IHG Free Night Certificate: A Complete Guide

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• The IHG Premier Credit Card and IHG Premier Business Credit Card both offer a free night annually. 
• You can use this certificate at IHG hotels that cost up to 40,000 points per night.
• Cardholders can top-up the certificate with points if they want to use it at more expensive hotels.

Introduction to the IHG Free Night Certificate

Overview of the IHG Rewards Program

If you stay with IHG hotels, even occasionally, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card are worth considering.

Both cards are offering valuable welcome bonuses:

• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card — 5 free nights, each valued at up to 60,000 points, after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening 
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card — 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card pack a lot of perks for a modest annual fee. With complimentary elite status and even your fourth night free on award stays, it's easy to find value with these cards. 

Perhaps the biggest perk, however, is the annual free night certificate that they offer. Valid at properties up to 40,000 points per night, you can find stays in international hotspots like Bali and Amsterdam. Or, if you prefer to stick closer to home, you can enjoy villa life while working on your tan.

How the Free Night Certificate Works

Each year on your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card anniversary, you'll receive a free night certificate valid at IHG hotels that cost up to 40,000 points per night. The certificate should automatically show up in your IHG account online on the homepage under the "Free Night(s)" link.

Earning an IHG Free Night Certificate

Eligibility Criteria

These cards come with top-notch benefits including complimentary IHG Platinum elite status, a fourth reward night free on point stays of three or more consecutive nights, up to $50 in United Travel Bank credits each year, and a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit of up to $100 every four years.

One big reason to keep these cards year after year is the anniversary free night certificate they offer, valid at any IHG hotel that costs up to 40,000 IHG points per night. If you redeem the certificate at upscale hotels — where nightly rates can be $300 or more — you could get a value that well exceeds the $99 annual fee.

The free night certificate can take you across the world — from Bali to the Netherlands — and it won't cost you anything but your annual fee.

Redeeming Your IHG Free Night Certificate

How to Redeem

To book your reward night, select your free night certificate and search for available hotels as you normally would. The free night will automatically be attached when you complete your reservation instead of having points deducted from your account. 

Booking Restrictions and Tips

One other important point to note: IHG prices reward nights dynamically, which means the number of points required at a specific hotel varies depending on season and demand. A hotel may price out at 40,000 points or less at some times of year (and therefore qualify for the free night certificate), but during peak travel times it may cost more than 40,000 points and be ineligible for the annual free night without topping up with additional points.

Selecting High-Value Properties

Kimpton De Witt, Amsterdam

If Europe has been on your list, you'll want to stop in at the Kimpton Amsterdam De Witt. Located in the city center, room rates here hover in the $250 to $300 range, which means you'll be making good use of your IHG annual free night certificate.

And because it's a Kimpton, you'll be able to bring your pet with you — no matter their size — for free. Because IHG operates on a dynamic pricing scale, you'll see reward rates fluctuate, but they'll go as low as 35,000 points per night in the off-season. If you're traveling in the summer, expect rates from 50,000 to 70,000 points per night — but you can top up your certificate with points to make up the difference.

InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort

Now that the world has opened up again for travelers, visiting far-flung destinations has become a lot easier. One of IHG's newer additions, the InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort is a gorgeous property where you can treat yourself to a five-star stay.

A standard room is a junior suite, complete with an outdoor living area, and this beachfront resort features stunning infinity pools and gardens. The award rate on most nights is 40,000 points or less, even during peak season, which makes this resort an ideal spot for redeeming an IHG free night certificate in luxury.

Kimpton Alma San Diego

Want to stay stateside? The Kimpton Alma San Diego (formerly the Kimpton Palomar) is a swanky hotel with a rooftop pool located in San Diego's famous Gaslamp Quarter. You'll find a wide range of reward redemption pricing here, but a good selection of dates price in the 40,000 to 50,000 point range.

Room rates will otherwise run you upward of $300 each night, and as a Kimpton property, Fido also comes along for free. 

Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort, Las Vegas

If you're traveling with a family and looking to spread out, skip the strip and stay in the condo-style Holiday Inn Club Vacations At Desert Club Resort, where sprawling villas come equipped with both full kitchens and living rooms.

You can snag a room here for less than 40,000 IHG points on most dates — or redeem your free night certificate — and enjoy a free shuttle to the strip as well as expansive resort pools. Room rates otherwise hover in the mid $200s. 

Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, Miami Beach

A stay in Miami Beach can be a pricey proposition, but the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel is an affordable option for using IHG Rewards. Award nights here start at 36,000 points in the off-season, making it a good choice for redeeming an IHG free night certificate. During peak times, the price skyrockets — but if you're flexible with travel dates, it can be a good value.

Located in the historic Art Deco District, this family-friendly oceanfront hotel features a kids' beach area with toys, poolside activities, and an evening social hour. And because it's a Kimpton, your pet can stay at no charge.

FAQs

How do I earn an IHG Free Night Certificate?

Typically, the certificate is earned as an annual benefit of holding an IHG co-branded credit card or through specific IHG promotions.

Can I use my IHG Free Night Certificate at any IHG hotel?

The certificate can be used at most IHG hotels worldwide, but there may be restrictions based on availability, hotel category, or specific blackout dates.

How do I redeem my IHG Free Night Certificate?

Log into your IHG Rewards Club account, navigate to the "My Account" section to find your certificate, and follow the prompts to book your free night.

What happens if I don't use my IHG Free Night Certificate before it expires?

Unfortunately, unused certificates typically expire and cannot be extended or reinstated. It's important to plan ahead to ensure you use your certificate.

Can the IHG Free Night Certificate be combined with other offers?

While you generally cannot combine the certificate with other promotions, you can book consecutive nights by using points, cash, or additional certificates for an extended stay.