge membership (limit one)
At both 50 and 60 elite nights, IHG members can choose one of the following:
- 10,000 bonus IHG points
- Five food & beverage rewards worth $20 each
At 60 elite nights, IHG members can choose one of the following:
- 10,000 bonus IHG points
- Five food & beverage rewards worth $20 each
At 70 elite nights, IHG members can choose two of the following:
- 10,000 bonus IHG points
- Five food & beverage rewards worth $20 each
- A confirmable suite upgrade (limit one)
- An annual lounge membership (limit one)
At 80, 90, and 100 elite nights, IHG members can choose one of the following:
- 10,000 bonus IHG points
- Five food & beverage rewards worth $20 each
These are almost without a doubt the most valuable elite perks offered by IHG One Rewards. Confirmed suite upgrades can each be used for a stay of up to five nights, while an annual lounge membership gets you club lounge access for an entire year.
Is IHG One Rewards Platinum status worth it?
As far as mid and upper tier hotel status goes, I think that IHG Platinum status is among the weakest out there, at least if you take out Milestone Rewards. There’s no guaranteed late check-out, no free breakfast, and hotels have a lot of discretion with upgrades.
The value of the program really starts to increase if you earn Milestone Rewards, since you can already earn a confirmed suite upgrade after just 20 elite nights in a year. For example, if you earn 40 elite nights in a year, you’d receive club lounge access for the entire year, plus two confirmed suite upgrade. That’s huge value right there.
If you stay at IHG properties with any frequencies, then earning IHG Platinum status with the IHG Premier Card or IHG Premier Business Card makes perfect sense, as these cards are well worth it for the anniversary free night certificates alone.
If you frequently stay at InterContinental and Six Senses properties, there’s separately the InterContinental Ambassador program, as I mentioned above. This is a paid membership program that offers additional perks at these properties, somewhat separate from the IHG One Rewards program.
But I think there are some other compelling options out there — if you’re actually pursuing status through nights, I might consider something like World of Hyatt Globalist. Top tier Hilton Honors Diamond is also worth considering, since you can get that status simply for having the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express (review). Similarly, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum can be earned by holding onto the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (review).
The information and associated card details on this page for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by OMAAT and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
IHG One Rewards is a pretty compelling program, and Platinum status is probably the most popular status with the program, as it’s offered as a perk of the IHG Premier Card and IHG Premier Business Card.
IHG Platinum status is better than nothing, and offers 60% bonus points, room upgrades, and a welcome amenity. Unfortunately it lacks some of the guaranteed perks that you get with some other programs, but those can be unlocked with Milestone Rewards, which potentially offers perks like confirmed suite upgrades, club access, and more.
If you’re an IHG One Rewards Platinum member, what has your experience been with the status?
"Welcome amenity at check-in"
I have been Diamond / Platinum now for a few years and my main problem is the "Welcome amenity"
If I stay one night I get one voucher for a "small beer", if I stay 2 weeks I still get one voucher for a small beer, Its silly and insulting really
Ben, technology issue
Using iPhone. Every time I click on Like in comments, I get sent back to top of the article. So I have scroll down back to end and click on comment button. Any idea if the is on my end or yours?
Thanks. And as always. Best to Miles!
Yes, better than nothing. I've been Platinum since the Before Times, but just reverted to Gold. I've consistently been upgraded to a suite in one HI and rarely in another in the same city (the 'not' one is the more convenient). Amenity, yup, late check-out when I've asked and occasionally proactively. So far. So I'm happy with it.
I have the option of a one-off upgrade to Platinum from Virgin Australia status (or Hilton Diamond...
Yes, better than nothing. I've been Platinum since the Before Times, but just reverted to Gold. I've consistently been upgraded to a suite in one HI and rarely in another in the same city (the 'not' one is the more convenient). Amenity, yup, late check-out when I've asked and occasionally proactively. So far. So I'm happy with it.
I have the option of a one-off upgrade to Platinum from Virgin Australia status (or Hilton Diamond - I'm already Gold and rarely use Hilton properties here so no contest). Otherwise I'd consider IC Ambassador.
Too bad Hilton not good for you. Hiltons Diamond much better, IMOl
I enjoy my Ambassador membership even it’s just once a year for the weekend 2 4 1 so far I’ve been able to renew using points - had a bunch from cc sub and various earning. Also get two cc free nights Best Wishes
Safe travels
I'll say this for IHG. They're remarkably consistent with delivering benefits. Welcome amenity? Yup. 14:00 check-out? Always, or a proactive apology that XYZ is the best they can do. As for upgrades, ironically, HIEX properties seem to try the hardest, especially if they have "suites." If you're not Ambassador, ICs are stingy.
as usual the perks in Europe are much better than in the States. Got an awesome suite upgrade at Salzburg and executive room in Switzarland. In the US there are times where I am not even acknowledged
Holiday Inns were my asperational stay growing up in the '50s and 60' I'm an Ambassador for years Love your pictures from the Park Lane InterContinental, London! beautiful Club Lounge One stay I got upgraded to the bilevel Londn Suite.
I've enjoyed Ambassador wekend in London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo (ANA & The Strings), SFO Mark Hopkins (Upgrade to Suite with Outdoor Terrace), NY Times Square (booked room with no upgrade so got free...
Holiday Inns were my asperational stay growing up in the '50s and 60' I'm an Ambassador for years Love your pictures from the Park Lane InterContinental, London! beautiful Club Lounge One stay I got upgraded to the bilevel Londn Suite.
I've enjoyed Ambassador wekend in London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo (ANA & The Strings), SFO Mark Hopkins (Upgrade to Suite with Outdoor Terrace), NY Times Square (booked room with no upgrade so got free room service breakfast), Both LA ICs, & Staycations at the Willard and new IC@Wharf :-)
Also have the Credit Card + the old Car with free room for just $49 Annual Fee
Haven't really noticed the Platinum Bennies
At my local Intercontinental in California, as an Ambassador, I am getting upgraded rooms for every stay. It helps to be a repeat guest too.
I like the guaranteed 4pm check out as an Ambassador, that is super convenient for personal stays.
The value of the drink voucher varies by property. I had been offered any drink that is on the menu on some occasions. It’s not a big but nice benefit.
Lucky is just completely out of touch, and disconnected from what actual travelers deal with.
I think Ben is aiming at a subset of “actual travelers” who he is “in touch” with ;-)
While similar on paper, I've had much better experiences with IHG Platinum compared to Hyatt Explorist or Marriott Gold or Hilton Gold (other than the breakfast benefits which has been much depreciated). Stayed as Hyatt Explorist multiple times and had absolutely received nothing other than the much lower bonus points percentage than IHG Platinum.
When you stay in Asia or África any status is great. The question is who want to stay at IHG properties? Not for someone looking for aspirational properties…more for someone looking for a cheap bed to sleep.
"Better Than Nothing"
Step aside, IHG marketing department. Great new tagline just dropped.
Maybe I'm just lucky but as an IHG Platinum staying primarily in Africa and Asia, I almost always get very good upgrades (including speciality rooms and suites). Late checkout is also proactively offered most of the time. The only challenge is that hotels often default to giving the welcome drink amenity rather than the points, so I sometimes need to specifically ask about that and turn down the voucher they hand with the keycard.
Not...
Maybe I'm just lucky but as an IHG Platinum staying primarily in Africa and Asia, I almost always get very good upgrades (including speciality rooms and suites). Late checkout is also proactively offered most of the time. The only challenge is that hotels often default to giving the welcome drink amenity rather than the points, so I sometimes need to specifically ask about that and turn down the voucher they hand with the keycard.
Not quite Hilton Gold, but definitely a step up above Bonvoy status at the mid-levels.
Wanted to point out one additional way to receive IHG Platinum status: you can just buy it outright, as it comes with IHG Ambassador status ($225 or 45,000 points for a year).
To share my data point: I currently have Platinum status, and while I rarely stay with IHG, I've had pretty decent luck with upgrades - at Staybridge and Candlewood Suites, of all brands - where I often book a standard studio room and...
Wanted to point out one additional way to receive IHG Platinum status: you can just buy it outright, as it comes with IHG Ambassador status ($225 or 45,000 points for a year).
To share my data point: I currently have Platinum status, and while I rarely stay with IHG, I've had pretty decent luck with upgrades - at Staybridge and Candlewood Suites, of all brands - where I often book a standard studio room and get upgraded to a 1-bedroom suite, sometimes even proactively (as was the case with my most recent Staybridge stay a couple months ago). I've been less fortunate at Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza properties, even when they've had suites available, but I also don't think I ever really pushed for an upgrade at those brands. Not much experience with other IHG brands, so can't comment on them. (US traveler here.)
@ Chris_W -- Great point about Ambassador, I just updated the post to reflect that. Thanks!
Yes! I've used my CC free night at Staybridge and got the upgrade!
I’ve been a Platinum member for about two years and in about 20 different stays in Europe and Asia, I’ve got a room upgrade (including suites) every single time (except at Holiday Inn Express properties since they don’t have suites). I’ve even got welcome room amenities at several properties. Overall I’m very satisfied with this status and I’ve found IHG hotels (at least outside of the US) to be consistently very good.