7 Incredible IHG Hotels for International Getaways
If you've been racking up those InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Rewards Club points, now is the time to use them for free luxury stays at spots around the globe. TPG Contributor Lane Nieset spotlights seven stand-out InterContinental Hotels around the world from overwater bungalows in French Polynesia to over-the-top suites in Paris, France.
Moorea Resort And Spa, An InterContinental Resort
Set in French Polynesia on Tahiti's sister island of Moorea, this 144-accommodation resort is strategically situated between a lagoon and mountains, and knows how to make the most of its surroundings. Bungalows are nested between beach and garden, some offering their own pool while others are set right over the water. When you're not taking in the scenery from your bungalow terrace, set out and explore the water first-hand, sailing to Cook's Bay or surfing the Pacific. Rates from 40,000 IHG Rewards points or 31,351 XPF ($298 USD).
InterContinental Paris-Le Grand
One of the most magnificent aspects of this 470-room hotel, which opened in 1862, is La Verrière, a glass-encased winter garden atrium in the lobby that doubles as a restaurant. The historic hotel is grandiose—hence the name—in plenty of other ways, from its columns and gilded accents to the murals on the ceilings befitting that of a château. The suites are just as stunning, with balconies looking out to the Beaux-Arts Palais Garnier opera house. Of course a stay wouldn't be complete with a visit to the opulent Café de la Paix restaurant, which once called Oscar Wilde and Marlene Dietrich regular customers. Rates from 50,000 IHG Rewards points or 365 Euros ($414 USD). For ideas on scoring award travel to Paris, see our post Credit Card Combinations for a Paris Vacation.
There's a reason the 503-room InterContinental Hong Kong is consistently rated not only one of the best hotels in the city, but also in the world. The Kowloon-Victoria Harbor waterfront presents spectacular scenery, and the hotel offers picture-perfect views of it from the floor-to-ceiling windows in its lounge and suites. The luxe Presidential Suite itself has garnered a reputation as one of the top in the world thanks to its private terrace and infinity pool that looks out on the city's skyline. If this isn't luxurious enough for you, the property's fleet of exquisite restaurants should do the trick, from celebrity chef Alain Ducasse's SPOON to the two-Michelin starred Chinese Yan Toh Heen. Rooms from 45,000 IHG Rewards points or rates starting at 3,971 HKD ($512 USD). Check out our post Destination of the Week: Hong Kong for activities and other dining options in the city.
At the 509-room InterContinental Sydney Hotel, you'll not only be located near landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, you'll also be staying in a landmark; this hotel is home to one of the Southern Hemisphere's oldest operating elevators. Classic 19th-century design permeates the property, with a grand façade built around the 1851 Treasury Building, a soaring, marble-and-brick lobby, and the Viennese-style Opera Café. Book with the club rate and reap the rewards of Club InterContinental with its outdoor terrace overlooking Sydney Harbour. Rooms from 50,000 IHG Rewards points or rates start at 477 AUD ($372 USD).
Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort Spa
While there are a number of all-inclusive hotels dotting the Mexican island of Cozumel, this resort is a destination of its own. Located on pristine beaches in the Cozumel National Marine Park, guests also have access to some of the island's top scuba and snorkel spots at world's second-largest reef. Explore the reefs à la Jacques Cousteau (who set his sights on these waters back in 1959) via the five-star PADI dive center, or get a taste of Mayan tradition at the spa, which incorporates indigenous plants and herbs into treatments that can be taken indoors or in an open-air, oceanside hut. A member of the carefully curated collection Leading Hotels of the World, the 220-room Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort Spa has a luxurious range of pool- or ocean-view rooms, as well as Reef Suites that offer butler service and direct beach access. Rooms start at 30,000 IHG Rewards points or about $269.
InterContinental London Park Lane
Standing on the site of what was once the queen's childhood residence, the 447-room InterContinental London Park Lane is also a coveted address for its views of the Royal Parks and Buckingham Palace, and its close proximity to the fashion-savvy streets of both Knightsbridge and Mayfair. Sleep like royalty in the recently redesigned Royal Suite, inspired by Queen Elizabeth II's signature styles, and featuring a customizable design that can be tailored for guests who spring for this elegant four-room suite. Rooms start at 50,000 IHG Rewards points or about £263 ($396 USD).
InterContinental De La Ville Roma
Location is key, especially in a city chock-full of landmarks like Rome, and the 192-room InterContinental De La Ville is in the perfect position—at the top of the Spanish Steps. The 17th-century structure has evolved from a religious building to a queen's quarters, transforming into a hotel in the 1920s. On its recently renovated rooftop terrace, guests can take in views of the skyline and sunset over St. Peter's Basilica while noshing on Italian fare. Opt for a suite with private balcony or terrace so you can score similar views of the Eternal City from the comfort of your own room. Rooms start at 50,000 IHG Rewards points or rates from 250 Euros ($282 USD). For affordable ways to get to Rome, see our post 10 Strategies for Organizing a Budget Trip to Rome.
What international destination are you dreaming of visiting this year? What are some of your favorite IHG hotels around the world?[card card-name='IHG® Rewards Club Select Credit Card' card-id='221210684' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
