Holiday Inn is a mid-range hotel chain owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts
Holiday Inn operates as a mid-range hotel brand under the IHG Hotels & Resorts umbrella, which also owns InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and other chains. The brand runs roughly 900 properties across more than 60 countries, with most locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Holiday Inn positions itself between budget chains like La Quinta and upscale brands like Hilton, meaning rooms typically cost more than a Super 8 but less than a Marriott.
The chain targets business travelers and families on moderate budgets. Most Holiday Inn properties include a front desk, fitness center, and on-site restaurant or bar. Room layouts and amenities vary by location — a Holiday Inn in a major city may have different features than one in a smaller town, and some properties have been recently renovated while others have not.
Key Takeaways
- Holiday Inn rooms typically include free Wi-Fi, a work desk, and access to a fitness center at most locations.
- The chain's IHG Rewards Club membership program lets you earn points toward free nights, though you can book without joining.
- Room rates and available amenities vary significantly by location and property age, so checking the specific hotel's website before booking is necessary.
- Holiday Inn competes directly with Marriott's mid-range brands and Best Western, with pricing and quality that fall between budget and luxury chains.
Room types and standard amenities
Holiday Inn rooms come in several configurations depending on the property. Standard options include single queen beds, double queens, or king beds. Many locations offer suites with separate living areas, though these cost more and are not available at every property. Room size and layout depend on when the building was constructed and whether it has undergone renovation.
Most Holiday Inn rooms include free Wi-Fi, a work desk with a chair, a television, and a private bathroom. Many properties have added USB charging ports and upgraded bedding in recent years. Bathrooms typically have a shower, tub, or shower-tub combination, though this varies. Rooms usually do not include a minibar, though some properties offer one for an additional charge.
Common hotel-wide amenities at Holiday Inn locations typically include a fitness center, front desk available 24 hours, and a business center with computers and printing. Most properties have a restaurant, bar, or both on-site. Some locations include a pool, hot tub, or both, though this is not may provide — you need to check the specific property's listing before booking.
Pricing and how it compares to other chains
Holiday Inn room rates vary widely based on location, season, and how far in advance you book. A room in a major city during peak season might cost $150 to $250 per night, while the same chain in a smaller town during off-season could be $70 to $120. Rates also depend on the individual property's age and recent renovations.
Holiday Inn typically costs more than budget chains like La Quinta, Super 8, or Days Inn, where rooms often run $60 to $100 per night. It generally costs less than Marriott's mid-range brands like Courtyard or Residence Inn, which often run $120 to $200 per night in comparable markets. Best Western and Choice Hotels' mid-range brands (like Comfort Inn) fall in a similar price range to Holiday Inn.
Discounts are common if you book directly through the Holiday Inn website, join the IHG Rewards Club, or use a travel booking site like Expedia or Booking.com. Corporate rates and AAA discounts may also be available depending on your membership status. Rates change daily based on demand, so the same room can cost different amounts on different dates.
IHG Rewards Club membership and loyalty points
IHG Rewards Club is the loyalty program for Holiday Inn and other IHG-owned brands. Membership is free to join. Members earn points for each night stayed, with the number of points depending on the room rate and membership tier. Points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, or other rewards like airline miles.
The program has several membership levels: Club, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Diamond Elite, and Diamond Plus. You move up by staying a certain number of nights or earning a certain number of points in a calendar year. Higher tiers unlock benefits like free breakfast, room upgrades, and late checkout, though these vary by property and are not may provide at every location.
You do not need to be a member to book a Holiday Inn room. Non-members pay the same rate as members for the same room on the same night. The difference is that members earn points toward future stays while non-members do not. If you stay at Holiday Inn properties regularly, joining the program costs nothing and can reduce the cost of future trips.
Booking options and cancellation policies
You can book a Holiday Inn room through several channels: the official Holiday Inn website, the IHG Hotels app, third-party booking sites like Expedia or Booking.com, or by calling the hotel directly. Rates sometimes differ slightly between channels, so checking multiple sources can save money. Booking through the official Holiday Inn website or app may earn you more loyalty points than booking through a third-party site.
Cancellation policies vary by rate type and property. Most non-refundable rates require cancellation at least 24 to 48 hours before arrival to avoid a charge, though some require cancellation further in advance. Refundable rates typically allow cancellation up to a certain date with a full refund. The specific policy appears when you select a room and rate type during booking — you should read it before completing your reservation.
If you need to cancel after the important date, contact the hotel directly by phone or through your booking confirmation. Some properties may waive cancellation fees in certain situations, though this is not may provide. Travel insurance can cover cancellation costs if you purchase it at the time of booking.
What differs between Holiday Inn locations
Holiday Inn properties vary significantly in age, renovation status, and amenities. Some locations are newer or recently renovated and have modern rooms, updated technology, and current furnishings. Others are older properties that may have outdated décor or fewer amenities, though they are still maintained to the chain's standards.
Amenities also depend on the property's size and location. A Holiday Inn in a downtown business district may have a large restaurant and conference facilities, while one near a highway might be smaller with fewer on-site dining options. Some properties have pools or hot tubs; others do not. A few locations have added co-working spaces or upgraded fitness centers in recent years, but this is not standard across the chain.
Before booking, check the specific property's website or photos on the booking site to see its current condition and amenities. Guest reviews on sites like TripAdvisor or Google can tell you whether a particular location is well-maintained or has ongoing issues. The same Holiday Inn brand name can mean very different experiences depending on which property you choose.
How Holiday Inn compares to similar mid-range chains
Holiday Inn competes directly with Marriott's Courtyard and Residence Inn brands, Best Western Plus, and Choice Hotels' Comfort Inn and Quality Inn lines. All of these chains target the same mid-range market and typically offer similar room configurations, amenities, and price points.
| Chain | Typical nightly rate | Standard amenities | Loyalty program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn | $100–$180 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, on-site restaurant | IHG Rewards Club (free to join) |
| Courtyard by Marriott | $110–$190 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, on-site restaurant | Marriott Bonvoy (free to join) |
| Best Western Plus | $90–$160 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, complimentary breakfast at some | Best Western Rewards (free to join) |
| Comfort Inn | $80–$140 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, complimentary breakfast | Choice Privileges (free to join) |
The main differences come down to specific property quality, location, and what each brand emphasizes. Courtyard by Marriott often focuses on business travelers and tends to have more modern design. Best Western Plus varies more widely because it is a franchise system with less standardization. Comfort Inn typically includes free breakfast, which Holiday Inn does not always offer. All four chains have free loyalty programs that work similarly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Holiday Inn rooms have free Wi-Fi?
Most Holiday Inn properties include free Wi-Fi in rooms and common areas, but you should confirm this when booking since policies can vary by location. Check the specific property's amenities list on the booking site or call the hotel directly if you need to be certain.
Can I get a room upgrade if I am a loyalty member?
IHG Rewards Club members at higher tiers may receive complimentary room upgrades, but this is not may provide and depends on availability and the specific property. Upgrades are offered at the hotel's discretion, so there is no way to confirm one before arrival.
What is the difference between Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express?
Holiday Inn Express is a separate, budget-focused brand under IHG that typically costs less and offers fewer amenities — usually no on-site restaurant and a limited front desk. Standard Holiday Inn properties are mid-range and include more services. Both use the same loyalty program.
Can I book a Holiday Inn room without a credit card?
Most Holiday Inn properties require a credit card to hold a reservation, though some may accept debit cards or other payment methods. Call the specific hotel directly if you want to discuss alternative payment options before booking.
Are pets allowed at Holiday Inn?
Pet policies vary by property. Some Holiday Inn locations allow pets for an additional nightly fee, while others do not allow them at all. Check the specific hotel's pet policy on the booking site or call ahead to confirm before making a reservation.