News: IHG launches a one-week flash sale, Marriott’s Madrid EDITION hotel opens

News in brief:

IHG launches a one-week flash sale

IHG has launched another of its increasingly common flash sales. This one will run until 7th March.

Brands included include InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo and Crowne Plaza.

Participating hotels in the UK and Europe are on offer at 25% off the standard Best Flexible Rate.

Whilst you need to pre-pay your room, these bookings are fully refundable up to seven days before arrival.

You can book for travel until 4th September 2022. Full details and rules are on the IHG website.

Marriott’s Madrid EDITION hotel opens

Back in December we highlighted 10 of our most anticipated Marriott Bonvoy hotel openings for 2022.

One of these was the Madrid EDITION. This is one of several EDITION openings on the way, including Rome, Tokyo, Tampa and Doha.

The Madrid EDITION has 200 rooms and suites including some with terraces. It is located near Puerta de Sol and within walking distance of Madrid’s big art galleries. An image is above.

The hotel features five restaurants and bars including a Sky Bar and rooftop terrace, as well as an outdoor pool – apparently the largest in Madrid – fitness centre and spa.

Here is Rhys’s review of the Barcelona EDITION (review here) if you want to get a feel for what the brand is like. The Madrid EDITION website is here and it is open now.

Rooms rates are punchy (€650+ for this month) making 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points look like a decent deal instead.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (March 2023)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.  We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (40,000 bonus Amex points)

Until 30th March 2023, the sign up bonus on American Express Business Platinum is increased to 120,000 Membership Rewards points – click here. The bonus on American Express Business Gold is increased to 60,000 Membership Rewards points – click here. T&C apply, see the application forms for details.

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points. 

(Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)