IHG’s Free Nights From “Into The Nights” Counting As Paid Stays?

Last fall, IHG ran a great promo called Into the Nights. They had some technical errors getting it off the ground and other errors with targeting but for everyone that received the offer of 2 free nights after completing some stays – some very few indeed – it was a very lucrative offer.

Free Nights From “Into The Nights”

IHG Into The Nights awards seem to be counting for points as well!

At first, before the details came out about the free nights, I thought I would go for the 50,000 points offered me. Since they did not expire (under the previous program) and could be used for Pointbreak hotels, I thought it was the best choice. But, then the crazy idea of running 6 marathons on 6 continents in under 5 days hit me and I thought I would take the two free nights instead. 🙂

Free Nights Counting As Paid Stays For Earning Points

I had to change some things around on my travel schedule and instead used one of those nights before my big, big trip coming up next month. I was surprised to see that my point balance went up a few thousand points – the exact amount as 10 points per dollar that you get on paid stays.

Is this something others have seen? I do not stay at a lot of IHG properties so how they handle these nights is not something I am completely familiar with. According to their terms, it sounds as if they are not supposed to credit that way.

Pick A More Expensive Hotel Or Date

But, it gives a good idea for redemption! If you have an upcoming stay using one of these free night certificates, consider shifting one night or so to be on a more expensive night. If you have the IHG credit card, you have Platinum status and that will give you an additional 50% bonus. Essentially, you could earn enough points with one of these free night certificates to give you a Pointsbreak redemption down the road (5,000 points)! Just remember – you have until December 31, 2015 to use these free nights!