It happens quite often for me, booking directly on the ihg website for an 'advance payment' stay some months in advance, payment is often taken only a few weeks before the stay.

Also when sometimes booking on the igh '30% off Partner Rate' webpage (advance payment), the payment hasn't appeared until I have actually checked in at the hotel albeit it is always charged at the discounted 'partner rate'.

The stays always show in the 'upcoming stays' list after booking. However confusingly when looking at the actual booking confirmation, the t&c's do state:

''Deposit Rules: A deposit for the entire stay is due at time of booking''.

But then further down:

''Booking requires full prepayment for the entire stay, charged to your credit card between time of booking and day of arrival''!

BM