Creating a Membership Rewards Account

• When I travel, I frequently choose hotel chains with rewards programs that provide exclusive rates for members.
• In many cases, all you need is your email address to create a free membership account.
• This clever strategy has helped me save hundreds of dollars on hotel bookings over the years.

During the process of booking a wedding at a Holiday Inn in 2018, I stumbled upon a travel hack that has consistently saved me money on hotel reservations.

I wanted to inquire about late checkout and discovered that it was a perk offered to IHG One Rewards members, a loyalty program for the InterContinental Hotels Group, which includes popular hotel chains like Crowne Plaza, Intercontinental, and Staybridge Suites. While regular checkout times at Holiday Inns are usually 11 a.m. or 12 p.m., IHG One Rewards members can enjoy a checkout as late as 2 p.m., subject to availability.

I assumed there would be some sort of fee for this membership, but all I had to do was create a free online account using my email address. This account also granted me access to lower rates exclusively available to members when booking directly through the Holiday Inn website.

Not only did I get to sleep in, but I also saved money.

Now, I always check for hotels with free membership programs that offer lower rates or additional benefits

Talia Lakritz/Insider

More often than not, hotels offer these membership programs, and the effort has paid off. When I visited the UK earlier this year, I signed up for a free membership account on the Tavistock Hotel’s website, which is part of the Imperial London Hotels chain. I was pleasantly surprised when this simple step reduced the cost of my reservation by 15%, bringing the total from £561.18 to £477. I even decided to add the hotel’s full English breakfast buffet to my stay, which still cost less than it would have without the membership.

I’ve noticed that most hotels prominently display member-only rates on their booking pages, making it easy to determine if they offer this promotion. If it isn’t mentioned, a quick online search for the hotel’s name along with “membership rewards program” usually provides the necessary information.

These days, I never book a hotel without first checking if I can create a free account for discounts or benefits. As far as I can tell, there doesn’t seem to be any catch. I haven’t experienced an influx of spam emails or junk mail, nor have I been charged any additional fees.

This hack may not be effective for those who prefer smaller, independently owned hotels, as rewards programs are typically associated with larger hotel chains. However, I personally enjoy the consistency of staying with the same hotel company across different locations. My partner even jokes that we’re a “Holiday Inn household.”

The discounts offered through membership accounts may not always have a significant impact on my travel budget, but even if it only saves $10, that’s $10 more I can allocate towards souvenirs or indulgent treats during my travels.