IHG has made changes to the T&Cs governing its IHG One Rewards guest loyalty program, and under which circumstances Master Billed stays are considered qualifying.
Previously, IHG One Rewards members earned points only if the member paid for the stay. This is now gradually changing.
You can access IHG here.
READ MORE: IHG One Rewards Rate & Bonus Points Offers
IHG One Rewards members staying with the group can now earn points and nights if the stay has been settled through a Master Bill and the member’s IHG One Rewards number is on the reservation.
Points Earned Per Stay:
You earn a flat number of points that depends on the brand and area. You can also earn elite bonus points and points from other promotions on top of these.
Previously:
Group Rates: A Member will not earn Points for a Stay on a group rate, unless the Member individually pays the hotel for the Member’s room and it is not paid for as part of the group’s master account.
Now:
Group Stays:
A Member may be eligible to earn Elite Qualifying Points and Elite Qualifying Nights on group stays in the following ways:
(1) A Member individually pays the hotel for the Member’s room on a group rate, or
(2) A Member stays as part of a group booking settled through a master bill and the following criteria apply:
the group stay must be booked through IHG’s websites (including mobile sites), the IHG One Rewards app, IHG WeChat mini program, IHG Customer Care, or directly with an IHG branded hotel, booked on a Qualifying Rate of at least $30 USD per night ($10 USD per night in Greater China), and the Member’s IHG One Rewards number must be attached to the reservation before check out.
Points will be awarded at a fixed amount per eligible night, with the amount varying by brand and region, see chart below for details. Points may take up to two weeks after check-out to be credited to the Member’s account.
Eligible Charges billed to the group master bill will not earn additional Points. Eligible Charges and other non-master bill charges billed to a Member’s room and paid directly by the Member at check-out will not earn master bill points and will earn standard Points.
Members on qualifying master bill stays are also eligible to earn Elite Bonus Points and rewards from promotions for which they are registered.
Partner rewards will not be awarded on qualifying master bill stays; members will instead only receive IHG One Rewards Points.
Master-billed stays are eligible only at select hotels and the benefit is being rolled out in phases.
Members should confirm qualifying master bill earning eligibility with the hotel at the time of booking. Six Senses, Iberostar, and IHG Army hotels are excluded.
Brands* Points Earned Per Night Regent 1,500 InterContinental 1,500 (1,000 In Greater China) Kimpton 1,500 Vignette 1,500 (1,000 In Greater China) Hotel Indigo 1,500 (1,000 In Greater China) Noted Collection 1,000 (500 In Greater China) voco 1,000 (500 In Greater China) Hualuxe 500 Even 1,000 (500 In Greater China) Crowne Plaza 1,000 (500 In Greater China) Ruby 1,000 Holiday Inn Express 500 (250 In Greater China) Holiday Inn 500 (250 In Greater China) Garner 500 (250 In Greater China) avid 500 Atwell Suites 500 (250 In Greater China) Staybridge Suites 250 Candlewood Suites 250
*Six Senses, Iberostar, and IHG Army hotels are not included.
Conclusion
This is a welcome change for those whose stays are settled using Master Bills as part of a group, as their stays are now also eligible under IHG One Rewards for elite qualifying nights and points-earning purposes, plus all promotions.