Why Buying IHG Points (On Sale) Can Sometimes Make Sense

See our Advertiser Disclosure and Editorial Note here.

Yes, I know, IHG points are worthless. But are they really? While I admit that the program has mostly lost its luster and said so a few times, this is a post to hopefully dispel the myth that IHG currency is no longer worth collecting. In fact, for some situations, it could even make sense to buy IHG points.

It so happens that right now, IHG has a sale where you get 100% bonus, as long as you buy at least 15k points (expires tonight). We don’t make any commission on it, so it’s not the reason I’ve decided to write this post. I simply would like to share a few finds I’ve come across recently when planning my own trips.

In both cases, buying points via current sale could make  sense… for some people. Of course, you do have to weigh pros and cons. First, your points may not get deposited immediately, as the terms state that it can take 72 hours. Also, if you have to cancel your reservation, you will be stuck with IHG currency, which may be worthless (for real) by then.

So, without further ado, here are some exceptional (in my opinion) IHG values valid as of time of publishing the post:

1) Staybridge Suites : Orlando Royale Parc Suites

It’s located close to Disney and the reviews are pretty good. I put in early March dates, and here is the price that came up. YMMV

The best part, however, is that for 16k points per night, you can reserve a 2-bedroom suite that has 2 bathrooms. Oh, and you also get free full breakfast, though due to Covid I believe you will get a pathetic brown bag at the moment. Still, not bad, right?

The rate varies, depending on the date of your trip, and I was actually able to reserve that same suite for only 11k points per night. I consider it a bargain, and a much better deal than Disney on-site lodging options.

If I don’t plan to spend a lot of time in a hotel room, I want to pay as little as possible. But to each his own, and I’m absolutely not trying to discourage you from splurging on Contemporary or Polynesian resorts. I realize it’s an “apples to oranges” type of comparison.

2) Holiday Inn Express and Suites San Francisco Fishermans Wharf

This is another example where you get a great return on your points. Unfortunately, you won’t get a 2-bedroom suite for 16k points. But this is expensive San Francisco, enough said. I love the location, and the fact that you get free breakfast is a cherry on top.

Once again, the price will vary depending on your dates (I put in early June). But I think we can all agree that getting a decent family-friendly hotel in prime area of San Francisco for 25k points is quite a bargain. While I hate buying points, I would consider doing so here. Full disclosure: my SIL had some leftover IHG points and let me use them.

Bottom line

No hotel program is worthless, as far as I’m concerned. And IHG is no exception. Yes, you have to work harder to find those occasional gems, but they absolutely still exist. The fact that IHG can be a bit schizophrenic in the way it assigns award rates can actually work to your advantage. While collecting points via sign-up bonuses or promotions is obviously my preference, at times it can make sense to purchase them.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VARIOUS CREDIT CARDS AND AVAILABLE SIGN-UP BONUSES