IHG One Rewards just launched its new summer promotion, but this time, members will need to make a choice before earning any bonus points.

After registering, members can choose between one of two offers:

• Earn 2,000 bonus points every two qualifying nights
• Earn 8,000 bonus points every four qualifying nights

The promotion is valid for stays between May 20 and August 31, 2026.

Why the 8,000-Point Option Looks Better

At first glance, the 8,000-point option appears to be the clear winner. Earning 8,000 points every four nights works out to double the return per night compared to the 2,000-point version.

For travelers with several upcoming IHG stays already planned, especially longer work trips or summer vacations, the larger bonus will provide the better overall return.

The qualifying nights also don’t need to be consecutive, making it easier to piece together stays throughout the summer.

Why the Smaller Bonus Could Actually Be Smarter

But the bigger offer comes with one important catch: you won’t earn anything unless you complete all four qualifying nights.

That means travelers who only end up staying two or three nights during the promotion period could walk away with zero bonus points under the 8,000-point option.

Meanwhile, the 2,000-point version has a much lower threshold. Casual travelers or anyone not quite sure about their summer travel plans are probably better off taking the safer route and locking in smaller bonuses more frequently.

In other words, the “best” option depends less on the math and more on how confident you are in your travel plans.

A Few Important Restrictions

Like all hotel promotions, there are a few limitations to keep in mind.

• Award stays booked entirely with points generally do not qualify.
• Reservations made through online travel agencies like Expedia or Priceline are also excluded.

Members must register for the promotion before earning bonus points, and only one offer can be selected.

Bottom Line

IHG’s latest promotion is a little more interesting than the standard “stay X nights, earn Y points” hotel offer.

Instead of automatically applying a bonus structure to members, IHG is essentially asking travelers to predict their own travel behavior. And if you overestimate your summer plans, choosing the larger bonus could leave you with no bonus points at all.

For frequent travelers, the 8,000-point option will likely offer the best value. But for everyone else, the safer 2,000-point path may end up being the smarter play.