IHG has again released a targeted fast track towards its very desirable Diamond Status. The challenge requires 10 paid nights before December 31st. If you meet the terms, you get IHG Diamond status through the end of 2026.
This offer was sent out via email, but there’s a direct link that anyone can use to check and see if they’re targeted. That said, in previous years, it hasn’t been common for those who haven’t received an email to be targeted. (h/t: reader Brian)
The Deal
- IHG One Rewards has announced a new Diamond status fast track. Rewards members who are targeted and who register will be able to earn Diamond status after staying 10 paid nights before December 31st, 2025.
- Once earned, Diamond status will be valid through 2026.
- Must register for promotion before first stay
Direct Link to Registration (you must enter your e-mail and/or IHG number to find out if you’re targeted)
Terms and conditions
- An individual must be an IHG One Rewards member and be invited to participate in the Offer.
- After receiving an invitation, the member must register their member number in advance in order to be eligible for the Offer.
- Once a member registers for the Offer, the member will be able to earn IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status, and start enjoying the associated benefits, by staying just 10 qualifying nights at participating IHG® Hotels & Resorts during the Promotion Period.
- To be a qualifying night under this Offer, the room night must be part of a Promotion Eligible Qualifying Stay and fall within the Promotion Period.
- Completed stays prior to registration or outside of the Promotion Period are not included.
- For the purposes of this Offer, a ‘Promotion Eligible Qualifying Stay’ is defined as a minimum one (1) night stay at a participating hotel booked under a Qualifying Rate, with a total spend exceeding $30 USD (or local equivalent) per night.
- Bookings made through online travel agencies or other reservation sites such as booking.com or expedia.com also do not qualify under this Offer.
Quick Thoughts
Normally, it takes 70 nights/120,000 qualifying points to reach IHG Diamond Status. Once there, you get a 100% points bonus on stays, complimentary upgrades that include suites (or are supposed to), a welcome amenity (free breakfast or points), as well as early check-in and late check-out to 2 pm, when available.
There are other perks for those who earn the status organically, but many of the best options come from Milestone Rewards (like lounge access and confirmed suite upgrades), which are earned from actual nights stayed. Thus, these perks can’t be accessed via this promotion.
Diamond recognition has continually been improving, and all of us who have it have received restaurant breakfasts for two and proactive upgrades on our stays last year (see Stephen’s experience at the IC Johannesburg). Some properties still seem to be playing games with suites, but overall I think that the benefits are in the same league as the equivalent Hilton and Marriott statuses, especially if you’re staying in Kimptons and Intercontinentals. Intercontinental (IC) breakfasts have been especially noteworthy.
You only need a $30 paid night for it to qualify towards this promotion, so theoretically, it could be possible to mattress run all 10 nights for $300-$400 or so at lower-end properties. If you have stays through the end of the year that would allow you to reach the goal organically (and are targeted), this is a no-brainer.
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Can this be combined with the Double Elite Night Promo?
Steinke wrote, “100% points bonus on stays. For 10 paid stays or also for 10m award stays? The article doesn’t clarify.
IHG should introduce lifetime status and count prior stays towards the thresholds. 600 nights for LT Diamond sounds about right.
With that said, I’ll miss Diamond status next year. Guess I’ll just bank my points and continue to focus on Hyatt and Hilton LT status.