IHG vs. Marriott:
Choosing between IHG One Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy can significantly impact how much value you get from your hotel stays. Both hotel giants operate thousands of properties worldwide and reward loyal travelers generously—but they appeal to slightly different audiences.
Marriott generally stands out for its global footprint, elite benefits, and credit card ecosystem, while IHG offers solid value, easier elite qualification, and strong mid-range hotel options. If you travel often, the smart move may even be to use both programs strategically.
Here’s a clear, up-to-date comparison to help you decide which hotel brand deserves your loyalty.
Read More:
Hotel Availability: Where Can You Stay More Easily?
Winner: Marriott
When it comes to sheer scale, Marriott dominates.
Marriott International
Marriott operates nearly 9,100 hotels worldwide, making it one of the largest hotel companies on the planet. Whether you’re traveling to a major U.S. city, a small town, or an international destination, you’re far more likely to find a Marriott-branded property nearby.
Marriott’s portfolio spans everything from budget-friendly stays to ultra-luxury resorts, making it suitable for business travelers, families, and luxury seekers alike.
IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG manages over 6,000 properties globally, which is still impressive—but noticeably smaller than Marriott’s footprint. IHG tends to shine in suburban areas, highway locations, and mid-scale accommodations.
Fees: Who Keeps Extra Charges Lower?
Winner: Marriott
Hotel stays often come with hidden costs like resort fees and parking charges. When those extras are compared as a percentage of the room rate, Marriott comes out slightly ahead.
Marriott Fees
- Lower average resort fees
- Parking fees that are competitive and often lower at comparable properties
IHG Fees
- Resort fees tend to be slightly higher
- Parking costs are similar to Marriott but not meaningfully lower
Why this matters: Over multiple stays, even small fee differences can add up—especially for frequent travelers.
Read More:
Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy vs. IHG One Rewards
Winner: Marriott (overall), but IHG offers strong elite value
Both programs use dynamic award pricing, meaning point costs fluctuate based on demand. However, how you earn and redeem points—and how elite status works—varies significantly.
Marriott Bonvoy: Broad Benefits, Strong Mid-to-High Elite Value
At most Marriott properties, members earn 10 points per dollar spent. Some extended-stay brands earn fewer points, but the system is generally straightforward.
- Average Marriott point value: ~0.8 cents per point
- Fifth-night-free on award stays
- Elite status tiers range from Silver to Ambassador
Higher-tier Marriott elites enjoy:
- Bonus point earnings
- Late checkout
- Room upgrades (including suites at higher tiers)
- Lounge access at select brands
Marriott’s Platinum and Titanium Elite tiers deliver particularly strong value for frequent travelers.
IHG One Rewards: Easier Elite Status, Simpler Value
IHG members also earn 10 points per dollar at most brands, though extended-stay hotels earn fewer points.
- Average IHG point value: ~0.6 cents per point
- Fourth-night-free benefit with eligible IHG credit cards
- Elite tiers progress from Silver to Diamond
IHG stands out for:
- Faster elite qualification
- Strong bonus earning rates at higher tiers
- Competitive Diamond Elite perks without extreme spending
Hotel Credit Cards: Which Brand Offers Better Options?
Winner: Marriott
Marriott wins decisively thanks to variety and flexibility.
Marriott Credit Cards
Marriott offers cards from both American Express and Chase, giving travelers more approval flexibility and benefits across multiple price points.
Options include:
- No-annual-fee cards
- Mid-tier cards with automatic elite status
- Premium cards with lounge access and annual free-night certificates
- Business credit cards for entrepreneurs
This allows cardholders to fast-track elite status without staying dozens of nights per year.
IHG Credit Cards
IHG’s lineup is smaller and issued exclusively by Chase:
- One entry-level consumer card
- One premium consumer card
- One business card
While fewer in number, IHG cards still offer solid perks like:
- Automatic elite status
- Free award nights
- Fourth-night-free redemptions
How to Choose Between IHG and Marriott
Choose Marriott Bonvoy if:
- You want the largest global hotel network
- Elite perks like upgrades and lounges matter
- You prefer flexible, high-end redemption options
- You want multiple credit card choices
Choose IHG One Rewards if:
- You value simpler elite qualification
- You stay frequently at mid-range hotels
- You prefer fewer fees and straightforward rewards
- You plan to leverage credit card benefits efficiently
Smart Strategy: Use Both
Many experienced travelers split stays between both programs:
- Use Marriott for international trips and premium stays
- Use IHG for domestic travel and faster elite status gains
This hybrid approach often delivers the best overall value.
Read More:
Final Verdict
Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards are both strong hotel loyalty programs with different strengths. Marriott leads in availability, elite perks, and credit card depth, while IHG offers accessible status and solid everyday value.
If you want maximum flexibility and long-term rewards, Marriott is the better all-around choice. But if simplicity and faster elite perks appeal to you, IHG remains a smart and underrated option.
Either way, choosing intentionally—or using both wisely—can significantly improve your travel experience.
Read More:
