Well, it looks like IHG has finally been doing some listening. This is a lot better than the last two offerings.

I got 2 x 5k nights at Rolling Meadows Schaumburg for pre- and post-flight (ORD) stays, allowing me to cancel 2 stays at the nearby Candlewood (one for 15k and one for $105). Overall, a very good deal. Hopefully I can score a balcony room.

I did consider the Candlewood at MIA for 10k for a 5 night stay, but decided against it because it's all non-smoking and I have a smoking room booked at an ok-looking motel with decent reviews for $70 a night.

I might have used Cape Town, if only it had come up in the next round (I have 8 nights there in December).

After the bagging I have given IHG in recent months, I have to say I am actually reasonably impressed this time.