The IHG sweepstakes promotion mentioned below is no longer available.
After 16 long months of a global pandemic and numerous lockdowns, are you ready to get out of the house and finally go on that vacation you've wanted to take but couldn't? IHG Hotels & Resorts is offering one U.S.-based traveler the opportunity to stay at their properties 'rent-free' in locations across the world, for one year, through its new sweepstakes known as the 'Department of Epic'.
The value of the prize is $60,000, and the winner will get to stay at any IHG Property (there are 16 brands) including Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants and the Holiday Inn Express. People can enter the sweepstakes between June 22 and July 20.
In order to enter, you'll need to be on either Instagram or Twitter and make a post about why you're deserving of a grand adventure. When posting, travelers need to 'tell IHG why they need an epic vacation – without telling IHG they need an epic vacation', (a play on the popular TikTok trend) using the hashtag '#IHGTellMeContest' and tagging @ihghotels. Each individual is allowed ten entries in total 一 five each for Instagram and Twitter. The winner will be announced on August 2.
The winner will get a host of different perks beyond free hotel stays. These perks include but are not limited to: complimentary snacks every time you check into a new room, free dining in one of IHG's restaurants once a month, access to a private car at select hotels, the highest level of IHG rewards member status and a personal booking concierge.
Other ways to score free stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts
While entering the sweepstakes gives you a chance to win stays at luxurious hotels in far-flung places, if you don't win, there are still opportunities for you to get free stays and other rewards. If you're loyal to a specific hotel chain or brand, like IHG, you should consider signing up for a hotel credit card. The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card released a generous welcome bonus offer of 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn up to $100 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and resorts during the first 12 months from account opening.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card also comes with numerous perks including one statement credit of up to $100 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS every four years, the fourth night free when you use points to redeem for three or more nights, and one reward night after each account anniversary year. IHG One Premier credit holders also get Automatic Platinum Elite status.
The card has a high rewards-earning rate for IHG spend, offering up to 26X points per dollar when you stay at an IHG hotel 一 you earn 10x points per dollar for being an IHG Rewards Member, 10X points per dollar spent at IHG hotels as a cardholder and up to 6X points for having Platinum Elite status.
This card is also a good choice for international travelers because it has no foreign transaction fees. The card does have its drawbacks: there's an $99 annual fee.
Additionally, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to IHG Rewards if you have an eligible card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel, 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants, 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn up to $100 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening.
Annual fee
$99
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
21.49% - 28.49% variable
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member
- One reward night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide
- Reward night when you redeem points for any stay of four or more nights
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years
Cons
- No annual travel credits
- No introductory 0% APR
- Estimated points earned after 1 year: 173,089
- Estimated points earned after 5 years: 365,446
Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rewards
$50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining, 3X points on select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Annual fee
$95
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See our methodology, terms apply.
Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review.
Pros
- Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Transfer points to leading frequent travel programs at a 1:1 rate, including: IHG® Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy™ and World of Hyatt®
- Travel protections include: auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement
- No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- No introductory 0% APR
