One of the best perks of many hotel credit cards is an annual free night certificate. Depending on how you redeem this certificate, this benefit alone can easily offset your annual fee, as hotels worldwide can offer good redemption values.
This post showcases some of our favorite IHG Hotels & Resorts properties in the world where you can get fantastic value for your free night certificate.
Credit Cards That Offer an IHG One Rewards Free Night Certificate
There are 3 credit cards that offer free night certificates: the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, and the IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card.
Rules for IHG One Rewards Free Night Certificates
- Free night certificates are capped at 50,000 points (60,000 for the IHG Premier Select card) but can be combined with points to book more expensive nights.
- A certificate does not count toward fourth-night free bookings.
- You cannot book multiple nights that add up to 50,000 points (60,000 for the IHG Premier Select card); free night certificates are valid for 1 night only.
- You cannot use your IHG One Rewards free night for a stay after the certificate’s expiration date.
IHG One Rewards’ Dynamic Pricing Model
IHG One Rewards uses a dynamic pricing model for its hotels, so the number of points needed for a free night varies depending on the property’s cash rate. Many of IHG’s best hotels aren’t priced at 60,000 points or less because the cash rates are high year round.
We searched the IHG portfolio for the best hotels within the 50,000- or 60,000-point maximum so you can use the free night certificate without dipping into your points balance to redeem the certificate.
11 Best International IHG One Rewards Free Night Certificate Redemptions
1. InterContinental Bali
The InterContinental Bali is a 5-star luxury property that was the first of its kind to be built on the shores of beautiful Jimbaran Bay, offering a beautiful white-sand beach and stunning sunsets.
In addition to the beautiful sights the hotel offers, you also have access to 5 restaurants, 6 outdoor pools, a day spa, a salon, a water sports center, a gym, and a shopping center.
Award nights at the InterContinental Bali are often below 50,000 points.
2. InterContinental Bangkok (Thailand)
One of Bangkok’s largest hotels, the InterContinental Bangkok, is close to many major highlights and the Chitlom Skytrain station, which can keep you connected to the rest of the city.
The hotel offers 3 on-site restaurants, a cafe, and a deli, along with a balcony lounge and humidor cigar bar. The rooms are plush and spacious, and they come with a daily replenishment of fresh fruit.
Award nights at the InterContinental Bangkok can be 59,000 points or more, but some weekdays are available for under 50,000 points.
3. InterContinental Berlin (Germany)
Near Tiergarten Park and the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the InterContinental Berlin is a great option when visiting Berlin.
The hotel offers 2 on-site restaurants, a cafe, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. Standard rooms offer a separate sitting area with views that overlook Tiergarten Park.
Award nights at the InterContinental typically range between 25,000 and 40,000 points per night.
4. InterContinental Budapest (Hungary)
A fan favorite for IHG One Rewards free night certificates, the InterContinental Budapest is at a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Danube Promenade, a stunning riverbank walkway with striking cityscape views of the Buda side of Budapest.
The hotel’s amenities include a club lounge, bar, 2 restaurants, gym, spa, and swimming pool.
Award nights at the InterContinental Budapest are typically between 25,000 and 35,000 points per night.
5. InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
The InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa boasts a beautiful setting of 35 acres of tropical gardens across Natadola Beach, one of the best beaches in the world.
Rooms are spacious, include soaking tubs, and all have views of the pristine beach. Amenities at the resort include 3 on-site restaurants, a spa, an 18-hole golf course, a fitness center, and a kids club.
Award nights at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa can be 51,000 points or more, but some nights are available for about 41,000 points.
6. InterContinental Jakarta (Indonesia)
Nestled in the heart of Jakarta’s shopping and business district, the InterContinental Jakarta provides a great spot to enjoy all that South Jakarta has to offer.
Each room has views of Jakarta and a rainfall shower, and the hotel offers amenities such as an outdoor pool, 2 on-site restaurants, and a fitness center.
Booking an award stay at the InterContinental Jakarta typically costs between 30,000 and 45,000 points per night.
7. InterContinental Malta
If you’re looking for an island getaway in the Mediterranean, consider the InterContinental Malta.
Amenities at the hotel include 3 pools, a kids club, a fitness center, a day spa, a beach club, and restaurants and bars serving a wide range of cuisines at all times of day.
Award nights at the hotel usually run between 28,000 and 40,000 points per night, making it great for an IHG One Rewards free night certificate.
8. InterContinental Mauritius
This stunning resort is a perfect Balaclava Bay vacation destination on the island’s northern coast.
Guests can visit the beautiful beach, participate in water sports, relax at the spa or outdoor pool, and dine at one of the hotel’s 5 on-site restaurants.
Award nights at the InterContinental Mauritius are usually between 35,000 and 55,000 points per night.
9. InterContinental Melbourne (Australia)
Dating back to 1891, the InterContinental Melbourne combines an old-world Venetian neo-Gothic façade with modern interiors to deliver a luxury experience true to the property’s roots. The hotel is in the central business district of Melbourne and offers an indoor pool, 2 on-site restaurants, a fitness center, and business centers.
Award nights at the hotel can range from 30,000 to 50,000 points per night, depending on the season.
10. InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort (Mexico)
The InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort is a beautiful beach resort with access to 2 pools, 3 on-site restaurants, a club lounge for elite members, a spa, and a fitness center. Rooms at the hotel are well lit, with marble floors, and some even offer outdoor showers.
Award nights at the InterContinental Presidente Cancun are typically between 46,000 and 74,000 points per night.
11. Regent Taipei (Taiwan)
Combining Chinese, Japanese, and Western influences, the Regent Taipei is an excellent hotel for award travelers looking for a luxury stay in Taipei.
Rooms feature views of downtown Taipei and include marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. The hotel offers a whopping 11 on-site restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
Award nights at the Regent Taipei typically range between 30,000 and 45,000 points per night.
11 Best U.S. IHG Free Night Certificate Redemptions
1. Kimpton Shorebreak Resort (California)
In need of a beach getaway? Just steps away from some of the best surf in the U.S., the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort was rated as the best hotel in Huntington Beach by Tripadvisor.
Guests of the hotel have access to an open-air design, cozy fire pits, and beach amenities like chairs, towels, and umbrellas. Of course, the hotel also offers an on-site restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, a 15% discount on in-room spa services, and a daily wine social hour.
An award night at the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort typically costs between 40,000 and 50,000 points per night.
Hot Tip: Check out our complete guide to Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants (including locations, amenities, and loyalty benefits), as well as the best Kimpton hotels to book with points for max value.
2. Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown-Union Station (Colorado)
The Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown-Union Station is in Denver’s Union Station neighborhood close to top Denver attractions, including Union Station, the Ball Arena, and Coors Field.
The hotel’s 180 guest rooms feature Colorado-inspired décor, local artwork, and Aveda toiletries. Hotel amenities include a restaurant and bar, a 24/7 business center, and a fitness center.
Award nights at the Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown typically cost between 20,000 and 40,000 points per night.
3. Kimpton Gray Hotel (Illinois)
Originally built in 1894, the Kimpton Gray Hotel takes its name from the building’s Georgia Gray marble.
All guestrooms offer luxury linens, downtown Chicago views, and luxury Atelier Bloem toiletries. Amenities at the hotel include a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a $10 bar credit for IHG One Rewards elite members.
Award nights at the Kimpton Gray Hotel typically range between 25,000 and 50,000 points per night.
Hot Tip: Check out our guide to the best things to do in Chicago, including free attractions, kid-friendly activities, and museums.
4. Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan (New York)
On 36th Street in Midtown Manhattan, the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan is a great home base for those looking to explore all that New York City has to offer.
Rooms at the hotel aren’t very large, which is the norm for NYC, but they are comfortable. Guests have access to a fitness center, an on-site bar and restaurant, and a business center.
Booking an award night at the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan can cost anywhere from 25,000 to more than 70,000 points per night.
5. Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York
In the hip Lower East Side neighborhood, the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York is great for travelers seeking a New York City hotel who want a grittier Big Apple experience than Midtown.
Rooms feature hardwood floors, artistic touches, and city views of the Manhattan skyline. The hotel offers amenities including the popular 15th-floor rooftop bar Mr. Purple, a lobby cafe, and a fitness center.
Award nights at the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side usually range between 29,000 and 50,000 points per night, which is reasonable considering New York City cash rates.
6. Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (North Carolina)
Guests will find Winston-Salem’s Downtown Arts District, Krispy Kreme headquarters, and the massively popular Old Salem Museum & Gardens just steps away from the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel.
The hotel is loaded with amenities, including a bowling alley, basketball court, and ping-pong in the lower-level recreation center, as well as a 24/7 fitness center, in-room spa services, and an on-site restaurant. The hotel is pet-friendly with no additional fees.
Award nights at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel often range from 30,000 to 50,000 points per night.
7. Kimpton Schofield Hotel (Ohio)
Cleveland boasts multiple professional sports teams, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Gateway District, which features boutiques and restaurants. The Kimpton Schofield Hotel puts you right at the heart of all of this action.
The hotel also offers standard amenities, such as an on-site restaurant, a 24-hour-a-day fitness center, and spa treatments. But 2 unique amenities are complimentary Micro Kickboard scooters for the kids traveling with you, and complimentary guitar rentals for those who want to jam out during their stay.
Booking an award night at the Kimpton Schofield Hotel is likely to cost anywhere from 29,000 to 45,000 points.
8. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
History buffs will love the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, as it’s just steps away from Independence Park, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley, and multiple national park sites.
When you’re done exploring the city, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the hotel’s 2 on-site restaurants, soak up self-care with the fitness center or spa treatments, or rent one of the complimentary hotel bikes or Micro Kickboard scooters.
Award nights at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia are often between 35,000 and 50,000 points per night.
Hot Tip: Our in-depth review of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia gives you a complete tour of the property.
9. Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
In the Rittenhouse Square district of Philly, this property is within an urban hub of delicious restaurants and high-end stores.
Dating back to 1929 and renovated in 2009, each of the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia‘s guest rooms offers fantastic views of the Philadelphia skyline. Have a meal at the on-site restaurant featuring New American flavors, and utilize the 24/7 fitness center, complimentary bike rentals, spa services, and $10 bar credit.
Booking award nights at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia is likely to cost you between 30,000 and 50,000 points per night.
10. Kimpton Aertson Hotel (Tennessee)
With Music Row directly to the east, the Kimpton Aertson Hotel is right in the heart of Nashville.
The rooms at the hotel are stylish, featuring Carrara marble and industrial-era concrete ceilings. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves modern American food, and other amenities include a rooftop pool, a spa, and a fitness center. Pets are welcome.
Award nights at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel can vary, typically between 30,000 and 55,000 points per night.
11. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle (Washington)
Right in downtown Seattle, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle is within walking distance of Seattle attractions like Pike Place Market, great shopping, the waterfront, Pioneer Square, and top restaurants.
The hotel features amenities including an on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, in-room spa services, and a $10 bar credit. The hotel is pet-friendly.
Booking award nights at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle typically costs between 24,000 and 50,000 points per night.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous great hotels around the world and in the U.S. where you can get great value from your IHG One Rewards free night certificate each year. Since IHG One Rewards uses dynamic pricing, the number of points required for a free night at any of these hotels can vary significantly based on the cash cost of the stay, so it is best to be as flexible as possible when using your free night certificate.