IHG launches new all-inclusive holiday rates at hotels

Coming hot at the heels of premium hotel platforms such as Luxury Escapes and Qantas Luxury Offers, IHG Hotels and Resorts is launching Handpicked Holidays by IHG, a new way to book all-inclusive packages at the chain’s properties.

There are 14 hotels across Australia and New Zealand to choose from, including the InterContinental Haymand Island and Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach. Some even can be booked as a voucher and later used to book the deal.

What’s included in the ‘Handpicked Holidays’ rate?

Inclusions will vary between properties, but you can usually expect the following for a three-night package:

• Complimentary upgrade to a better room type
• Daily gourmet breakfast
• A restaurant or bar voucher (usually $100)
• Late checkout (varies from 12pm to 2pm)
• Additional benefits that are specific to the property, such as free parking, island transfers, a round of golf, welcome drinks and more.

Packages are valid at certain InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn properties in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Hobart, Queenstown, Wellington and Rotorua.

How do I book ‘Handpicked Holidays by IHG’?

It’s easy to book a package, which are currently valid for stays until 30 June 2021 or until sold out,

1. Navigate to the ‘Handpicked Holidays by IHG’ page
2. Browse the packages and choose either to book now or purchase a voucher, if that’s offered
3. Search for your desired dates at the hotel, ensuring you meet the minimum stay requirement (usually 3 nights)
4. Pick the appropriate room, confirm the rate and check out as usual.

Bookings can have the date changed up to 24 hours prior to travel. However, these rates are non-refundable and a prepaid deposit may be required.

Is ‘Handpicked Holidays by IHG’ a good deal?

These IHG packages can be good value if you’re looking for a no-fuss, all-inclusive stay. The discounted rate is usually better than if you were to add all the individual components up.

But still shop around before purchasing if you’re price-conscious, as there may be better offers out there. An example is the Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour package which IHG sells for A$699. Qantas Luxury Offers previously had a similar offer for A$525 over three nights:

IHG (current deal)	Qantas Luxury Offers (on 25 Oct 2020)
A$699 3 nights accommodation Upgrade to Superior King room $100 restaurant/bar credit Daily gourmet breakfast 2x welcome drink vouchers 2pm late checkout Free changes, not refundable	A$525 3 nights accommodation Upgrade to Superior King room $80 food and beverage credit Daily gourmet breakfast Bottle of wine at check-in 2pm late checkout Free changes and cancellation

As you can see, the Qantas Luxury Hotels offer is arguable better as it’s $175 cheaper and offers free cancellation within 24 hours. Most of the other components are the same except for a reduced $80 F&B credit and a bottle of wine instead of two welcome drinks.

That offer is no longer available, unfortunately, but past deals do occasionally return. In any case, it highlights how you should check out Qantas Hotels and Luxury Escapes as well, both of which earn Qantas Points on the booking.

Summing up

Hotel packages are often some of the best ways to stay at luxury properties and resorts, as they usually bundle in breakfast, some extra perks, a room upgrade and more into one discounted price.

These are usually offered by third-party platforms. But with the ability to book through IHG direct, you’ll be able to earn IHG points and use elite status benefits during your stay.

One downside is the lack of free cancellation, which is disappointing given the current travel climate. While free changes are nice, it’s the cancellation flexibility that will drive consumer confidence. As always, be sure to compare with other offers before booking.

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