10 Tips for Rocking IHG One Rewards | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep250 | 4-12-24
Apr 13, 2024
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Discover tips for maximizing IHG One Rewards program benefits, from booking suites with more points to utilizing free night certificates and confirmable suite upgrades. Explore the chaos caused by erroneous emails to loyalty cardholders and the potential hurdles faced in maximizing loyalty points. Learn about leveraging shopping portals for IHG rewards and the perks of ambassador status, along with strategies for maximizing fourth night free benefits and breakfast comparisons. Dive into Disney trip planning with credit cards and easy redemption tips for beginners.
Check IHG app for better award availability than desktop version when struggling to find rooms.
Match Caesar's Diamond to Wynn Platinum for Wynn status match and free Holland America cruises.
Strategically plan IHG bookings to maximize savings with the fourth night free benefit.
Spending $40,000 with IHG Premier card early can grant permanent Diamond status for two years.
Utilize MaximePoint or Rooms.Era to track award price changes and secure better value.
Select IHG business rewards lounge membership in January for extended lounge access benefits.
Deep dives
Check the IHG app for better award availability
When struggling to find available rooms, check the IHG app as it sometimes shows better award availability than the desktop version.
Utilize free cruise via status match game
For a new status match opportunity available at Wynn, match Caesar's Diamond to Wynn Platinum to access complimentary cruises on Holland America, along with other perks.
Maximize the value of Suites with the fourth night free benefit
When using the fourth night free benefit, strategically plan your bookings to maximize savings by selecting the most expensive night as the fourth night to get it free.
Leverage sharing points for free feature
Have Diamond status or sign up for the IHG business rewards program to share points without any charges, making it easier to consolidate points and maximize benefits.
Maximize the annual lounge membership
Choose the lounge membership benefit in early January to enjoy lounge access for the current year and the following year, providing extended benefits for your stays.
Attain Diamond status with $40,000 spend
For IHG Premier cardholders, spending $40,000 early in the year can grant permanent Diamond status, ensuring two years of elite perks.
Monitor for award price drops
Use tools like MaximePoint or Rooms.Era to track changes in award prices, enabling you to capitalize on drops to secure more value for your points.
Opt for lounge membership early in the year for extended access
By selecting the lounge membership in the IHG business rewards account annually in January, you can enjoy lounge access for both the current and following year to maximize your benefits.
Book rooms strategically for free night certificate use
When using free night certificates, watch for nights priced below the certificate value to maximize savings and ensure efficient use of your rewards.
Utilize points sharing for enhanced flexibility
Take advantage of the points sharing feature with Diamond status or through the IHG business rewards program to enhance flexibility in managing and combining points for booking benefits.
Earning and Maximizing Rewards for IHG Stays
Booking IHG stays efficiently involves being vigilant for award sales that may not be recognized by booking tools. Utilizing shopping portals like Capital One Shopping can enhance rewards by offering cash backs and bonuses. The shopping portal plugin can lead to significant rewards, ensuring benefits from both IHG and the portal rewards.
Ambassador Status Benefits and Renewal Strategy
Purchasing Ambassador status at Intercontinental and Six Senses hotels offers perks like guaranteed room upgrades, late checkout, food and beverage credits, and annual buy one, get one weekend stays. Renewal offers for Ambassador status often provide bonus points, making it a cost-effective choice. Maximizing the benefits, such as complimentary spa massages and room upgrades at these high-end resorts, can significantly enhance the stay experience.
We don't talk about IHG One Rewards program much, but it may be a more valuable program than you think, especially if you keep our 10 tips in mind. Listen for more!
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