In early 2022, IHG revamped its loyalty program, transitioning from “IHG Rewards Club” to “IHG One Rewards.” This update brought a new tier structure—expanding from four to five levels—and introduced the innovative Milestone Rewards system. The tiers now include Club Member, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and Diamond Elite. While the requirements to reach these tiers have increased, the benefits have also become more substantial, offering better value for frequent guests.
This guide breaks down the perks of each Elite tier—Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond—along with key program features like points earning, hotel perks, and Milestone Rewards. Whether you’re new to IHG or a seasoned traveler, here’s everything you need to know about what each level offers.
Points: Earning and Using Rewards
Points are the backbone of the IHG One Rewards program, and how you earn and redeem them varies by tier.
Earn Bonus Points
Club Silver Gold Platinum Diamond
All Elite members earn bonus points on top of the base rate of 10 points per $1 spent on qualifying stays:
- Silver Elite: 20% bonus (12 points per $1 total).
- Gold Elite: 40% bonus (14 points per $1 total).
- Platinum Elite: 60% bonus (16 points per $1 total).
- Diamond Elite: 100% bonus (20 points per $1 total).
The higher your tier, the faster you accumulate points for free nights or other rewards.
Earn Points for Reward Nights and More
Club Silver Gold Platinum Diamond
Every member, regardless of tier, can redeem points for a variety of rewards, including Reward Nights, gift cards, airline miles, online shopping, and more.
No Blackout Dates for Reward Nights
Club Silver Gold Platinum Diamond
There are no blackout dates for Reward Nights—meaning as long as a standard room is available for cash booking, you can use points to book it.
Points Don’t Expire
Silver Gold Platinum Diamond
For Club Members, points expire after 12 months of inactivity (no earning or redeeming). Elite members (Silver and above) don’t face this issue—your points remain active as long as you maintain your Elite status.
Rollover Nights for Next Year’s Status
Gold Platinum Diamond
Extra qualifying nights beyond what’s needed for your current tier roll over to the next year, giving you a head start on maintaining or upgrading your status. For example, if you stay 50 nights and Platinum Elite requires 40, those 10 extra nights count toward next year’s status. Note: Rollover nights only apply to tier status, not Milestone Rewards.
Exclusive Access Benefits
These perks enhance your membership with added convenience and savings.
Member Rates and Promotions
Club Silver Gold Platinum Diamond
All IHG One Rewards members enjoy exclusive rates and promotional offers, a standard feature across loyalty programs.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Status
Gold Platinum Diamond
When renting with Hertz (booked via IHG’s dedicated link), all members earn points. Elite members can also match to Hertz tiers:
- Gold and Platinum Elite: Hertz Five Star status.
- Diamond Elite: Hertz President’s Circle status.
Reward Night Discounts
Platinum Diamond
Platinum and Diamond Elite members (plus IHG One Rewards credit cardholders) may receive occasional promotional discounts on Reward Nights, typically 10-20% off. IHG typically sends out a few of these promotions each year via email, giving eligible members chances to save on point redemptions at participating properties.
Dedicated Diamond Support
Diamond
Diamond Elite members get access to a dedicated phone line (1-844-774-7300) for reservations and support, ensuring faster service for top-tier guests.
Hotel Perks: Enhancing Your Stay
These benefits make your hotel experience more comfortable and rewarding, with higher tiers unlocking premium offerings.
Free Internet
Club Silver Gold Platinum Diamond
Free Wi-Fi is available to all members at IHG hotels—a basic necessity in today’s connected world.
Late Check-Out
Club Silver Gold Platinum Diamond
All members can request a late check-out until 2 PM, subject to availability. It’s a small but useful perk for flexible travel schedules.
Early Check-In
Platinum Diamond
Platinum and Diamond Elite members can request early check-in, though the exact time depends on the hotel and availability.
Guaranteed Room Availability
Platinum Diamond
Platinum and Diamond Elite members can book a room up to 72 hours before arrival, even if the hotel is sold out, with some conditions:
- Reservations must be made through IHG Customer Care and secured with a valid credit card.
- The Member will pay the Best Flexible Rate for the requested accommodation, with no access to prepaid or discounted rates below this rate.
- Not applicable to Reward Nights or Six Senses properties.
This perk ensures peace of mind for last-minute plans.
Complimentary Upgrades
Platinum Diamond
Available to Platinum and Diamond Elite members, room upgrades (e.g., to a higher category or suite) depend on availability and the hotel’s discretion. Reward Nights are eligible too.
IHG has encouraged hotels to prioritize suite upgrades for these members when possible, tracking compliance to improve consistency. If suites aren’t available, you might get a premium room (higher floor, better view). Hotels are also instructed to notify you of upgrades via email before arrival and highlight the perk at check-in.
Welcome Amenity
Platinum Diamond
At check-in, Platinum and Diamond Elite members receive a welcome amenity for qualifying stays (including Reward Nights):
- Platinum Elite: Choose between points or a drink/snack.
- Diamond Elite: Choose from points, a drink/snack, or complimentary breakfast.
Members using Digital Check-in, however, may only receive points as their Welcome Amenity, regardless of tier.
The breakfast option, exclusive to Diamond Elite, covers most IHG brands (Regent, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, etc.), but not InterContinental Alliance Resorts in Macau or Las Vegas. It’s a significant perk, though it lags behind competitors like Marriott or Hilton, where breakfast often starts at lower tiers.
Milestone Rewards: Extra Perks for Frequent Stays
Milestone Rewards are a standout feature, rewarding you every 10 nights from 20 to 100 nights in a calendar year. After hitting a milestone, you have 90 days to pick your reward online or via the IHG app—miss the deadline, and it’s forfeited. Rollover nights don’t count toward milestones, and rewards are tied to nights stayed, not your tier.
Milestone Options
- 20 Nights: 5,000 bonus points, 2 Food & Beverage Reward, or Confirmable Suite Upgrade (1 use).
- 30 Nights: 5,000 bonus points or 2 Food & Beverage Reward.
- 40 Nights: Pick two from 10,000 bonus points, 5 Food & Beverage Reward, Confirmable Suite Upgrade (1 use), or Annual Lounge Membership.
- 50-60 Nights: 10,000 bonus points or 5 Food & Beverage Reward.
- 70 Nights: Pick two from 10,000 bonus points, 5 Food & Beverage Reward, Confirmable Suite Upgrade (2 uses), or Annual Lounge Membership.
- 80-100 Nights: 10,000 bonus points or 5 Food & Beverage Reward.
Reward Details
- Bonus Points: 5,000 ($25 value) or 10,000 ($50 value). These are the least valuable option given Milestone Rewards’ rarity.
- Food & Beverage Reward: $20 vouchers for dining at IHG hotels, valid for 12 months. No limit per stay, but each voucher is one-time use with no change given. Spending doesn’t earn points.
- Confirmable Suite Upgrade: Guarantees a base-level suite (or premium room if no suites) for up to 5 consecutive nights, valid for 12 months. Book via IHG Customer Care 14 days to 24 hours before check-in. Works with Reward Nights but not prepaid rates or Ambassador Free Nights (yet).
- Annual Lounge Membership: Grants lounge access (with amenities like breakfast) for you and one guest on qualifying stays, valid through the next calendar year. Available at 40 and 70 nights, across all IHG brands except avid hotels, Atwell Suites, IHG Army Hotels, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, IHG Residences, InterContinental Alliance Resorts. Timing your 70-night choice in early January can extend access for nearly two years.
Strategic Choices
- At 20 nights, Confirmable Suite Upgrade is ideal for lower-tier members without regular upgrade perks.
- At 40 nights, Annual Lounge Membership pairs well with Platinum Elite status, offering lounge breakfast as a Diamond alternative.
- At 70 nights, timing the lounge membership pick can maximize its duration.
Final Thoughts: Platinum Elite Stands Out
Platinum Elite (40 nights or 60,000 points) offers the best balance of effort and reward. You get 60% bonus points, room upgrades, and guaranteed availability, plus access to Milestone Rewards like Annual Lounge Membership at 40 nights. This lounge perk provides breakfast, making it a practical substitute for Diamond’s offering. Diamond Elite (70 nights or 120,000 points) adds 100% bonus points and breakfast, but the jump in requirements may not justify it unless you stay frequently.
IHG One Rewards now delivers solid value across its tiers, with Milestone Rewards adding flexibility. Whether you aim for Platinum’s sweet spot or Diamond’s top-tier perks, understanding these benefits can elevate your stays.