IHG Hotels Senior Discount: Earn Free Stays at Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza

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What if I told you that you could earn free stays at world-renowned hotels such as Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, and Crowne Plaza, simply by being a senior citizen? That’s right, the IHG Hotels Senior Discount program offers exclusive benefits and rewards for those aged 62 and over.

As we age, it becomes even more important to take the time to relax and enjoy life, and with this program, you can do just that while saving money. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the IHG Hotels Senior Discount, including how it works, who is eligible, and the valuable benefits you can expect to receive. So if you’re ready to plan your next vacation without breaking the bank, let’s dive in! I’ve also included a list of exclusive senior discounts offered by other hotel chains.

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What Are the IHG Hotels & Resorts Brands?

IHG Hotels & Resorts own properties around the world in a variety of price ranges. When you book your stay directly through IHG, you’ll have access to all their brands.

Some of the IHG hotel brands include:

IHG Midscale Hotels

Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn Express

Avid

Garner

IHG Upper Midscale Hotels

Voco

Crowne Plaza

Even

IHG Luxury and Boutique Hotels

Regent

Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts

Vignette Collection

Kimpton Hotels

Hotel Indigo

IHG Extended Stay Hotels

Staybridge Suites

Atwell Suites

Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Candlewood Suites

What is the IHG Hotels Senior Discount?

Guests who are at least 62 are eligible to receive the IHG senior discount. It varies by location and is subject to availability.

To help give you an idea of what type of discounts to expect, I compared the IHG senior rate (as well as with AAA and AARP membership rates) with their Best Rate at five hotels. For each hotel, I used the same parameters, including:

Booking date
Room type (standard with single occupancy)
Free cancellation and no deposit required
The rate before taxes or any fees

Based on my searches, the IHG senior discount fell within the 3% to 11% range. In one case, the IHG member rate was lower than the senior discount by a $1 dollar. Of course, this is only based on five searches. You may get different results depending on the property and when you book.

Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan

IHG best rate: $534
IHG senior discount rate: $478
AAA rate: $478
AARP rate: $506

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sandy – South Salt Lake City

IHG best rate: $121
IHG senior discount rate: $118
AAA rate: $118
AARP rate: Not specified

Crowne Plaza Orlando-Downtown

IHG best rate: $214
IHG senior discount rate: $192
AAA rate: $192
AARP rate: $203

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tucson

IHG best rate: $133
IHG senior discount rate: $134
AAA rate: $134
AARP rate: $126

Kimpton Banneker Hotel (Washington, DC)

IHG best rate: $415
IHG senior discount rate: $403
AAA rate: $403
AARP rate: $394

Is the IHG Hotels Senior Discount a Good Deal?

Depending on the property, you can indeed get a better rate with the IHG senior discount. At other properties, another rate (like the IHG member rate, AAA rate, or AARP rate) might be the better deal.

The best way to be certain you’re getting the best rate is to compare the final totals. You can find this information without having to book the room.

To do this:

Go to the IHG booking site.
Once you find a hotel you’re interested in, click Select Hotel.
Choose a room type you’re interested in and click View Prices.
Then click Select for details on your preferred room.
The system will then ask if you’d like to add any extra amenities, like a room upgrade.

Once you get through this, you’ll be presented with a Complete Your Reservation page, along with a detailed estimate of the charges and a total price. You don’t have to book the room to get this information. Just be sure not to click Book Reservation if you don’t want to book right now.

You can get the true total for each category (Best rate, senior discount, AARP, AAA) by doing a Change Search at the top of the page, then choosing your preferred category under Rate Preference, as shown below. Keep in mind that if you do opt for the AAA or AARP rate, they will likely ask you to show proof of current membership.

How to Get the IHG Hotels Senior Discount

If you’re at least 62, you’re eligible to receive the IHG senior discount. You may need to show proof of your age when you check in, so be sure to bring a driver’s license or some other form of valid identification.

You can ask for the IHG senior discount if you call to make a reservation. If you book reservations on the IHG site, be sure to select Senior Discount, which you can find under Rate Preference.

Do you need to be an AARP member to receive the IHG Hotels senior discount?

No, although the discounts are subject to availability and can vary by property and location.

Save More with a Free IHG Rewards Program

In addition to the IHG senior discount, you may want to consider signing up for a free IHG membership. It’s open to all guests, not just seniors.

The IHG loyalty program is based on the number of stays you book per year. With each increasing tier, you’re eligible to receive more benefits that increase in value. Here’s a look at some of the benefits you can receive when you join.

With stays of up to nine nights per year, you’ll receive IHG’s member, points for free nights, and late checkout.
At 10 nights, you can earn 20% bonus points, and points won’t expire.
At 20 nights, you can earn 40% bonus points.
At 40 nights, earn 60% more bonus points, plus receive complimentary upgrades and early checkin.
At 70 nights, earn 100% bonus points and dedicated customer support.

How can you be sure you’re getting the best rate if you book through IHG?

If you book directly with IHG Hotels & Resorts, you’ll get the best rate with their price match guarantee. So if you find a lower rate on a third party booking site, IHG will match the third-party’s rate and award five times the number of points.

Signing up for IHG rewards program is free and easy. If you plan to stay in hotels for more than a night or two, it’s worth it, IMO, to sign up for it.

Other Hotels With Senior Discounts

IHG is just one of several hotel chains that offer senior discounts. When booking your stay, keep in mind that these hotels may change their policies at any time, and that senior hotel discounts can vary by location and are subject to availability.

Marriott Bonvoy Senior Discount

Marriott Bonvoy hotels include Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Courtyard, and Residence Inn.

The Offer: Varies by property and availability for guests 62+

More information about booking at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

Best Western Hotels Senior Discount

Their properties include Best Western, BW Signature Collection, and BW Premier Collection.

The Offer: Up to 15% off room rate for guests 55+

More information about booking at Best Western Hotels

Hilton Hotels Senior Discount

Properties include Hilton, Conrad, and Waldorf Astoria.

The Offer: 7% off their Best Available Rate, for guests 65+

More information about booking at Hilton Hotels

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Senior Discount

Properties include Wyndham, Howard Johnson, Days Inn, Dolce, AmericInn, and LaQuinta.

The Offer: Doesn’t mention a specific percentage off at participating properties. Available for guests 60+

More information about booking at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Choice Hotels Senior Discount

Properties include Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, and Econolodge.

The Offer: Up to 10% off, for guests 60+

More information about booking at Choice Hotels

While the IHG senior discount can save you money, the only way to be certain you’re truly getting the best rate is by doing side-by-side comparisons and looking at the final rate. Regardless of whether or not you use the senior discount, signing up for a free IHG rewards card lets you earn perks like free nights, free breakfasts, late checkouts, and room upgrades.

This post contains references to products from one or more of my advertising partners. When you click on a link to any of these products, I may be compensated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please visit my Earnings Disclosure & Disclaimer page for more information. Thanks for your support!