Originally Posted by
RedSun
Because of the inflexibility of IHG reward program, I've decided to cut the relationship. No point to keep all 4 or 5 hotel relationship. We would certainly remain if the FN was still unlimited. Now just not worth the trouble to find a single night at 40k level.
Sure the AF is worth that single FN. But it is much easier to stack several Marriott and Hyatt FNs together for the same trip.
How is IHG inflexible? If you're talking about redemption options, IHG is comparable to others. Obviously, you get the best value out of reward stays, but if you're desperate and don't care about horrible value, you can donate them, use them for gift cards, buy magazines/e-books, or exchange them for miles.
FWIW, since the pandemic started, a lot of IHG hotels have reduced their points requirements, so at least temporarily, the 40k cap isn't much of an issue. For my expiring free night, I checked for staycation options and, out of curiosity, for my cancelled 2020 hotels. Virtually all went down - 20-35k HIXs/Staybridges were 10-20k, 40k Indigos were 20k, and even the 70k ICs and Kimptons were 40k. Yeah, if you want to combine your free night(s) to create a multi-night stay, you have to book a new reservation. But, it's never been an issue to link reservations or stay in the same room.
Sorry that IHG doesn't work for you. For all its quirks and shortcomings, IHG's free nights and points are pretty easy to use (at least for me). Personally, I feel that Marriott 35k certificates are significantly harder to use. YMMV.