IHG is currently running a promotion where you’ll receive a 100% bonus on purchasing points through March 22, 2018. While I typically do not recommend purchasing points, there are many scenarios where buying points is actually cheaper then paying the lowest advertised price directly at the hotel. This also works best if you are looking to travel during peak dates (assuming award availability). And remember, if you have the IHG credit card, you’ll get 10% of the points redeemed back to your account! Learn more.
There are many hotels where this will work for, but here are 5 hotels where purchasing points during the current promotion will almost always work out in your favor!
1. Holiday Inn Resort Aruba
This resort is smack on Palm Beach in Aruba. It is on the same strip as the other chain hotels in a great location. The beach is the exact same as if you were to stay at the Hyatt, Marriott, or Hilton and just as accessible to restaurants. Some of the rooms at this hotel are a little tired, but overall a great option in Aruba.
This property costs 40,000 points for a free night (it used to be just 25,000 points which was a steal!) which means you’ll pay just $200/night at this property when you purchase points. While you can find off-peak rates for possibly less a night, if you are looking to go January-April or even during the summer, you’ll definitely pay more then $200/night plus tax.
2. Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island
This resort is on a quieter part of Phi Phi Island. Phi Phi Island is a great place to vacation while visiting Thailand especially if you are looking for some R&R. While I’ve visiting the island, I’ve personally have never been to this resort, but the reviews look promising.
This property is only 35,000 points a night, which means you’ll pay just $175/night. While you can find some hotels for less then this, they might not be as “resorty”. Typically, a night at this property will cost you more then $175/night, especially during peak times. If you are looking to stay during the Christmas time you are looking at over $300 a night!
3. Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive
This is an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica. While I haven’t personally visited this property, the reviews seem to be pretty decent.
The Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay requires 50,000 points, so $250/night, but can easily cost over $400/night if you are looking to go over the winter months. Even during the off-peak times you will probably see that purchasing points will save you money!
4. Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
This hotel is right on the beach with its own swimming pool. While I personally prefer to stay in Santa Monica, if you need to stay a little bit north, Ventura has some great beaches and top notch surfing.
The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach only costs 25,000 points a night! This means only $125/night where a normal rate is well over $200/night, especially during the summer time.
5. InterContinental Tokyo
There are actually four different InterContinental properties in Tokyo! This can allow you to pick the one that works best for your desired locations!
All four properties require 50,000 points a night. While this might sound high, most other expensive IHG properties around the world price out at about 60,000 or 70,000 points a night. To purchase 50,000 points with the current promotion, it will cost you $250. But to pay the going rate at the hotels will cost you at least $300 + tax. So you’ll definitely be saving some money!
Things to remember…
Remember, the list above is only a small sampling of hotels where you’ll save money by purchasing points. Definitely price out both purchasing points vs. paying the lowest rate available and see which one will be the best deal. Make sure to take into consideration all extra taxes and fees when comparing prices. Also, you are only able to purchase 60,000 points (so 120,000 points with the 100% bonus). That means you are limited by the number of days you can stay under the same account, but if you are traveling with someone else you can purchase points under both accounts.
Where have you been able to save money by purchasing points?
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The Intercontinental Tokyo isn’t very good. If you’re going to use points or a free night certificate, I wouldn’t hesitate to use those at the Intercontinental Osaka. It’s a unique and super fancy experience! It’s the best bowing I’ve seen in Japan.
https://blorg.org/2017/07/20/intercontinental-tokyo-relic-fanciness/
https://blorg.org/2017/03/03/bow-game-out-of-control-at-the-intercontinental-osaka/