IHG makes changes to properties award charts once per year, the latest changes for 2018 took place on January 15th, 2018. Unfortunately it looks like they also make changes without notice or informing loyalty members during the year as well. For example on April 29th the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort priced at 50,000 points per night, from May 1st onwards it has been pricing at 70,000 points per night or an increase of 40%.
Previously the maximum price for an award night was 60,000 points, so the IC Danang is now in the highest award category. I personally don’t have an issue with hotel loyalty programs changing properties award charts, but these changes should be communicated transparently to members. For example earlier this year when the annual change took place 499 properties increased in price and 192 properties decreased in price. I wonder how many properties change categories without notice and without anybody picking up on it. We only notice this one thanks to a reader sending a tip in for example. Have you noticed any other properties change in price without notice?
I only stay at IHG properties now to redeem the free night anniversary. And from May 1 next year, not even that. Even so, every devaluation in any program still stings.
The Kimpton in the Caymen Islands is 70k.
IC Lisbon changed from 35k to 40k. IC Osaka from 50k to 60k.
Seriously people, who in their right mind would blow hotel points in Vietnam? You can get a pretty nice off-brand hotel for dirt cheap cash prices. I’ve been to Danang…it’s packed with hotels. Doesn’t excuse IHG for how they handle this but still….
People who have a ton of points and are cash averse, like myself.
In Vietnam cash prices are laughably cheap. Although I’m sure a 5-star western chain resort will be grossly overpriced to rip off western tourists who don’t know any better. I recall paying $30-40 for really nice business hotels. Can’t imagine a non-chain resort would be more expensive, and they’re all on the beach anyway.
Also when I’d rather spend 15k to experience a Park Hyatt vs 30k while in Saigon.
People who have a ton of points and are cash averse, like myself.
Just because it’s not a good deal for you, doesn’t mean it’s not a good deal for others.
I’ve seen this happen with other IHG properties. Marriott is an offender in this area as well. I think this happens more than folks realize. Like you said, it’s hard to keep track of each and every property. Hotel points are the least transparent form of currency. That’s why I don’t accrue them via everyday spending. I will collect them via lucrative promos and sign-up bonuses with the understanding that the programs may pull this crap. So, I set my valuation accordingly.
I was worried about the SPG-Marriott merger changes this year, but it turns out that IHG has been the biggest offender in devaluing their program.
Once I use up my points, going to cut the cord.
I say that too, but then I see another accelerate offer for 50k points for staying 2 nights and another point break offer and they suck me back in…
This one is already too expensive for the free night certificate. However, I continue to forecast the most useful 35-40k properties conveniently getting bumped to 45-50k so annual reward nights can’t be used there.
– I’m an optimist
Kimpton in Grand Caymen is also 70k. It can be had for 55k + $114. Rooms are $700+
Did it used to be priced differently?
Was curious here, as I’m off to Vietnam in November, and had my eye on this property for a few nights (was waiting to book til i got my free annual night). Looks a few days ago and saw 70k, and hadn’t remembered it ever being announced. That’s pretty lame!