Intercontinental Hotels Group has announced a new loyalty partnership with boutique hotel specialists Mr and Mrs Smith, which will allow Rewards Club members to earn and redeem points on stays at over 500 new properties.
IHG says that the agreement, which will launch early next year, will double the number of luxury and boutique properties available to Rewards Club members, and will add hotels in 14 countries where IHG doesn’t currently have a presence.
Members will be able earn and redeem at Mr and Mrs Smith hotels, when they book through IHG channels including the group’s website and mobile app.
Highlighted properties in the Mr and Mrs Smith portfolio include Jasper Conran’s riad hideaway L’Hôtel Marrakech, 18th-century organic Tuscan estate Borgo Pignano, Himalayas retreat The Kumaon and the Old Rectory (pictured above) on South Africa’s Garden Route.
IHG also said that its most loyal members (including Intercontinental Ambassadors and Kimpton Inner Circle cardholders) will also benefit from free room upgrades when available, and a free gift (dubbed the Smith Extra) when checking in at Mr and Mrs Smith hotels.
The move follows Hyatt’s loyalty partnership with Small Luxury Hotels last year, and Marriott’s (then Starwood) expanded loyalty agreement with Design Hotels in 2015.
Commenting on the news Claire Bennett, chief marketing officer, IHG, said:
“IHG’s exclusive partnership with Mr and Mrs Smith illustrates the truly transformative travel we bring to our IHG Rewards Club members. This loyalty partnership will allow our most loyal guests to discover even more of the world with the most incredible and inspiring luxury rewards.
“By bringing this spectacular collection of award-winning hotels to our direct booking channels, this partnership means members can earn and redeem points in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations – the perfect complement to IHG’s growing luxury and boutique hotel portfolio, which includes Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts and Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.”
