The world of hotel discounts can be complex, but savvy travelers are always on the lookout for the best deals. One such opportunity within the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) ecosystem is the IHG Friends & Family rate. This special rate, as highlighted by Loyalty Lobby, can unlock significant savings and offer valuable flexibility compared to standard booking options. For those connected to IHG employees, or even those who can access the rate link, understanding how to utilize the IHG Friends & Family rate can be a game-changer in your travel planning.
The IHG Friends & Family rate is designed to offer discounted hotel stays to those connected to the IHG network. This includes friends and family of IHG employees, hotel owners, managers, and franchisees. While traditionally intended for this specific group, the rate can sometimes be accessed more broadly through a general link. It’s a worthwhile option to explore as it often presents savings comparable to, or even better than, publicly available discounted rates. Importantly, the IHG Friends & Family rate frequently comes with more flexible cancellation policies, setting it apart from restrictive non-refundable offers.
To explore this potential discount, you can use this Direct link to this deal.
When considering the IHG Friends & Family rate, it’s important to understand the key terms and conditions associated with it. These guidelines ensure the rate is used as intended and provide clarity on what you can expect when booking.
Key Terms to Know:
- Eligibility: The IHG Friends & Family Rate is officially for friends and family members (18 years or older) of IHG employees (full-time and part-time), IHG hotel owners or managers, and IHG franchisees.
- Inclusions: The rate applies to room bookings only at participating IHG hotels. It does not extend to packages or additional components. However, bookings made with the IHG Friends & Family rate are eligible to earn IHG One Rewards points, allowing you to continue building your points balance and elite status.
- Stay Limits: Each stay is limited to a maximum of seven (7) nights and five (5) rooms. This ensures the rate is used for personal travel and not for group bookings or extended stays beyond the intended purpose.
- Deposit and Cancellation: A deposit equal to the first night’s stay is required at the time of booking. This deposit is refundable if you cancel according to the hotel’s specific cancellation policy. This refundable aspect is a significant advantage over many deeply discounted, non-refundable rates. It is important to review the specific cancellation policy for your chosen hotel at the time of booking.
- Rate Subject to Change: The IHG Friends & Family rate is subject to availability and can be changed or discontinued without prior notice. It is also not commissionable to travel agents and must be booked directly through the provided link.
Example of IHG Friends & Family Rate Savings at Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan
While the terms and conditions officially state the rate is for those connected to the IHG network via a “Participant’s URL,” the publicly available link functions for anyone. This means you don’t need a special code or verification to check the rate. It’s accessible to anyone who has the link, making it a broadly applicable discount option to investigate.
The real value of the IHG Friends & Family rate lies in its potential to offer substantial savings and enhanced flexibility. In many instances, this rate can be more advantageous than other publicly advertised discounts, particularly when considering the cancellation terms.
For example, consider a search for a stay at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan. As illustrated, the IHG Friends & Family rate can beat even non-refundable member discounts. This demonstrates the potential for significant cost savings when utilizing this rate.
However, it’s crucial to compare the IHG Friends & Family rate against all other available options. It is not always the absolute lowest price. For instance, when searching for a stay at the Hotel Indigo Shibuya in Tokyo, advance purchase rates might appear lower than the Friends & Family rate.
Despite sometimes not being the absolute cheapest option, the IHG Friends & Family rate holds a distinct advantage: flexibility. While those lower advance purchase rates are often non-refundable, the Friends & Family rate typically allows cancellations up to the day before arrival (check the specific hotel policy). This flexibility provides peace of mind, particularly when travel plans are uncertain. While a “Pay in advance” bullet point may be present, this usually translates to a refundable one-night deposit, offering a much more lenient cancellation policy than truly restrictive advance purchase deals.
Frequent Miler Podcast and Email Subscription Icons for Travel Tips
Numerous examples, such as those detailed by Loyalty Lobby, showcase instances where the IHG Friends & Family rate emerges as one of the most competitive options across various IHG properties.
In conclusion, the IHG Friends & Family rate is a valuable tool for budget-conscious travelers, offering a blend of potential savings and booking flexibility. While it’s essential to always compare rates across all available options, the Friends & Family rate should definitely be part of your rate-checking routine, especially when plans might change. Keeping this rate in mind, and staying connected with your favorite IHG hotel agents, could lead to significant savings and more relaxed travel experiences.
