IHG Travel Agent Rates: What Advisors Should Know Before Booking

If you are a certified travel agent looking to save on your next stay with IHG, make sure you take advantage of their discounted IHG travel agent rates. IHG’s familiarization program for travel agents offers discounts of up to 50% when you book through the IHG Travel Consultant Connection Portal.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at IHG Travel Agent Rates and how Travel Advisors can take advantage of them. We’ll dig into the IHG travel agent rate program, called “Travel Consultant Connection,” and see how much travel advisors can actually save by using these special rates at IHG properties.

So, whether you’re an agent planning a business trip to familiarize yourself with a property or just looking to take a leisurely vacation, read on to discover how you can save big on your next hotel booking through IHG.

The IHG Travel Agent Familiarization Program

Like most other major hotel chains, IHG offers discounted rates for travel agents to familiarize themselves with IHG hotels and resorts at a reduced rate. These rates are called “familiarization rates” and are only available to travel agents so they can be more informed when promoting an IHG property to their clients.

The following IHG benefits and terms apply to a Travel Agent’s personal travel only; they are not for client bookings:

• Two rooms are allowed per stay, unlimited stays. (If booking a 2nd room, the agent must be with the guest at the time of check-in).
• Rooms must be booked at least 24 hours in advance of check-in.
• Your Travel Industry ID (IATAN/IATA card) is required at check-in.
• Earn IHG One Rewards points for your stay. You can also register and qualify for IHG One Rewards promotions.
• The rate is not valid for commission.
• The rate can only be booked via the IHG Travel Agent Portal, or by calling the Central Reservation Office at 1- 800-810-4499. 

The program has a higher discount than some of the other travel agent programs like Marriott Fam-tastic, Hyatt, and Hilton. On top of that, travel agents can earn IHG One Rewards points when booking stays which is a big plus that the other hotel chains don’t provide.

Who Qualifies for IHG Travel Agent Rates?

IHG travel agent rates are reserved for credentialed travel professionals booking personal or familiarization (FAM) travel.

In general, you’ll need to:

• Be an active travel advisor affiliated with a recognized agency
• Hold a valid IATA, ARC, CLIA, or TRUE number
• Be booking for your own stay, not for a client

Independent advisors typically need to be affiliated with a qualifying host agency. Advisors operating without recognized credentials—or booking through consumer-facing channels—generally won’t qualify.

If you can’t clearly verify your status as a travel advisor, it’s safest to assume IHG agent rates won’t apply.

How to Book IHG Travel Agents Rate

IHG Travel Agent rates can be booked through the normal IHG Booking Page or the IHG ICC Travel Agent Portal. If you are booking through the main booking page, make sure the “Travel Consultant Discount Rate” is selected in the Rate Preference field, and enter your IATA# in the IATA field.

Availability and What to Expect in Practice

IHG travel agent rates tend to be inconsistent, especially across brands.

You should expect:

• Limited inventory on many nights
• Blackout dates during busy periods
• Much tighter availability at popular leisure destinations
• Full discretion at the individual hotel level

Some IHG brands participate more actively than others, so availability can vary widely depending on where and when you’re traveling.

In short, IHG agent rates are nice when they show up, but not something to rely on for every trip.

Can Anyone Book These Rates?

No. If you book a room with an IHG Travel Agent Rate, you’ll be required to present your Travel Industry ID/IATAN Card, Agency Business Card, or a letter on agency letterhead from agency management verifying your agency employment is required at check-in.

You cannot “hack” this; you need to be a registered travel agent to get these rates.

While IHG is very strict on travel agent rates, they are more lenient on other discounted rates such as:

• IHG Friends & Family Rates
• IHG Corporate Rates
• IHG Employee Rates

IHG Brands that allow Travel Advisor Rates:

You can receive discounted rates for IHG travel agents when you book a personal stay at the following IHG brands:

• Luxury and Lifestyle Brands:
  • InterContinental
  • Regent Hotels
  • Six Senses Hotels
  • Vignette Collection
  • Kimpton Hotels and Resorts
  • Hotel Indigo
• Premium Collection Brands:
  • Hualuxe
  • Crowne Plaza
  • voco Hotels
  • EVEN Hotels
• Essentials Collection Brands:
  • Holiday Inn
  • Holiday Inn Express
  • avid
• Suites Collection Brands:
  • Candlewood Suites
  • Holiday Inn Club Vacations
  • Staybridge Suites
  • Atwell Suites

Are IHG Travel Agent Rates Worth It?

For qualified advisors, IHG travel agent rates can be useful when availability lines up. But they are also:

• Restricted
• Capacity-controlled
• Usually non-qualifying for loyalty
• Intended strictly for advisor use

If availability is tight—or loyalty credit matters—member or negotiated rates are often the better choice.

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Final Thoughts

IHG travel agent rates are a legitimate benefit for travel professionals, but they’re not a guaranteed discount and not designed for casual use. Understanding how eligibility, availability, and verification work will save you time and help you avoid surprises.

When used appropriately, they can be a helpful option. When misused, access can disappear quickly.

More Travel Advisor Content

Here are some more articles on how much Travel Agents can save at other major hotel brands.

Note: This article explains IHG travel agent rates and how they work. For a complete perspective on IHG One Rewards — including promotions, earning points, elite status, and how discounts interact with your rewards strategy — see the IHG One Rewards overview and strategy hub.”