Last Updated on July 26, 2026 by Daniel Globe
IHG Hotels & Resorts is one of the world’s largest hotel groups, with properties ranging from luxury resorts to practical extended-stay and budget-conscious hotels. The company became a standalone hotel business in 2003 and today connects travelers with thousands of properties under brands such as InterContinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and many more.
Quick Answer
An IHG hotel is a property operating under an IHG Hotels & Resorts brand or participating through an IHG partner arrangement. As of March 31, 2026, IHG’s global system included 7,014 hotels across more than 100 countries and 21 brands, ranging from InterContinental and Kimpton to Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and Garner.
Key Takeaways
- IHG Hotels & Resorts had 7,014 hotels and more than one million rooms in its system as of March 31, 2026.
- IHG’s 21-brand portfolio covers luxury, premium, essentials, suites, extended stays, wellness-focused hotels, and beachfront resorts.
- Most IHG-branded hotels are independently owned and operate through franchise or management agreements rather than being directly owned by IHG.
- IHG One Rewards has five membership levels: Club, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and Diamond Elite.
- Amenities such as breakfast, pools, restaurants, spas, kitchens, and room service vary by brand and individual property, so travelers should check the hotel page before booking.
What Is an IHG Hotel?
IHG stands for InterContinental Hotels Group. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the holding company, while travelers usually see the consumer-facing name IHG Hotels & Resorts.
It is also important to distinguish IHG from the InterContinental brand. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is only one brand within the much larger IHG portfolio. A Holiday Inn Express, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites, Six Senses, or Garner property can also be an IHG hotel.
IHG became a standalone company in April 2003 after Six Continents plc separated its hotel business from its retail operations. Today, IHG’s stated purpose is to provide “True Hospitality for Good.” According to IHG’s Q1 2026 trading update, its system reached 7,014 hotels and about 1.036 million rooms as of March 31, 2026.
IHG passed the 7,000-hotel mark in the first quarter of 2026, with properties in more than 100 countries and a further 2,347 hotels in its development pipeline.
IHG’s global headquarters is now in Windsor, Berkshire, England. The company moved there after spending about 15 years in Denham, Buckinghamshire.
IHG Hotel Brands
IHG has expanded far beyond the familiar InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express names. Its current portfolio includes 21 brands divided into several broad collections.
| IHG Collection | Brands | Best Suited For |
| Luxury & Lifestyle | Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo | Luxury trips, resorts, distinctive design, upscale city stays, and locally inspired experiences |
| Premium | Noted Collection, voco, Ruby, HUALUXE, Crowne Plaza, EVEN Hotels | Business travel, premium leisure trips, wellness-focused stays, and design-led hotels |
| Essentials | Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Garner, avid hotels | Families, road trips, practical stays, and travelers focused on value and dependable basics |
| Suites | Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites | Longer stays, families, extra living space, and travelers who want kitchen or suite-style facilities |
| Exclusive Partner | Iberostar Beachfront Resorts | Beach vacations and resort-focused stays |
The official IHG brand directory can help travelers narrow their choices by trip type. IHG identifies brands such as InterContinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, voco, EVEN, Holiday Inn, Atwell Suites, and Staybridge Suites as useful options for business travelers, while Garner, avid hotels, Candlewood Suites, and Holiday Inn Express emphasize affordability and practical amenities.
Note: Not every feature is available at every hotel within a brand. Breakfast, parking, pools, pet policies, kitchens, lounges, and resort amenities can differ by property and destination.
Does IHG Own Its Hotels?
Usually, no. IHG is primarily an asset-light hotel company. It generally franchises its brands to independent hotel owners or manages hotels on behalf of third-party owners.
Under a franchise arrangement, an independent owner operates the hotel under an IHG brand and follows required brand standards. Under a management agreement, the building still belongs to a third-party owner, but IHG manages hotel operations under contract.
IHG explains its franchise, management, and limited owned-hotel structure in its official business model overview.
This structure is one reason two hotels carrying the same IHG brand can differ in building design, ownership, restaurants, parking fees, resort fees, and optional amenities while still following core brand standards.
IHG Hotel Locations
IHG has hotels in more than 100 countries, including major business centers, airport markets, resort destinations, highway locations, and smaller regional cities. Its large network makes it possible to find IHG properties in destinations ranging from New York and London to Tokyo, Bali, and rapidly growing markets across India and Greater China.
The experience can vary greatly by destination and brand. A luxury InterContinental resort may emphasize local dining, spas, concierge services, and destination experiences, while a Holiday Inn Express may focus on a simpler room, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and convenient access to major roads or business districts.
Travelers searching for a hotel should therefore compare the individual property rather than choosing by the IHG name alone.
IHG Hotel Amenities and Services
IHG properties cover many hotel types, so there is no single list of amenities that applies everywhere. Common room and hotel features can include Wi-Fi, televisions, work areas, fitness facilities, restaurants, business services, and in-room coffee, but availability depends on the brand and property.
| Category | What You May Find |
| Room Amenities | Wi-Fi, television, coffee maker, mini refrigerator, work desk, or kitchen facilities depending on the brand and room type |
| Hotel Services | Front desk, housekeeping, laundry facilities or services, business facilities, concierge services, and room service at selected properties |
| Dining Options | Complimentary breakfast at some brands, on-site restaurants and bars at selected hotels, cafés, markets, or in-room dining |
| Recreational Facilities | Fitness centers at many hotels, plus property-specific pools, spas, beach facilities, golf access, or wellness programs |
Full-service and luxury properties tend to provide a wider range of restaurants, meeting facilities, spas, lounges, pools, and guest services. Limited-service and extended-stay brands may instead emphasize convenience, breakfast, self-service laundry, kitchens, or practical communal areas.
For business travelers, hotels such as Crowne Plaza and selected InterContinental, Holiday Inn, voco, Atwell Suites, and Staybridge Suites properties may provide meeting spaces, work areas, and event facilities.
Pro Tip: Check the individual hotel’s amenity list before booking. A feature associated with a brand—such as free breakfast, a pool, lounge access, a kitchen, or pet-friendly rooms—may not be available at every property.
IHG One Rewards Loyalty Program
IHG’s current loyalty program is called IHG One Rewards. It replaced the older IHG Rewards/Rewards Club branding in 2022 and now has more than 160 million members worldwide.
Members can earn points on eligible stays and redeem them for Reward Nights, Points & Cash bookings, selected experiences, merchandise, partner rewards, transfers, or donations. According to IHG’s current points-earning guide, members generally earn 10 base points per US dollar of eligible spend at most IHG hotels and 5 points per dollar at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.
Current IHG One Rewards Tiers
| Tier | Typical Qualification | Selected Benefits |
| Club Member | Join the program | Member rates, points earning, free internet, promotions, and late checkout up to 2 p.m. when available |
| Silver Elite | 10 qualifying nights | Club benefits plus a 20% elite bonus on base points and points that do not expire while Elite status is maintained |
| Gold Elite | 20 qualifying nights or 40,000 qualifying points | 40% bonus points, rollover qualifying nights, and access to Milestone Rewards beginning at 20 nights |
| Platinum Elite | 40 qualifying nights or 60,000 qualifying points | 60% bonus points, eligible room upgrades when available, welcome amenity, early check-in when available, and selected Reward Night discounts |
| Diamond Elite | 70 qualifying nights or 120,000 qualifying points | 100% bonus points, Diamond support, and a welcome amenity choice that can include daily hot breakfast for two at participating hotels |
IHG’s official tier-benefit chart should be checked before a trip because individual benefits can be subject to availability, exclusions, and property-specific rules.
Milestone Rewards
Milestone Rewards add another layer to the program. Beginning at 20 qualifying nights in a calendar year, members can select a reward every 10 nights through 100 nights. Depending on the milestone, choices can include bonus points, food-and-beverage rewards, Confirmable Suite Upgrades, or an Annual Lounge Membership.
Note: Complimentary breakfast is not a universal elite benefit for every member. Diamond Elite members may select breakfast for two as a welcome amenity at participating hotels, while certain brands separately include breakfast as part of their normal stay offering.
IHG Hotel Booking Tips
Booking directly through IHG’s website or mobile app can make sense for travelers who use IHG One Rewards. Members receive access to member rates and eligible promotions, and direct bookings make it easier to keep the reservation connected to the member’s account.
Hotel prices can change by date, demand, room type, local events, and cancellation terms. Instead of assuming that one day of the week is always cheapest, compare several dates when your schedule is flexible.
Before paying, check:
- The final room rate and taxes.
- Resort, destination, or parking fees where applicable.
- Whether breakfast is included.
- The cancellation deadline.
- Whether the rate is refundable or prepaid.
- Bed type and maximum occupancy.
- Parking, pet, and accessibility policies.
- Whether your IHG One Rewards number is attached to the reservation.
IHG frequently runs targeted or registration-based bonus-point offers, so members should also review current promotions before an eligible stay.
Pro Tip: Do not compare room rates by price alone. A slightly higher flexible rate may be a better value than a cheaper prepaid rate if your plans could change.
IHG Hotel Dining Options
Dining varies considerably across the IHG portfolio. Luxury and full-service hotels may have signature restaurants, lounges, bars, room service, and elaborate breakfast offerings. Smaller or limited-service properties may provide breakfast, a market, snacks, or nearby dining recommendations instead.
InterContinental, Regent, Six Senses, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, and other full-service brands may place greater emphasis on restaurants and local food experiences. At extended-stay properties, the presence of an in-room kitchen or kitchenette can be more useful than a full-service restaurant for guests staying several nights or weeks.
Some IHG brands often include breakfast, including Holiday Inn Express, Garner, avid hotels, Atwell Suites, and Staybridge Suites, but travelers should still confirm the exact offering on the individual property page before booking.
IHG Hotel Sustainability Initiatives
IHG’s current responsible-business strategy is called Journey to Tomorrow. It is a 2030 plan covering people, communities, carbon and energy, waste, and water.
Through the plan, IHG says it aims to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, reduce waste, conserve water, support communities, and create a more inclusive hospitality business. Details and progress reporting are available through IHG’s official Journey to Tomorrow program.
IHG’s Green Engage platform still plays a role, but it is better understood as an environmental measurement and management tool used by hotels rather than the name of IHG’s entire sustainability strategy. Hotels can use Green Engage to track areas such as energy, water, waste, and carbon performance.
IHG has also developed a Low Carbon Pioneers program for selected energy-efficient hotels. These properties are designed to operate without routine on-site fossil-fuel combustion, apart from limited backup-generator exceptions, and are backed by renewable energy while meeting recognized sustainability or building-certification requirements.
IHG Hotel Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility forms part of IHG’s broader Journey to Tomorrow strategy. The company’s stated goals include supporting communities, improving lives, encouraging an inclusive culture, reducing environmental impact, and responding to humanitarian needs.
One current example is IHG’s multi-year partnership with Action Against Hunger, announced in August 2024. The partnership supports programs addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, including community screening initiatives.
IHG and its hotels also work with local organizations on areas such as food security, disaster response, skills development, and community support. The exact partnerships vary by country and region.
Within its workforce, IHG’s responsible-business commitments include creating an inclusive culture in which employees from different backgrounds can develop and advance. These efforts are part of the company’s broader people commitments rather than a standalone hotel amenity or guest program.
IHG Hotel Partnerships and Affiliations
IHG works with travel and loyalty partners to extend the usefulness of IHG One Rewards. Members can choose certain partner rewards instead of hotel points for eligible stays, while selected elite tiers receive travel-related partner benefits.
For example, the current IHG One Rewards benefits include Hertz status benefits for eligible Gold, Platinum, and Diamond members. Airline and other travel-partner options can change, so travelers should check their current earning preferences and partner terms before relying on a particular benefit.
IHG also distributes rooms through travel agencies, global distribution systems, online travel agencies, direct hotel channels, its website, and its mobile app. These relationships make IHG properties widely available, although rate rules, loyalty eligibility, and cancellation conditions can differ depending on where a reservation is made.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
IHG Hotels & Resorts is much broader than a single hotel chain. Its 21-brand portfolio ranges from luxury names such as Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, and Kimpton to practical options such as Holiday Inn Express, Garner, avid hotels, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.
The best IHG hotel depends on the trip. A business traveler may value Crowne Plaza or InterContinental, a family may prefer Holiday Inn or a suite property, and a longer-stay guest may benefit from Staybridge Suites or Candlewood Suites. Travelers looking for a luxury resort, wellness-focused stay, or beachfront vacation have entirely different options within the same IHG network.
IHG One Rewards can add value for repeat guests through member rates, points, elite status, and Milestone Rewards, but benefits and hotel amenities should always be checked against the specific property and rate before booking.
When planning the rest of your trip, a useful travel guidebook can help with local planning, while packing cubes can make it easier to organize clothing and other travel essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IHG hotel?
An IHG hotel is a property operating under one of the brands in the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio or participating through an IHG partner arrangement. Examples include InterContinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.
What does IHG stand for?
IHG stands for InterContinental Hotels Group. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the holding company, while IHG Hotels & Resorts is the name travelers commonly see when booking its hotel brands.
Is InterContinental the same as IHG?
No. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is one luxury brand within IHG’s much larger portfolio. IHG also includes brands such as Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo, voco, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, and others.
What are some IHG hotel brands?
IHG’s 21-brand portfolio includes Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Noted Collection, voco, Ruby, HUALUXE, Crowne Plaza, EVEN Hotels, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Garner, avid hotels, Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites, and Iberostar Beachfront Resorts as an exclusive partner.
Does IHG own its hotels?
Most IHG-branded hotels are not directly owned by IHG. The company primarily franchises its brands to independent owners or manages hotels on behalf of third-party owners. IHG retains only a limited owned or leased hotel presence.
Where are IHG hotels located?
IHG has hotels in more than 100 countries. As of March 31, 2026, its global system included 7,014 hotels and more than one million rooms.
What amenities can I expect at an IHG hotel?
Amenities depend on the brand and property. Common features can include Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, breakfast, restaurants, business services, pools, laundry facilities, kitchens, and meeting spaces, but no single amenity list applies to every IHG hotel.
What is IHG One Rewards?
IHG One Rewards is IHG’s hotel loyalty program. Members can earn points on eligible stays and access member rates, while frequent guests can qualify for Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, or Diamond Elite status and additional benefits.
How can I book a stay at an IHG hotel?
You can book through IHG’s official website or app, directly with a hotel, or through selected travel agencies and booking platforms. IHG One Rewards members should compare rate conditions and confirm whether a booking channel qualifies for the loyalty benefits they expect.
Sources
- IHG Q1 2026 Trading Update — current hotel count, room count, countries, brand portfolio, pipeline, and loyalty membership.
- IHG Hotels & Resorts Brand Directory — current brands and guidance on brand types, amenities, and traveler needs.
- How IHG’s Business Works — franchise, management, and owned-hotel business models.
- IHG One Rewards Tier Benefits — current elite tiers, qualification requirements, and member benefits.
- IHG One Rewards Earning Guide — current hotel points-earning rates and Milestone Rewards basics.
- IHG Journey to Tomorrow — current responsible-business and sustainability commitments.