Priority Club Rewards, the first hotel loyalty program, was launched by InterContinental Hotels in 1983. PanAm Airlines created InterContinental hotels to provide luxury accommodations to segments of its route map lacking western-style grand hotels. PanAm Airlines has long since disappeared but InterContinental Hotels have grown to include facilities in more than 60 countries. Not all of the InterContinental Hotel Group properties cater to the jet-setting rich and famous. With more than 5,000 hotels around the world, there are Priority Club hotels for nearly every budget and every need.
InterContinental hotels are IHG's oldest and most exclusive brand in the Priority Club family. Notable and historic InterContinental Hotels include the Barkley in New York City, The Willard in Washington, D.C. and Le Grande Hotel In Paris. InterContinental also operates famed oceanfront resorts and spas in Fiji, Vietnam and Bora Bora, complete with overwater bungalows. IHG's newest luxury brand is Hauluxe. Hauluxe hotels are designed with Chinese sensibilities in mind. The hotels, which cater to Chinese guests, are only in mainland China as of July 2014. Plans to expand the brand to destinations frequented by Chinese travelers are in the works.
Priority Club hotels offer several upscale options that fall just short of the white glove treatment found at IHG's tonier properties. Crowne Plaza hotels tend to cater to business travelers and have amenities, if not service and ambiance, that rival grand luxury hotels. Indigo hotels are an attempt to provide a boutique hotel experience to travelers. EVEN hotels are designed for travelers with a healthy lifestyle in mind. The chain features healthier food and beverage options, group fitness classes including Yoga, in-room workout and meditation options and enhanced fitness facilities.
Priority Club hotels include two extended stay hotel brands both catering to business travelers. Candlewood Suites is the midrange extended stay brand found primarily in the U.S. Staybridge Suites feature small kitchenettes, a small kitchen appliance borrowing program, laundromats and small convenience stores with an honor box. IHG's upscale extended stay option offers studios and suites complete with full kitchens and separate sleeping and work areas. While Candlewood Suites is focused in the North American market, Staybridge Suites are located throughout the world.
Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels are geared towards budget-minded travelers. Holiday Inn Express hotels cater to business travelers and Holiday Inn brand hotels cater more to leisure and family travelers. Both Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties are primarily operated as franchises. The guest experience can vary greatly depending on the ownership and management of individual properties. Holiday Inn Express hotels offer complimentary breakfast to all guests. Holiday Inns do not universally provide free breakfast but have greater amenities including restaurants and meeting facilities.
Priority or IHG Rewards Club points can only be earned for overnight stays at InterContinental Hotels Group properties. The points can be redeemed for stays and upgrades at either IHG hotels or through vouchers for airfare, car rental or stays at affiliated hotels including Starwood, Marriott, Accor and Hilton Hotels. Additionally, Priority Club points can be purchased directly from IHG or earned with a Priority Club IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card issued by Chase Bank.
