If you love stretching your hotel points as far as possible, this one’s for you. One of the best perks in the hotel points world is IHG’s fourth-night free benefit, which you get just by holding the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.
It might sound simple, but when used correctly, this trick can cut the cost of an IHG award stay by 25% or more — and it gets even better when you stack it with IHG’s frequent points sales.
Stack These Two IHG Perks
Right now, IHG is running a 100% bonus on purchased points through March 29th, meaning you can buy points for just 0.5 cents each. When you combine this with the fourth-night free benefit, you can book high-end IHG hotels at a fraction of the usual price.
Let’s look at a real-world example: Hotel Indigo Melbourne. I stayed there last year, and it was fantastic. The hotel typically charges $141 per night in cash or 16,250 points per night. But if you buy points during this sale, you can effectively book four nights for just $330 instead of $564.
Breaking Down the Math:
Cost of four nights in cash: $564
Cost of four nights in points: 65,000 IHG points (16,250 per night, with the fourth night free)
Cost to buy 65,000 points during the sale: $330
Total savings: $234
Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
One of the things I love about IHG is its presence in places where other hotel programs don’t always have properties. Take Vanuatu, for example — a stunning island spot where the Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu costs 18,000 points per night.
With a cash rate of $166 per night, buying points at half a cent each lets you book four nights for $360 instead of $664, saving you $304. That’s money you can put toward flights, excursions or just more vacation cocktails.
Quick Reminder: Check the Numbers
While this trick can save you hundreds of dollars, always run the math before buying points. Since you won’t earn IHG points on award stays and your nights won’t count toward elite status or promotions, make sure the savings outweigh those missed earnings. But in most cases, especially during a points sale, this strategy wins big.
How to Use This Strategy for Your Next Trip
Get the IHG Premier to unlock the fourth-night free perk.
Wait for a points sale (like the current 100% bonus) to buy IHG points at half a cent each.
Search for IHG hotels in your destination and compare cash vs. points rates.
Book in four-night blocks to maximize the fourth-night free benefit.
Enjoy luxury stays at a serious discount while keeping your travel budget intact.
If you’ve got upcoming travel, this is a great way to travel better for less.
