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Save with IHG's New Member-Exclusive Rate

May 07, 2016
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4 min read
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Save with IHG's New Member-Exclusive Rate
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Offering member-exclusive rates is the latest trend in the hotel industry. Recently, Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt all announced their own versions of member-exclusive rates — the discount varies from one chain to the next, but you can expect to save as much as 10%. And now, IHG is the most recent hotel chain to change its terms and conditions to include a member-exclusive rate when booking a stay directly through IHG's site.

IHG is calling its member-exclusive rate YOUR RATE, and the discounts don't look to be all that significant — the most I found was about 3%. However, the rate is available to use as of this week, and if you're looking at booking a cash stay, the small discount could help. IHG hasn't released many details beside the fact that it exists and availability varies based on brand and region. In order to take advantage, you must book directly through IHG — whether that be its website, app, central reservations office or at an IHG hotel's front desk.

Keep in mind that you're sometimes better off using another discount rate, such as AAA. As always, it's best to check and compare rates to see what the better option is for your stay.

Sample Bookings

The rates at the Chicago Magnificent Mile for one night in July.

For a one-night weeknight stay in July, the Chicago Magnificent Mile is going for $269 per night for both flexible rates and AAA. However, YOUR RATE is slightly lower at $264 per night — a $5, or a nearly 2% discount. If booking an award stay, this property requires 50,000 Rewards Club points for a free night.

The rates at the Holiday Inn London - Mayfair for one night in July.

For a one-night weeknight stay in July, rates at the Holiday Inn London - Mayfair are going for £279 per night (around $406), and YOUR RATE is slightly lower at £271 per night (around $395). YOUR RATE will save you £8 (around $11), or approximately 3%. However, the AAA rate is your best option at just £252 per night (around $367). If booking an award stay, this property requires 40,000 Rewards Club points for a free night.

The rates at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan for one night in July.

The Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan is going for $379 per night for a one-night stay in July, and YOUR RATE is $371 per night. The member-exclusive rate will save you $8, or approximately 2%. However, the AAA is again the best option, at just $304 per night. If booking an award stay, this property costs 50,000 Rewards Club points for a free night.

As you can see, in many cases you'll save with YOUR RATE, however, sometimes that can be overshadowed by other discounted rates, such as AAA. As always, if you're considering booking a stay, it's best to check and compare rates with all discounts.

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If you're planning on using Rewards Club points for an IHG stay, there can also be great value had with IHG's PointBreaks list, which was just announced and is active through July 31. The promotion offers hotel stays at select properties for just 5,000 Rewards Club points for a free night. If you're looking to boost your IHG Rewards Club balance, consider signing up for the IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card. The card is currently offering 60,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first three months. You'll also get 5,000 points when you add an authorized user and make a purchase within the first three months, in addition to a free night every account anniversary and 5x points on every dollar you spend at IHG hotels.

H/T: View From The Wing

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  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.