If you’re an IHG employee or close to one, you’re in for a treat. IHG offers some fantastic discounts through its Employee and Friends & Family Rates, letting you enjoy stays at their hotels and resorts worldwide at a fraction of the cost. I’ve dug into the details of these programs to help you make the most of them. Here’s everything you need to know about these exclusive deals.
IHG Employee Rates
IHG provides its employees with discounted room rates as part of the “IHG Employee Room Benefit Programme.” This applies to staff working directly for IHG or at franchised hotels under IHG brands worldwide. There are two distinct employee rates: the Standard Employee Rate (IVEDI) and the Employee Flex Rate (IVED2).
Standard Employee Rate (IVEDI)
The IVEDI rate is calculated based on a hotel’s Average Daily Rate (ADR) from the past 12 months, updated annually in September. It’s limited to standard room types and offers some of the deepest discounts available. Here’s how the pricing breaks down:
| Tier | ADR Range | Employee Rate | Discount Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $84.99 or less | $39.00 | Up to 54% |
| 2 | $85.00 – $99.99 | $49.00 | 42% – 51% |
| 3 | $100.00 – $124.99 | $59.00 | 41% – 51% |
| 4 | $125.00 – $149.99 | $69.00 | 45% – 54% |
| 5 | $150.00 – $199.99 | $79.00 | 47% – 60% |
| 6 | $200.00 – $249.99 | $89.00 | 56% – 64% |
| 7 | $250.00 – $299.00 | $99.00 | 60% – 67% |
| 8 | $300.00 – $399.99 | $119.00 | 60% – 70% |
| 9 | $400.00 and up | $139.00 | 65% or more |
These rates can fluctuate slightly, so always check the price at booking. Hotels are required to reserve a set number of IVEDI rooms daily—2% of inventory for properties with over 100 rooms, or at least 2 rooms for smaller ones—though blackout dates can limit availability to no more than 50 days per year.
Employee Flex Rate (IVED2)
The IVED2 rate gives hotels more control over pricing, allowing discounts on a broader range of room types. Typically, you’ll see savings of 35% to 50% off the regular rate. While it may not always match IVEDI’s discounts, it offers greater flexibility in room selection.
Rules and Restrictions
Employee rates come with strict conditions:
- Annual Cap: Employees can book up to 14 room nights per year at any single hotel using each rate (IVEDI or IVED2).
- Room and Stay Limits: A maximum of 2 rooms per stay is allowed, with a cap of 7 consecutive nights per booking.
- Booking Window: Reservations can’t be made more than 90 days in advance.
- Check-in: The employee must check in personally with their employee ID and stay at the hotel.
- No Business Use: These rates are for personal travel only.
- No Rewards: Stays don’t earn IHG One Rewards points or elite night credits, and no elite benefits apply.
How to Book Employee Rates
Employees need to link their IHG One Rewards account to their Merlin ID, an internal IHG system identifier. If they don’t have a Merlin ID, a manager can activate the benefit via “Loyalty Connect.” Once set up, bookings are made through these links:
- IVEDI: IHG Employee Rate
- IVED2: IHG Employee Flex Rate
Select the appropriate rate under “Rate Preference” to view availability.
IHG Friends & Family Rate
The Friends & Family Rate is a more accessible option, originally intended for those connected to IHG employees. However, IHG doesn’t strictly enforce this, making it a handy discount for anyone who knows about it.
How to Book
Access the rate here: IHG Friends & Family Rate. The “Rate Preference” will automatically set to “Friends and Family Rate.” Enter your destination and dates to check availability.
Discount Details
Discounts vary by hotel, typically ranging from 10% to 30% off the regular rate. In some cases, it might not beat member or promotional rates, so it’s worth comparing. A key perk is the flexible cancellation policy, which can be a lifesaver for uncertain plans.
Restrictions
Here’s what to watch for:
- Points: You can earn IHG One Rewards points, but bonus promotions don’t apply.
- Booking Limits: Up to 5 rooms and 7 nights per stay are permitted.
- Deposit: A refundable first-night deposit is required, based on the hotel’s cancellation terms.
- Elite Benefits: These may or may not apply, depending on the property.
A Quick Tip
If questioned about eligibility, mentioning you’re a friend of “Chris Bates“—a name often shared in travel circles—can smooth things over. Still, it’s wise to be prepared for scrutiny.
Making the Most of These Rates
Here are some practical steps to maximize your savings:
- Shop Around: Compare these rates against member discounts, promo codes, or third-party sites. The best deal isn’t always the employee or Friends & Family rate.
- Weigh the Benefits: Skipping points and elite perks with employee rates might not be worth it if you’re chasing status or rewards.
- Plan Smart: With employee rate limits, prioritize your stays to stretch your allocation.
- Use Flexibility: The Friends & Family Rate’s lenient cancellation terms are great for tentative bookings.
- Stay Updated: IHG policies evolve, so check terms regularly for changes.
Final Thoughts
IHG’s Employee and Friends & Family Rates can unlock impressive savings, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. The employee rates offer deep discounts with tight rules, while the Friends & Family Rate provides broader access with milder restrictions. By understanding how they work and comparing your options, you can decide if they fit your travel plans. Either way, they’re worth a look for your next IHG stay.