IHG launches ‘IHG Destined’ with extra benefits at 180 of its upscale hotels
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IHG, like all of the major hotel groups, runs exclusive programmes for luxury travel agents to encourage them to book for their clients.
Compared to the likes of Hyatt Prive (click to read more), the IHG option was messy. Properties were split between two different schemes with no real logic as to which was where.
The company has now ripped everything up and started again with ‘IHG Destined’.
As usual, our booking partner Emyr Thomas (contact him here) can book these packages for you.
What is IHG Destined?
IHG Destined is a special benefits plan which can only be accessed by invite-only luxury travel agents.
It launches on 6th January 2025, so you cannot book under these terms for stays in 2024. Similar benefits are available under the two existing ‘preferred partner’ schemes, but IHG Destined will offer improved benefits at many hotels. One downside is the removal of the 2pm guaranteed check-out at some properties.
Which hotels are included?
It covers selected Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Vignette, Kimpton and Hotel Indigo properties.
You can download a PDF with the full list here.
What benefits do you get with IHG Destined?
All bookings will receive the following:
- $100 hotel credit per stay (not valid against room rate)
- full breakfast for two guests
- room upgrade, subject to availability
- welcome amenity
- early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Some cheaper properties may have a minimum stay requirement, potentially two nights, but there is no list yet. Many will give the benefits on a one-night stay.
What rate do you pay?
You pay the equivalent of the Best Flexible Rate showing on ihg.com. This means that you will be paying more than you would if you were happy to book a non-refundable rate, but even then the benefits should more than make up the difference.
Do you receive IHG One Rewards points and night credit?
Yes.
Can these benefits be applied to a reward stay?
No.
How do you book?
You need to contact our luxury hotel booking partner, Emyr Thomas, by filling in the form on this page of HfP.
Emyr will come back to you to confirm the rate (which should match Best Flexible Rate), the extra benefits and any minimum stay requirement.
The cancellation rules should match those for a Best Flexible Rate booking.
You don’t pay Emyr. You pay at check-out as usual, which also means that you will still trigger any American Express / IHG cashback offers which may be running. He will need to take a card number for guarantee purposes.
Unlike some luxury travel advisors, Emyr charges NO booking fees and NO amendment fees. You only pay the hotel.
You can download the PDF list of participating hotels here.
You can contact Emyr here.
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IHG One Rewards update – April 2025:
Get bonus points: IHG is not currently running a global promotion.
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.
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