Update: IHG has released the list of properties that will not be eligible for free night certificate. Inexplicably, quite a few cost 40,000 points per night. A simple oversight or nefarious plan? You be the judge. I have reached out to IHG via Twitter and the rep said he will forward my concerns to the appropriate department. Developing…
Quick heads up on some bad news reported on OMAAT blog. It appears that if you currently hold an IHG co-branded credit card, all anniversary certificates issued on May 1st or later will only be valid at properties that cost 40,000 points or less. This clarifies the wording on the new rumored offer that is supposed to come out in a near future.
This is most definitely not the end of the world, and I absolutely plan to hold on to the card, at least for now. Obviously, it’s a bummer, but as I’ve said before, every single deal in the hobby that is too good to be true will eventually die.
Many readers are rushing to blame bloggers for publicizing this perk too much (no surprise there). There will always be selfish individuals who feel only they are entitled to know about the best deals. But I digress…
Anyway, the purpose of the post is to mention something that will hopefully benefit a few readers who currently don’t hold the card and are thinking about applying. As of now, the official terms of the offer have not yet been updated:
There is currently no mention of the new restriction, though it obviously could be added any day (and I suspect it will be). All of this leads me to believe that you may be able to get an uncapped night once. Otherwise, Chase would be violating the terms of the original offer. Obviously, I can not guarantee it. Plus, the free night is deposited in your online IHG account, so you would most likely have to request a manual override.
Whether you have the energy to fight with Chase and IHG is up to you. I’m simply making a logical assumption here. You may even be able to ask for some sort of compensation from Chase in case your first IHG cert does come with restriction.
Worst case scenario: you will still be able to use the certificate at many decent properties, including Disney-area resort I’ve reviewed today. I’ve said before that paying $49 is a good deal on ANY decent/clean hotel, and I stand by it.
I don’t believe you should drop everything and apply for this card if you had no previous plans to do so. Otherwise, comrades, it may be now or never. Well, when it comes to uncapped anniversary night.
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Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
I will probably still keep it…for now. But I see on the list of excluded properties, there are some excluded that are 40,000, i.e. Hotel Indigo Sarasota. With their lousy award availability, it may soon be hard to find a place to use the certificates. It was good while it lasted. Using my last two in Seattle.
@Jennifer Yup. I have just updated the post with this new info. I’ve reached out to IHG rep and mentioned that some properties cost 40k points and should NOT be on the list. We’ll see. My bet is that it’s a simple oversight…maybe. Whoever is entering them manually is including those properties by mistake. But who knows, maybe another (unannounced) devaluation is in the works.
I am keeping the card for now, but the magic is evaporating fast.
Been using the free night at ICs for years, Kiev, Prague, Istanbul and Budapest. IC Cancun is only 35000 points and worth it. We always make it a 2 night stay as my wife has it also. Just a little more effort to find a place. 49.00 for a 300 plus Euro room is worth it any day.
I agree! Of course, it stinks that it will no longer be valid at properties that cost 45,000-70,000 Points. But such is life. I am concerned that IHG will continue to rapidly devalue the program and adjust redemption levels at hotels without notice. They are known for that. But I still feel like I will be able to utilize the certs to my advantage…for now.