If you’re a weekend warrior hitting the road with kids in tow, chances are you’ve stayed at an IHG property—even if you didn’t realize it. From the family-friendly Holiday Inn Express to the upscale Kimpton Hotels, IHG’s vast portfolio spans over 6,000 properties worldwide. With the IHG One Rewards family travel program, families can look to maximize value and comfort on short getaways. But how does their IHG One Rewards program stack up for families looking to maximize value and comfort on short getaways?
🏨 What is IHG One Rewards?
IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program of the InterContinental Hotels Group, covering brands like:
- Holiday Inn & Holiday Inn Express – Great for families with free breakfast and reliable amenities.
- Staybridge Suites & Candlewood Suites – Perfect for longer stays with kitchenettes.
- Kimpton Hotels – Boutique style with surprisingly family-friendly perks (think free bikes and a nightly wine hour for parents).
- Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, Crowne Plaza – More urban and upscale, but still useful for city weekenders.
👍 Pros for Families Using IHG One Rewards Family Travel
✅ Kids Stay and Eat Free
At many Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express locations, kids under 12 stay and eat free, which can add up to major savings over a few nights. This is one of the standout features of IHG One Rewards family travel, making it a go-to for budget-conscious parents.
✅ Free Breakfast = Family Gold
IHG brands like Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites offer complimentary hot breakfasts, saving you time and money while keeping picky eaters satisfied. It’s the kind of perk that turns a good stay into a great one for families.
✅ Points Nights Start Low
You can redeem reward nights for as little as 5,000–10,000 points (especially with PointBreaks promos), making it easier to snag weekend stays using fewer points—perfect for short IHG One Rewards family travel getaways.
✅ Wide Geographic Coverage
Whether you’re heading to the beach, a national park, or grandma’s house, IHG likely has a property nearby. That flexibility is a huge win for IHG One Rewards family travel, especially for spontaneous weekend trips.
✅ Elite Benefits with Real Perks
Once you hit Platinum Elite status (which you can shortcut with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card), you’ll enjoy benefits like:
- Complimentary room upgrades (hello, extra space)
- Late checkout—crucial with kids!
- Welcome snacks or points at check-in
👎 Drawbacks for Families in IHG One Rewards Family Travel
❌ No Pool? No Thanks.
While many IHG properties have pools, it’s not guaranteed—always double-check before booking, especially if your kids are counting on splash time.
❌ Inconsistent Property Quality
IHG has a wide range of properties, and not all are created equal. Some Holiday Inns feel fresh and modern; others might feel stuck in the early 2000s.
❌ Limited Luxury Aspirations
IHG doesn’t have the same aspirational luxury footprint as Marriott or Hyatt. If you’re looking to redeem points for a bucket-list resort stay, options are limited.
💳 Should You Get the IHG Credit Card? A Guide to IHG One Rewards Family Travel Benefits
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers:
- A free night certificate each year (worth up to 40,000 points)
- Automatic Platinum Elite status
- Big intro bonuses often worth 3–5 free nights
- Fourth night free when redeeming points
For families taking 2–3 trips a year, this card can pay for itself with just one weekend stay and can really elevate your IHG One Rewards family travel experience.
✨ Final Verdict for Families: Why Holiday Inn Express Is a Smart Choice for IHG One Rewards Family Travel
IHG One Rewards family travel is all about convenience, value, and flexibility. If your trips often revolve around reliable hotels with free breakfast and kid-friendly perks, IHG is a solid, practical choice that fits the weekend warrior lifestyle.
🔗 Official IHG Resources
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Learn about the benefits of the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, including earning points on everyday purchases and enjoying travel perks.
- IHG One Rewards Program Overview: This is the official page detailing membership benefits, earning and redeeming points, and tier levels.
- Family-Friendly Hotels: IHG offers a variety of family-friendly amenities designed to keep your little ones entertained and happy during your stay.
- IHG One Rewards Membership Benefits: Explore the benefits available at different membership levels, including earning bonus points and redeeming them for reward nights.
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