🐿️ Ive had the premier card for years and its a keeper card for me. Always use the anniversary night for $200+ night so the value is already there. Ive gotten the occasional upgrade but ive valued the late check out a lot!
We recently had our resort fees waived at a Intercontinental for having Platinum status. Aside from that status seems not to matter at any IHG property. So we mainly use them for family stays when we need a bigger room at a Holiday Inn Express for example.
🐿️ I’m a big IHG loyalist for the last 10+ years. Finally got the card in ‘22 and wish I’d gotten it WAY earlier. Besides the perks while at a hotel, the 5x at gas stations adds up really fast.
I got both the business and personal card last September, just one day apart from each other. Idea is to have a solid weekend available (or two airport nights for flying in / out). One interesting thing about IHG that was missed was the fourth night free? I believe that is still a thing. Also, one can easily buy points for under equivalent valuation. So overall, I think it's a good program for this little 🐿
🐿 I've got IHG Platinum through the Chase card and I have no plans for staying enough to get Diamond. For me, the card is totally worth it. I always wind up using the free night for a room that cost more than the annual fee. I've also consistently gotten my points bonus and a thanks for being a Platinum member and Holiday Inn properties in the US. I once got a suite upgrade at a Holiday Inn Express and I didn't even know that that was a thing.
🐿️ surprisingly as platinum member we get a lot of room upgrades. Some noticeable ones were in New York and the Maldives. 4th night free is underrated imo
@@AskSebbyBusiness yeah they were both suites! Kimpton Eventi in New York and a 2 story lagoon suite at the intercontinental Maldives the on my profile picture.
My experience(with platinum status), in the US is what status. When I was in Bali the IHG gave a 20% discount on food and a minimal room upgrade with a better view. At hotel indigo they upgraded me to a suit in the app but when I got there they gave me a slightly bigger regular room. I had to complain multiple times stating the app shows they upgraded me to a suite but they didn't. Finally after enough complaining and speaking to a manager regarding the app showing I was upgraded to a suite they upgraded me and then provided me free breakfast for my 4 nights.
Honestly, IHG is one of the most underrated programs. They have a lot bigger footprint if you are in more rural areas. They are really handy when visiting national parks when there often isn't another major hotel chain in the area.
🐿 desperately want an IHG card for the 4th night free. I feel like it is so much more versatile than the Marriott and Hilton 5th night. Also so sad can't get the IHG select anymore because 4th night free, 10% rebate, and buying IHG points for ~0.50cpp so OP!
Got into IHG a year ago, got both cards. IHG is the GOAT imo. That 4th night free is so valuable especially when you stack pts when they have the double points offers.
🐿️ I use my ihg card primarily for quick overnight stops on roadtrips. I don’t focus on maximizing returns with this program. Just a free night when checking in late .
🐿️ I’ve had the IHG Premier Rewards for a few years now. I’m not crazy about it. Just like you said it’s hard to get an upgrade. I was in Boston recently at the IC Boston, with my family and no upgrade. To be fair the room was still quite nice and overall the service was great. I might move to a different hotel card soon though. Maybe the United Infinite Club card as I live in Denver ( a huge hub for United)
Sweet spot seems to be $20k/year at IC properties: www.flyertalk.com/forum/intercontinental-hotels-ihg-one-rewards-intercontinental-ambassador/1772309-new-ra-qualifying-criteria-based-ic-revenue-310.html
🦫I've had a pretty good experience with the IHG card. I spend quite a few nights in hotels and qualifying for the intro bonus gave me enough points to get about 7 nights paid with points! 😃 Last month I stayed at the Intercontinental on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. It was one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in. Protip... if you see an Avid next to a Holiday Inn Express (both IHG and it happens a lot in the US), usually go with the Avid. Avids are usually more modern in design and amenities.
🐿Great video. I think I'm going for Premier. It looks self- sustainable just for the annual 40k room. It's unfortunate that IHG points aren't more valuable. Where do you stand on buying IHG points at a discounted rate when they're available? Ty.
They run specials a few times a year for 100% with max being $1500 for 150,000 pts + 150,000 bonus. This is a good way to hit minimum spends on other credit cards while also compiling a lot of points for 2 ecosystems. I just got Southwest Biz Performance card which requires $15,000 spend in 9 months so I'll be buying pts the next time offer comes through. But the main benefit to utilize IHG points is to book 4 night stays with pts as the 4th night is free each time. Definitely get more bang for your buck if you can utilize that perk even a few times a year. Not sure any other hotel brand is even close in terms of value with points.
Having the Chase Premier card allows you to tap up the Free Night value with points incase your preferred hotel requires more than the maximum alotment of the Free Night.. I agree with Ryan, there are point sales running atleast 2-3 times per year (Feb-Mar, mid to late November, and occasionally during Jul-Aug). During these sales, you can purchase for as much as 250k (maximum may fluctuate per promotional offering) annually and get a 100% bonus with the points you purchase. A few limitations though are: a. your 20% points purchase discount does not stack up/apply during points sales and will only apply on dates that does not correspond with any ongoing sale; and b. your 4th night free benefit will auto activate so long as you have the exact amount of points needed to cover the first 3 nights, if you do not and book with points + cash, you end up still paying for all 4 nights.
Sebby, I have Amex gold, plat, IHG premier, Hilton Aspire. Do you think it's better to keep a pair like gold + plat or aspire? Aspire has more earning points and I travel a lot. Not a Hilton royalist to be specific. My goal is to just use the CC and save up points for free hotels every 6 months. Not sure which one is worth more, booking with FHR or with Hilton. I know Hilton has 5th night free with reward booking. I don't normally transfer airline points since I buy the cheapest tickets I can find. What would be your best suggestion?
To me at least, Aspire is it's own decision (unless you're really trying to cut down on fees). You also have to like their hotels and the value is on the top end / aspirational properties. I would probably look at some Hilton hotels and see what the price / value looks like.
question here! I'm mostly looking to maximize my spendings looking for a cc that has dinning, gas, and groceries (not necessarily in that order) and this card has 2 of the 3 in 5% . I already have a Sapphire Preferred that I have since April 2023. Do I qualify for the sub? If not, what other hotel cc makes a good fit 🐿🐿
Sapphire Preferred has no bearing on any hotel CC. The only card you can't get as a result of the Sapphire Preferred would be Sapphire Reserve as you can only have one Sapphire at a time (and can only get a SUB every 4 years). The most important thing to focus on with hotel cards is to take account areas that you visit frequently and/or plan to visit over the next year or two and sign up for the lowest card (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, etc) so that you can get SUB's for each card along the way. If you sign up for Marriott Brilliant card first you won't be able to get SUB's for any lower tiered cards. Hilton doesn't currently have family language preventing you from starting with Aspire card yet but most believe it is coming. If you have a hotel brand you prefer that would be another factor to consider obviously but if you don't have one yet then try out a few options and then decide. Lastly, keep in mind the value of the SUB. Boundless is currently only 125k points which isn't great. It's had low offers for almost a year so I would imagine they'll have a good one coming up end of this year or beginning of next year. Hilton honors is at 100k currently which is what I got back in Spring and is good deal considering no annual fee. IHG card has $99 fee but comes with free night and 140k pts which is another good offer. If you spend a lot on restaurants and groceries I'd recommend looking at Amex Green or Amex Gold rather than a hotel card though.
Depends on you obviously! People that love IHG, REALLY love it. I somehow (error on their end?) had Diamond status for a year. My experience was pretty meh (vs. Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist).
It's probably a silly data point to share, but the United Club card also gets you IHG Platinum Elite right away. Plus a $75 IHG annual credit.
🐿️ Ive had the premier card for years and its a keeper card for me. Always use the anniversary night for $200+ night so the value is already there. Ive gotten the occasional upgrade but ive valued the late check out a lot!
We recently had our resort fees waived at a Intercontinental for having Platinum status. Aside from that status seems not to matter at any IHG property. So we mainly use them for family stays when we need a bigger room at a Holiday Inn Express for example.
🐿️ I’m a big IHG loyalist for the last 10+ years. Finally got the card in ‘22 and wish I’d gotten it WAY earlier. Besides the perks while at a hotel, the 5x at gas stations adds up really fast.
Awesome to hear! Yeah, I think it's a no-brainer picking up cards for any chains / brands you're loyal to.
Too bad Costco doesn’t accept Master and I mainly got gas at Costco.
I got both the business and personal card last September, just one day apart from each other. Idea is to have a solid weekend available (or two airport nights for flying in / out). One interesting thing about IHG that was missed was the fourth night free? I believe that is still a thing. Also, one can easily buy points for under equivalent valuation. So overall, I think it's a good program for this little 🐿
🐿 I've got IHG Platinum through the Chase card and I have no plans for staying enough to get Diamond. For me, the card is totally worth it. I always wind up using the free night for a room that cost more than the annual fee. I've also consistently gotten my points bonus and a thanks for being a Platinum member and Holiday Inn properties in the US. I once got a suite upgrade at a Holiday Inn Express and I didn't even know that that was a thing.
All of that for a low annual fee :)
🐿️ surprisingly as platinum member we get a lot of room upgrades. Some noticeable ones were in New York and the Maldives. 4th night free is underrated imo
What room(s) for NY and Maldives? Suites?!
@@AskSebbyBusiness yeah they were both suites! Kimpton Eventi in New York and a 2 story lagoon suite at the intercontinental Maldives the on my profile picture.
My experience(with platinum status), in the US is what status. When I was in Bali the IHG gave a 20% discount on food and a minimal room upgrade with a better view. At hotel indigo they upgraded me to a suit in the app but when I got there they gave me a slightly bigger regular room. I had to complain multiple times stating the app shows they upgraded me to a suite but they didn't. Finally after enough complaining and speaking to a manager regarding the app showing I was upgraded to a suite they upgraded me and then provided me free breakfast for my 4 nights.
with the business card, does your platinum status remain as long as you hold the card?
When I purchased Ambassador last year I was given Diamond as complimentary. As it turns out, many others in a FB great were as well.
Really! Did you have to ask?
Honestly, IHG is one of the most underrated programs. They have a lot bigger footprint if you are in more rural areas. They are really handy when visiting national parks when there often isn't another major hotel chain in the area.
Agreed! Holiday Inns are slept on for roadtrips imo.
Is Chase available outside the US?
🐿 desperately want an IHG card for the 4th night free. I feel like it is so much more versatile than the Marriott and Hilton 5th night. Also so sad can't get the IHG select anymore because 4th night free, 10% rebate, and buying IHG points for ~0.50cpp so OP!
Got into IHG a year ago, got both cards.
IHG is the GOAT imo. That 4th night free is so valuable especially when you stack pts when they have the double points offers.
🐿️ I use my ihg card primarily for quick overnight stops on roadtrips. I don’t focus on maximizing returns with this program. Just a free night when checking in late .
🐿️ I’ve had the IHG Premier Rewards for a few years now. I’m not crazy about it. Just like you said it’s hard to get an upgrade.
I was in Boston recently at the IC Boston, with my family and no upgrade. To be fair the room was still quite nice and overall the service was great.
I might move to a different hotel card soon though.
Maybe the United Infinite Club card as I live in Denver ( a huge hub for United)
Does anyone have Royal Ambassador? How many nights did you stay and how much did you spend?
Sweet spot seems to be $20k/year at IC properties: www.flyertalk.com/forum/intercontinental-hotels-ihg-one-rewards-intercontinental-ambassador/1772309-new-ra-qualifying-criteria-based-ic-revenue-310.html
🦫I've had a pretty good experience with the IHG card. I spend quite a few nights in hotels and qualifying for the intro bonus gave me enough points to get about 7 nights paid with points! 😃
Last month I stayed at the Intercontinental on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. It was one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in.
Protip... if you see an Avid next to a Holiday Inn Express (both IHG and it happens a lot in the US), usually go with the Avid. Avids are usually more modern in design and amenities.
I basically just started with IHG chase rewards card. So I’ll see ! Based off of the comments I see I won’t be disappointed.
🐿Great video. I think I'm going for Premier. It looks self- sustainable just for the annual 40k room. It's unfortunate that IHG points aren't more valuable. Where do you stand on buying IHG points at a discounted rate when they're available? Ty.
They run specials a few times a year for 100% with max being $1500 for 150,000 pts + 150,000 bonus. This is a good way to hit minimum spends on other credit cards while also compiling a lot of points for 2 ecosystems. I just got Southwest Biz Performance card which requires $15,000 spend in 9 months so I'll be buying pts the next time offer comes through. But the main benefit to utilize IHG points is to book 4 night stays with pts as the 4th night is free each time. Definitely get more bang for your buck if you can utilize that perk even a few times a year. Not sure any other hotel brand is even close in terms of value with points.
Having the Chase Premier card allows you to tap up the Free Night value with points incase your preferred hotel requires more than the maximum alotment of the Free Night.. I agree with Ryan, there are point sales running atleast 2-3 times per year (Feb-Mar, mid to late November, and occasionally during Jul-Aug). During these sales, you can purchase for as much as 250k (maximum may fluctuate per promotional offering) annually and get a 100% bonus with the points you purchase. A few limitations though are: a. your 20% points purchase discount does not stack up/apply during points sales and will only apply on dates that does not correspond with any ongoing sale; and b. your 4th night free benefit will auto activate so long as you have the exact amount of points needed to cover the first 3 nights, if you do not and book with points + cash, you end up still paying for all 4 nights.
Sebby, I have Amex gold, plat, IHG premier, Hilton Aspire. Do you think it's better to keep a pair like gold + plat or aspire? Aspire has more earning points and I travel a lot. Not a Hilton royalist to be specific. My goal is to just use the CC and save up points for free hotels every 6 months. Not sure which one is worth more, booking with FHR or with Hilton. I know Hilton has 5th night free with reward booking. I don't normally transfer airline points since I buy the cheapest tickets I can find. What would be your best suggestion?
To me at least, Aspire is it's own decision (unless you're really trying to cut down on fees). You also have to like their hotels and the value is on the top end / aspirational properties. I would probably look at some Hilton hotels and see what the price / value looks like.
W double Sebby upload 😊
858 Kuhic Burgs
900 Braun Courts
Conn Prairie
I recently got approved for the IHG Traveler card and currently in Silver Elite status. How can i upgrade or elevate the status?
Same situation here. I have the IHG Traveler for more than three years now. I am ready to upgrade to the IHG Premier card.
question here! I'm mostly looking to maximize my spendings looking for a cc that has dinning, gas, and groceries (not necessarily in that order) and this card has 2 of the 3 in 5% . I already have a Sapphire Preferred that I have since April 2023. Do I qualify for the sub? If not, what other hotel cc makes a good fit 🐿🐿
Sapphire Preferred has no bearing on any hotel CC. The only card you can't get as a result of the Sapphire Preferred would be Sapphire Reserve as you can only have one Sapphire at a time (and can only get a SUB every 4 years). The most important thing to focus on with hotel cards is to take account areas that you visit frequently and/or plan to visit over the next year or two and sign up for the lowest card (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, etc) so that you can get SUB's for each card along the way. If you sign up for Marriott Brilliant card first you won't be able to get SUB's for any lower tiered cards. Hilton doesn't currently have family language preventing you from starting with Aspire card yet but most believe it is coming. If you have a hotel brand you prefer that would be another factor to consider obviously but if you don't have one yet then try out a few options and then decide. Lastly, keep in mind the value of the SUB. Boundless is currently only 125k points which isn't great. It's had low offers for almost a year so I would imagine they'll have a good one coming up end of this year or beginning of next year. Hilton honors is at 100k currently which is what I got back in Spring and is good deal considering no annual fee. IHG card has $99 fee but comes with free night and 140k pts which is another good offer. If you spend a lot on restaurants and groceries I'd recommend looking at Amex Green or Amex Gold rather than a hotel card though.
Quigley Island
229 McClure Harbor
You earn 26x points at hotels but only 10x are "qualified points" toward status.
Esperanza Ridge
Stracke Forge
635 Hahn Trace
Strosin Station
Dell Glen
Turner Port
Emerald Radial
Rowe Corners
Veronica Cove
Alda Highway
Nolan Island
Effertz Lakes
I think a lot of value comes from the 5th night free
Liliana Rapid
Hmmm. “Not enough juice, for the squeeze“ is weighing on me a bit… Maybe I do need to reevaluate this program. 🤔
Depends on you obviously! People that love IHG, REALLY love it.
I somehow (error on their end?) had Diamond status for a year. My experience was pretty meh (vs. Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist).
@@AskSebbyBusiness😊
Danyka Prairie
Millie Tunnel
Carlie Mountains
Anderson Fields
Emilia Lake
Johnathan Mountains
Funk Wells
Durward Court
Arlene Landing
Friesen Plaza
Robert Forest
Keebler Rapids
Letitia Landing
Miller Flats
Kimpton Inner Circle in shambles
Herman Burgs
Magdalena Dale
Dietrich Street
Joannie Ville
Laurence Cliffs
Stark Flats
2827 Glennie Street
Bins Causeway
Gerhold Rapids
Emely Mountain
Camilla Fall
15373 Kunde Islands
🐿️ I think I’ll pass and just Bonvoy card.
Yep! Bonvoy Brilliant and/or Hilton Aspire make life a LOT easier lol
Benny Stream
Kyra Freeway
8987 Donnelly Passage
316 Gay Burg
Koch Pike
Young Christopher Clark Sarah Harris Helen
Johnson Melissa Rodriguez Ronald Wilson Ruth
Enoch Pike
Jones Scott Jones Sarah Taylor Elizabeth
🐿🐿🐿
🐿
🐿️ 🐿️ 🐿️
🐿️
🐿️🐿️🐿️
5284 Lemke Views
Wiegand Mews
2883 Ewald Mall
28620 Hettinger Ferry
5322 Shields Key
5092 Blair Walks
Macejkovic Fall
52980 Brennan Prairie
Haley Bypass
86077 Swaniawski Bridge
62814 Donald Rapids
Goodwin Mountains
Carli Cove