What is IHG One Rewards elite status worth in 2023?
Editor's Note
In 2022, IHG Hotels and Resorts changed its elite status tiers and unveiled the IHG One Rewards program.
Whether you currently hold IHG elite status or are debating whether to earn status in the IHG One Rewards program, you may wonder just how much IHG elite status is worth. So, let's get started.
Methodology
The analysis in this post represents just one way to decide how much IHG One Rewards elite status is worth. You may value specific benefits in the IHG One Rewards program differently than I do. Or you may be loyal to just one brand in the IHG portfolio, such as Kimpton, Six Senses or InterContinental.
Different TPG staffers are writing similar guides for each hotel loyalty program. For consistency, we're making the following key assumptions in each of our guides:
- You complete 20% more nights than the minimum required for the given level.
- You spend an average of $150 per night on eligible purchases.
- You qualify for status based on qualifying nights.
- Your average stay is two nights.
- You split your stays equally between full-service properties (like Kimpton and InterContinental) and limited-service properties (like Holiday Inn Express and Avid).
- You already have the given status level (see the section on starting from scratch if you're looking to earn a new status tier).
IHG members earn 10 points per dollar on qualifying stays at most IHG-branded hotels. There are several exceptions, though. For example, you'll only earn 5 points per dollar at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites properties, 3 points per dollar at IHG Army Hotels, 2.5 points per dollar at IHG-branded Residence properties (excluding Voco Residences) and 2,000 points per qualifying stay at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas and the Palazzo at the Venetian Resort. But for simplicity, I'll assume you stay at properties where you'll earn 10 points per dollar.
I'll also use TPG's valuation of IHG points at 0.5 cents each when calculating the value of bonus earnings. But, you may find you get more (or less) value when redeeming IHG points.
If you value IHG points differently or have significantly different stay patterns or costs, feel free to adjust these assumptions. After all, this post is just a starting point to help you decide whether it's worth striving to earn IHG elite status.
Finally, we decided to round all valuations in our guides to the nearest $5 for simplicity.
Related: Register now to earn bonus points with IHG One Rewards' current promotion
IHG One Rewards elite status tiers
All IHG One Rewards members start as Club members. Then, there are four elite status tiers that you can earn in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program. Each tier offers different perks; here's a quick overview:
| Silver Elite | Gold Elite | Platinum Elite | Diamond Elite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | 10 qualified nights. | 20 qualified nights or 40,000 qualified points. | 40 qualified nights or 60,000 qualified points. | 70 qualified nights or 120,000 qualified points. |
| Elite points bonus | 20%. | 40%. | 60%. | 100%. |
| Rollover elite nights | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Complimentary upgrades (subject to availability) | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Welcome amenity | Points or drink/snack. | Free breakfast, points or drink/snack. | ||
| Early check-in (subject to availability) | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Reward night discounts | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Priority check-in | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Points don't expire | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Guaranteed room availability | Book at least 72 hours in advance. | Book at least 72 hours in advance. | ||
| Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status | ✓ | |||
| Dedicated Diamond Elite support | ✓ |
Some benefits, such as free internet access and 2 p.m. late checkout (upon request and subject to hotel availability), are offered to all IHG One Rewards members, including those without any elite status. So, I didn't include these perks in the above table and won't consider these perks in my valuations.
Additionally, keep in mind that:
- Benefits may vary by hotel, country and geographical region.
- Most benefits aren't available at Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels.
- You'll typically need to book your hotel reservation directly through an approved IHG channel to get the above benefits.
Finally, IHG One Rewards offers Milestone Rewards tied to the qualifying nights you stay each calendar year. Here are the Milestone Rewards you can earn as you hit the following milestones each calendar year (you can choose one at each milestone except at 40 and 70 nights, which get two):
- 20 nights: 5,000 bonus points, two $20 food and beverage rewards or one confirmable suite upgrade.
- 30 nights: 5,000 bonus points or two $20 food and beverage rewards.
- 40 nights (choose two): 10,000 bonus points, five $20 food and beverage rewards, one confirmable suite upgrade (limit one) or one annual lounge membership (limit one).
- 50 nights: 10,000 bonus points or five $20 food and beverage rewards.
- 60 nights: 10,000 bonus points or five $20 food and beverage rewards.
- 70 nights: (choose two): 10,000 bonus points, five $20 food and beverage rewards, two confirmable suite upgrades (limit one) or one annual lounge membership (limit one).
- 80 nights: 10,000 bonus points or five $20 food and beverage rewards.
- 90 nights:10,000 bonus points or five $20 food and beverage rewards.
- 100 nights: 10,000 bonus points or five $20 food and beverage rewards.
I assume you qualify for status based on qualifying nights. So, although confirmable suite upgrades and an annual lounge membership may provide more value, I'll assume in my valuations that you choose food and beverage rewards at each milestone (and value these at face value).
Now, let's take a closer look at these elite status tiers and how much they're worth when booking directly with IHG.
Related: Should you buy IHG points or transfer points from Chase?
IHG One Rewards Silver Elite: $35
Silver Elite is the lowest elite tier in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program. You can earn Silver Elite status by staying 10 qualified nights each calendar year. Or you can get automatic Silver Elite status as a cardholder of the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card (which has no annual fee).
I'll assume you complete 12 nights with IHG Hotels and Resorts per calendar year for this analysis.
| Benefit details | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus points | A 20% points bonus when staying at IHG properties results in an additional 2 points per dollar spent.
With 12 nights at $150 per night, you'd spend $1,800, earning you 3,600 extra IHG points. | $20. |
| Priority check-in | A dedicated check-in area at participating hotels for IHG One Rewards elite members. | $10. |
| Points don't expire | Points don't expire for IHG One Rewards elite members. But since non-elite members can avoid expiration with earning or redeeming activity every 12 months, I'll value this modestly. | $5. |
| Total | $35. |
Related: A look at IHG's first Atwell Suites in Miami Brickell
IHG One Rewards Gold Elite: $155
Gold Elite is the second-lowest elite tier in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program. You can earn Gold Elite status by staying 20 qualified nights or earning 40,000 qualified points each calendar year. Additionally, you can earn Gold Elite status through Dec. 31 of the following year if you make purchases totaling $20,000 or more during a calendar year on your IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card.
I'll assume that you complete 24 nights with IHG Hotels and Resorts per year for this analysis.
| Benefit details | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus points | A 40% points bonus when staying at IHG properties results in an additional 4 points per dollar spent.
With 24 nights at $150 per night, you'd spend $3,600, earning you 14,400 extra IHG points. | $70. |
| Rollover nights | Qualifying nights over what you need for Gold Elite status roll over to the next year. So, you'd start the next year with four elite qualifying nights. | $20. |
| Priority check-in | Same benefit, more frequent utilization. | $20. |
| Points don't expire | Points don't expire for IHG One Rewards elite members. I value this benefit equally for all elite tiers, as elite members should have ample earning and redeeming activity. | $5. |
| Milestone Rewards | You start earning Milestone Rewards at 20 qualified nights in a calendar year. Assuming you choose food and beverage rewards at each milestone, you'd earn two $20 food and beverage rewards after 24 nights in a calendar year. | $40. |
| Total | $155. |
Related: Is hotel elite status worth it anymore?
IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite: $1,290
Platinum Elite is the second-highest elite tier in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program. You can earn Platinum Elite status by staying 40 qualified nights or earning 60,000 qualified points each calendar year. But you can get automatic Platinum Elite status as an InterContinental Ambassador, as a cardholder of the United Club Infinite Card or as a cardholder of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card.
I'll assume that you complete 48 nights with IHG Hotels and Resorts per year for this analysis.
| Benefit details | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus points | A 60% points bonus when staying at IHG properties results in an additional 6 points per dollar spent.
With 48 nights at $150 per night, you'd spend $7,200, earning you 43,200 extra IHG points. | $215. |
| Rollover nights | Qualifying nights over what you need for Platinum Elite status roll over to the next year. So, you'd start the next year with eight elite qualifying nights. | $40. |
| Complimentary upgrades | Get an upgrade for your guest room at participating brands based on availability and at the hotel's discretion.
Upgrades might be to a suite, a higher floor, a corner room or a better view. It isn't easy to value this benefit since some properties are more generous with upgrades than others. I'll assume a valuation of $15 per night at full-service locations and a valuation of $5 per night at limited-service locations. | $480. |
| Welcome amenity | Points or drink/snack, which I'll value at $2 per stay. | $50. |
| Early check-in | Get early check-in upon request, subject to availability at all IHG brands. However, the specific time is up to the hotel. | $30. |
| Reward night discounts | Get exclusive access to discounts on reward nights at participating hotels. The value of this perk will vary greatly. But, assuming a $150 night would usually cost around 30,000 points and you book five nights discounted by 20% each year, you'd save 30,000 points. | $150. |
| Priority check-in | Same benefit, more frequent utilization. | $40. |
| Points don't expire | Points don't expire for IHG One Rewards elite members. I value this benefit equally for all elite tiers, as elite members should have ample earning and redeeming activity. | $5. |
| Guaranteed room availability | You must book at least 72 hours before the date of arrival. You won't be charged more than the best flexible rate. But, this benefit doesn't apply at Six Senses properties, may require a minimum stay length and may not apply "during special events that result in extraordinary demand." As such, I value this benefit at $0. | $0. |
| Milestone Rewards | Assuming you choose food and beverage rewards at each milestone, you'd earn 14 $20 food and beverage rewards after 48 nights in a calendar year. | $280. |
| Total | $1,290. |
IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite: $3,840
Diamond Elite is the highest elite tier in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program. You can earn Diamond Elite status by staying 70 qualified nights or earning 120,000 qualified points in a calendar year. Additionally, you can earn Diamond Elite status through Dec. 31 of the following year if you make purchases totaling $40,000 or more during a calendar year on your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card.
I'll assume that you complete 84 nights with IHG Hotels and Resorts per year for this analysis.
| Benefit details | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus points | A 100% points bonus when staying at IHG properties results in an additional 10 points per dollar spent.
With 84 nights at $150 per night, you'd spend $12,600, earning you 126,000 extra IHG points. | $630. |
| Rollover nights | Qualifying nights over what you need for Platinum Elite status roll over to the next year. So, you'd start the next year with 14 elite qualifying nights. | $70. |
| Complimentary upgrades | Same benefit, more frequent utilization. I'm bumping the valuation to $20 per night at full-service locations since some properties provide better upgrades to Diamond Elite members. | $1,050.
|
| Welcome amenity | Free breakfast for up to two guests at full-service brands (I'll value at $20 per night); points or drink/snack at limited-service brands (I'll value at $2 per stay). | $880. |
| Early check-in | Same benefit, more frequent utilization. | $55. |
| Reward night discounts | Same benefit, more frequent utilization. | $240. |
| Priority check-in | Same benefit, more frequent utilization. | $70. |
| Points don't expire | Points don't expire for IHG One Rewards elite members. I value this benefit equally for all elite tiers, as elite members should have ample earning and redeeming activity. | $5. |
| Guaranteed room availability | Same benefit, but I'm still valuing it at $0. | $0. |
| Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status | Get Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status. | $50. |
| Dedicated Diamond Elite support | A special phone number Diamond Elite members can call for assistance. | $10. |
| Milestone Rewards | Assuming you choose food and beverage rewards at each milestone, you'd earn 39 $20 food and beverage rewards after 84 nights in a calendar year. | $780. |
| Total | $3,840. |
What if I'm starting from scratch?
All the numbers above represent values if you've already earned a particular elite status tier. But if you're starting from scratch with the IHG One Rewards program and don't have an IHG credit card, you won't see any elite perks until you stay 10 qualified nights in a calendar year and earn Silver Elite status.
IHG One Rewards perks are relatively minimal until you have Platinum Elite status. This is one of the many reasons I think the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is worth it for even infrequent IHG guests.
But if you don't want to (or can't) get an IHG credit card, I've converted the above calculations into a value per night as follows:
- Silver Elite: $35 / 12 nights = $2.92 per night.
- Gold Elite ($155 minus $40 of Milestone Rewards): $115 / 24 nights = $4.79 per night.
- Platinum Elite ($1,290 minus $280 of Milestone Rewards): $1,010 / 48 nights = $21.04 per night.
- Diamond Elite ($3,840 minus $780 of Milestone Rewards): $3,060 / 84 nights = $36.43 per night.
I removed the value of Milestone Rewards for Gold Elite, Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite since you earn these rewards when you reach certain thresholds (as opposed to variable perks that become more valuable as you complete more nights). You can use these numbers to calculate the value you'd get from the program as you move up the elite status ladder.
For example, say you expect to stay 75 nights. You'd get:
- No benefits for the first 10 nights.
- Silver Elite benefits for the next 10 nights ($2.92 per night).
- Gold Elite benefits for the next 20 nights ($4.79 per night).
- Platinum Elite benefits for the next 30 nights ($21.04 per night).
- Diamond Elite benefits for the remaining five nights ($36.43 per night).
In addition, you'd earn Milestone Rewards as you move up the ladder, which should be worth at least $680. As a result, if you're starting with no status and plan to complete 75 nights in 2023, you'd get about $1,618 in value from the IHG One Rewards program in 2023.
Of course, this calculation ignores the value you'd get in future years with your status. But, as I mentioned above, you can boost the value you get while climbing the status ladder if you have IHG status as a perk of select credit cards or InterContinental Ambassador membership.
Related: Comparing the best hotel elite status tiers and how to earn them
Is it worth pursuing IHG elite status?
In short, whether to chase elite status with IHG One Rewards depends entirely on your situation. But here are a few questions to consider when deciding.
How frequently do you plan to stay with IHG hotels and resorts?
As this guide showed, Silver Elite and Gold Elite status don't provide many perks. So, earning IHG status through stays will usually only make sense if you plan to stay with IHG enough to accrue 40 qualified nights or 60,000 qualified points each year.
If you stay with IHG hotels and resorts less frequently, you may prefer to get IHG status as a perk of select credit cards or InterContinental Ambassador membership. Alternatively, you can rely on the perks available to all IHG One Rewards members.
What types of IHG hotels and resorts do you plan to stay at?
Many of the Milestone Rewards and perks that come into play once you earn Platinum Elite or Diamond Elite status will be most valuable if you mostly stay at full-service IHG hotels and resorts that offer lounges, impressive breakfast options and ample suites. If you mostly stay at limited-service properties, you'll likely get less value from having Platinum Elite or Diamond Elite status.
If you usually stay at expensive IHG hotels and resorts, you may qualify for elite status based on qualifying points instead of nights. However, in 2022 IHG significantly increased the qualifying points needed for its elite status levels. Plus, IHG One Rewards credit card purchases now earn non-elite qualifying points. So, it's much more difficult to earn IHG elite status based on qualifying points now.
How often do you redeem IHG points?
One limitation of the above calculations is the assumption that you'll book paid rates for all of the nights you need to qualify for your desired elite status.
However, you can usually get significantly higher than TPG's valuation of IHG points (and higher than the lowest cost at which you can buy IHG points during 100% bonus sales) when redeeming points for stays.
If you usually redeem IHG points for stays, you will benefit less from the elite points bonus. But you may get more value from the occasional reward night discounts offered to Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite members.
Related: 7 ways to earn more IHG One Rewards points for your next redemption
What's the incremental value of one tier over another?
Near the end of 2023, you may find yourself close to the next elite tier. In this case, you should consider whether it's worth staying extra nights with IHG to reach the next tier.
I wouldn't stay extra to earn Silver Elite or Gold Elite status, as the perks aren't significant at these tiers. But I'd stay a few extra nights to reach Platinum Elite, Diamond Elite or one of the milestone tiers that offer a lounge membership or confirmed suite upgrade.
In short, compare your additional cash or points outlay to the value of the additional perks you'll get.
Can you get an IHG credit card?
Finally, if you're below Chase's 5/24 rule and a U.S. resident with good or excellent credit, you should consider adding an IHG credit card to your wallet.
My choice would be the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, as both of these cards provide Platinum Elite status as a cardmember perk for as long as you have the card.
Although both cards carry a $99 annual fee, the anniversary free night you'll get each account anniversary year has a redemption cap of 40,000 points. You can also use points from your IHG account to redeem your anniversary night at hotels above the 40,000-point redemption level. Plus, cardholders get access to IHG's valuable fourth-night-reward perk.
Related: Is the IHG One Rewards Premier card worth the annual fee?
Bottom line
There's ample value to be found in the IHG One Rewards program. And now, there are many pathways you can take to earn IHG elite status.
One option is to get the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and then strive for any Milestone Rewards that will provide value to you.
Another option is to spend $40,000 on your IHG Premier or IHG Premier Business card every two years. After all, once you reach the spending threshold, you'll earn Diamond Elite status through the end of the following calendar year.
Of course, if you can't get (or don't want to get) an IHG credit card, you're left to decide whether earning IHG One Rewards elite status organically is worthwhile. And as this guide showed, answering that question is difficult and subjective.
Additional reporting by Andrew Kunesh, Benji Stawski and Nick Ewen.