IHG One Pass Rate vs Friends Rate: Which Saves More?
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If you frequently stay at hotels under IHG Hotels & Resorts, IHG One Pass may be a hotel discount program worth knowing about. It offers exclusive room rates and certain additional benefits to eligible employees, their friends, and family members.
Many people believe that IHG One Pass has only two rate categories, but there are actually three. One of the lesser-known options may offer the best value for money.
IHG officially discontinued its previous Friends & Family Rate in December 2025, and the replacement program, IHG One Pass, took effect in January 2026. As a result, many articles now discuss only two rate types: the IHG One Pass Rate and the IHG One Pass Friends Rate. However, there is also another option: the IHG One Pass Friends & Family Rate available to the general public.
That said, the IHG One Pass Rate and the IHG One Pass Friends Rate are not exactly the same. Which one offers the lowest prices? How do they differ in terms of booking eligibility, usage restrictions, and additional benefits?
This article will help you quickly understand the different rate options and find the best way to save on your next IHG hotel stay.
What Is the IHG One Pass Rate?
IHG One Pass is an exclusive travel discount program offered by IHG to eligible employees, their friends, and family members. Eligible travelers can search for and book discounted rates through the official IHG website or the IHG One Rewards app.
The program is primarily designed for eligible employees and their designated Plus One (a friend or family member traveling with them). Plus One benefits may apply to bookings made with the One Pass Rate and One Pass Flex Rate. This is a significant change compared with the previous, more flexible Friends & Family Rate. The 30-night annual limit must now be shared between employees and their friends and family, reducing flexibility. If the discounts are comparable to those offered under the previous Friends & Family Rate, the program may still offer good value. However, some employees will undoubtedly view this change as a downgrade.
Key Benefits of the IHG One Pass Rate:
- Exclusive Room Rates: Enjoy eligible program rates depending on the hotel, stay dates, and room availability.
- Earn Points: Eligible One Pass stays can earn IHG One Rewards points.
- Earn Elite Status: Qualifying stays count toward IHG One Rewards elite status and Milestone Rewards.
- Dining Discounts: Eligible Plus One members can receive a 50% discount on qualifying dining expenses when accompanied by one guest during a stay booked with a One Pass Rate or One Pass Flex Rate.
Please note that the person making the reservation must be eligible for the program. The Pass Holder must present valid identification at check-in and stay at the hotel for the entire reservation. You will share the booking limits with your IHG colleagues. Each guest can enjoy IHG One Pass discounted rates for up to 30 room nights per year, including nights shared with accompanying guests. A maximum of two rooms can be booked per night under each IHG One Pass rate. Stays cannot exceed seven nights.
Enter here to quickly learn about: IHG One Pass Rate.
What Is the IHG One Pass Friends Rate?
The IHG One Pass Friends Rate is a discounted room rate available to designated friends and family members who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Unlike Plus One members, Friends can use the dedicated Friends Rate but should not automatically assume they are entitled to all the additional benefits available to Plus One members. This discount is designed for the five designated Friends and offers savings of 30% to 45% off the Best Flexible Rate.
Similar to the Plus One arrangement, the five Friends share an annual allowance of 50 room nights. Please note that the Friends arrangement does not include the 50% dining discount available to Plus One members.
Key Benefits of the IHG One Pass Friends Rate:
The IHG One Pass Friends Rate is a discounted room rate available to designated friends and family members who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Unlike Plus One members, Friends can use the dedicated Friends Rate but should not automatically assume they are entitled to all the additional benefits available to Plus One members.
- Friends share a combined annual allowance of 50 room nights per calendar year under the Friends Rate.
- Plus One members share a combined annual allowance of 30 room nights per calendar year under the One Pass Rate.
- A maximum of two rooms can be booked per night under each program rate.
- Each stay is limited to a maximum of seven nights.
These allowances are shared with the associated IHG employee. Each friend or family member does not receive a separate, full annual allowance.
Please note that the IHG One Pass Friends Rate described here is not the same as the previous IHG Friends & Family Rate. These are two distinct programs and should not be confused. The previous Friends & Family discount was discontinued on December 31, 2025.
The biggest improvement is that One Pass stays now qualify for loyalty rewards in the same way as regular paid bookings.
IHG One Pass Rate vs Friends Rate: Key Differences
IHG One Pass Rate and IHG One Pass Friends Rate both offer eligible participants discounted hotel stays. However, they differ in eligibility, annual room-night allowances, and additional benefits.
| Comparison | IHG One Pass Rate | IHG One Pass Friends Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible users | Eligible employees and designated Plus Ones | Five designated Friends |
| Discount | Depends on the applicable rate and availability | Approximately 30%–45% off the Best Flexible Rate |
| Annual room-night allowance | 30 room nights shared by Plus Ones | 50 room nights shared by five Friends |
| Maximum rooms per night | Up to 2 rooms, subject to program rules | Up to 2 rooms, subject to program rules |
| Maximum stay | Up to 7 consecutive nights, subject to program rules | Up to 7 consecutive nights, subject to program rules |
| Points and elite-night credit | Available on eligible stays | Available on eligible stays |
| 50% dining discount | Available to eligible Plus Ones under the program rules | Not included |
Discounts, eligibility, and booking limits are subject to the current IHG One Pass terms and participating hotel availability. Entering here allows you to quickly understand the IHG One Pass Rate detailed terms.
1. IHG One Pass Rate: Benefits for Eligible Plus Ones
IHG One Pass Rate is available to eligible employees and their designated Plus Ones under the program rules.
Plus Ones share an annual allowance of 30 room nights. Eligible bookings may offer discounted accommodation, while qualifying stays can earn IHG One Rewards points and elite-night credit.
One of the main advantages is the additional dining benefit. Eligible Plus Ones can receive a 50% discount on qualifying dining expenses during eligible stays, subject to the program’s terms and participating hotel conditions.
For travelers who frequently stay at IHG hotels and can make use of the dining benefit, the overall value may extend beyond the room rate alone.
2. IHG One Pass Friends Rate: Discounts for Designated Friends
IHG One Pass Friends Rate is designed for five designated Friends who qualify under the program’s rules.
The rate offers savings of approximately 30%–45% off the Best Flexible Rate, although the actual discount depends on the hotel, travel dates, and availability.
The five Friends share an annual allowance of 50 room nights. This provides a larger combined allowance than the 30 room nights shared by Plus Ones.
Eligible Friends Rate stays may also earn IHG One Rewards points and elite-night credit, subject to the applicable terms. However, the Friends arrangement does not include the 50% dining discount available to eligible Plus Ones.
For travelers who mainly want to reduce their accommodation costs, the Friends Rate can be a useful option when the discounted rate is available and offers better value than other bookable rates.
Related articles: Unlock Savings With IHG Friends and Family Rate.
Which Rate Saves More Money?
When comparing the IHG One Pass Rate and the IHG One Pass Friends Rate, you shouldn’t focus solely on which rate offers the higher discount percentage. The key factors to consider are how much you actually pay per night, how many room nights you can use each year, and whether the additional benefits deliver real savings.
Let’s look at two hotel examples to see which option offers better value in different situations.
Case 1: Kimpton Hotels — The Plus One Rate Could Deliver Greater Savings
Suppose the Best Flexible Rate at a Kimpton hotel is $280 per night. The Friends Rate offers a 40% discount, while eligible Plus One members can book at a fixed rate of $89 per night, subject to the applicable rate category.
| Rate Type | Price per Night | Savings vs. Best Flexible Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Best Flexible Rate | $280 | — |
| Friends Rate (40% off) | $168 | $112 |
| Plus One Fixed Rate | $89 | $191 |
In this example, Plus One saves $79 more per night than the Friends Rate. For a seven-night stay, that translates into an additional $553 in room savings alone.
However, the value of Plus One goes beyond room rates.
Eligible Plus One members can also receive a 50% discount on qualifying dining expenses during stays booked with an applicable One Pass Rate or One Pass Flex Rate. Friends are not entitled to this benefit. The exact eligibility requirements remain subject to the program terms and the participating hotel’s policies.
For example, if two guests spend $120 on eligible hotel dining, they could save $60 that evening, provided the purchase qualifies for the discount. If this benefit is used regularly throughout a stay, the overall value of the Plus One option could increase further.
What if the fixed rate is sold out?
Plus One members may still be able to book the One Pass Flex Rate, but actual pricing and availability must be checked. In this situation, the room-rate advantage over the Friends Rate may disappear, although the qualifying dining discount may still apply.
Case 2: Holiday Inn Express — The Price Difference Is Much Smaller
Now consider a Holiday Inn Express where the Best Flexible Rate is $95 per night.
Using the same 40% Friends Rate discount, Friends would pay $57 per night. If the applicable fixed rate for Plus One members is $49, the price difference becomes much smaller.
| Rate Type | Price per Night | Savings vs. Best Flexible Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Best Flexible Rate | $95 | — |
| Friends Rate (40% off) | $57 | $38 |
| Plus One Fixed Rate | $49 | $46 |
In this example, Plus One saves only $8 more per night than the Friends Rate.
Although Plus One is still cheaper, its advantage is much smaller than the $79 per night difference in the Kimpton example.
Furthermore, if the hotel has limited dining facilities or you usually eat outside the hotel, the 50% dining discount may provide little practical value.
Therefore, for travelers who mainly stay at budget-friendly hotels, the Friends Rate may be more appealing, especially given its larger shared annual room-night allowance.
How Long Does It Take to Recover the Additional Program Cost?
Suppose the difference in the cost of obtaining the 50-night Friends arrangement and the 30-night One Pass Rate arrangement is $499. Whether that additional cost is worthwhile depends largely on the types of hotels you typically stay at.
At Kimpton hotels:
Plus One saves $79 more per night than Friends.
$499 ÷ $79 ≈ 6.3 nights.
In other words, assuming both rates are available and the prices match our example, seven nights would generate enough additional room savings to cover the $499 cost difference.
If you also use the qualifying 50% dining discount, you may recover the additional cost even faster.
At Holiday Inn Express hotels:
Plus One saves only $8 more per night than Friends.
$499 ÷ $8 ≈ 62.4 nights.
This means you would need approximately 63 nights to recover the additional cost through room-rate savings alone. That exceeds both the 30-night Plus One allowance and the 50-night annual Friends allowance.
These calculations exclude dining discounts, potential differences in taxes and fees, and other program conditions. They also assume that the relevant rates are available on every date you need to stay.
So, Which Option Offers Better Value?
Based on these two examples, several practical conclusions stand out:
- If you frequently stay at higher-priced hotels, and you can book the Plus One fixed rate while making use of the 50% dining discount, the Plus One option may deliver greater overall value.
- If you mainly stay at budget-friendly hotels, or you value a larger shared annual room-night allowance, the Friends Rate may be a better fit.
- Whichever option you choose, compare it with standard flexible rates. Public promotions and other eligible discounted rates may sometimes be cheaper than either One Pass option.
The best option isn’t necessarily the one advertised with the highest discount percentage. It’s the one that allows you to obtain the accommodation and benefits you need at the lowest overall cost.
If you’re eligible for both rates, the best approach is to compare the final prices for the same hotel, dates, room type, and cancellation conditions.
Additionally, if you qualify for the Plus One dining discount, include the actual savings you expect to receive from eligible dining purchases when evaluating the overall value of each option.
How to Find the Best IHG One Pass Rate
Step 1: Purchase Through VIP Hotel Flights
Complete your order through the VIP Hotel Flights fast-track service. Simply provide your first name, last name, IHG One Rewards membership number, gender, and age. We will process your request and complete the authorization within 1–2 business days.
Step 2: Receive Your Authorization
Once your IHG One Pass Friends Rate has been activated in the IHG system, you will receive a confirmation email. Your account will then be ready to use the Friends Rate for eligible bookings.
Step 3: Book Your Stay
- Visit IHG.com or open the IHG One Rewards app.
- Search for your preferred hotel and travel dates.
- During booking, select IHG One Pass Friends Rate under the available rate options to enjoy the discounted Friends Rate.
Step 4: Review the complete terms.
Make sure to check the cancellation policies, taxes, housing benefits included, as well as the applicable accommodation restrictions. Avoid merely comparing the base room rates displayed on the page.
Note:
- Your purchase grants authorization and system activation to access IHG One Pass rates or Friends rates by adding you to the official IHG One Pass system.
- Room charges are paid directly to InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) at the time of booking or check-in.
- This purchase includes activation, association, and system authorization.
- Once activated, access cannot be refunded or transferred.
Related articles:
- Intercontinental Ambassador Ultimate Guide
- Quick Guide to Get IHG Platinum Elite Status
- IHG Platinum Challenge Guide: Fast Elite Status
- Is marriott part of IHG
FAQ
Who are not suitable for purchasing the IHG One Pass Rate and IHG One Pass Friends Rate products?
If you stay for less than 5 nights in a year, or if you almost always choose fixed hotels of the type like Holiday Inn, Express, Candlewood, Staybridge or avid, then there is no need to purchase these products because the prices of these hotels are already relatively economical and the friend rate is too close to the regular price.
What are the tips for booking the IHG One Pass Rate?
We need to provide a 180-day reservation and arrange flexible travel dates. Then, there is the issue of combining room rates.
What is the difference between IHG One Pass Rate and IHG One Pass Friends Rate?
The main differences are eligibility, room rates, annual room-night allowances, and additional benefits. The One Pass Rate is designed for eligible employees and their designated Plus Ones, who share a 30-night annual allowance and may qualify for a 50% dining discount. The Friends Rate is available to five designated Friends, who share a 50-night annual allowance but do not receive the Plus One dining benefit.
Which is cheaper, IHG One Pass Rate or Friends Rate?
Neither option is always cheaper. The One Pass Rate may offer greater savings at higher-priced hotels when a favorable fixed rate is available. The Friends Rate offers approximately 30%–45% off the Best Flexible Rate, depending on the hotel, dates, and availability. Always compare the actual prices for your intended stay.
How much can I save with the IHG One Pass Friends Rate?
The IHG One Pass Friends Rate can offer approximately 30%–45% off the Best Flexible Rate. For example, if the Best Flexible Rate is $200 per night and the Friends Rate offers a 40% discount, you would pay $120 per night, saving $80 before any applicable taxes or fees.
Is the IHG One Pass Friends Rate the same as the old IHG Friends & Family Rate?
No. They are different programs. The previous IHG Friends & Family Rate was discontinued on December 31, 2025. The IHG One Pass Friends Rate is part of the newer One Pass program and has its own eligibility requirements, booking limits, and benefits.
How can I access the IHG One Pass Friends Rate?
By simply placing an order on the IHG One Pass Rate & Friends Rate page related to VIP Hotel Flights, you can quickly obtain the verification qualification. This saves both time and money, as you only need to provide some relevant information.
Conclusion: Which IHG Rate Should You Choose?
Both the IHG One Pass Rate and the IHG One Pass Friends Rate can help eligible participants reduce their accommodation costs, but they differ in terms of eligibility and benefits. Ultimately, the key factors to consider are how many nights you stay at IHG hotels each year and how much you typically pay per night.
If you are an eligible Plus One member, focus on comparing the One Pass Rate with the One Pass Flex Rate, while also considering the applicable dining discount. If you qualify as a Friend, focus on comparing the Friends Rate with other available rates.
Ultimately, the cheapest option depends on the actual rates you can book, not the name of the rate.
Before booking, verify your eligibility and compare the prices and terms for your specific stay dates through official IHG channels. If you’re looking for a quick way to check your eligibility for the IHG One Pass Rate, you can consider VIP Hotel Flights as an option for obtaining access to the program. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can simply complete your hotel booking and start saving both money and time!
Before making a reservation, please verify your eligibility and compare the specific prices and terms for the chosen check-in dates through the official IHG channels. Official source: IHG One Pass — Official Program Information
