Ihg Hotel Brands Explained: Which One Fits Your Trip

IHG groups its hotels into a family of brands, from luxury and premium names to mid-range, extended-stay and budget-friendly options. Each brand suits a different kind of trip, budget and travel style. This guide explains the main brand types, how the loyalty programme works in general and how to book well. We are independent and not affiliated with the group.

Quick answer

IHG groups its hotels into a family of brands, each aimed at a different kind of trip. Knowing the style of each brand helps you narrow your search quickly. Here is a simple guide to the best-known names.

• Luxury: InterContinental, Regent and Six Senses focus on high-end service, standout design and memorable destinations. Six Senses leans towards wellness and nature.
• Premium: Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo and Kimpton offer polished stays with more character. Crowne Plaza suits business travel, Hotel Indigo reflects its local neighbourhood, and Kimpton is known for boutique style.
• Select-service: Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Even Hotels cover comfortable, good-value stays. They suit families, road trips and short city breaks.
• Extended-stay: Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites give you more space, plus kitchen facilities. They work well for relocations, longer work projects and family holidays.
• Budget: avid hotels and similar simple brands keep things straightforward, with the essentials done well.

Brand lineups and hotel features change over time, so confirm details on the booking page before you reserve. Two hotels under one brand can still feel different, depending on the location and the owner.

The rest of this guide looks at each group in more detail, so you can match the brand to your trip.

Luxury and premium brands

IHG's upper tiers suit travellers who want more than a comfortable bed. Expect a higher level of service, more thoughtful design and a stronger sense of place. These brands usually sit in city centres, resort areas and other sought-after spots.

What you can usually expect

Luxury brands focus on personal attention. Staff often anticipate needs, and rooms tend to be larger, with refined finishes and quality bedding. Premium brands offer a polished experience that feels less formal, with stylish public spaces and a lively social atmosphere.

Dining is a real feature at this level. Many properties run signature restaurants and well-designed bars, and some offer spa or wellness facilities. Our Hilton Hotel Brands Explained: Which One Fits Your Trip guide shows how another major group arranges its upper tiers, which helps when you compare.

Who these brands suit

• Couples marking an anniversary or a special escape
• Leisure travellers who want a resort-style stay
• Business guests who value quiet rooms and good meeting spaces
• Loyal members who want to use their status for better benefits

Style varies from one brand to the next. Some lean towards classic elegance, while others feel boutique or contemporary. Always read the brand description on the booking page, and check current prices and what is included before you commit.

Mid-range and select-service brands

Mid-range and select-service hotels focus on the essentials done well. You get a comfortable room, a good bed, reliable Wi-Fi and a simple, tidy design. There is usually no long list of extras, which helps keep the stay practical and good value.

Dining is limited by design. Most hotels in this group offer a breakfast area and perhaps a casual bar or a light evening menu. Full restaurants are less common, so expect to eat out for dinner.

Location is a real strength. These hotels often sit near airports, business districts, city centres and major roads. That makes them easy to reach and handy for meetings, events and onward travel.

Who they suit

Business travellers like the work-friendly rooms and quick check-in. Families value the simple layouts, the choice of room types and the lack of fuss. Short city breaks and road trips also work well.

Typical features often include:

• Comfortable, consistent rooms with a desk or workspace
• Free or low-cost breakfast options at many properties
• Meeting rooms or business corners in some hotels
• Fitness rooms, and sometimes a pool, depending on the property
• Easy parking or transport links in many locations

Standards vary by country and building, so read each hotel's page carefully. Check the room types, breakfast terms and facilities before you book.

Extended-stay and budget brands

IHG offers brands built for longer visits and for travellers who want good value without extras they will not use.

Extended-stay brands

Extended-stay hotels work more like a small apartment than a standard room. Most offer a kitchen or kitchenette, so you can cook your own meals and keep food in a full-size fridge. Many also have guest laundry facilities and a separate living or work area.

These features suit relocations, work projects, long city breaks and family holidays. Daily housekeeping is often lighter than at a full-service hotel. Check what each property includes before you book.

• Kitchen facilities: Check whether you get a full kitchen or only a kitchenette.
• Laundry: Look for on-site machines, which cut down on luggage.
• Space: Suites usually have room for working, cooking and relaxing.
• Longer-stay rates: Ask whether a weekly rate applies.

Value-focused hotels

Budget-friendly brands keep things simple. Expect a clean, comfortable room, a reliable bed, a private bathroom and Wi-Fi. You may also find a modest breakfast, but a full restaurant, spa or large meeting spaces are less common.

These hotels suit short stops, road trips and travellers who spend most of the day out exploring. For more ways to keep costs down, read 5 Hacks for Saving Real Money on Hotel Bookings.

How the loyalty programme works (in general)

Like most major hotel groups, IHG runs a free-to-join loyalty programme that covers its family of brands. You sign up once, add your member number to your bookings, and the same account works across the different hotel styles. This means a stay at a business-focused hotel and a stay at a resort can count towards the same balance.

Earning and redeeming points

Members usually earn points on eligible stays. You can later spend those points on free nights, and some programmes also allow part-payment with points. Earning and redemption rules can differ by brand, room rate and booking channel, so read the terms before you book.

Member rates and perks

Booking as a signed-in member often unlocks member-only rates. Depending on your status, you may also see perks such as room upgrades, late checkout or complimentary extras. These benefits vary by hotel and over time, so never assume a perk applies everywhere.

Useful habits for members:

• Log in before you search, so you see any member rates.
• Add your number at booking, not at check-in, so your stay tracks correctly.
• Check whether your rate type earns points.
• Review the expiry and activity rules for your balance.

Always check the official programme for current details. Terms, benefits and partner offers change, and the brand's own pages are the only reliable source.

How to choose the right brand for your trip

Start with the purpose of your stay, then match it to a brand style. The checklist below covers the most common trip types.

• Business trip: Look at select-service and premium brands. They usually offer reliable Wi-Fi, a workspace and a straightforward check-in.
• Family holiday: Choose a brand with spacious rooms or suites, and check whether the hotel has a pool or breakfast included.
• Long stay: Extended-stay brands usually give you a kitchen area and laundry access, which make a longer visit easier and often cheaper.
• City break: Pick a lifestyle or mid-range brand in a central spot, so you spend less time travelling.
• Special occasion: Luxury brands tend to add personal service, fine dining and standout design.

Brand names set a general style, but each hotel is run a little differently. Read the property page and recent guest reviews before you commit. Facilities such as parking, a gym or a restaurant can vary even within one brand.

If you plan to use the loyalty programme, check that your chosen hotel takes part. Then compare the rate types on offer, such as flexible and prepaid. For more ideas on keeping costs down, read 10 Ways to Save Money When You Travel.

Finally, check current prices on a few dates. A different brand in the same area can sometimes suit your budget better.

Tips to book for less

A little planning can lower the cost of an IHG stay without cutting comfort. Start by comparing a few rate types for the same room and dates. Always check current prices, because they change with demand and season.

Compare rates before you commit

Member rates are often lower than the standard public rate, and joining the free loyalty programme is usually quick. Flexible rates cost more in some cases, but they let you change plans. Compare both, then weigh the saving against the risk.

• Read the cancellation terms. Look at the deadline and any penalty before you pay. Non-refundable deals only suit fixed plans.
• Check what is included. Breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi and resort or destination fees can change the true cost of a stay.
• Compare the total. Check the final amount with taxes and fees, not just the nightly rate.
• Look at nearby alternatives. A different brand or a slightly different neighbourhood can offer better value for the same trip.

Travel off-peak

Shoulder seasons and midweek nights often cost less than school holidays, big events and weekends in leisure destinations. In business districts, weekends can be cheaper instead. Flexible dates give you the most room to save.

Finally, book early for popular dates, then recheck your reservation before you travel. If a lower rate appears and your terms allow changes, you may be able to rebook.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main IHG hotel brands?

IHG's brands fall into groups: luxury (InterContinental, Regent, Six Senses), premium (Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton), select-service (Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Even Hotels), extended-stay (Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites) and budget (avid hotels). Brand lineups change, so check the booking page for the current list.

Which IHG brand is best for families?

Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express suit many families, thanks to their comfortable, good-value rooms. Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites give you extra space and kitchen facilities, which helps on longer stays. Always check room types and facilities before you book.

What is the difference between Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express?

Both are select-service brands aimed at comfortable, good-value stays. Holiday Inn usually offers a fuller range of on-site facilities, while Holiday Inn Express keeps things simpler and more streamlined. Features vary by hotel, so check each property's page before you reserve.

Which IHG brands are luxury?

InterContinental, Regent and Six Senses sit in the luxury group. They focus on high-end service, standout design and memorable destinations. Six Senses leans towards wellness and nature, so it suits travellers who want a restful, scenic stay.

Which IHG brands suit long stays?

Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites are the extended-stay choices. They offer more space and kitchen facilities, which helps with relocations, longer work projects and family holidays. Check each hotel's facilities and any long-stay terms before booking.

How does the IHG loyalty programme work?

The programme lets members earn rewards across the group's brands when they book and stay. Benefits and rules change over time, so read the current terms before you join. Check current prices and member offers on the booking page before you reserve.