swag

When you have a high number of more downmarket properties, the downside is the properties are downmarket. But the upside is there's a high number of them.

So while I've used my free night for a $500 room at the IC Times Square, I've also used it for a $130 HI Express in rural New Jersey. That's still well worth the $49 fee.

But if it doesn't work for you, for your travel patterns and needs, then cancel it. You can always re-apply in the future if you change your mind (subject to the Chase rules at time, of course).

sleuth

I would keep it in the hopes that the free night will be usable at Kimpton properties in the future. My favorite CP is turning into a Kimpton (CP Amsterdam City Center). Just used mine at CP LAX. While not dripping in gold, it was better than paying the going rate of $200, and I needed to stay there anyhow.

Troopers

I think you answered your own question....it seems to be me that you're be more satisfied by canceling the card and saving the $49 annual fee, and pay out of pockets ($ or pts) to stay elsewhere.

SanDiego1K

IC Monterey is a lovely property next to the aquarium on the water in a very expensive hotel town.

dukerau

Hyatt's consistent quality is an exception among hotel chains, not the rule. When it comes down to it, it sounds like your tastes are higher than most. I'm not criticizing, just pointing out that most people would take a $49 night at any IHG and consider that a better deal than dropping $75-$300 and chunk of points for a (admittedly nice) night in a higher end Hyatt (ignoring the lower end C+P prices that IHG could easily beat). The annual IHG free night cert can be a great value, but you can't assume that all IC/Indigo/CP are quality. IC is generally a good bet, but you've clearly found one that isn't. As sdsearch said, consult reviews. Considering IHG's footprint is much larger than Hyatt's, I would guess you can find use for a free night a year.

lebowski2222

I have used my Annual Fee at Hotel Indigo Garden District and the IC Kansas City. Was really impressed with the IC KC because we were upgraded to a Suite and given lounge access. That upgrade and lounge access was worth the 49 bucks to me

Points Scrounger

Unlike HIX, Indigo has a bar/restaurant. I have yet to stay at an Aloft, but I'm getting the impression that that's about as similar as you're going to find at another chain. The rooms themselves are best described as a souped-up Holiday Inn perhaps?

StevensFirstPrints

Id bet the Hotel Indigo in Jacksonville, Florida is the BEST North Florida IHG property. I don't have a real problem with HIX but they are nothing like that Indigo.

Exiled in Express

Staybridge is the equivalent of a newer Hyatt House. Going on experience alone, I'd take Staybridge every time.

I don't think Crowne Plaza knows what it wants to be. I have had hits and misses but mostly misses, I now avoid the brand. Select Holiday Inns can equal the lower end of Hyatt Regency.


As to the credit card, I don't use it except for IHG stays. Better value on other cards including Hyatt. It will be the last fee card I cancel as there is amazing value in the Plat status and free night. Hold on to it unless you really need to free up a Chase slot.

mustang281man

I think $49 for a free night is pretty nice. I've used my free nights at IC Hong Kong, IC Sydney and this year at the IC Singapore. Definitely have gotten my money's worth out of it.

Djlawman

We've used ours several years at the IC Times Square for a Broadway weekend. Have also used at the IC in Rome (now closed). Love the IC in Monterey -- stayed there 3 nights this past fall. Great place to use a free night.

You're complaining about a $49 fee when you can use it in so many good properties? SMH

tom911

Pity you're not traveling outside the U.S. I rather enjoyed my one night stay this week at the IC in Sydney.

tom911

I've stayed at three of them in the UK, plus one in NYC, and really enjoy the room design.

Paddington:





Tower Hill during the Olympics (9 nights there):



Edinburgh:



Also two stays in Chelsea in New York City:

paperwastage

You got a free upgrade?

I have a free night booked in a few weeks at IC Sydney(Friday night)...

wondering how I can get a (free/cheap) upgrade for my king superior cityside room. Heard ICs are stingy, though it's lower peak winter season now

darthbimmer

Crowne Plaza is a hit-or-miss brand. Some hotels are older properties badly in need of renovation, some are well modernized, and some are in transition (meaning they're hit-or-miss room by room). You really need to read reviews sites to know what you're getting before picking a CP.

That said, even the worst CP I've stayed at was worth more than $49 to me. I routinely make the certificates worth several times the credit card's annual fee.