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']
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Rewards
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.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.