IHG vs Marriott: Which Points Are Better?

Marriott International is a huge player in hospitality, having a range of around 30 brands. They own more than 8000 properties globally, making them the second largest hotel chain in the world. On the other hand, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is also an influential chain with plans to expand. They’re set to add more than 280k hotel rooms, showing their devotion to development.

Today, we’ll compare these two hospitality chains by comparing IHG vs Marriott and discuss their loyalty programs and elite status tiers. Our goal? To see which points offer the best value and rewards. Let’s get started.

IHG vs Marriott: Which Points Are Better?

Marriott Bonvoy points and IHG Rewards Club each offer their own set of advantages tailored to their customers’ preferences. With a rich history in hospitality, both programs have evolved to accommodate the modern traveler’s needs.

Marriott Bonvoy stands out with its extensive network, offering travelers access to various hotel styles, from budget-friendly to luxury suites across 30 unique brands.

IHG Rewards Club is synonymous with reliability. IHG offers members the ease of earning and redeeming points across various well-known hotel chains, including the Holiday Inn and the upscale InterContinental.

Both programs are designed with the guest in mind, ensuring memorable stays and rewarding experiences.

For individuals looking for a mix of affordability and accessibility, IHG may catch your attention with its competitive pricing. For travelers seeking extensive credit card options and partnerships, Marriott Bonvoy stands out with its connections to Amex and Chase.

If you enjoy the added luxury of exclusive lounge access, Marriott provides premium yet higher-cost options. On the other hand, if you’re thinking of a resort getaway, Marriott’s extensive collection of properties offers more choices compared to IHG’s limited range.

With Marriott’s larger portfolio and hotel availability, you’re more likely to find a room that suits your needs, whether it’s for a business trip or a holiday. While both loyalty programs are closely matched in value and rewards, your personal travel preferences will ultimately guide your choice.

Thus, your decision may hinge on the specifics of what you value most in your travels – cost savings with IHG or the variety and quality of stays with Marriott.

IHG vs. Marriott: Detailed Comparison

Now that we have briefly looked at both IHG hotels and Marriott hotels let’s conduct a deeper analysis of these two leading hotel chains.

Brands, Global Presence & Room Availability

With an impressive portfolio of over 8,000 properties, Marriott leads in global presence by offering an extensive range of experiences through its 30 diverse brands. This expansive range spans from the everyday comfort of Fairfield Inn & Suites to the distinctive luxury of The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis.

Marriott’s ability to cater to both budget-conscious and luxury-seekers makes its room availability unique, providing guests with a collection of choices in numerous destinations. IHG, while slightly smaller in scale, commands its own respect with close to 6,000 hotels under its banner.

IHG brand variety includes the familiar comfort of Holiday Inn, the business-class savvy of Crowne Plaza, and the high-end InterContinental Hotels. While IHG may offer fewer properties, it focuses on delivering consistent quality and comfort, ensuring travelers can access reliable accommodations worldwide.

Loyalty Program

Marriott Bonvoy and IHG Rewards Club design their loyalty programs to make every stay an opportunity for rewards. Both offer 10 points per dollar spent on their accommodations, making them equally appealing for earning potential on paper.

Marriott Bonvoy takes redemption to new heights with a vast collection of options. Beyond room bookings, points can be exchanged for experiences and products or transferred to various airline partners, improving the travel experience.

Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy presents the flexibility of a Points Plus Cash option, which empowers members to book stays even when they don’t have enough points to cover the full cost.

IHG Rewards Club, while also offering a full points system, often requires guests to decide whether their stay includes complimentary breakfast or to pay an additional fee. IHG points can unlock various rewards, from hotel stays to merchandise and gift cards. Elite status within the IHG program demands a lower cost threshold than Marriott’s, making it accessible to more travelers.

Achieving the esteemed Elite Status in the Marriott program requires a higher spend, which reflects the premium experience they aim to provide. Marriott’s Silver Elite status is within reach for those who spend vigorously on travels and wish for a return on their investment through luxurious benefits.

Travel Rewards Credit Card

When considering what each available credit card offers, the IHG One Premier Credit Card stands out by offering an impressive 26 points for every dollar spent within their hotel chain. The card also automatically confers Platinum Elite status to cardholders.

Elite status unlocks additional benefits such as bonus earnings on stays and an annual free night reward, encouraging loyalty and incentivizing more use.

On the flip side, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card provides a solid 17 club points per dollar spent at Marriott locations. While this rate may seem less initially, the card compensates with additional travel perks.

After a cardholder reaches an annual expenditure of $35,000, they achieve an Elite status which comes with its own suite of privileges, including enhanced room upgrades and guaranteed late checkout at participating hotels.

Both cards offer significant value for frequent travelers; however, the IHG One Premier Credit Card may be particularly attractive for those looking to rapidly accrue points and enjoy immediate elite benefits. Conversely, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card caters to dedicated brand enthusiasts who are likely to spend more annually and prefer a degree of luxury perks over the course of their travels.

Lounge Options

Marriott Bonvoy’s commitment to a premium experience is clear in its lounge offerings. Guests who have earned Gold Elite status or higher, typically after 50 nights, gain exclusive access to the M Club Lounge. These spaces often feature complimentary high-quality refreshments, space to work or relax, and personalized service.

IHG, with its slightly more accessible threshold, welcomes guests to its Executive Club lounges after 40 nights, appealing to regular travelers who frequent Holiday Inn Express and other IHG hotels. While IHG’s lounges offer a cozy and convenient retreat, they are generally less lavish compared to the settings found at JW Marriott’s M Clubs.

Amenities

When it comes to amenities, Marriott Bonvoy attracts guests with its luxurious offerings. Patrons at select properties, such as Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, can indulge in fine dining experiences driven by acclaimed chefs, relaxing spa services, and even customized local experiences.

Marriott’s focus on curating unique, high-end amenities sets them apart as a brand dedicated to extraordinary guest experiences.

In contrast, IHG’s properties, including brands like Even Hotels and Crowne Plaza, focus on delivering quality, conventional amenities. Guests can expect comprehensive fitness centers, efficient business facilities, and dining options that offer comfort and convenience. IHG’s amenity offerings aim to meet the essential needs of business travelers and families, ensuring a comfortable stay at each IHG property.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Marriott Bonvoy presents an broad selection of all-inclusive resorts, ensuring that guests can find a heaven to suit every taste. Their portfolio boasts iconic brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and W Hotels, each offering its own version of luxury and leisure.

These all-inclusive options often feature exclusive beachfront locations, gourmet dining experiences, and an array of activities, all wrapped into one upfront cost. This allows guests to immerse themselves fully in the experience without worrying about additional expenses.

IHG, while hosting a more modest assortment of resort properties, still offers memorable stays through its InterContinental resorts and select Crowne Plaza hotels situated in sought-after destinations.

Although the options are fewer, the quality and value remain consistent, providing an all-inclusive experience that caters to those seeking both relaxation and adventure without straying far from the familiar IHG brand of hospitality.

Cost

Regarding pricing, both Marriott and IHG span the range from accessible to luxury, allowing travelers to choose according to their budget and preferences. The cost of a stay is contingent on a multitude of factors.

You can pick and choose different aspects including the destination’s desirability, the room’s attributes, the particular brand, and the potential to use reward points for discounts or complimentary nights.

While reward points can offset some of the costs, there’s an inherent value in the flexibility and immediate benefit of cash payments—no redemption required, no points calculations, just straightforward transactions.

Notably, both loyalty programs encourage guests to view their points as a currency that can enhance their travel experience, whether it’s through an upgraded room, a unique dining experience, or other hotel services.

However, savvy travelers understand that the innate value of these points can fluctuate. In some cases, especially with high-end properties like JW Marriott or luxury IHG hotels, the cost in points can be considerable.

Top Dollar Payouts offers an alternative by providing competitive cash offers for these points, ensuring that customers can assess the best value for their accumulated rewards.

Why Hotel Rewards Might Not Be the Right Option?

While at first glance, loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy and IHG Rewards points offer nice perks, the appeal might diminish upon a closer look. The value of points can decrease over time due to program changes, meaning today’s points might secure less tomorrow.

Moreover, redemption often hinges on availability, which can fluctuate, especially during peak travel seasons, leading to potential frustration for point collectors. Points are not liquid assets; they’re under the control of the hotel chains, and their use is limited to services and products within their ecosystems.

Unlike cash, they’re not universally accepted or versatile. To add to the issue, some hotel rewards, not necessarily IHG or Marriott, can expire if not used within a certain period, representing a potential loss of value for infrequent travelers.

Ready to Turn Points into Profit? Convert your points to actual cash with Top Dollar Payouts.

How to Sell IHG or Marriott Points?

Turning your IHG or Marriott Points into cash is a straightforward process with Top Dollar Payouts. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Initial Submission: Go to the Top Dollar Payouts website and complete a simple form. Input the number of points you’re selling, your personal details, and the specific award program. Remember, the minimum number of points eligible for sale varies by loyalty program, so check the details beforehand.
2. Receiving Your Preliminary Quote: After you submit your form, our swift response won’t keep you waiting. Within 15 minutes, you’ll receive an email with an initial quote for your points and a direct link to proceed further.
3. Personalized Communication & Negotiation: Following the initial quote, a Top Dollar Payouts representative will connect with you to discuss the offer. Our aim is a fair and transparent negotiation, ensuring you receive top value for your points or miles.
4. Secure Account Information Submission: With security as a priority, we’ll request your account details through a protected link. This step is essential for us to verify the legitimacy of your account.
5. Thorough Verification of Your Details: Our team conducts a detailed check of your provided information to safeguard against any discrepancies or fraud, ensuring a trustworthy transaction.
6. Processing Your Payment: Upon successful verification, we progress to payment. If you opt for PayPal, the funds could be reflected in your account quickly, typically within the same day, subject to PayPal’s processing times.
7. Bank Wire Transfer Option: For those who prefer it, a bank wire transfer is available. We’ll confirm a flight booking with the points before the transfer, guaranteeing that the entire process from submission to payment is fluid and secure.

Sell Your Hotel Points for Cash

Both loyalty programs have their own merits and offer various options, from complimentary stays to exclusive member experiences. However, the true value of these points may not always align with your expectations, especially as the points’ worth can fluctuate, and redemption opportunities may vary in availability.

Consider the practicality and flexibility of cash over points. While points are bound by the terms and conditions of their respective programs, cash offers freedom and immediate value. It can be an appealing alternative for those who seek simplicity and utility in their rewards without the constraints or the uncertainty of devaluations.

Don’t find good value in redemptions? Sell your points to Top Dollar Payouts for cash today.

FAQs

Is IHG and Marriott the same?

No, IHG and Marriott are separate entities within the hospitality industry. IHG, or InterContinental Hotels Group, includes well-known brands such as Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza. Marriott International encompasses various brands, including Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, and Westin. Each corporation operates its own distinctive loyalty program, offering unique benefits and rewards to its guests.

Is IHG owned by Hilton?

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is not owned by Hilton. Both are independent, publicly traded companies with their respective loyalty programs. IHG has its IHG® One Rewards, while Hilton operates the Hilton Honors program. These programs are designed to reward guests for their loyalty to the IHG and Hilton brands, respectively, and are not interconnected.

What is the highest IHG tier?

The highest tier in the IHG loyalty program is Diamond Elite. This prestigious level rewards members with a 100% bonus on points earned from stays, the most generous among the program’s various tiers. Diamond Elite status is designed to offer the utmost in rewards and recognition to IHG’s most loyal and frequent guests.

Is JW Marriott better than Marriott?

JW Marriott is marketed as a luxury brand, offering a higher level of amenities, service, and decor than standard Marriott Hotels, which target the upper midscale to upscale segment. While “better” is subjective, JW Marriott is designed for those seeking an elevated hospitality experience.

Is Ritz-Carlton part of IHG?

The Ritz-Carlton is not part of IHG but is a luxury brand under Marriott International. Founded in 1983 with the purchase of The Ritz-Carlton, Boston, the brand has expanded globally. As a subsidiary of Marriott, it offers premium accommodations and services, distinguishing itself as a symbol of luxury and excellence in the hotel industry.

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