IHG Milestone Rewards are a standout feature of the IHG One Rewards program, offering additional benefits based on the number of nights you stay at IHG hotels each year. Starting at 20 nights, you can earn perks every 10 nights up to 100 nights, with options like bonus points, food and beverage credits, suite upgrades, and lounge access. This detailed guide will help you understand how it works, what each reward offers, and how to make the most of it.
The beauty of Milestone Rewards is that they’re available to all IHG One Rewards members, not just those with elite status. Plus, both paid stays and award nights (booked with points) count toward your total. The catch? Rollover nights from the previous year don’t apply. Below, I’ll break down everything you need to know, from the reward options at each milestone to practical tips for maximizing their value.
To explore how Milestone Rewards complement IHG’s elite status benefits, check out the IHG One Rewards tier benefits page. For full program rules, review the IHG One Rewards terms and conditions.
1. What Are IHG Milestone Rewards?
Milestone Rewards are perks you earn for every 10 nights you stay at IHG hotels in a calendar year, starting at 20 nights and continuing up to 100 nights. These rewards go beyond the standard benefits tied to elite status tiers like Platinum or Diamond, giving you extra value for your loyalty.
Here’s the basics:
- You hit a milestone at 20 nights, then every 10 nights after that (30, 40, 50, etc.).
- At each milestone, you pick from a set of rewards tailored to that level.
- Qualifying nights include both paid stays and award nights, making it easier to rack up rewards even if you’re redeeming points.
- Rollover nights from the prior year don’t count, so you’re starting fresh each January 1.
The rewards range from simple bonus points to more exclusive perks like confirmable suite upgrades or an annual lounge membership. The program’s flexibility lets you choose what suits your travel habits best, whether you’re after practical savings or a touch of luxury.
2. Rewards at Each Milestone
Here’s what you can earn at each milestone, based on the number of nights stayed:
- 20 Nights (Pick one):
- 5,000 bonus points
- Two $20 food and beverage rewards
- One confirmable suite upgrade
- 30 Nights (Pick one):
- 5,000 bonus points
- Two $20 food and beverage rewards
- 40 Nights (Pick two):
- 10,000 bonus points
- Five $20 food and beverage rewards
- One confirmable suite upgrade (limit one)
- One annual lounge membership (limit one)
- 50 Nights (Pick one):
- 10,000 bonus points
- Five $20 food and beverage rewards
- 60 Nights (Pick one):
- 10,000 bonus points
- Five $20 food and beverage rewards
- 70 Nights: (Pick two):
- 10,000 bonus points
- Five $20 food and beverage rewards
- Two confirmable suite upgrades (limit one)
- One annual lounge membership (limit one)
- 80 Nights (Pick one):
- 10,000 bonus points
- Five $20 food and beverage rewards
- 90 Nights (Pick one):
- 10,000 bonus points
- Five $20 food and beverage rewards
- 100 Nights (Pick one):
- 10,000 bonus points
- Five $20 food and beverage rewards
The 40-night and 70-night milestones stand out because you get to choose two rewards and unlock unique options like lounge membership and additional suite upgrades. At other levels, the choices are more limited but still offer solid value.
3. Breaking Down the Reward Options
Each reward type comes with its own details, restrictions, and potential value. Here’s what you need to know about each one.
3.1. Bonus Points
What You Get: Extra IHG One Rewards points added to your account.
Value (I value IHG points at 0.5 cents each):
- 5,000 points ≈ $25
- 10,000 points ≈ $50
How It Works: Points are deposited after you select this option. Their value depends on how you redeem them—typically, you’ll get around 0.5 cents per point, though strategic redemptions (like high-end properties during peak times) can push that closer to 1 cent or more.
Fine Print: Points do not expire for elite members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond). For non-elite members, points remain valid as long as your account stays active (i.e., you earn or redeem points every 12 months).
Best For: Travelers who want flexibility or are saving points for a big redemption, like a free night at a premium hotel.
3.2. Food and Beverage Rewards
What You Get: Vouchers worth $20 each for food and drinks at IHG hotels.
Value:
- Two vouchers = up to $40
- Five vouchers = up to $100
How It Works: These are digital vouchers you redeem during stays at most IHG properties. The $20 value converts to local currency where applicable (e.g., euros or pounds). Use them for on-site dining, room service, or bar tabs, but they’re single-use—so if your bill is less than $20, you don’t get change back.
Restrictions:
- Not valid at Holiday Inn Club Vacations, IHG Army Hotels, or certain partner properties (like Iberostar Beachfront Resorts).
- Can’t be used for vending machines, third-party deliveries (e.g., Deliveroo), or restaurants that don’t charge to your room.
- Expire 12 months after you select them.
Best For: People who eat at the hotel often. To maximize value, use them on bills over $20.
Related Post: A Guide to IHG Food and Beverage Rewards
3.3. Confirmable Suite Upgrades
What You Get: An upgrade to an entry-level suite (or premium room if no suite is available) for a stay of up to five nights.
Value: Varies widely—could be $50 to $200+ per night, depending on the property and rate difference. For a five-night stay, that’s potentially $1,000 or more in savings.
How It Works: Call IHG customer care between 14 days and 24 hours before check-in to apply the upgrade. It works on most direct bookings, including award nights, but not on group rates, employee discounts, or certain prepaid rates.
Restrictions:
- Not available at some brands (e.g., Avid Hotels, Holiday Inn Club Vacations).
- Suite availability depends on the property—some hotels don’t have suites, and others may have limited inventory.
- Expires 12 months after selection.
- If you cancel within the hotel’s policy, the upgrade is redeposited.
Best For: Longer stays or special trips where a bigger room makes a difference. Check suite availability at your planned hotel before choosing this.
Related Post: IHG Confirmable Suite Upgrade: Everything You Need to Know
3.4. Annual Lounge Membership
What You Get: Lounge access at IHG hotels with club lounges for you and one guest.
Value: Potentially $50+ per night if you’d otherwise pay for lounge access. Over multiple stays, this can add up fast.
How It Works: Starting in 2025, it’s valid for the remaining days in the year after you reach the milestone, plus the entire next calendar year—no matter when you pick it within the 90-day window. Covers unlimited stays, whether paid or award nights, at properties with lounges (like many InterContinental hotels).
What’s Included: Typically, complimentary breakfast, afternoon snacks, and evening drinks—exact offerings vary by hotel.
Restrictions: No access if the lounge is closed (e.g., for renovations). Not available at properties without lounges.
Best For: Frequent travelers staying at lounge-equipped hotels, especially for longer trips where daily breakfast and drinks save money.
Related Post: Unlocking IHG Club Lounges: Is the Annual Lounge Membership Worth It?
4. How to Choose and Redeem Your Rewards
When you hit a milestone, IHG emails you with a link to pick your reward. You can also log into your IHG account online or via the app to check your progress and make your selection.
Process: Follow the link or navigate to the rewards section of your account. You’ll see the options for your milestone and a deadline to choose.
Deadline: You have 90 days after reaching a milestone to select your benefit on the IHG website or app, or it’s forfeited. Choose carefully, as selections are final.
Expiration: Suite upgrades and food and beverage rewards expire 12 months from selection. Lounge memberships are valid from milestone achievement to the end of the next calendar year. Points remain valid for elite members or non-elite members with account activity every 12 months.
Tip: If you’re unsure, wait until closer to the deadline. For example, if you’ve got a five-night stay coming up, a suite upgrade might be ideal. If not, points or food credits could be more practical.
5. Which Rewards Offer the Most Value?
The “best” reward depends on how you travel, but here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- Annual Lounge Membership: Top pick if you stay at hotels with lounges (e.g., InterContinental, Crowne Plaza). Breakfast and drinks for a year-plus could save hundreds, especially on longer trips.
- Confirmable Suite Upgrades: High potential value for special stays. A five-night upgrade to a $200/night suite is $1,000 in savings—hard to beat if you can use it.
- Food and Beverage Rewards: At $40 (two vouchers) or $100 (five vouchers), these beat points dollar-for-dollar if you dine at the hotel. Use them fully to get the most out of them.
- Bonus Points: 5,000 points ($25) or 10,000 points ($50) are solid but usually less valuable than other options unless you’re banking for a big redemption.
Example Strategy: At 40 nights, picking a lounge membership and a suite upgrade could set you up with lounge access for over a year and a guaranteed better room for a key trip. At 50 nights, five food and beverage rewards ($100) often outshine 10,000 points ($50).
Your choice hinges on your habits—lounge access is useless if you don’t stay at qualifying hotels, and suite upgrades lose value if suites aren’t available.
6. Tips to Get the Most Out of Milestone Rewards
- Match Rewards to Plans: Check your upcoming stays before choosing. A suite upgrade is wasted if you can’t use it within 12 months.
- Stack with Elite Benefits: Milestone Rewards add to—not replace—elite perks. Pair them with Diamond Elite breakfast or Platinum bonus points for extra value.
- Know Your Hotels: If your usual properties lack lounges or suites, stick to points or food credits.
- Track Expirations: Set a reminder for suite upgrades and food vouchers—they’re gone after 12 months.
- Mix and Match: Don’t lock into one reward type. A blend (e.g., upgrades early, points later) can balance short-term perks with long-term savings.
7. Final Thoughts
IHG Milestone Rewards give you a tangible bonus for sticking with IHG, whether you’re a casual traveler hitting 20 nights or a road warrior pushing for 100. The program’s strength is its variety—points for flexibility, upgrades for luxury, food credits for savings, and lounge access for comfort. Even without elite status, 20 nights gets you a perk worth claiming.
Next time you book an IHG stay, think about how many nights you’re likely to hit in a year. A little planning can turn those milestones into real rewards that make your trips better—or cheaper.