Avid Hotels is a budget chain owned by IHG that targets extended stays and business travelers
Avid Hotels is a midscale hotel brand operated by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), launched in 2016. The chain positions itself between economy and midscale properties, with a focus on longer stays — typically three nights or more — and business travelers who need workspace and kitchen facilities. Most Avid locations have kitchenettes or full kitchens in every room, free Wi-Fi, and a grab-and-go breakfast area rather than a full restaurant.
The brand operates under the IHG Rewards program, meaning stays earn points that transfer across IHG's other chains like Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Kimpton. Avid properties are independently owned and operated by franchisees, so room quality, cleanliness, and service can vary by location. The chain has grown to several hundred properties across North America, with most locations in secondary and tertiary markets rather than major city centers.
Key Takeaways
- Avid Hotels includes kitchenettes or full kitchens in every room, which can reduce meal costs on longer stays compared to hotels without cooking facilities.
- The chain targets stays of three nights or longer and includes workspace, making it designed for business travelers and people relocating temporarily rather than leisure visitors.
- Avid properties are part of the IHG Rewards program, so points earned at Avid transfer to other IHG brands like Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express.
- Room rates and amenities vary by individual property and location, since each Avid hotel is franchised rather than company-operated.
Room layout and kitchen facilities at Avid locations
Every Avid room includes either a kitchenette or a full kitchen. Kitchenettes typically have a microwave, refrigerator, stovetop, and basic cookware; full kitchens add an oven and more counter space. This setup differs from most budget chains, which offer no cooking facilities at all. For stays longer than a few nights, the ability to prepare some meals in-room can reduce overall trip costs compared to eating every meal at restaurants or room service.
Standard rooms at Avid include a work desk, which is standard across the brand. Beds vary by room type — most offer either one queen, two queens, or one king. Some properties have separate living areas in suites, though this depends on the individual location. Bathrooms are typically compact, with a shower or shower-tub combination.
How Avid's pricing and length-of-stay model works
Avid Hotels prices rooms on a nightly basis, but the brand's rate structure is designed to reward longer stays. Nightly rates often decrease as the length of stay increases — a three-night stay may have a lower per-night rate than a one-night booking at the same property. This tiered pricing is common in the extended-stay segment and reflects the brand's target market of business travelers, relocating employees, and people in temporary housing situations.
Rates vary significantly by location, season, and local demand. A property in a secondary market may cost $80 to $120 per night, while locations near major business centers or in high-demand areas can run $150 to $250 or more. Unlike some extended-stay chains, Avid does not typically require a minimum stay length, though rates are structured to encourage bookings of three nights or longer.
Avid compared to other budget and extended-stay chains
| Chain | Kitchen in Room | Target Stay Length | Rewards Program | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avid Hotels | Kitchenette or full kitchen | 3+ nights | IHG Rewards | $80–$250/night |
| Extended Stay America | Full kitchen | 7+ nights | Choice Privileges | $70–$200/night |
| La Quinta | No | Any length | La Quinta Rewards | $60–$180/night |
| Holiday Inn Express | No | Any length | IHG Rewards | $80–$220/night |
| Motel 6 | No | Any length | Red Roof Rewards | $50–$150/night |
Avid occupies a middle position in the budget hotel market. It offers kitchen facilities like Extended Stay America but targets shorter stays (three nights versus seven). Compared to Holiday Inn Express, which is also part of IHG, Avid is positioned as slightly more budget-friendly and includes kitchens, while Holiday Inn Express offers more amenities and is geared toward any stay length. La Quinta and Motel 6 are cheaper but lack cooking facilities and are designed for any traveler, not specifically extended stays.
The main trade-off is between price and amenities. Motel 6 and La Quinta cost less but have no kitchens and fewer business-focused features. Extended Stay America has full kitchens but typically requires longer minimum stays and has higher nightly rates. Holiday Inn Express costs more than Avid but includes more on-site dining and meeting space. Avid's position is best for travelers who need a kitchen for cost savings, plan to stay at least a few nights, and want to earn IHG points.
IHG Rewards membership and point transfers
Stays at Avid Hotels earn points through the IHG Rewards program, which is free to join. Points are earned based on the room rate paid, not the number of nights — a higher nightly rate earns more points than a lower one at the same property. Points can be redeemed for free nights at any IHG brand, including Avid, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, and Kimpton.
IHG Rewards members also receive elite status benefits at higher membership tiers, such as room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points on stays. Status is earned by reaching a point threshold or number of nights stayed in a calendar year. Points do not expire as long as the account remains active — meaning at least one earning or redemption activity every 24 months.
What varies between individual Avid properties
Because Avid Hotels are franchised, the guest experience can differ significantly from one location to another. Franchisees own and operate individual properties, which means they set their own maintenance standards, staffing levels, and service practices within IHG's brand guidelines. A newly opened Avid in one market may have modern furnishings and attentive staff, while an older property in another location may have worn carpeting or slower front-desk service.
Amenities also vary by property. Most Avid locations include free Wi-Fi, a grab-and-go breakfast area, and a fitness center, but some may add a business center, laundry facilities, or a small convenience store. Pet policies, parking options (free versus paid), and on-site services differ by location. Before booking, it is worth reading recent guest reviews for the specific property you are considering, since the Avid brand standard does not may provide consistency across all locations.
Booking Avid Hotels and cancellation policies
Avid Hotels can be booked directly through the IHG website, the IHG mobile app, or through third-party booking sites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Google Hotels. Booking directly through IHG typically earns the full IHG Rewards points, while third-party sites may earn points at a reduced rate or none at all — this varies by site and promotion. Direct booking sometimes offers rate guarantees or member-exclusive discounts.
Cancellation policies vary by rate type and property. Most Avid locations offer both refundable and non-refundable rates, with non-refundable rates typically costing less. Refundable rates usually allow cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before arrival, depending on the property. Always check the specific cancellation terms for the property and rate you select before confirming your booking, since policies are set by the individual franchisee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Avid Hotels have kitchens in the rooms?
Yes, every Avid room includes either a kitchenette or a full kitchen. Kitchenettes have a microwave, refrigerator, and stovetop; full kitchens add an oven. The specific setup depends on the room type and individual property, but cooking facilities are standard across the brand.
Can I book an Avid Hotel for just one night?
Yes, Avid does not enforce a minimum stay requirement. However, nightly rates are structured to decrease as stay length increases, so a one-night booking will typically cost more per night than a three-night stay at the same property.
Do Avid Hotels have a restaurant or room service?
Most Avid locations do not have a full-service restaurant or room service. They typically offer a grab-and-go breakfast area with items like pastries, coffee, and cereal. The in-room kitchen is designed to reduce the need for restaurant meals on longer stays.
Are Avid Hotels pet-friendly?
Pet policies vary by individual property. Some Avid locations allow pets for an additional fee, while others do not allow them at all. Check the specific property's pet policy before booking, as franchisees set their own rules within IHG guidelines.
How do I earn and use IHG Rewards points at Avid?
Points are earned automatically on every stay when you provide your IHG Rewards membership number at check-in or during booking. Points can be redeemed for free nights at any IHG brand, including Avid, or transferred to airline partners. Membership is free and does not require a credit card.