IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched IHG One Rewards, the company’s updated global loyalty program, supported by an upgraded mobile app. The launch follows the January announcement of the program’s new tier and bonus-point earning structure that aim to let members earn more points faster and gain rewards sooner. The new structure starts on April 13 and will be reflected in all member accounts on or before April 17.
Member benefits include:
- Free breakfast for Diamond Elite members as a welcome amenity choice;
- Exclusive access to reward night discount promotions for Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite members; and
- More opportunities for Elite members to receive early check-in, late checkout (if available) and room upgrades.
IHG One Rewards also includes Milestone Rewards—a new technology-enabled platform that will let members choose their rewards. Starting at 20 nights stayed, members can select their rewards every 10 nights through 100 nights stayed. Options include points, $20 food-and-beverage rewards, confirmable suite upgrades and annual lounge membership.
On March 24, Chase and IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of IHG Rewards Premier Business Mastercard for small business owners and activated new and enhanced benefits across the IHG Rewards Traveler and Premier Consumer Mastercard products. All three cards provide new ways for members to use their points.
Next Steps
In the coming weeks, IHG will roll out the new IHG One Rewards mobile app, which is meant to facilitate streamlined booking, help members check in faster, stay informed and stay connected to the hotel. IHG One Rewards members will be prompted to update their app on their device either through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
“This is one of the largest and most comprehensive investments that IHG Hotels & Resorts has made in recent years,” said Claire Bennett, the company's global chief customer officer. “It’s also the biggest development we’ve made in the loyalty space since introducing the industry’s first loyalty program. We’re truly transforming guest experiences by giving our loyalty members more of what they want, more value and exciting benefits individually delivered via new technology with our new mobile app.
“Built on feedback from our guests, hotel teams and owners, IHG One Rewards has a fresh look and feel and puts guests in control of their journey,” Bennett continued. “It recognizes that no two members are the same and celebrates it—allowing guests to travel, and mark milestones, their own way. Every day, we welcome more guests to our hotels, and while a love of travel is universal, the reasons and ways people travel differ. With IHG One Rewards, our members can create the rewards that are right for them.”
Existing member stays from Jan. 1 will count toward new status tiers. All member benefits—including the launch of Milestone Rewards—will become available for members in early June.
IHG has nearly 6,000 hotels across 17 brands in more than 100 countries.