IHG clarifies its rules on the gifting of reward nights

Last week we ran an article on how to gift a Marriott Bonvoy reward night to another person. Marriott has recently clarified its rules on this to confirm that it can be done, and simplifying the process – the only downside is that neither the giver nor receiver will earn elite night credits towards status.

IHG One Rewards has also now clarified its position on giving away reward nights to others.

The full IHG One Rewards terms and conditions are here.

The new policy on gifting reward nights is in Clause 50 and says:

Outside of Greater China any guest listed as a second guest on a Reward Night reservation may stay on the Reward Night reservation without the member staying. Second guest must be over 18 years of age, provides valid identification and credit card.

This is a good result – as well as being the most sensible and straightforward way to deal with the problem.

Unlike Marriott Bonvoy, there is no need to call up to amend the details on a reward night reservation. All you need to do is book for two people (on the website, not the app, since the app has no ‘second guest’ box) and add one of the real guests as the 2nd person. Job done.

It isn’t clear if you, as the booker but not the guest, will earn IHG One Rewards night credit and points on any incidental spend. You would not normally receive them if you are not present.

There is also no mention of whether the actual guest will receive your IHG One Rewards elite benefits. I suspect the answer is ‘No’ although it will depend on the hotel.

That said, room upgrades are usually allocated before check in, and so before the hotel realises that the status member isn’t showing up. It would make sense for IHG to turn this room upgrade ‘feature’ into an official member benefit.

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IHG One Rewards update – April 2024:

Get bonus points: IHG One Rewards is offering 2,000 bonus points for every two cash nights you stay (not necessarily consecutive) between 1st April and 31st May 2024. You can read our full article here and you can register here.

New to IHG One Rewards?  Read our overview of IHG One Rewards here and our article on points expiry rules here. Our article on ‘What are IHG One Rewards points worth?’ is here.

Buy points: If you need additional IHG One Rewards points, you can buy them here.

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