Recently, IHG’s dynamic award pricing went live. Up to then, “dynamic pricing” has registered in my brain as synonymous with evil devaluation. In this case though, it introduced many discounts across the US the beyond – in usually popular destinations such as NYC and Florida. I was seeing Times Square hotels for 20-25k IHG points per night, and people have reported seeing Kimptons in other locations for around the same price. Intercontinental Danang could be had for 40k. However, California was notably absent from that round of discount.
Now, the discount has been extended to California. For the Friday and Saturday of July 4 weekend, I’m seeing the Intercontinental LA for 30k, and Kimpton La Peer in West Hollywood for 40k. I have stayed in and enjoyed both in the past. Importantly, LA county just reopened hotels to leisure travelers today (6/12); doesn’t mean you should go, just reporting that it’s finally allowed.
Keep in mind the award pricing is truly dynamic – I’ve seen some variations for the same dates over the past few weeks.
The sale is also available in more countries now. For example, I was supposed to be in Paris on the week of July 4. I had booked some Holiday Inns for 35-40k a night. Now those are around 20k. I even see some Paris hotels for as low as 12.5k. Personally, I’m not looking at any international trips until COVID is under control, likely next year. But friends in Europea may be able to cross borders soon.
Of course, cash prices can also be very low these days. For example, I stayed at Holiday Inn Express at Monterey Bay last year for 30k a night before it went up to 35k. Now it’s available for 20k on the weekdays of July 4 week. For a Monday to Thursday stay, that would be 60k total with the Premier card. However, the cash price for the same nights all in is $515 total. Still a great deal with 4th night free, but only OK without.
Personally, I booked the Holiday Inn Express Springdale / Zion National Park later in the year. I got 4 nights for 65k with 4th night free from the Chase IHG Premier card; it’s normally 40k a night. Whether the trip happens, like any trip this year, depends on the situation on the ground at that time.
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