When IHG introduced variable point pricing for U.S. & Europe one thing that reader Kirby noticed was the ability to use a free night certificate that is usually restricted to properties costing 40,000 points or less on properties costing more than 40,000 points with a surcharge. At the time it was showing available at properties: IC Willard, IC Montreal, and Kimpton Alexandria. The pricing seemed to fluctuate wildly, in some cases a 45,000 per night property would have an surcharge of $50 for 5,000 points and in other cases it was $65 for 20,000 points. This was backed up reader Hadley V. Baxendale who spoke to an IHG representative that stated IHG were going to introduce this surcharge as well.
At this stage we obviously don’t have any confirmation from IHG and it’s possible this was just a mistake with the rollout of dynamic award pricing, but I’d be surprised if that was the case.
But the issue is that IHG is not allowing using the 40K cert on a room that is 40K under dynamic pricing but was higher normally. They still require an extra fee.
I saw several hotels that didn’t have fees attached at 40k when discounted. The extra fees being discussed here only apply when the cost is over 40k. Time will tell if this gets implemented.
Yes, that is an issue that IHG has said they are working on fixing.
I tried this at a couple of 50K USA Holiday Inns I was interested in, including the one at Bar Harbor, ME, but it still wouldn’t take my Anniversary Night certs. So who knows.
With tax, this motel would cost more than $300 night. With some of my int’l plans cancelled this year due to the virus, I’d probably be willing to blow a free night certificate there. But I wouldn’t spend 50,000 points — I’d stay at a non-chain property for less than $150. I honestly don’t know who pays $300 for USA motels, even those in vacation destinations. With all the booking sites like Kayak, it’s not hard to find better value accommodations.
Should’a seen prices during the eclipse a couple years ago….best use of Wyndham 15k points….Days Inn that was costing upwards of $1,000 depending on when you priced it.
I checked earlier and I could use my award nights at the IC Estoril in Portugal, which goes for 50,000 points or 250-300+ Euros a night.
Huge Amazon warehouse fire in California. Oh just 600,000 square feet.
New York City Subways cars Mysteriously “disconnected” at key time…
I am definitly NOT travelling
Was checking yesterday and found I could use the card night at Barclays Intercontinental in New York. Also, the card night now has an expriation on Dec31st.
I live in New York City and am not traveling at all. The neighbors are way too justifiably angry. Wait till the anger passes.
They are NOT going to beat their way out of this like the protest in Miami for CAFTA etc. Basically in the past the government brutalized and murdered and “arrested” there way out. NO WAY, NOT THIS TIME.
YOU CANNOT FOOL ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME.
Too many people and G-d are angry. G-d got in on the action with the strong storms and windy desruction this week. Some people still don’t have power 100 mph winds…G-d is angry too…
The US embassy in Greece was just set on FIRE.
ADD Corona virus, and there is absolutely NO REASON TO GO TO ANY HOTEL ETC.
ADD fourth of July when people think about FREEDOM. WE ARE GOING TO SEE A LOT MORE FIREWORKS
Nice rant, what exactly is this saying?
This is the only way IHG keeps this program intact for anyone modestly informed. The certificates will be useless post-pandemic if we can’t use them at the pre-dynamic 40,000 point threshold. Even before dynamic pricing, the 40,000 threshold was a little low, 50,000 makes more sense. I understand them changing it so luxury properties aren’t eligible, but they need to keep value with these certs. I have found good value, very good properties available right at 40,000 pre-dynamic but those properties will go up during peak periods. If they’re going to limit use of certs to basically $200 cash price or lower, I’ll cancel the cards. It’s not worth tying up money in certs that have restrictions for $200 a night. $200 a night doesn’t get you anything in any major city.
O.M.G. NYC here I come…
dont come. Its a hell hole right now with BLM and rioting
😔
Bureau of Land Management?