With $85 back via Open for Travel by American Express, why not swap out an IHG Hotels & Resorts room booking for a suite?
With domestic borders open, more Australians are getting ready to explore.
To help kickstart domestic travel, American Express has an epic offer. With Open for Travel by American Express, eligible Card Members save when spending direct with a range of premium hotel, car hire, and other travel partners.
As part of the promotion, eligible and enrolled American Express Card Members can get $85 back when reaching a spend of $350 or more with IHG Hotels & Resorts properties. The offer can be used at 33 participating properties in Australia until 15 May 2021. Offer enrolments are capped to the first 35,000 Cards (exclusions, T&Cs apply).
Enrolments for the IHG offer have now capped, but if you managed to save the offer to your Card, your dollar could go further at some of the best hotels and resorts in Australia.
In fact, depending on your dates, the $85 back might be enough to cover an upgrade from a room to a suite, provided the spend threshold is met at a participating property.
Here are five of my top ‘Suite’ picks at IHG properties located around Australia.
Voco Gold Coast
Voco Gold Coast is situated in Surfers Paradise, in a prime position to experience everything the area has to offer. You can read my personal review of this property here.
A landmark, high-rise hotel, voco Gold Coast boasts 389 guestrooms and suites. Once the Watermark hotel, this property has been reinvented with vibrant decor and upscale creature comforts.
The Suite Splurge: King Retreat River View Suite (rates from approx. $237 per night)
What you get: This 52 sqm suite features an enclosed private living room with an extra large freestanding bath and chaise lounge. Guests enjoy a walk-in shower with a rain head and Aveda amenities, plus free WiFi and 2 LCD TVs.
Crowne Plaza Hobart
Located on a bustling street in the city centre, the recently opened Crowne Plaza Hobart offers harbour or Mount Wellington views from each room, with Hobart’s first Club Lounge. This 235 room hotel offers two restaurants and channels Tasmanian culture in its cutting-edge interior design.
The Suite Splurge: Junior Suite (rates from approx. $216 per night)
What you get: Crowne Plaza Hobart Junior Suites offer contemporary furnishings and decor. Located on levels 5 to 9, Suites incorporate a king bed, lounge, free WIFI, smart TVs, and a separate shower and bath stocked with Antipodes products. Splurge a little extra to upgrade to a Junior Club Suite and get access to the Lounge.
Hotel Indigo, Adelaide Markets
IHG Hotels & Resorts has recently launched their boutique lifestyle brand, Hotel Indigo in Adelaide. Housed on the site of a former textile factory, Hotel Indigo blends contemporary eclectic modern design concepts. Located in the heart of Adelaide’s iconic Central Market precinct, this 145 room boutique hotel boasts a rooftop bar, lap pool, and gym.
The Suite Splurge: 1 Bedroom Indigo Suite With Balcony (rates from approx. $240 per night – an absolute bargain!). Read my review of this very special suite here
What you get: A stunning 52sqm retreat inspired by the neighbourhood. Enjoy sweeping views of Adelaide from an expansive balcony. Guests can access WiFi, Smart TV, an Espresso machine, rain shower and premium amenities. This suite features a separate King bedroom and living area.
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
The InterContinental Double Bay features 140 spacious guestrooms. Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s leafy Eastern Suburbs, this property is a ten-minute drive from the city centre.
Guests can shop up a storm at upmarket Double Bay boutiques, before retiring to one of many cafes and restaurants located close by. The iconic Murray Rose pool is a short walk away, as is the Double Bay ferry service to Circular Quay. You can read my comprehensive review of this property here.
The Suite Splurge: Courtyard Suite (rates from approx. $432 per night)
What you get: One bedroom Courtyard suites overlook the French Provincial internal courtyard. Each suite features a study nook with separate lounge room. An Italian marble bathroom offers a double vanity with a separate bath and shower plus luxurious amenities.
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove
Situated within 4.2 hectares of lush landscaping, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort boasts a marina, acclaimed golf courses, a one-acre lagoon beach pool and a tranquil garden setting. A popular resort for families, Gold Coast theme parks are just a 10-minute drive away.
The Suite Splurge: 1 King Bed Queenslander Suite (rates from approx. $338 per night)
What you get: Recently refurbished, this 66sqm open-plan suite features a sun-soaked lounge area, dining table, desk, stylish king bed, deep bathtub, and separate shower. A private, fully furnished balcony overlooks the resort’s tropical garden.
Here’s why a ‘suite night’ is worth splashing out on
Above and beyond a chance to use the Open for Travel by American Express offer, there are many reasons why it could make sense to splurge on a suite when you next book an IH Hotels & Resorts property:
More space and privacy – often at a cheaper price than two standard rooms:A stay in a suite can often cost less than the price of two entry-level hotel rooms, offering a cost-effective solution for a situation where you might otherwise consider booking multiple hotel rooms. Think families travelling with children, holidaying groups of friends or even work colleagues who want space and privacy whilst travelling together.
And with many suites offering multiple rooms or partitioning doors, your party can access a common area to interact in, whilst also enjoying some privacy when it’s time for lights out.
Score complimentary Club Lounge access: Space and privacy aside, one of the most valuable perks that a suite can provide is Club Lounge access, which typically includes a decent breakfast spread. Of course, not all properties boast a Club Lounge, but those that do often extend complimentary access to suites.
When you consider that separately purchasing hotel breakfast for multiple guests can cost a small fortune, free access to the Club Lounge can offer tremendous value. This is particularly the case where additional light meals, refreshments and evening drinks can be enjoyed by more than one guest.
Enjoy more luxurious facilities and amenities: Guests staying in a suite can expect to see more luxurious facilities and amenities, which far exceed the inclusions of a standard room. Think oversized toiletries (suites are often stocked with larger 100ml bottles), plusher robes, and higher quality tea and coffee offerings. Suites typically also offer larger bathrooms, more elaborate furnishings, and bells and whistles such as high-tech sound systems.
VIP inclusions: And it doesn’t end there. Booking into a suite could also see you unlock additional VIP amenities not normally afforded to guests staying in a standard room. This might include a fast-tracked check-in, welcome gift, free Wi-Fi, and other inclusions. These thoughtful touches can help to make for a more enjoyable stay.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to fuel your wanderlust interstate, take to the road or splurge on a staycation, Open for Travel by American Express could help your dollar go further while you explore Australia.
And while pricing by dates vary, the IHG Hotels & Resorts offer with American Express Open for Travel might just be enough to cover an upgrade from a room to a suite.
Enrolments for this offer have now capped. If you’ve already saved the IHG Hotels & Resorts offer, you simply need to spend the required amount on your eligible American Express Card at a participating partner location. You’ll receive an $85 credit back on your account.
This post has been prepared with the support of American Express
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