When travellers ask, “How are points calculated for IHG?” The short answer is that you receive the points depending on the amount spent on eligible room rates, the hotel brand selected, and whether you have attained elite status or possess an IHG co-branded credit card. Most loyalty programs tend to be more than a hundred percent.” Thus, the mathematics behind IHG points is more about the evolving skills in using those points for free nights, upgrades, and cash value.
So, let’s break it down step by step and clear the mystery behind those little numbers stacking up in your account.
The Core Formula: Base Points
The simplest way to think of points is that they are accrued from the room rate (excluding tax and other fees). The basic points accumulation rate is one point for each one US dollar spent on most IHG hotels, which include very well-known names such as InterContinental, Holiday Inn, and Crowne Plaza.
When staying at an extended-stay brand such as Staybridge Suites or Candlewood Suites, you get 5 points for each USD 1 spent. These types of properties charge somewhat lower rates per night and correspondingly lower points because of their long-term-stay nature.
Example:
- $200 room at a Holiday Inn = 2,000 base points.
- $200 room at a Staybridge Suites = 1,000 base points.
That’s your foundation, and from here, the bonuses kick in.
Elite Status: Where the Math Gets More Fun
IHG rewards loyalty, and elite members get a nice boost on their stays:
- Silver Elite: +20% bonus
- Gold Elite: +40% bonus
- Platinum Elite: +60% bonus
- Diamond Elite: +100% bonus
Imagine booking a $300 room at a Voco hotel:
- Base points: 3,000
- If you’re Platinum Elite (+60%): 1,800 bonus points
- Total = 4,800 points
That’s the kind of math we like—bonus points for just showing up with a shiny elite badge.
Extra Credit: Other Ways Points Are Calculated
The base rate is only part of the equation. IHG offers multiple ways to stack points on top:
1. Co-Branded Credit Cards
IHG partners with Chase to offer co-branded cards that let you earn points beyond hotel stays. Depending on the card, you can get:
- Bonus points on IHG stays (up to 26 points per $1 when combined with membership and status).
- Extra points on everyday spending like restaurants, gas stations, or travel.
- Automatic elite status, which means you earn more on every stay without lifting a finger.
2. Milestone Rewards
A stay of at least 20 qualifying nights in a calendar year is required to obtain the Milestone Rewards. According to this scheme, every 10 nights will earn you a reward of bonus points or suite upgrades, or annual lounge membership options. Think of it like bingo, but the prizes are way better.
3. Partner Benefits
IHG collaborates with brands like Hertz (car rentals) and Grubhub (food delivery). That means your pizza or road trip can actually contribute to your next hotel stay. It’s a win-win—unless you forget the breadsticks.
4. Buying Points
If you happen to be short on points, you can purchase points right from IHG. Promotional offers have included a 100% bonus, which means you can effectively double the points through purchase. The only caution being—only purchase points when the value received in redemption exceeds the purchase price.
What Are IHG Points Worth?
Now that we’ve answered how IHG points are calculated, the next logical question is: what are they worth?
On average, IHG points are valued at about 0.5 cents each. That means:
- 10,000 points ≈ $50 in value.
- 30,000 points ≈ $150 in value.
Of course, the value can stretch higher depending on the redemption strategy. Booking a luxury InterContinental during peak pricing with points can often deliver more than the baseline 0.5 cents per point. On the other hand, redeeming at low-demand properties might yield less value.
Practical Examples of Point Calculations
Let’s tie it all together with a few quick scenarios:
- Scenario 1: A basic member books a $200 stay at a Holiday Inn → 2,000 points.
- Scenario 2: A Gold Elite guest books a $400 stay at a Voco hotel → 4,000 base + 1,600 bonus = 5,600 total points.
- Scenario 3: A $500 stay at Staybridge Suites for a Platinum Elite → 2,500 base + 1,500 bonus = 4,000 points.
By comparing stays across brands and tiers, you can clearly see how status and hotel choice directly impact your point balance.
Why Understanding the Math Matters
Some travellers check out of a hotel and never think twice about how many points they’ve earned. But when you ask, How are IHG points calculated, you’re already ahead of the game. Knowing the breakdown helps you:
- Predict your rewards and set redemption goals.
- Compare the value of paying with cash vs. points.
- Decide whether a co-branded card or elite status makes sense for your travel habits.
Think of it as budgeting—but instead of tracking coffee expenses, you’re tracking free-night potential.
So, How Are IHG Points Calculated?
IHG points are based on 10 points per $1 spent (5 points at extended-stay brands). Upon this basis, bonuses may be awarded through elite status, co-branded credit card spending, partner offers, and milestone achievements. Thus, it is one malleable program whereby clever members can turn everyday hotel stays into free nights, upgrades, and perks.
And if you’re sitting on points that you don’t plan to redeem? Don’t let them collect digital dust.
Turn Your IHG Points into Cash
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