Category 4 is where IHG really shines. You’ll find dozens of Intercontinental properties worldwide, which are a real bargain at 25,000 points per night. In the past, some of these IC hotels have become bookable for 5,000 points per night through the PointBreaks promotion.
Notably, there are also several Hotel Indigo properties in this category. These are boutique inspired hotels that incorporate the local culture into the look and feel into the property. These are just a few of the gems you’ll find on the list. Here are the best redemptions for IHG Category 4 hotels:
North America
West Coast
Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar (Del Mar, CA)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions:
- Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013
- IHG Quality Excellence Award Winner
Accommodations: A standard award gives you three room options to choose from: A room with a King bed, one Queen or two Queens. All three room types are outfitted with ergonomic chairs, a ceiling fan to go with the beach theme, and “spa inspired glass showers.”
Hotel Indigo is IHG’s version of a boutique hotel, with each hotel’s decor being unique and inspired by the local neighborhood. You’ll often find plush furnishings, vibrant colors, and local art work.
Location: The Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar is a perfect base from which to explore local sights. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is just half a mile away. The Del Mar Race Track and Dog Beach are just a mile away. If you’re looking for fun family activities, the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and Legoland are within 15 miles of the hotel.
Honorable Mention: Staybridge Suites Hot Springs
Midwest
Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare (Chicago, IL)
Source: Hotel Website
Distinctions: Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013
Accommodations: Guests booking an award night can choose between a 360 sqft Deluxe room with a King bed or two Double beds. Consistent with IHG’s new policy, this hotel provides complimentary wifi.
Location: Located near Chicago O’Hare, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle to and from airport. The hotel offers easy access to the city. Simply take the free shuttle to Rosemont station, where you can catch a train into the city.
Honorable Mention: N/A
South
Hotel Indigo San Antonio Riverwalk (San Antonio, TX)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions: Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013
Accommodations: For 25,000 points per night guests can book a King or Queen room, both of which are beautifully furnished to reflect the local area. The bathrooms are spa-inspired, with Moen rain showerheads and Aveda products. All rooms come equipped with a coffee bar, mini fridge, and 42-inch flat screen tv.
Location: The hotel is located right in the Museum Reach area of the San Antonio Riverwalk, perfect for those who want to explore the city’s cultural heritage. There are various museums and theaters within walking distance of the hotel. If shopping is more your style, the Rivercenter Mall is just under a mile away. If you’re traveling with kids, you can head to the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, which is under three miles from the hotel. You also have a choice of two amusement parks (Six Flags and Sea World) within 18 miles.
Honorable Mention:
- Hotel Indigo Houston at the Galleria
- Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown
- HI Baton Rouge Downtown Riverfront
Canada
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites North Vancouver (Vancouver, BC)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions:
- Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013
- IHG Quality Excellence Award Winner
- IHG Torchbearer Award Winner
Accommodations: Standard rooms are just that – standard. You can pick between two Queen size beds or one King, and if you’re staying on a paid rate, there are also Kitchenette Suites which can be convenient for families.
Location: If you’re looking for a mountain retreat on a budget, the Holiday Inn North Vancouver fits the bill. The hotel is located in the North Shore Mountains, within driving distance of Cypress Mountains, Maplewood Farms, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. If you get tired of the stunning scenery, Chinatown is just 5 miles away from the hotel.
Honorable Mention: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Ottawa – Downtown
Mexico
Intercontinental Presidente Santa Fe Mexico (Santa Fe, Mexico)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions: N/A
Accommodations: Standard rooms offer 484 – 516 sqft of space with views of the valley from the room and shower. Rooms feature a King and sofa bed, along with an ergonomic work desk and chair.
Location: The InterContinental Presidente Santa Fe is located in the business and shopping districts of the city. Downtown Mexico City is just 9 miles from the hotel, though you can find plenty of restaurants and shopping within walking distance of the hotel.
Honorable Mention: Intercontinental Presidente Merida
South America
Intercontinental Mendoza (Mendoza, Argentina)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions:
- Tripavisor Traveler’s Choice 2014: #24 Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Argentina
Accommodations: Through March 31, 2014 this hotel is bookable for 5,000 points per night through the IHG PointBreaks list. Otherwise, 25,000 points per night may be a good value depending on the rate.
Standard rooms have city and mountain view rooms. Bathrooms have separate tub and showers with rain showerheads and premium toiletries. All guests get complimentary standard wifi, and premium service can be purchased at an additional cost. Non-IHG members pay a whopping $70 for wireless internet – that’s equal to some of the rates I found at this hotel.
Location: Some reviewers on Tripadvisor have complained about the hotel’s location, though it’s just under 10 minutes from the city. You’re also 15 minutes away from the airport and across from the city’s largest shopping mall.
Honorable Mention:
- Crowne Plaza Santiago (Tripavisor Traveler’s Choice 2014: #25 Top Hotels in Chile)
- Intercontinental Nodelta Tigre Buenos Aires
Caribbean
Holiday Inn Aruba Beach Resort & Casino (Palm Beach, Aruba)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions: N/A
Accommodations: At the Standard level, you can book a King or Double Leisure room with a private balcony and views of the city. The hotel recently underwent a renovation and rooms were given a fresh new look, with vibrant colors in line with the hotel’s beachside location.
Location: The resort is located on Palm Beach, the longest stretch of beach in the area. If you get bored of lounging around, doing nothing, you can head over to the Paseo Herencia shopping center across the street from the resort.
As the name gives away, the hotel has an onsite casino, though if you’re traveling with a family, there is a complimentary kids club for the little ones. If you decide to book a paid stay, the resort also offers all-inclusive packages, which could be a great value.
Honorable Mention: N/A
Europe
Northern Europe
Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions:
- Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2014: #3 Top 25 Hotels in Denmark
- Tripadvisor #3 hotel in Copenhagen
Accommodations: Standard rooms feature 300 sqft of space outfitted with furniture made of recycled materials Guests get free wifi, tea and coffee maker, as well as access to the fitness center. The Crowne Plaza is the first hotel in the country to generate power from renewable sources.
Location: The Crowne Plaza Copenhagen is located in the Orestad area of the city, known for it’s stunning modern architecture. The hotel is within three miles of The Royal Theatre, the local shopping area, and Amalienborg Palace. It’s also perfectly located if you want to visit nearby Malmo, Sweden, which is just 2.5 miles away.
Honorable Mention: N/A
Western Europe
Staybridge Suites Newcastle Upon Tyne (Newcastle Upon Tyne, England)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions:
- Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2014: #22 Top 25 Hotels in the United Kingdom
- Tripadvisor #1 Hotel in Newcastle
Accommodations: The hotel is pretty generous with it’s standard level offering. Guests can choose between a 322 sqft King Studio or Standard Suite. Both rooms come with a fully equipped kitchen, though you can skip prepping at least one meal per day thanks to the daily breakfast buffet, which is complimentary for all guests.
Location: The Starbridge Suites Newcastle is within walking distance of restaurants, the Tyne Bridge, and other notable attractions.
Honorable Mention:
Eastern Europe
Intercontinental Bucharest (Bucharest, Romania)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions:
- Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2014: #18 Top 25 Hotels in Romania
- Tripadvisor #13 Hotel in Bucharest
Accommodations: A standard award gets you into a 344 sqft Superior Room with a balcony offering views of the city. Guests get coffee and tea provisions, along with complimentary wifi.
Location: The Intercontinental Bucharest is located in the business and shopping district of the city, close to the sights of the Old City. There is also a metro station within walking distance, if you want to venture out further to explore the city.
Honorable mention: Crowne Plaza Bratislava
Mediterranean
Crowne Plaza Limassol (Limassol, Cyprus)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions:
- Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013
- Tripadvisor #7 Hotel in Limassol
Accommodations: Guests booking an award night can choose from eight different room types, including City View rooms, Select City View rooms with a sitting area, Sea View rooms, Deluxe City View rooms with balcony, and a “Corporate Suite” with a separate living area and balcony with ocean views. The bathroom includes algae based bath products.
Location: The Crowne Plaza Limassol is located right on the beach, within walking distance of the Seafront Promendade and Sculpture Park. While it’s beachside location is ideal for relaxation, guests also have easy access to the city’s historical sights.
Guest can walk to the Old City and Medieval Castle as well as the Archaeological Museum, which are both within walking distance. Venture out further and within 10 miles you’ll find the Amathus Archaeological Site, Yermasoyia Dam and Village, and Kolossi Castle.
Honorable Mention: Intercontinental Mar Menor Golf Resort & Spa
Asia
Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort (Da Nang, Vietnam)
Distinctions:
- Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2014: #16 Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Vietnam
- Traveler’s Choice 2014: #19 Top 25 Hotel in Vietnam
- Tripadvisor #4 hotel in Da Nang
Accommodations: Every room at the intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has panoramic views of the sea. Standard rooms (King/Queen Resort Class Ocean View Rooms) are anything but, with over 750 sqft of space and large balconies offeirng spectacular ocean views. The room incorporates local and modern decor, with hardwood floors and spacious bathrooms.
Location: The hotel is nestled along Son Tra Mountain, overlooking the East Sea and boasts a private beach. Da Nang International Airport is just 12 miles away and if you want to see a bit of the city, downtown Da Nang is an 8 miles drive from the resort.
Honorable Mention:
- Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort (Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013)
- Intercontinental Asiana Saigon (Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2014: #8 Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Vietnam, Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2014: #9 Top 25 Hotel in Vietnam
- Holiday Inn Express Phuket
- Intercontinental Asiana Saigon Residences (Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2014: #22 Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Vietnam)
- Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake
Middle East
Intercontinental Aqaba (Aqaba, Jordan)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions:
- Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2013: #2 Top 10 Luxruy Hotels in Jordan
- Traveler’s Choice 2013: #2 Top 10 Hotels in Jordan
- Tripadvisor #5 Hotel in Aqaba
Accommodations: A standard award redemption gets you a Seaview room with either a Kint or two Twin beds, and a private balcony.
Location: The Intercontinental Aqaba is located on the Red Sea, with access to incredibly diving sites and water activities like jet skiing, parasailing, waterskiing, snorkeling, and more. The hotel is close to the downtown area, Princess Salma Park, and local markets where you can stock up on souvenirs.
Honorable Mention:
- Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island
- Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park
- Intercontinental Doha City
Africa
Intercontinental Citystars Cairo (Cairo, Egypt)
Source: Hotel
Distinctions:
- Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013
- Voted Cairo’s Best Business Hotel by Business Traveller Magazine
Accommodations: A standard room is 473 sqft and has a balcony overlooking the pool. Guests get complimentary wifi and 150 satellite and cable channels on the LCD tv. Complimentary tea and coffee provisions are included.
Location: The Intercontinental Citystars is located next to a shopping center, giving guests access to plenty of retail stores and restaurants. The hotel is close to the Pyramids of Giza and 30 minutes from downtown Cairo.
Honorable Mention: Intercontinental Cairo Semiramis
Pacific
Crowne Plaza Auckland (Auckland, New Zealand)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions:
- Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013
- IHG Green Engage Hotel
Accommodations: For 25,000 points per night guests can book a 322 sqft Superior room with views of the city. Guests can choose between two Double or Queen beds, fitted with Egyptian cotton linens.
Location: The Crowne Plaza Auckland is situated in the middle of the city’s business district. Nearby you’ll find many dining, shopping, and entertainment options to suit your needs and budget. Waitemata Harbour is just 10 minutes away, where you can hop on a ferry to Ringitito Island. Albert Park, the Maritime Museum, and the Viaduct Basin are also nearby.
The hotel is just 35 minutes away from Auckland International Airport.
Honorable Mention:
- Crowne Plaza Manila Galeria (Manila, Philippines)
- Holiday Inn Townsville (Townsville, Queensland)
You mixed up descriptions of IC MagMile and IC ORD: “The hotel is located on the Magnificent Mile, close to shopping centers, restaurants, and all the great sights the city has to offer. If you want to go further, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to the Rosemont Metra Rail station, making it easy to get around the city”
MagMile is 30 minute drive from ORD. Rosemont is very close to ORD.
That is what happens when you write a post at 1 AM. Thanks for catching that!
Very inspirational post, however! Keep up the good work!