The Best IHG Redemptions

IHG One Rewards is gaining in popularity with its recent update to membership rewards. With 17 brands and 6,000 destinations worldwide, there's a good chance you'll find a way to redeem IHG One Rewards points on your next trip. Here's what to know to make the best use of IHG points.

As with any award redemption, the most valuable use is the one that makes sense for your travel style and needs. Some hotels offer high-value redemption opportunities regarding paid rates versus points cost. At NerdWallet, we value IHG points at 0.5 cent apiece. Ideally, you get at least that value whenever you book a stay.

With that in mind, let's dive in and see some of our favorite sweet spot redemptions with IHG One Rewards Club.

» Learn more: The best hotel credit cards right now

1. InterContinental Pattaya Resort (Thailand)

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is one of the luxury brands within the IHG portfolio. While prices may be high in some parts of the world, in Thailand, you'll find some of the best IHG redemption options starting at just 15,000 points per night. InterContinental Pattaya Resort is a tropical beach oasis with stellar views of the Gulf of Thailand. It is a five-star resort featuring 156 guest rooms yet remains close to local attractions like the Pattaya Floating Market and Walking Street.

2. Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong (Singapore)

A trip to Singapore certainly isn't cheap, but booking the Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong on points is a swell deal starting at just 20,000 points nightly. While you won't be in the heart of the city, you're only about a 10-minute drive from the major tourist attractions. Plus, free breakfast for all guests will save you even more.

» Learn more: Your guide to IHG elite status

3. InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 (Vietnam)

Each room featuring floor-to-ceiling windows guarantees you fantastic views of Hanoi during your stay at the InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72. The hotel occupies floors 61-71 of a high-rise tower, making it the tallest hotel in Hanoi.

The hotel also boasts an impressive club lounge on the 71st floor and four on-property restaurants and bars. Between the attentive staff and sparkling new building, the hotel ranks as one of the city's most impressive and luxurious hotels. The best part is an award night starts at just 20,000 points per night.

4. Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives (Maldives)

The Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a good way to experience an expensive destination like the Maldives. For 44,000 points per night, the beachfront hotel offers great value.

The resort is a fun 45-minute speedboat ride from the international airport. Setting foot on the property, you'll quickly realize you've just arrived in a bit of paradise (with some of the Maldives' best diving spots right on your doorstep).

You get everything you need for an unforgettable vacation here with great food, superb service, crystal clear water, and beach or garden bungalows.

5. Regent Porto Montenegro (Montenegro)

Enjoy breathtaking views of Lovcen Mountain above and the Boka Bay marina below from your beautiful terrace. The Regent Porto Montenegro starts at just 25,000 points per night. This resort offers intimate waterfront living and a central location steps away from this UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, there is a private on-site pool, high-end dining, and retail options to complete your vacation experience.

6. Gran Hotel Montesol Ibiza (Spain)

Booking a room through the Mr. and Mrs. Smith partnership is one of the best ways to use IHG points. These exclusive boutique properties typically are some of the most expensive within the IHG One Rewards program. However, the Gran Hotel Montesol Ibiza is available starting at 30,000 points per night.

The Gran Hotel Montesol Ibiza is an elegant boutique hotel whose rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of this medieval town, the marina, and the Paseo de Vara de Rey. Rooms are decorated in the art deco style with a luxury feel and high-thread-count linens. And as a guest of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, all guests receive a complimentary cocktail in the bar.

7. InterContinental Budapest (Hungary)

Located on the Danube Promenade, the InterContinental Budapest is a stone's throw away from the city's most famous sights. The newly opened ARZ Lebanese Restaurants offers delicious culinary delights, while the Corso Bar and Terrace provides guests with stunning views of the Danube River and the castle district. Considering its location, elegantly designed rooms and breathtaking views, this hotel is a steal for just 35,000 points per night.

8. Holiday Inn Resort: Ixtapa All-Inclusive (Mexico)

One of the best IHG hotels in Mexico is the Holiday Inn Resort: Ixtapa All-Inclusive. This property is an excellent option at 50,000 points per night. Meals are included at the resort's four on-site restaurants and room service is available from morning until night. There's even a sports bar in the lobby featuring nightly music and entertainment.

IHG Hotels and Resorts has 17 brands for travelers to choose from. These brands are separated into four segments based on the travelers they target.

Luxury & Lifestyle Collection

• Hotel Indigo.

• InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.

• Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.

• Regent.

• Six Senses.

• Vignette Collection.

Premium Collection

• Crowne Plaza.

• Even Hotels.

• Hualuxe.

• Voco.

Essentials Collection

• Avid.

• Holiday Inn.

• Holiday Inn Express.

Suites Collection

• Atwell Suites.

• Candlewood Suites.

• Holiday Inn Club Vacations.

• Staybridge Suites.

If you're interested in earning more IHG Rewards points to book the best IHG redemption properties, here's how to do it:

• Join IHG One Rewards. Members earn up to 10x base points for every dollar they spend at participating IHG hotels and resorts.

• Welcome bonus from IHG credit cards. Travelers can apply for personal or business IHG credit cards to receive a welcome bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements within the specified timeframe. This is usually the fastest way to receive many points quickly. The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card currently offers this welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card welcome bonus is: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• Credit card bonus categories. IHG credit cards give bonus points to cardholders who make purchases in certain bonus categories. Bonus categories and earnings vary by card, but they include stays at IHG hotels and common budget categories like travel, dining, and gas.

• IHG elite status. The higher your elite status, the more points you'll earn on your stays. Top-tier Diamond Elite members earn a 100% bonus on points earned.

• Milestone rewards. With Milestone Rewards, members have their choice of benefits (including bonus points) for every 10 nights they stay at IHG properties.

• IHG promotions. IHG offers regular promotions where you can earn bonus points for your stays, credit card usage, and other activities.

• Transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points transfer to IHG One Rewards on a 1:1 basis. While this is an option, generally, Ultimate Rewards® points have a higher point value, so this is best used for the topping off of an account to book an award stay.

• Purchase or gift points. Members can buy up to 150,000 points per calendar year. Additionally, members may receive up to another 150,000 points as a gift each year.

» Learn more: Your complete guide to earning IHG Rewards points

In recent years, IHG eliminated its award chart and moved its properties to a dynamic award chart. This means that the number of points required to book a property depends on the type of property, time of year, and the number of rooms available.

In general, prices for rooms fall into these categories:

• Value accommodations: 10,000 to 25,000 points per night.

• Mid-range hotels: 30,000 to 45,000 points per night.

• Luxury resorts: 50,000 to 65,000 points per night.

• Top-tier properties: 70,000 to 100,000 points per night.

Tap into the fourth-night free benefit

Use the fourth-night free benefit when redeeming points to make your points go further. The fourth night will be free when you redeem points for four consecutive nights. This benefit is available on all three Chase IHG credit cards:

• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card.

• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card.

» Learn more: Hotel loyalty programs that offer free nights

IHG offers many unique properties around the world. We've covered many of the best ways to use IHG points, and we hope these IHG sweet spot hotels inspire you to book a vacation using your points. While we want you to get the most value from your rewards, the best IHG redemption is the one you book.