IHG One Rewards has dropped its first global promotion for 2026, and it’s a classic: earn double points on every qualifying stay.
The catch? The bonus only kicks in after your first stay. While the “start from the second stay” rule is a small hurdle, the upside is significant: there is no cap on how many bonus points you can stack during the promotion period.
If you have travel planned for early 2026, you should register immediately.
The Offer Details
- Bonus: Earn 2X IHG One Rewards points on all qualifying stays.
- Trigger: Bonus applies starting from your second stay within the promo period.
- Validity: For stays between 1 January 2026 – 31 March 2026.
- Earning Cap: None. Unlimited bonus points.
- Registration: Register here (Pre-registration open now until 31 Dec 2025; registration remains open during the promo).
Essential Terms (“The Fine Print”)
Before you book, keep these exclusions in mind:
- The “Warm-Up” Stay: Your very first stay during the promotion period earns standard points only. The 2X multiplier applies to stay #2 onwards.
- Minimum Spend: Qualifying nights must have a total spend of at least $30 USD (or local equivalent).
- Eligible Rates: Reward Nights (points bookings), Points & Cash, and OTA reservations (Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda) do not qualify.
- Multiple Rooms: If you book multiple rooms for the same night, you only earn the promotional bonus on one room.
- Elite Status: Bonus points are non-elite qualifying. They spend the same, but they won’t help you reach Platinum or Diamond status.
The Math: How Much Do You Earn?
The structure rewards high volume. Here is the earning breakdown for a standard member at a core IHG brand (e.g., InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn):
- Base Earn: 10 points per $1 USD.
- Promo Bonus: 10 points per $1 USD.
- Total: 20 points per $1 USD (an approximate 10-12% return on spend).
Note: Elite members earn their tier bonus (20%–100%) on top of the base points, calculated separately.
The MilesCop Verdict
This is a solid, reliable promotion for Q1 2026. While we prefer promos that trigger on the first stay, the uncapped nature of this offer makes it excellent for road warriors.
Strategy: If you have an expensive stay planned in Q1, try to complete a cheaper, short stay beforehand to “unlock” the 2X bonus for your big ticket trip.
Bottom Line: Even if your calendar is currently empty, register now. It takes 10 seconds, costs nothing, and ensures you don’t miss out on points if a last-minute trip pops up.