IHG Hotels & Rewards

Description

The IHG Hotels & Rewards app puts the power of booking and managing hotel stays right in your pocket. This handy travel companion lets you search and book rooms at over 6,000 IHG properties worldwide including Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Kimpton and more. Users can earn and redeem IHG One Rewards points directly through the app while enjoying member-exclusive rates. The app features a digital room key option at select properties allowing you to bypass the front desk entirely. It also includes helpful trip planning tools like maps, local area guides and the ability to communicate with hotel staff before and during your stay.

Key Features

• Digital Room Key: Skip the check-in line at select properties by using your phone as your room key. This contactless option saves time and adds convenience when arriving at your destination.
• Member Rate Access: Book exclusive rates that are only available to IHG One Rewards members through the app. These discounted rates often provide significant savings compared to standard booking channels.
• Points Management: Track your IHG One Rewards points balance and activity history in real-time. You can easily see how many points you've earned from stays and view opportunities to redeem them for free nights or other rewards.
• Trip Organizer: Access all your current and upcoming reservation details in one place with the ability to modify bookings on the go. The app stores your itineraries and sends helpful reminders about check-in and check-out times.

Tips for Using IHG Hotels & Rewards

1. Enable push notifications to receive alerts about flash sales and limited-time point promotions that aren't advertised elsewhere. These special offers can sometimes provide double or triple points on qualifying stays.
2. Use the 'Book Again' feature to quickly reserve rooms at properties you've previously enjoyed without re-entering all your preferences. This saves time and ensures you get the same room type that worked well for you in the past.
3. Take advantage of the message feature to communicate special requests directly to the hotel before arrival. This direct line to hotel staff can help with arranging early check-in, late checkout or specific room location requests.
4. Link your IHG account with partner loyalty programs like airline miles to maximize your rewards potential. The app makes it easy to set your earning preferences and track when points from various programs have been credited to your account.

How to Download and Use IHG Hotels & Rewards

1. Download the app by clicking on the Google Play Store button if using Android, or use the Apple Store button for iOS. The app is free to download and requires minimal storage space on your device.
2. Open the app and sign in with your existing IHG One Rewards account credentials or create a new account if you don't have one yet. The registration process is straightforward, asking for basic information like your name, email address and preferred password.
3. Start exploring hotels by entering your destination and travel dates in the search bar at the top of the home screen. You can filter results by brand, price range, amenities or distance from specific landmarks to find the perfect property for your needs.

Final Thoughts

After using the IHG Hotels & Rewards app for several trips, I've found it to be one of the more reliable hotel booking apps available. The interface is clean and intuitive making it easy to find and book rooms even when planning last-minute travel. I particularly appreciate how the app integrates the rewards program seamlessly into the booking experience rather than treating it as an afterthought. While the digital key feature isn't available at all properties yet, when it works it's a genuine time-saver. For frequent travelers who stay at IHG properties, this app eliminates many common travel headaches and streamlines the entire hotel experience from booking to checkout.