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Enter to win the chance to live in IHG hotels around the world for an entire year

June 22, 2021
4 min read
InterContinental Koh Samui Resort
Enter to win the chance to live in IHG hotels around the world for an entire year
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After more than a year of hardly any travel to speak of, the world is opening up once again, with news coming in seemingly every day that yet another country is reopening its borders to international travelers.

There's a new optimism in the air, with people everywhere remembering what it's like to experience the thrill of traveling to a new place and taking in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a different country.

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InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa. (Photo courtesy of IHG)

If you're ready to get back out into the world -- and want to do so in a big way -- look no further than this new contest launched by IHG Hotels and Resorts.

The chain has created a new program, called the Department of Epic, "which will help guests bring their travel dreams to life," according to an IHG press release.

The newly formed Department of Epic is offering one lucky traveler the opportunity to live in IHG properties around the world for an entire year. You read that right. The winner will be able to ditch their permanent residence for a year while traveling around the world and spending 365 nights at different IHG brands, which include options such as the InterContinental, Six Senses, Kimpton and Holiday Inn.

Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. (Photo courtesy of IHG)

It's not just free accommodations, either. The contest winner will receive numerous perks during their year of hotel living, including a complimentary snack basket upon check-in at each property; one included on-site meal per month; the option to replace their home mattress with their favorite they encountered at the hotels; access to a private car at select properties; a free Kimpton robe to take back home at the end of the year; automatic Spire Elite status; and access to a personal booking concierge.

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa. (Photo courtesy of IHG)

They'll be entitled to "Epic Extras," too, like a pair of plush slippers or a surprise upgrade to a penthouse suite.

If this sounds like exactly what you need, you can enter the content beginning now through July 20. The instructions for entrants are simple: "Tell IHG why they need a vacation -- without telling IHG they need an epic vacation." Post your submissions to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #IHGTellMeContest and be sure to tag @ihghotels in your post.

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And for those who simply can't wait to get back in the vacation mindset can tune into the Clubhouse app any time today through midnight Eastern Time to join IHG as it broadcasts a "hotel audio soundscape that will take listeners through a virtual journey of a hotel experience." You'll get to hear all the familiar sounds of a hotel stay, like the hushed chatter of a lobby, splashing in the pool and music from the bar as you enjoy a drink before retiring for the evening.

The lucky winner of this once-in-a-lifetime contest will be announced Aug. 2, and you can find the full terms and conditions of the contest here.

Featured image by InterContinental Koh Samui Resort (Photo courtesy of IHG)
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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  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
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Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

    Earn 125,000 points
    75,000 points
  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended 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.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.