IHG’s new bonus points promotion has 2 paths: Here’s how to pick the best one
Editor's Note
One of the most satisfying ways to earn points is to take advantage of hotel promotions. Luckily, registration is open for a new IHG One Rewards promotion that will let you choose whether to earn 2,000 points every two nights or 8,000 points every four nights.
This new IHG promotion is valid for nights between May 20 and Aug. 31, but enrollment is already open. Here's what you need to know.
IHG bonus points promotion
You can register here for the new IHG bonus points promotion. However, consider your upcoming stays before you register, as you'll need to choose one of the following bonus points paths: 2,000 points every two nights or 8,000 points every four nights.
You must register before completing your first qualifying stay, and you can't change your bonus points path after you register. Here's how the bonus points break down for each option based on how many qualifying nights you stay between May 20 and Aug. 31:
| Qualifying nights stayed between May 20 and Aug. 31 | Bonus points if you selected 2,000 points every two nights | Bonus points if you selected 8,000 points every four nights |
|---|---|---|
1 | 0 | 0 |
2 | 2,000 | 0 |
3 | 2,000 | 0 |
4 | 4,000 | 8,000 |
5 | 4,000 | 8,000 |
6 | 6,000 | 8,000 |
7 | 6,000 | 8,000 |
8 | 8,000 | 16,000 |
9 | 8,000 | 16,000 |
10 | 10,000 | 16,000 |
11 | 10,000 | 16,000 |
12 | 12,000 | 24,000 |
As you can see in the above chart, you should choose the 2,000 points every two nights option if you plan to stay three or fewer qualifying nights with IHG between May 20 and Aug. 31. But if you plan to stay four or more qualifying nights during this period, you'll come out ahead with the 8,000 points every four nights option.
The promotion terms and conditions specifically state there's no cap on the number of bonus points you can earn.
For this promotion, IHG defines a qualifying stay as one night or longer that's booked under a qualifying rate for more than $30 per night. Nights outside May 20 to Aug. 31 — or those that are part of a stay you complete before registering for this promotion — don't count. So, make sure you register for whichever option you believe is best for you before completing your first stay during the promotion.
Reward nights (including those booked with anniversary night certificates or IHG points), points and cash stays, and stays booked through online travel agencies aren't eligible. Finally, each member can earn points through this promotion on only one room per night, and the bonus points you earn won't count toward qualifying for IHG elite status.
Related: Which credit card should you use for IHG stays?
Bottom line
Unlike most hotel promotions, this IHG bonus points promotion isn't one that you should register for until you have a good idea of how many qualifying nights you'll stay during the offer period.
However, once you determine how many qualifying nights you'll likely stay, it's best to select the 8,000 points every four nights option if you'll have at least four qualifying nights between May 20 and Aug. 31. Otherwise, if you expect to stay three or fewer qualifying nights during the promotion period, select the option for 2,000 points every two nights.
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