IHG Relaunches Loyalty Program as IHG One Rewards

For many years, the loyalty program of IHG Hotels & Resorts was relatively uncompetitive when it came to status perks. Its former IHG Rewards program was fine as a program for accumulating points and burning them for free nights – especially back in the days of PointBreaks. But the benefits of IHG elite status were largely underwhelming – particularly at the higher tiers.

This has now changed. Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) has overhauled its loyalty program, and the changes go beyond just a new name in “IHG One Rewards”.

After teasing major changes to its loyalty program in January, the new IHG One Rewards program is now live and the changes appear better than expected.

There haven’t been any changes to the way points are redeemed since IHG introduced dynamic reward night pricing in 2020. Instead, the biggest changes coming with the launch of IHG One Rewards concern elite status qualification and benefits.

The new criteria for earning status with IHG have already come into effect, and the new IHG One Rewards status benefits will be implemented in early June 2022. At a minimum, all existing IHG Rewards members will retain their current status level until next year.

New IHG One Rewards status tiers

As part of the new IHG One Rewards program, IHG has added a new “Silver Elite” status tier between the base-level Club and Gold Elite membership. At the same time, it has become harder to earn Gold Elite status.

IHG’s former top-tier “Spire Elite” status has also been renamed as Diamond Elite – perhaps to make the name less confusing.

IHG status can still be earned either by staying a minimum number of nights at IHG hotel brands or by earning a minimum number of qualifying points during a calendar year. However, the thresholds have changed.

These are the new IHG One Rewards status qualification thresholds:

• Silver Elite (new tier): 10 nights
• Gold Elite: 20 nights or 40,000 points (previously 10 nights or 10,000 points)
• Platinum Elite: 40 nights or 60,000 points (previously 40 nights or 40,000 points)
• Diamond Elite: 70 nights or 120,000 points (previously 75 nights or 75,000 points for Spire Elite)

Notably, it has now become a lot harder to earn IHG status based on qualifying points. It is also not possible to earn the new Silver Elite status tier on qualifying points – only nights.

Changes to IHG One Rewards status benefits

There have been a few changes to the benefits offered at each tier.

Interestingly, late checkout until 2pm (subject to availability) is now being offered even to Club members with no status at all. This was previously only available to Gold Elite members and above.

The number of bonus points earned at most tier levels has increased, while IHG has introduced a new Reward Night Discount benefit for Platinum and Diamond members. Diamond members will also soon have access to a dedicated phone support line.

Perhaps one of the most exciting new benefits for Diamond Elite members is the option for free breakfast at most IHG brands, instead of the usual welcome points or drink. Unfortunately, Gold Elite members will no longer be given any welcome amenity at all.

Here’s a summary of the new IHG One Rewards elite status benefits, which take effect from June 2022:

Club member benefits (base level)

• Exclusive member rates
• Late check-out to 2pm (subject to availability)
• Free internet

Silver Elite benefits

• All Club benefits
• 20% bonus points
• Points do not expire

Gold Elite benefits

• All Silver benefits
• 40% bonus points
• Rollover nights for next year’s status

Platinum Elite benefits

• All Gold Elite benefits
• 60% bonus points
• Choice of welcome  amenity (drink or points)
• Reward night discounts
• Complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability)
• Guaranteed room availability
• Early check-in (subject to availability)

Diamond Elite benefits

• All Platinum Elite benefits
• 100% bonus points
• Option for free breakfast (instead of welcome points or drink) at most brands
• Dedicated Diamond support
• Complimentary Hertz Five Star status

All upgrades, as well as the late check-out and early check-in benefits, unfortunately remain subject to availability – even for top-tier Diamond Elite members.

Milestone Rewards

While the changes so far aren’t all that revolutionary, IHG has also added another facet to its status tiers which is perhaps the most interesting part of its new IHG One Rewards program.

After staying 20 nights in a calendar year, IHG One Rewards members can now choose from a selection of Milestone Rewards. From 20 nights, a new Milestone Reward is then available for every additional 10 nights stayed per year, up to 100 nights. Upon reaching 40 or 70 nights (the thresholds for reaching Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite status), members can even select two Milestone Rewards.

Here are the Milestone Rewards as listed on the IHG website:

The new Milestone Rewards offers will go live in June 2022. After earning a Milestone Reward, you would need to select your preferred choice within 90 days (or it will be forfeited).

Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: New IHG Rewards structure from March 2022

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.