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You can get a free cup of coffee at Holiday Inn Express hotels next weekend — even if you're not a guest

Aug. 20, 2025
•
3 min read
Holiday Inn Costa Coffee
You can get a free cup of coffee at Holiday Inn Express hotels next weekend — even if you're not a guest
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Free coffee? Yes, please — we'll never say no to that.

Thanks to a new partnership between Holiday Inn Express and Costa Coffee, you can get a fresh cup of Joe on the house next weekend.

The new partnership makes the complimentary coffee available in all Holiday Inn Express locations across the U.S., IHG shared with TPG. Costa Coffee is also available at Avid, Atwell Suites, Garner Hotels and Candlewood Suites properties.

RYAN LOWRY/HOLIDAY INN

IHG is giving away freshly ground and brewed coffee to tired fans within 10 miles of participating Division I FBS schools to celebrate the return of college football. The free pick-me-up will be available to both guests and nonguests from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. local time Aug. 30.

“For years, Holiday Inn Express has helped guests start their day right with a fresh, hot, complimentary breakfast – one of our signature offerings. ... Now, breakfast is getting even better as Costa Coffee becomes part of the Holiday Inn Express experience,” Justin Alexander, vice president of global brand management for Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites, said in a statement shared with TPG. “For college football fans, the morning can define the whole game day, and with thousands of locations across the country, we’re here to welcome those getting ready to embark on pre-game traditions, cheer on their teams, and maybe even roast a rival or two!”

Holiday Inn Express is the fastest-growing brand for IHG, according to the hotel group. It has more than 3,000 properties around the world. The hotel typically offers a complimentary breakfast with favorites like bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, oatmeal and yogurt.

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In the U.S., the company operates hotels in several college towns, including in Madison, Wisconsin, by the University of Wisconsin–Madison; Tucson, Arizona, by The University of Arizona; College Park, Maryland, by the University of Maryland; and Eugene, Oregon, by the University of Oregon.

Holiday Inn Express properties aren’t as acclaimed as those within other IHG hotel brands (think: Six Senses, InterContinental and Kimpton), but they do offer value for the cost of a room. They are classified under IHG’s “essentials collection” and are part of the company’s IHG One Rewards loyalty program.

Related reading:

Featured image by RYAN LOWRY/HOLIDAY INN
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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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
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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.
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  • 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.