As always with IHG promos, the value depends on how you travel, how many stays you can fit in, and whether the “second‑stay requirement” aligns with your plans.

Promo Overview: Earn Double Points All Q1

IHG’s January–March 2026 offer is simple on the surface: Stay twice, then earn 2× points on every qualifying stay through March 31, 2026. Promo breakdown is below

• Pre‑registration window: Dec 9–31, 2025
• Promo period: Jan 1–Mar 31, 2026
• 2× points apply only from your second qualifying stay onward
• Qualifying stays must be:
  • at least 1 night
  • paid under a qualifying rate
  • over US$30/night
• Reward Nights and Points & Cash do not count
• OTA bookings (Booking, Expedia, etc.) do not qualify
• Travelwits bookings are considered direct booking, these qualify (password “Private”)
• Only one member earns points per room, even if multiple IHG members are staying together
• Booking multiple rooms only counts for one room per night

Nothing here is surprising. The structure mirrors many IHG promos from the past two years, especially the “bonus after your first paid stay” pattern that experienced travelers have come to expect. Which for me, I personally hate as I find myself only at a IHG hotel once or twice a quarter, meaning I often do not qualify.

What This Means for Point Maximizers

IHG’s base earn rate is 10× points per dollar at most brands. With this promo, your second stay and beyond earn:

• 10× base points (5x at Candlewood and Staybridge Suites)
• 10× promo bonus (2× total)
  = 20× points per dollar

Add elite bonuses and the return jumps substantially:

• Platinum: +60%
• Diamond: +100%
• IHG Premier credit card: +10×
• IHG Premier Business card: +10×

When stacked correctly, you could be earning up to ~40× points per dollar—a strong return, even if IHG points typically value around ~0.5¢ each. Frequent stayers, road‑warriors, and business travelers will find the most upside. And of course those with Elite status earn rewards the fastest. A double win for elite guests.

IHG Destined — A Luxury Booking Program You Shouldn’t Overlook

If you’re already staying at IHG properties during this promo period, there’s a smart way to elevate your stay value even further: IHG Destined, IHG’s private luxury program (similar to Hyatt Privé, Marriott STARS, and Hilton Impresario). As a luxury traveler, this is right up your alley and it’s one of the easiest ways to turn ordinary stays into VIP experiences without elite status. Or if you have elite status to get even more! IHG Destined replaced IHG former VIP program known as IHG Luxury & Lifestyle. Usually you need a travel advisor to book these rates, but you can now self-book via our Travelwits site. Email me for more details or help.

What Is IHG Destined?

IHG Destined is the brand’s invited‑agency luxury program, offering enhanced perks at participating luxury and lifestyle hotels, including:

• Guaranteed daily breakfast for two
• $100 property credit
• Priority room upgrade at check‑in
• Early check‑in / late check‑out (subject to availability)
• VIP recognition
• Welcome amenity
• Ability to earn points, elite credit, & elite benefits normally

Destined works at IHG luxury brands and full service hotels. These include:

• Six Senses
• InterContinental
• Kimpton
• Regent
• Vignette Collection

In many cases, these benefits outperform elite status and they stack perfectly with this Q1 promo. Plus you can stack IHG Destined benefits with the Kimpton password! A triple win! And all bookable using code Private on our booking platform.

For travelers already planning multiple Q1 stays, booking through Destined often creates the highest‑value combination possible. Especially at higher‑end InterContinentals, Kimptons, or any Six Senses property! Stay and reward yourself!

Bottom Line

IHG’s first promo of 2026 is predictable but still useful, especially for travelers with multiple paid stays early in the year. The second‑stay requirement remains a frustration, but I get it. They want to reward those who are really staying within the IHG family.

This is one of those promos where the real value isn’t in the headline, it’s in how well you stack it. Book your stay, stack your credit card earning and IHG Destined benefits and you’re in for a great first quarter!