10 Great IHG Hotels for a Golf Trip

As we head into winter, northerners who don’t enjoy winter sports may be missing a few fond, distant memories of summertime outdoors. One of the perks of living in a country that covers a range of latitudes is that while your town may be covered in ice and snow, you can always find another one that is bathed in sunlight. If you’re pining for sunshine and a few rounds of golf, here are 10 IHG properties that can offer you an ideal climate for your next tee time.

Staybridge Suites: Cathedral City-Palm Springs

If you’re looking for an extended-stay option near California’s Mojave desert, Staybridge Suites: Cathedral City-Palm Springs is an excellent choice. This property is ideal for families or small groups of friends who are looking for a communal space to live, whether you’re on vacation or staying in the area for work.

Each suite features a fully-equipped kitchen for dining in, but the property also lies adjacent to shopping and dining options downtown. This property offers excellent access to a variety of golf clubs including Desert Princess, Escena, Mission Hills, The Springs, Desert Willow, Indian Ridge and more. This hotel typically costs 17,500 IHG points per night.

Candlewood Suites Fort Meyers-Sanibel Gateway

For a south-Florida extended stay option, Candlewood Suites Fort Meyers-Sanibel Gateway is a pretty decent deal. It’s easy on the points, so if you have a considerable stash you’ll be able to stretch them into a lengthy stay if you wish.

This property offers guests quiet accommodation in a residential area, with easy access to nearby coastal spots as well as beautiful Sanibel Island. With several nature preserves nearby, it is simple to find an unspoiled natural getaway for a quick hike, boat ride or beach day.

This hotel lies directly adjacent to Crown Colony Golf & Country Club, but The Forest, Fiddlesticks and Gulf Harbor are also nearby. This hotel typically costs 10,000 IHG points per night.

Kimpton Brice Hotel

While golf may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of historic Savannah, it isn’t difficult to find a good golf course while staying in this South Georgia treasure. Book in with Kimpton Brice Hotel for a superb combination of old times and new ideas; its location in the center of Savannah’s historic district gives guests access to the famous River Street and the Savannah River ferries.

Catch the Savannah Belles ferry to Hutchinson Island and enjoy a round of golf at The Club at Savannah Harbor. This hotel typically costs 50,000 IHG points per night.

Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter

Similar to Savannah, golf probably isn’t the first afterthought when New Orleans comes to mind. However, New Orleans does host the famous Audubon Park, a massive urban green space that includes Audubon Zoo, picnic areas, massive oak trees and Audubon Golf Club.

Many folks prefer to stay near the French Quarter when visiting New Orleans, and if you do too, redeem your points at the Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter. Its location on the intersection of Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue is ideal for getting to Audubon Park; simply hop on the #12 streetcar and it’ll take you straight there. This hotel typically costs 25,000 IHG points per night.

Holiday Inn Express Inn & Suites Phoenix North – Scottsdale

Situated in between the skylines of both Phoenix and the Mazatzal Mountains, the Holiday Inn Express Inn & Suites Phoenix North – Scottsdale is a great place to redeem your IHG points if you’re looking for an impressive desert getaway.

The property is located far enough north of Phoenix and Scottsdale such that guests can feel sufficiently distant from the downtown vibe, but close enough to the airport and the nearby natural areas for easy access to both. There are lots of golf clubs near the mountain range; book tee times at Whisper Rock, Dove Valley, Desert Forest, Legend Trail or the famed Desert Mountain. This hotel typically costs 22,500 IHG points per night.

Candlewood Suites Birmingham/Homewood

Historic Birmingham is always a delightful destination with its hidden Southern antique shops, chic cafes and restaurants, and deep roots in the US Civil Rights movements throughout history.

If you would like an extended stay in this favorite Alabama town, Candlewood Suites Birmingham/Homewood could be just the ticket. While this hotel is not directly downtown but near the southern suburbs, guests can enjoy a best-of-both-worlds feel with the opportunity to head downtown, or spend time near the rolling hills that flank the city.

This property is located in between the RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley and Vestavia Country Club, with several more courses to choose from in the area. This hotel typically costs 15,000 IHG points per night.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Napa Valley-American Canyon

If you love wine as much as you love golf, then NorCal wine country is probably as close to paradise as you can get.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Napa Valley-American Canyon is nestled between the Napa River and the Lynch Canyon Open Space, affording guests ample opportunity to get out into nature.

American Canyon is also surrounded by golf courses including Hiddenbrooke to the East and Blue Rock Springs to the south. However, you may be more inclined to head north and book in with Chardonnay Golf Club if the name seems a bit more enticing!

This hotel typically costs 17,500 IHG points per night.

Staybridge Suites Las Vegas

If your Vegas itinerary has never included golf, you might want to rethink your agenda for your next trip.

Located at the southern boundary of the Strip, Staybridge Suites Las Vegas is an ideal home base for a golf adventure in the City of Second Chances. This property is directly adjacent to Bali Hai Golf Club and, subsequently, the famed “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.

Try to hit as many Vegas golf courses as possible during your extended stay, including Las Vegas National, Spanish Trail, Rhodes Ranch, Royal Links, Stallion Mountain, Wildhorse, The Legacy and The Revere. This hotel typically costs 17,500 IHG points per night.

COVID Safety

As the travel industry continues to adapt to the pandemic protocol, hotels around the US are open and ready for travelers who need them. IHG properties are no exception with updated COVID-19 travel policies and the IHG Way of Clean promise, aiming to ensure a stay that is as stress-free as possible for all guests and employees. You may notice a few property-dependent modifications such as closed fitness centers and grab-and-go breakfasts, but IHG’s commitment to customer care remains unchanged.

IHG has teamed up with Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab, and Diversey in order to provide the best possible commitment to efficient cleanliness, so a stay with IHG is ideal if you are in need of a weekend getaway but you aren’t looking to camp or rent a home share.

Dynamic Pricing

It’s important to note that, following Marriott’s lead, IHG has introduced its own dynamic pricing model and done away with the awards chart. This means that awards redemptions won’t be consistent throughout the year, but the impact of COVID-19 on dynamic pricing trends remains to be seen. From a cursory search, though, it seems as if the redemption rates are decent if you are booking relatively last-minute, i.e. within a month of your stay.

Bottom Line

While IHG isn’t known for golf hotels, it does offer a number of properties that are in great golfing destinations. It’s possible to book stays for reasonable prices with IHG points, though it always makes sense to compare cash prices for any stay prior to booking.