IHG One Rewards has introduced its bonus points promotion for the summer of 2026. This promotion requires members to choose between two different earning structures based on their upcoming travel plans.
The promotion applies to stays completed between May 20 and August 31, 2026. Registration is open now and will remain open throughout the promotion period. You must register before checking in for your first stay, as any nights completed prior to registration will not earn bonus points.
Understanding Your Two Earning Options
When you register for the promotion, you are required to select one of two paths. Both options offer unlimited earning potential during the promotion dates, meaning you can trigger the bonus as many times as you meet the requirements.
- Option 1: Earn 2,000 bonus points every 2 nights.
- Option 2: Earn 8,000 bonus points every 4 nights.
The most important rule of this promotion is that your selection is permanent. Once you choose an option and complete your registration, the system will not allow you to switch to the other offer.
How to Select the Right Option for Your Schedule
Because you cannot change your selection, you need to estimate your total number of IHG nights between late May and late August before you register. The bonus points are only awarded when you hit the exact threshold of your chosen option.
If you plan to stay a total of two or three nights during the entire promotion period, Option 1 is the correct choice. If you choose Option 2 but only stay three nights, you will earn zero bonus points because you will not hit the four-night requirement.
If you expect to stay four or more nights, Option 2 is generally the better strategy. For example, if you complete exactly six nights this summer, Option 1 will yield 6,000 points (three sets of two nights). Option 2 will yield 8,000 points (one set of four nights, with two leftover nights).
At an average valuation of half a cent per point, the 8,000 points from Option 2 equal roughly $40 toward a future hotel redemption.
A practical approach is to wait to register until your summer travel plans are locked in. Since registration remains open until August 31, there is no penalty for waiting, provided you remember to sign up before your first hotel stay begins. Setting a calendar reminder a few days before your first summer trip is a reliable way to ensure you do not miss out.
Rules to Ensure Your Stays Qualify
Selecting the right option is only the first step. Your hotel bookings must also meet specific criteria to count toward the promotion.
Minimum Nightly Spend and Payment Methods
The room rate for your stay must be greater than $30 USD (or the local currency equivalent) per night. Deeply discounted rates will not trigger the bonus.
Additionally, you must pay for your stay with cash or a credit card. Stays booked using Reward Nights or the Points & Cash option are excluded from this promotion and will not count toward your night total.
Booking Channels
You must book directly with IHG to participate. Reservations made through online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com do not qualify for this promotion. Always use the IHG website or the official mobile app to ensure your nights are tracked correctly.
Brand and Regional Exclusions
While the vast majority of IHG properties globally participate in this promotion, there are a few exceptions. If you are booking a stay at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, or Ruby Hotels, verify their participation status on the IHG website first, as several properties under these brands are excluded.
Finally, note that members who reside in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are not eligible to participate in this specific summer promotion.
Planning Ahead with IHG Promotions
IHG typically runs global bonus point promotions on a quarterly basis. Looking at recent years, they alternate between fixed-point bonuses (like this summer’s offer) and multiplier bonuses (such as earning double or triple points on every stay).
To help you anticipate future offers, here is a look at IHG’s promotion history over the last few years:
| Promotion Period | Promotion Offer |
|---|---|
| May 20 – Aug 31, 2026 | 2,000 points every 2 nights OR 8,000 points every 4 nights |
| Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 | 2x points starting on the 2nd stay |
| Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | 3x points starting on the 3rd stay |
| May 20 – Aug 31, 2025 | 2,000 points every 2 nights OR 8,000 points every 4 nights |
| Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2025 | 2x points on every stay |
| Sep 19 – Dec 31, 2024 | 3,000 points every 2 nights |
| Jun 20 – Aug 31, 2024 | 2,000 points every 2 nights |
| Apr 1 – May 31, 2024 | 2,000 points every 2 nights |
| Jan 1 – Jan 31, 2024 | 2x points on every stay |
| Oct 12 – Dec 31, 2023 | 2,000 points every 2 nights |
| Jun 6 – Aug 31, 2023 | 2,000 points every 2 nights OR 10,000 points every 4 nights |
| Feb 9 – Apr 14, 2023 | 2,000 points every 2 nights |
| Oct 13 – Dec 31, 2022 | 2,000 points every 2 nights OR 10,000 points every 4 nights |
| May 18 – Aug 31, 2022 | 2x to 4x points on every stay |
| Feb 1 – Mar 31, 2022 | 2x points on every stay |
Understanding this cycle is helpful for long-term planning. If you have significant travel planned for the fall, you can reasonably expect a new promotion—likely a multiplier bonus—to begin shortly after this one ends on August 31.
For now, review your confirmed itineraries for the summer months, calculate your total expected nights, and register for the option that yields the highest return for your specific schedule.
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