IHG ALL-Inclusive Resorts – A Great Option For Families

Hey Travel Junkies,

Understandably, families traveling with kids often find travel costs can be a bit steep. You’ll be paying for your kids’ food and activities in addition to your own. Many parents are drawn to all-inclusive resorts to help minimize these extra costs.

If you’re looking to travel to an all-inclusive resort on points, a great option for families is one of IHG’s Holiday Inn Resorts – IHG all-inclusive resorts.  Holiday Inn Resorts have one of the best benefits for families: kids stay free! This can really help keep costs down because you’re paying with points and not having to pay extra cash for the kids.

Let’s first take a look at resort fees and what you should expect. Then, let’s explore the Holiday Inn Resort all-inclusive options that you can book with points.

Resort Fees

Some hotel brands have started charging resort fees to cover the costs of amenities like gyms and pools but resort fees often aren’t mentioned upfront. Instead, you’ll only discover them upon check-in when it is too late to change plans and IHG is no exception.

Award nights through the IHG program do not cover resort fees. Fees are set by the property and vary, typically costing $20-$40 per night. Thankfully, there are no resort fees with IHG all-inclusive resorts which means you won’t be out any cash for booking any of these family-friendly resorts.

Now that we know there won’t be any surprise charges, let’s take a look at the three IHG all-inclusive properties that you can book with points. 

Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay

Jamaica is a very popular all-inclusive location and IHG’s all-inclusive Holiday Inn Resort in Montego Bay is a great option in Jamaica.

Located only 10 minutes from the Montego Bay airport, the Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay offers a wide variety of dining and activities included in your stay including 5 restaurants, 1 buffet and 4 a la carte restaurants. The only restaurant not included in an all-inclusive stay is Kenko Japanese Restaurant, but it only costs $20 per adult and kids eat free.

In addition to dining, the Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay has activities you’d expect to find at any beachfront resort. Volleyball, pools and a casino are available. Premium activities, such as a spa, are available as well but will cost extra.

Award nights at the Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay cost 50,000 IHG Rewards Club points per night. The rate covers double occupancy, and additional adults cost $80 per night. As always, kids stay for free, which makes Holiday Inn Resorts a great option for families. 

Holiday Inn Resort Los Cabos

The Holiday Inn Resort Los Cabos is an all-inclusive property located on the sandy beaches of Cabo. There are some pros and cons to this property that you should know.

When people say they’re going to Cabo, visions of parties and nightlife often come to mind. However, “Cabo” is really three locations: San Jose Del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, and the Hotel Zone in between the two cities.

Those seeking a more vibrant nightlife scene should head down to Cabo San Lucas, while those looking for a more authentic, quiet experience should stay in San Jose, and those looking for the resort experience will want to stay in the Hotel Zone.

The Holiday Inn is located at the start of the Hotel Zone near San Jose Del Cabo. You’ll be separated from the rowdiness of Cabo San Lucas, but close enough to San Jose Del Cabo for a quieter and more authentic travel experience along with the luxuries of staying at a beachfront resort. Just don’t expect the beach to be swimmable. Strong currents create a risky swimming environment. This is pretty common in the Cabo area. It means you’ll either be spending a lot of time on the resort facilities, or you’ll need to get off property to find a swimmable beach.

If you do choose to stay on property, you’ll find plenty of activities including volleyball, basketball, tennis and plenty of pools. You can dine at the buffet all day, but you can also enjoy a beach-side lunch or dinner at the resort’s a la carte restaurant.

Award nights at the resort cost 40,000 points per night for two adults with additional adults costing $80. Kids stay free at all Holiday Inn properties, which can help families save a lot of points and cash. 

Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa

Located next to the well-known city of Zihuatanejo, the Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa sits on the Pacific Ocean with white sandy beaches and some of the best seafood options you’ll find in Mexico.

On first look, dining options are a bit limited with 3 restaurants and 3 bars. Don’t be deceived, though, as the resort has weekly themed restaurants and celebrations that will let you try some of the local cuisine and activities.

You’ll find typical beach activities included with your stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa including yoga, beach volleyball and swimming at the resort pool. You can also enjoy a bike tour to Playa Linda, La Marina or tennis lessons. You can also enjoy your choice of premium activities, from the spa to enjoying 52 dive sites off the coast. For those wanting to get off-site a bit, you’ll find some great shopping near the resort.

Award nights cost 50,000 points per night for two adults. Unfortunately, standard rooms can’t accommodate more than 2 adults, so you won’t be able to have extra adults in your room. As always, kids stay free at Holiday Inn resorts, so you won’t pay extra for the little ones on vacation. 

Earn IHG Rewards Club Points

A great way to earn IHG points is by opening the Chase IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card. You’ll earn 140,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. This is enough for 1-2 nights at any IHG all-inclusive resort. Keep in mind, this card is now subject to the Chase 5/24 rule, so you can’t get it even if you’re past 5/24.

You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to IHG Rewards Club at a 1:1 ratio though this is not a great way to use your Chase points. 

Final Thoughts

IHG all-inclusive resorts are great options for families because Holiday Inn Resorts don’t charge extra for kids. Although the options are a bit limited compared to other all-inclusive properties, the kid-friendly focus will be very appealing to families.

You’ll find some great options – two on the Pacific side of Mexico and one on the beaches of Jamaica. Given the proximity to the US, all IHG all-inclusive options will be easy to get to for families.

Overall, if you’re looking for a family all-inclusive getaway, it’ll be hard to find the value for families that you will at any of these IHG all-inclusive resorts.