Hilton vs IHG: Which Hotel Chain is Best?

31/07/2024

Hilton and IHG are two of the world's most famous hotel chains. With locations in seemingly most countries and cities, the brands are popular with business travellers and vacationing families thanks to their reliable comfort and consistently exceptional customer service.

In addition to providing a decent night's sleep, their hotel loyalty programs are top-rated, especially with frequent travellers. These schemes allow people to build and redeem points that can be spent on discounted rooms, meals, and much more.

With so many similarities, choosing between the two can be difficult. But, with such appealing benefits to each chain, it makes sense to pick one and start climbing their loyalty rewards ladder.

In this guide from Slingo's Lifestyle News, we've compared these two hotel titans, so you don't have to.

Here, we'll examine their prices, locations, amenities, approach to customer service, and those all-important benefits so you can make an informed decision. But before we compare the two hotel brands, let's examine their backgrounds.

Hilton and IHG: Histories

Founded in 1919 by Conrad Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has become one of the most recognised names in the hospitality industry. With its motto, "Hospitality with Heart," Hilton has built a reputation for delivering consistent, quality experiences across its diverse portfolio of brands.

By contrast, IHG Hotels & Resorts, formerly InterContinental Hotels Group, traces its roots back to 1777, when the first Bass-owned pub opened. However, it wasn't until 2003 that IHG, as we know it today, was formed.

The IHG group features 19 hotel brands, including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, and more.

This roster of hotels means that IHG can deliver a wide range of hotel experiences, from luxury to extended stay, and cater to various traveller needs.

Hilton Hotels vs IHG Hotels: Which is Best?

Which hotel chain is more cost-effective: Hilton or IHG?

Hilton

Hilton has a range of price points across its various brands, catering to different budgets and travel needs. At the lower end, brands like Hampton by Hilton and Tru by Hilton have rooms starting from around £60 to £120 per night, depending on location and season.

Brands under the Hilton umbrella include more cost-effective options, like Hampton and Spark by Hilton. Rooms at these hotels start from around £60 per night, depending on the season and location.

For a more luxurious stay, you can opt for mid-range hotels, like Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree. These typically cost between £100-£200 per night.

Finally, there are brands like the Waldorf Astoria and Conrad at the top end of the Hilton price range. Rooms in these hotels can command prices of £300, with suites costing over £1,000 per night. To justify their price tag, these hotels are found in exceptional locations, like private islands in the Seychelles, and experiences, like award-winning golf courses and swimming with whale sharks.

Hilton's pricing structure allows travellers to choose accommodations that fit their budget and needs while benefiting from the Hilton brand reputation and loyalty program.

IHG

IHG's brand portfolio offers a similarly diverse range of price points. Budget-friendly options like Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express often have rates starting from £50 to £100 per night, varying by location and season.

Mid-range brands such as Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo typically charge £80 to £180 per night. Travellers who prefer a more luxurious experience can choose brands like InterContinental and Kimpton. The cost to stay in these locations can start at £200 to over £800 per night for standard rooms, with premium suites commanding even higher rates.

IHG's wide range of brands allows it to compete effectively across various price points, often delivering slightly lower entry-level prices than Hilton in some markets.

Like Hilton, IHG's diverse portfolio of brands enables it to compete across various price points and attract different types of travellers, from business people on nights away to people enjoying once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Hilton score: 8/10

IHG score: 9/10

Which hotel chain has the best amenities: Hilton or IHG?

Hilton

Hilton properties typically boast amenities designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers. Most Hilton hotels feature fitness centres with gyms, swimming pools, and on-site restaurants.

Many Hilton locations offer private meeting rooms and executive lounges for Hilton Honors members to ensure business travellers can work seamlessly while away from their offices and homes.

Higher-end Hilton brands like Conrad and Waldorf Astoria will feature luxurious spas, multiple dining options, and concierge services to ensure your stay is as perfect as possible.

Elsewhere, you'll find family-friendly amenities, such as kids' clubs and babysitting services, so parents can make the most of their break.

To make life easier, Hilton also invests in digital amenities that enable guests to check in and use their phones as digital keys through the Hilton Honors app.

The Hilton brand has recently increased its focus on sustainability, fitting solar panels and installing other eco-friendly features in its hotels and resorts.

IHG

Not to be outdone, IHG hotels also boast a plethora of amenities across their various brands. Many IHG locations offer on-site gyms, swimming pools, dining areas, and meeting facilities. Some brands, like InterContinental, even have lounges with complimentary refreshments to make the stay more relaxing.

Recently, IHG expanded its wellness provision, opening wellness-focused EVEN hotels. These are designed to help people achieve their fitness goals while away from home, with evening tea services, state-of-the-art gyms with fitness classes, and healthier food options all up for grabs.

Family-friendly amenities vary by brand but often include kids' stay-and-eat-free schemes at Holiday Inn properties. Meanwhile, IHG's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its "Green Engage" program, which implements environmentally friendly practices across its hotels.

Hilton score: 9/10

IHG score: 8/10

Which hotel chain has the best locations: Hilton or IHG?

Hilton

Hilton boasts an impressive global presence, with over 6,800 hotels and resorts in more than 120 countries and territories. The chain's hotels can be found in major cities, business districts, airports, and popular vacation destinations worldwide.

In large cities, whether you're in London, Lisbon or Lanzhou, Hilton accommodations are typically centrally located, providing easy access to business centres and tourist attractions. Their resort properties span various environments, from tropical beaches to ski resorts.

IHG

IHG's global footprint is equally impressive, with over 6,000 hotels across nearly 100 countries and territories. Like Hilton, IHG properties can be found in cities, business hubs, airport vicinities, and sought-after holiday destinations worldwide.

IHG has a robust presence in the Americas and Europe, with a growing number of properties in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The company's vast array of brands allows it to have a presence in diverse locations, whether they're strategically positioned near business districts, coastal retreats, suburban locales or mountain getaways.

Basically, no matter where you're heading and what you're going for, there's likely a Hilton or IHG hotel or resort waiting for you to check-in.

Hilton score: 10/10

IHG score: 10/10

Which hotel chain has the best customer service: Hilton or IHG?

Hilton

Hilton has built a strong reputation for customer service, emphasising its "Hospitality with Heart" motto. The chain is known for delivering consistent service across its various brands, with staff trained to anticipate and meet guest needs.

Hilton's digital innovations, like using your smartphone as a room key, have enhanced the guest experience. The Hilton Honors program is well-regarded, delivering perks like room upgrades, late check-out, and digital check-in for members.

The chain also operates a "Make it Right" policy, ensuring that any issues during a stay are addressed promptly. Hilton's commitment to accessibility is evident in its efforts to accommodate guests with disabilities across its properties.

IHG

Similarly, IHG prides itself on delivering 'True Hospitality for Good' and focuses on creating outstanding guest experiences. The company aims to provide a personalised service, with staff trained to cater to individual guest preferences.

IHG's mobile app includes features like online check-in and chatting with hotel staff, enhancing the guest experience. The IHG Rewards program offers free nights, room upgrades, and exclusive member rates to encourage return visits.

The chain strongly focuses on guest feedback, using its HeartBeat survey system to improve service quality continuously. IHG's commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its service approach, which aims to make all guests feel welcome regardless of background.

Hilton score: 9/10

IHG score: 8/10

Which hotel chain has the best benefits: Hilton or IHG?

Hilton

Hilton's loyalty program, Hilton Honors, is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. Members earn points on stays, which can be redeemed for free nights and experiences or transferred to airline partners.

Elite status tiers have increasingly valuable perks, including room upgrades, executive lounge access, and bonus points. Hilton Honors members can also pool points with family and friends, making it easier to earn rewards.

Hilton often runs promotions allowing members to earn bonus points or achieve elite status faster. Hilton’s work with American Express includes co-branded credit cards with significant benefits, including automatic elite status and free night certificates.

IHG

IHG's loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, lets members earn and redeem points for stays across its diverse brand portfolio. Like Hilton, IHG has no blackout dates for reward nights, providing flexibility for members.

Members of the IHG rewards club receive benefits like late check-out, room upgrades, and bonus points. IHG has also introduced Milestone Rewards, allowing members to choose their own rewards upon reaching certain night thresholds.

The chain frequently runs promotions for bonus points or faster elite status qualification. The program's partnership with Chase enables users to access benefits like automatic elite status free stays.

A unique feature of One Rewards is the ability to purchase IHG points at a discount during promotions. This can help customers get more value for money, particularly if they stay in IHG locations frequently.

Hilton score: 9/10

IHG score: 8/10

Hilton vs IHG: The Verdict

These two hotel chain giants offer travellers a wide range of experiences worldwide. But which one came out on top? Drum roll, please…

Hilton's overall score: 45 out of 50

IHG's overall score: 43 out of 50

In a close battle, the Hilton has earned diamond status in our comparison thanks to its strong customer service, comprehensive loyalty scheme and consistently excellent amenities.

Having said this, such a high-scoring result clearly shows that the IHG group is an excellent choice with its own strengths.

Whichever you choose, both Hilton and IHG continue to set high standards in the hospitality industry, and staying with either brand will undoubtedly provide a comfortable and rewarding travel experience.

See more with Slingo

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