IHG US Military Discount – What UK Forces Need to Know

IHG runs a genuine military rate in the US — but it's built around US and Canadian forces, not UK personnel. If you're heading Stateside on leave, the dedicated Government and Military leisure rate needs valid US or Canadian military ID, so most UK serving personnel and veterans can't claim it. What you can use, on any IHG stay in the States, is the free IHG One Rewards scheme and advance-purchase rates — the same routes that save everyone money.

What is IHG in the US?

IHG Hotels & Resorts has thousands of US properties under brands like Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, Kimpton and InterContinental. It also runs Army Hotels by IHG on several US military installations. For a UK forces family planning a trip to the States — Florida, New York, a road trip — there's an IHG hotel almost everywhere, across every budget.

Is There a Military Discount at IHG in the US?

There is one, but read the small print. IHG's military and government leisure rate offers a minimum of around 5% off the Best Flexible Rate, more at some hotels, and it's leisure-travel only. The catch for UK travellers: eligibility is written for US and Canadian active duty, veterans, retired military and their families with valid ID, shown at check-in. A UK MOD90 or veteran's card won't unlock it. Honest is better than hopeful here.

Who Can Use the Savings?

The IHG One Rewards member rate and advance-purchase deals are open to every guest, so all UK forces — serving, veterans, reservists and families — get the same prices when travelling in the US. If a family member holds US or Canadian military ID, the dedicated military rate may be available to that booking. For everyone else, loyalty and advance rates are the way in.

How Much Can Forces Personnel Save?

IHG One Rewards members get a member-only rate, usually a few percent under the standard price, plus points towards free nights. Booking a non-refundable advance rate can save another 10–15%. Across a two-week US holiday with several hotel stops, that stacking can add up to a meaningful chunk — often more, in real pounds, than a single small military percentage would have saved on one booking.

How to Get the Best Price

1. Join IHG One Rewards free before you book to unlock the member rate.
2. Book direct on ihg.com rather than a third-party site.
3. Choose advance-purchase rates once your US travel dates are firm.
4. Use points for free nights in pricey cities like New York.
5. Watch the dollar exchange rate and pay in the currency that works out cheaper.

Planning a US Trip Around Service Life

A big US holiday takes planning, and the flights are often the largest cost — so it's worth pricing those separately and early. The flights page and British Airways are good starting points, and for the hotel-and-flight combination it's worth comparing a booking platform like Expedia against booking each part direct.

Is It Worth It?

If an IHG hotel fits your US itinerary, the loyalty and advance savings are real and easy to bank, and the brands are dependable across the States. Just go in knowing the headline military rate isn't aimed at UK forces. Compare IHG's best price against other chains too — Hilton and the wider hotel deals are worth checking before you commit.

Tips to Keep Costs Down

• Join IHG One Rewards before booking — it's free.
• Book direct for the member rate.
• Go non-refundable only when your dates are locked in.
• Use points for free nights in expensive US cities.
• Book flights early and separately to control the biggest cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does IHG offer a military discount to UK forces in the US?

Not the dedicated one. IHG's US military leisure rate requires US or Canadian military ID. UK forces save via IHG One Rewards, direct booking and advance rates.

How much is the IHG US military rate?

A minimum of around 5% off the Best Flexible Rate, more at some hotels. It's leisure-travel only and needs valid US or Canadian military ID at check-in.

Can UK veterans claim the IHG military rate?

Generally no, as it's written for US and Canadian military. UK veterans can use the member and advance rates open to all guests.

What are Army Hotels by IHG?

They're IHG-run hotels on US military installations, primarily for eligible US government and military travellers rather than UK forces on holiday.

How do I get the cheapest IHG rate in the US?

Join IHG One Rewards, book direct, and choose the advance-purchase rate when your travel dates are confirmed.

Join IHG One Rewards, book direct on firm dates, and compare against other chains before you pay for a US stay.

More Forces Deals You Might Like

For the flights out, the flights page and British Airways are worth a look, while Expedia can bundle flight and hotel. For more places to stay, browse the full hotel discounts page.