IHG Platinum Elite is an easy to obtain elite status that comes with several benefits like 50% extra bonus points and potential for upgrades, among other benefits. But how valuable are these perks and do you get things like breakfast and lounge access? This article will show you the value that you can get from this program and what you might expect as a Platinum Elite member.
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What is IHG Platinum Elite status?
IHG Platinum Elite is a mid-tier elite status for IHG.
There are three main reward levels to the IHG program:
- Gold
- 10 nights
- 10,000 qualifying points
- Platinum
- 40 nights
- 40,000 qualifying points
- Spire
- 75 nights
- 75,000 qualifying points
Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!
How to qualify for IHG Platinum Elite
In order to qualify for IHG Platinum Elite you need to meet the following requirements.
Qualify with stays
- 40 Qualified Nights
- 40,000 Elite Qualifying Points
Status challenges
I’m not aware of any status challenges to get IHG Platinum that are currently being offered. If you come across any challenges, let us know in the comments!
Qualify with a credit card
You can also earn automatic Platinum Elite status with the IHG co-branded credit card.
The IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card (full review here) comes with the following features:
- Annual free night certificate at an “eligible hotel”
- 10X for spend at IHG
- 2X at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants
- Automatic Platinum Elite Status
- 20% discount on purchases of IHG points
- 4th night free on award stays
- Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check credit of up to $100 every 4 years
- No foreign transaction fees
- $89 annual fee
Getting Platinum status with this credit card is a nice perk but I think the real value is with the free 4th night award stays and also the 20% discount on purchased points and 10X on spend at IHG properties.
Now that the free night is limited to certain hotels, it’s not quite as valuable, but for someone who regularly stays at IHG properties, this card is still a heavy hitter. See where it compares to the top hotel credit cards!
Coronavirus update
IHG is extending all members’ status through January 2022. So whatever status you earned during 2019, it is being extended through January 2022.
For Spire Elite members this includes the Choice benefit of 25,000 bonus points or gifting of Platinum Elite status to someone each year.
IHG also reduced the criteria required for elite status by 25% for 2020.
IHG Platinum Elite Benefits
- 50% bonus earnings
- Complimentary Room Upgrades
- Extended Check-Out
- Priority Check-In
- Welcome Amenity
- Elite Rollover Nights
- Guaranteed Room Availability
- Hertz Car Rental: Save and Earn 1,500+ Points
- $30 In-Room Spa Credit
- Earn on IHG Rewards Club Dining, OpenTable & Grubhub
50% bonus earning
You can get a 50% bonus earning on your base points as a Platinum Elite member.
You will earn a standard rate of 10 IHG Rewards Club base points per eligible $1 USD spent at all:
- Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts
- Hotel Indigo
- Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts
- Holiday Inn Express hotels
- InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
5 IHG Rewards Club base points per eligible $1 USD spent at all:
- Staybridge Suites
- Candlewood Suites
You’ll also earn 2,000 points, 1,300 points or 600 points per qualifying stay at ANA partner hotels
This means that you’ll earn 15 IHG points per dollar spent on your hotel stay as a Platinum member.
How good is that?
Well, if you value IHG points at .7 cent per point, that’s 10.5% back. That is very good compared to other major hotel loyalty programs and makes IHG one of the most rewarding hotel programs available. When you factor in the additional 10X the points you’d earn with the IHG credit card, you can earn 25 points per dollar spent, which amounts to 17.5% back on your IHG stays which is very solid.
Tip: Don’t forget, you can earn extra points with the IHG Dining Rewards Program!
IHG Platinum upgrades
With Platinum status, you’ll be eligible for upgrades.
One of the biggest knocks against IHG elite status is that you are technically excluded from upgrades when using points to book your stay. However, that’s really up to the discretion of the hotel and I’ve been upgraded on an award stay on two occasions (at InterContinental properties).
I personally would not go around expecting to receive a substantial upgrade and would expect to get something like a better view or slightly larger room instead of getting bumped up to a suite.
IHG Platinum late check-out
Late check out is offered up to 2pm but but it’s subject to availability and not available in all regions.
You’ll generally need to check with your hotel close to 24 hours prior to your stay to get it and usually won’t know for sure until the morning of your check-out. See my guide for late check-out for tips on how to get it.
Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!
IHG Platinum welcome amenity
Welcome amenities will vary based on the property that you’re staying at but generally you can expect to receive points (around 500 or so) or a drink voucher.
Guaranteed Room Availability
Requires 72 hours advance notice. Platinum Elite and Spire Elite members are guaranteed one guest room for personal use for reservations made at least 72 hours prior to the date of arrival, except during special events that result in extraordinary demand, as determined solely by the hotel. Guaranteed room availability is not valid for Reward Nights.
These reservations can only be made through the IHG® Rewards Club Service Center.
Related: IHG Cancellation Policy Guide
$30 spa credit
As a Platinum member, you’ll be able to receive a $30 Spa Credit that can be applied toward any 50-80 minute service on the menu but only at Kimpton properties. You’ll probably be paying around $150 for a 60 minute massage so that’s a pretty decent discount on spa services. You can click here to review different Kimpton spas.
IHG Platinum Elite Breakfast and lounge access?
Unfortunately, IHG Platinum elite status does not provide you with free breakfast nor does it provide you with lounge access. However, some properties will be gracious enough to offer you a breakfast and/or lounge access even as a Platinum member. Some parts of the world, such as Asia, are known for being a bit more generous with these perks.
IHG Platinum Elite FAQ
You can earn IHG Platinum Elite with 40 qualified nights.
You can get automatic IHG Platinum Elite with the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card.
50% bonus earnings
Complimentary Room Upgrades
Extended Check-Out
Priority Check-In
Welcome Amenity
Elite Rollover Nights
Guaranteed Room Availability
Hertz Car Rental: Save and Earn 1,500+ Points
$30 In-Room Spa Credit
Earn on IHG Rewards Club Dining, OpenTable & Grubhub
You will earn 15 points per dollar spent on your hotel stays. If you value IHG points at .7 cent per point, that’s 10.5% back.
Late checkout is offered up to 2 PM but it is subject to availability.
The welcome gift will vary based on the property but often you can expect to receive 500 points or a drink voucher.
You can get guaranteed a room by making your booking 72 hours in advance.
You are not provided with a free breakfast but some properties will offer you a free breakfast with IHG Platinum status.
You are not provided with lounge access but some properties will offer you with lounge access via IHG Platinum status.
Final word
IHG Platinum is an easy to obtain mid-tier status but it doesn’t provide some of the key benefits that the average traveler looks forward to, such as a free breakfast. With that said, it still is one of the most rewarding elite levels in terms of value earned on money spent and can allow you to score some upgrades.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
As an IHG Platinum Elite, I will agree that the program lacks basic benefits like breakfast, but most of the time I stay at Holiday Inns in China I have gotten suite upgrades, breakfast, club access, late checkout, and drink vouchers. While, properties in Europe and US don’t even do a late checkout for me. Very confusing program. :/
Good to know, Steve!