Originally Posted by
beachmouse
Though the gap between the 30-35K HI/HIX and 45-50K IC in terms of points you pay per night is often far less of a gap than there is between the two categories when you're a cash buyer. (And the Indigos are also often fairly nice, if only because they're new enough that guests haven't started grinding things down yet, and often reasonably-priced.)
Agreed. The difference in cash price between HI and IC is probably not something I would pay, but in points it's acceptable. That's why I like points.
Only stayed at Indigo 2-3 times, but I liked all of them.
Originally Posted by
pinniped
I'll give IHG credit for generally having award availability even when rates are high. It's often some weird local event that you aren't even aware of that causes small-town hotel rates to spike to their maximum...in these cases, I've still been able to snag 15k-25k one-nighters at HIX or HI. Simple awards that kept $150-200 in my pocket.
At the other extreme, I've generally observed IC having availability in the 40-50k range in cities even when top hotels are going for $400+. Haven't booked one yet, but it's nice to know that they don't always game the system and make awards unavailable.
Agreed. IHG elite benefits are weak. The customer service is maybe the worst in the industry. But I think the points are a very useful and valuable to have in your toolbox.
The small city events are in some ways worse than things like SuperBowl, UN general assembly, inauguration, CET, etc. Those are things you are aware of, but smaller conventions in places like STL, MCI, TPA can sell-out the entire city just as quickly, but you'd never hear about them beforehand. IHG is often available when nothing else is.