I’ve accumulated many (low 7 figures) Priority Club/IHG Rewards points, and intermittent elite status, 90% from credit card churning over past ~15 years. Only 12 total lifetime IHG nights (out of 1000 total hotel nights), last paid stays 8 years ago (nice promo at the time), last CC FNA 6 years ago. Just researched a points award stay at Lake Tahoe for January skiing at Heavenly, Holiday Inn Express South Lake Tahoe would be a good choice.

BUT, see the following: “Your preferred rate (Reward Nights) is not available as requested. Please modify your stay dates or select from the available rates” and only cash rates are available.

Apparently it’s award blackout dates. Is that negotiable in any way? For elites? By calling?

Thank you.