Looking for a comfortable and convenient lodging option for your next trip? Consider staying at an IHG hotel.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is a multinational hospitality company that operates a portfolio of well-known hotel brands, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and more.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of IHG hotels, including their history, hotel brands, loyalty program, and more.
History of IHG
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is a multinational hospitality company that operates across the world. It has a diverse portfolio of hotel brands, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn, and many others. Here is a brief history of IHG.
Founding of IHG
IHG was founded in 2003 as a result of a merger between two major hotel companies, British-based Six Continents PLC and the North American-based InterContinental Hotels Group. The merger created the world’s largest hotel group at the time, with over 3,500 hotels and 534,000 guest rooms.
Expansion and Acquisitions
Since its founding, IHG has continued to expand and grow its hotel portfolio. In 2004, it acquired the upscale hotel brand, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, which added 60 properties to its portfolio. In 2015, it acquired the luxury hotel brand, Regent Hotels & Resorts, which added six hotels to its portfolio. In 2019, IHG acquired the luxury wellness resort and spa brand, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, which added 16 hotels to its portfolio.
Recent Developments
In recent years, IHG has focused on launching new hotel brands to cater to different segments of the market. It launched the upscale boutique hotel brand, Hotel Indigo, in 2004, and the wellness-focused hotel brand, Even Hotels, in 2012. In 2018, it launched the midscale hotel brand, avid hotels, and in 2019, it launched the luxury hotel brand, voco Hotels.
It is worth mentioning that IHG has also focused on sustainability and corporate responsibility. In 2019, it launched the IHG Green Engage system, a platform that helps hotels reduce their environmental impact. It also launched the IHG Academy, a program that provides training and employment opportunities for people in local communities.
Today, IHG is a global leader in the hospitality industry, with over 5,900 hotels and 883,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries. Its diverse portfolio of hotel brands caters to a wide range of travelers, from budget-conscious to luxury-seeking.
IHG Hotel Brands
If you’re looking for a hotel under the IHG brand, you’ll be pleased to know that they offer a wide range of options to suit all your travel needs. Here are some of the hotel brands under IHG:
- InterContinental Hotels & Resorts: This brand is known for its luxury hotels and resorts in prime locations around the world. With over 200 hotels in more than 70 countries, the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand offers guests a premium experience with exceptional service.
- Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts: This brand is designed for the modern business traveler. With over 400 hotels in more than 60 countries, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts offer a range of amenities to help guests stay productive and focused during their stay.
- Holiday Inn: This brand is one of the most recognized hotel brands in the world. With over 1,100 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn offers comfortable accommodations and a range of amenities for both leisure and business travelers.
- Holiday Inn Express: This brand is a budget-friendly option for travelers who want a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. With over 2,800 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn Express offers free breakfast and other amenities to ensure guests have a pleasant stay.
- Hotel Indigo: This brand is known for its boutique hotels that offer a unique and personalized experience. With over 100 hotels worldwide, Hotel Indigo is perfect for travelers who want to stay in a hotel that’s as unique as they are.
- Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants: This brand is all about luxury and personalized service. With over 70 hotels and restaurants in more than 30 cities worldwide, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants offer guests an exceptional experience with a focus on wellness, sustainability, and social responsibility.
- EVEN Hotels: This brand is designed for health-conscious travelers who want to maintain their wellness routine while on the road. With locations in the US and Canada, EVEN Hotels offer guests access to fitness centers, healthy food options, and other amenities to help them stay on track.
- avid hotels: This is a relatively new brand under IHG, designed for travelers who want a comfortable and affordable stay. With a focus on simplicity and reliability, avid hotels offer a range of amenities to ensure guests have a pleasant stay.
- Candlewood Suites: This brand is a great option for extended stays. With over 400 hotels worldwide, Candlewood Suites offers guests spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens and other amenities to make them feel at home.
- Staybridge Suites: This brand is designed for travelers who want a home away from home. With over 300 hotels worldwide, Staybridge Suites offers guests spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens and other amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
Each of these brands offers something unique and different, so be sure to choose the one that best fits your travel needs. Keep in mind that some of these brands may not be available in certain locations, so be sure to check the IHG website for more information.
IHG Rewards Club
When it comes to hotel rewards programs, IHG Rewards Club is one of the most popular and highly-regarded options available. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your membership.
IHG Rewards Club Membership Tiers
IHG Rewards Club offers four tiers of membership: Club, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and Spire Elite. As members move up the tiers, they gain access to more valuable perks and benefits.
- Club: This is the base level of membership and is available to anyone who signs up for the program.
- Gold Elite: Members reach this tier after earning 10,000 qualifying points or staying at IHG hotels for 10 qualifying nights in a calendar year.
- Platinum Elite: Members earn this tier after earning 40,000 qualifying points or staying at IHG hotels for 40 qualifying nights in a calendar year.
- Spire Elite: This is the highest tier of membership and is earned after earning 75,000 qualifying points or staying at IHG hotels for 75 qualifying nights in a calendar year.
Earning Points
Members can earn IHG Rewards Club points in a variety of ways, including:
- Staying at IHG hotels
- Using an IHG Rewards Club credit card
- Shopping through the IHG Rewards Club portal
- Renting cars from IHG’s partners
It’s worth mentioning that IHG Rewards Club points do expire after 12 months of inactivity, so it’s important to keep earning and using them regularly.
Redeeming Points
Members can redeem their IHG Rewards Club points for a variety of rewards, including free hotel stays, airline miles, car rentals, and gift cards. The number of points required for each reward varies based on the value of the reward and the member’s membership tier.
For example, a free night at a Holiday Inn Express may cost 10,000 points for a Club member, but only 5,000 points for a Spire Elite member. Keep in mind that some hotels may have blackout dates or other restrictions on reward bookings.
Benefits
Some of the benefits of being an IHG Rewards Club member include:
- Free internet access at all IHG hotels
- Priority check-in and late check-out
- Room upgrades (based on availability)
- Free newspapers at select hotels
- Bonus points for qualifying stays
It’s important to note that benefits may vary based on the member’s membership tier, and some benefits may not be available at all hotels.
IHG Hotel Amenities
IHG Hotels offer a variety of amenities to cater to the needs of their guests. One of their most popular amenities is their dining options. With a range of restaurants and bars available, guests can indulge in a variety of cuisines and drinks. Some of the popular hotel chains within the IHG group include Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and InterContinental, and they all offer different dining options, from casual to fine dining.
For those who like to stay active, IHG Hotels provide state-of-the-art fitness centers equipped with the latest fitness machines and equipment. Whether you prefer to work out on your own or join a group fitness class, IHG Hotels have something for everyone. Some hotels also offer personal training sessions for an additional fee.
Swimming pools are another popular amenity offered by IHG Hotels. Guests can relax and unwind by the poolside or take a refreshing swim. Some hotels also offer heated indoor pools, making it possible to enjoy a swim all year round.
For business travelers, IHG Hotels provide fully functional business centers equipped with computers, printers, and other office essentials. Some hotels also offer meeting rooms and event spaces suitable for hosting conferences and seminars. IHG Hotels have become a popular choice for business travelers due to their focus on providing a comfortable and productive environment.
IHG Sustainability Initiatives
In recent years, sustainability has become a top priority for many businesses, including hotels. IHG Hotels, one of the world’s largest hotel chains, has taken numerous initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint and support local communities.
Green Engage
One of the most significant sustainability initiatives by IHG is the Green Engage program. This program aims to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water usage in IHG hotels worldwide. Through Green Engage, hotels can track their energy and water usage, identify areas for improvement, and implement sustainability measures.
According to IHG’s website, hotels that participate in Green Engage have saved over 25% in energy costs and 19% in water costs. This not only benefits the environment but also helps hotels save money in the long run.
Plastic Waste Reduction
Plastic waste is a major environmental issue, and IHG is taking steps to address this problem. The hotel chain has pledged to eliminate single-use plastics from its hotels by 2021. This includes plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds.
Additionally, IHG has partnered with Clean the World, a nonprofit organization that collects discarded soap and other hygiene products from hotels and recycles them. This initiative helps reduce waste and provides soap to people in need.
Community Programs
IHG is committed to supporting local communities through various initiatives. One such program is the IHG Foundation, which supports charitable organizations around the world. The foundation focuses on four areas: hospitality skills and training, disaster relief, water stewardship, and local community impact.
Furthermore, IHG hotels often collaborate with local businesses and organizations to support the local economy and promote sustainable tourism. For example, some hotels source food and other products from local farmers and artisans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, IHG hotels offer a wide range of lodging options for travelers around the world. With their diverse portfolio of hotel brands, robust loyalty program, and commitment to sustainability, IHG is a great choice for both leisure and business travelers alike.
So the next time you’re planning a trip, consider booking a stay at an IHG hotel and experience their renowned hospitality for yourself.
