IHG Rewards have published their latest round of Reward Category Changes, which take effect from January 15, 2017. The changes see the number of points required for a reward night changing at over 600 hotels worldwide.
Most of the changes will see an increase in the number of points required for a Rewards night. There are, however, a small number of hotels moving down a level, and thus requiring fewer points.
Australian Hotels
The changes coming into effect see 5 hotels in Australia changing, and all of them are becoming more expensive. The changes are:
- Intercontinental Sydney – up from 55,000 to 60,000 points per night
- Holiday Inn, Old Sydney – up from 35,000 to 40,000 points per night
- Holiday Inn, Potts Point Sydney – up from 30,000 to 35,000 points per night
- Holiday Inn, Cairns Harbourside – up from 20,000 to 25,000 points per night
- Holiday Inn, Melbourne Airport – up from 25,000 to 30,000 points per night.
A notable mover is the Intercontinental Sydney. The 55,000 and 60,000 point categories were created last year, with Sydney moving into the lower of the two new categories. It now moves into the most expensive category. At 60,000 points a night it joinisn the highest category there is.
On the current trend, I would not be surprised to see a higher category created in the next year or two.
Given that the changes do not come into effect until 15 january, there is a little time to consider your options. If you have any upcoming plans, you should review the list to see if any hotels you are interested in will be changing.
If there is an increase scheduled, you would be advised to lock in a booking prior to the increase taking effect. Of course, if the points requirement is decreasing, you might like to consider holding off. Note that by holding off, you may risk not getting an award night at all.
