There can be several reasons one might want to book a stay for someone else using their IHG account. It could be to use your points for a family member, help a spouse traveling alone, or secure a booking for a client.

However, if you’re looking to book a stay for someone else using your IHG account, there are a few things you should know about what is allowed and what is not.

Booking a reward night using your IHG points for someone else.

Firstly, if you want to use your IHG points to book a free night for a family member or friend, you can do so. Unlike some other programs that make this difficult, IHG officially allows members to book a Reward Night for another person.

When booking a Reward Night on the IHG website or app:

1. Search for the hotel and select your room.
2. On the checkout page, look for the option to add the names of additional guests.
3. Simply include the name of the actual guest in this field.

Note: If you choose single occupancy, this field may not appear. You should select “2 Adults” in your search, even if the room is for one person, to ensure the “Additional Guest” name field appears.

Important for stays in Greater China

For stays in Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), there is an additional strict requirement. If you book a Reward Night on behalf of another person in these regions, you must contact IHG Customer Care at least 7 days before the stay date to register the real guest’s details. Failure to do so may result in the hotel refusing check-in.

To find out more details about booking reward nights for a third party, you can refer to the terms provided by IHG here.

Will they get my Elite Benefits?

Generally, no. If you are not staying at the hotel personally, the guest staying will typically not receive your elite benefits (such as free breakfast, room upgrades, or lounge access). While some hotels may be generous, they are not required to honor your status for a guest booking.

A “Better” Way? Transferring Points

If you want your friend or family member to have full control over the booking (and perhaps use their own status), you might consider transferring points to them.

Historically, this incurred a fee. However, Diamond Elite members and IHG Business Rewards members have access to free point transfers, though IHG tightened these rules in late 2025:

• Diamond Elites: Can transfer up to 100,000 points per calendar year for free to other members.
• Business Rewards Members: Can transfer points for free, but recent terms require a “qualifying event” on the account to unlock this feature.

If you stay within these limits, transferring points allows the recipient to book from their own account, making check-in smoother.

Booking multiple rooms using your IHG points.

When it comes to booking multiple rooms using your IHG points, remember that the system usually allows only one room per reservation when paying with points.

To book multiple rooms on points:

1. Make the first reservation for Room 1.
2. Complete the booking.
3. Start a new search and make a second reservation for Room 2.

In these cases, you will be listed as the primary guest on all bookings. Be sure to add the specific guest’s name to the “Additional Guest” field for each respective room.

Tip: You generally cannot earn Elite Night Credits (for status) on multiple rooms. You only earn night credits for the room you physically occupy. However, on paid stays, you can earn base points on up to 9 rooms at the same hotel.

Booking paid nights for someone else using your IHG account.

Booking a paid night (cash rate) for someone else using your personal IHG One Rewards account is strictly prohibited.

According to the terms, your account is for individual use only. You cannot book a paid stay for a friend to earn the points for yourself if you aren’t there. If the hotel realizes you are not present, they can refuse check-in or remove the points earned from your account.

The Solution: IHG Business Rewards

If you frequently book paid stays for others (family, employees, or clients), you should join IHG Business Rewards.

This is a free program open to almost anyone who books travel for others (freelancers, small business owners, etc.). It acts as an extension of your existing loyalty account.

Benefits of IHG Business Rewards:

• Legitimacy: It officially authorizes you to book stays for others.
• Earning: You earn 3 IHG One Rewards points for every $1 USD spent on the booking.
• Guest Earning: The guest staying at the hotel also earns their standard points and elite nights (if they are an IHG member).

To learn more and join, visit the IHG Business Rewards page.

Conclusion

• Reward Nights: You can book for others using your points. Just add their name to the reservation (and call 7 days ahead for China).
• Paid Nights: You cannot book for others using your personal account. Instead, join IHG Business Rewards to do this legitimately and earn extra points.