Originally Posted by
pdragn78
I was considering getting this card for this benefit, but i'm noticing that the availability of awards nights is not great (for certain destination IC properties). And when I do find some availability the redemption value does not seem that great (ex. IC Chicago for 50k, when it retails for $200). My wife and I both have the Select Card and plan on keeping that benefit $49 for annual certificate x 2 (capped at 40k redemption now). I'm will be planning a trip in 2 years or so for our 10 year anniversary (Tahiti/BoraBora) and was looking at this benefit, but just spot checking dates it does not appear that any rewards days are available. I think I may be better off upgrading to Ambassador status and using a BOGO certificate. Just wanted to get an opinion on people who have used this perk to see if they had difficulties finding availability that makes sense on a value per point basis.
Bora Bora and Tahiti are notoriously difficult to book on points. Same with BOGO certificate. Personally, there's probably sufficient value to the card even if you are only able to use the 4th night free benefit just once evey other year. That's assuming you can use all 3-4 free night certs (your two existing plus one or two from new Premier(s)) every year. I think you won't have a hard time getting $89 value out of a free night cert, but even if you only get $70 value at a HIX, if you occasionally use the 4th night benefit you get the full value from an additional free night. It all depends entirely on your travel patterns and the availability/desire to stay at IHG properties, and only you can answer that. For me, it's not something I will need to use every year to get net value, it isn't even something I need to maximize on a value per point basis, particularly with the current 100k signup bonus.
If you're looking only to do high redemptions at luxury properties, then you're using the wrong hotel chain in the first place.