Status: checked against official sources; automated independent review
Part of Choice Privileges hub · IHG One Rewards hub · Marriott Bonvoy hub
GUIDE
Hotel award blackout dates: IHG and Choice compared
Hotel award blackout dates are calendar dates on which a hotel loyalty programme blocks free-night redemptions. IHG One Rewards says there are no blackout dates for Reward Nights, though room inventory is limited and subject to prior sale. [4]
Facts checked: 18 October 2026
Key takeaways
- "No blackout dates" is a statement about dates, not about rooms: IHG One Rewards ties it to room inventory that is limited and subject to prior sale. [4]
- Award prices still move: at IHG One Rewards the points needed can vary by brand, hotel and day of week. [4]
- Room type narrows the picture further: an IHG Reward Night is valid for a standard room for one night. [4]
- Marriott Bonvoy publishes free night awards at thousands of properties with varying point values, and offers Cash + Points and PointSavers only at participating hotels. [8]
What does "no blackout dates" mean for a reward night?
IHG One Rewards states in its membership terms that there are no blackout dates for Reward Nights, and in the same clause adds that room inventory is limited and subject to prior sale. [4] The statement means the programme does not close a date by rule, but an individual hotel still has to have a room available. [4]
| Programme | Wording about dates | What still limits a booking |
|---|---|---|
| IHG One Rewards | No blackout dates for Reward Nights. [4] | Room inventory is limited and subject to prior sale. [4] |
| Choice Privileges |
IHG requires advance reservations for a Reward Night and a credit card to guarantee it. [4] For the booking-side vocabulary, see award availability and the hotel award blackout dates entry.
Are all room types bookable with points?
At IHG One Rewards, a Reward Night is valid only for a standard room for one night, including government-mandated, state and locally administered taxes or fees. [4] At all-inclusive resorts the occupancy, room type and meal-plan configuration of a Reward Night varies by brand and hotel, and extra-person charges, including for children, may apply beyond double occupancy if additional guests check in who were not on the original reservation. [4] Room types also vary at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. [4] Resort fees and service charges imposed by individual hotels may apply and are paid to the hotel before check-out. [4]
Marriott Bonvoy offers room upgrades at select hotels and resorts. [8]
Do award prices change by date, brand or season?
IHG One Rewards says the number of points required for a Reward Night may vary according to several factors, including brand, hotel and day of week. [4]
Marriott Bonvoy describes free night awards as redeemable at thousands of properties worldwide with varying point values, and shows stays starting at 12,000 points per night, with PointSavers rates offering up to 20% off at participating hotels. [8] The general vocabulary for date-driven pricing is set out under peak award and off-peak award.
What does Marriott Bonvoy publish about award availability?
Marriott Bonvoy's programme rules give the company the right to change redemption levels and award availability with or without notice, even where a change affects the value of points or the ability to obtain certain awards or benefits. [2] The same rules describe some brands and properties as participating in a limited or unique capacity. [2] At Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas, members may redeem points for eligible stays at The Coral at Atlantis, The Royal at Atlantis and The Cove at Atlantis, while The Reef at Atlantis, The Beach at Atlantis and Harborside at Atlantis do not participate in the programme. [2]
Where an award stay is available at Atlantis, it covers the standard room rate and room tax only; extra-person charges, resort fees, service charges and other property charges are the member's responsibility. [2] Award redemptions booked directly through the AtlantisBahamas.com site are excluded, as points cannot be redeemed for those reservations. [2]
When can a reward night still be refused or changed?
- Named IHG exclusions. IHG One Rewards members may not be able to redeem points for Reward Nights at IHG Army Hotels and Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. [4]
- IHG multi-room limits. Reward Night reservations may be booked for up to nine hotel rooms on the same stay date at the same property, provided the member number is recorded on each reservation, the required points are redeemed for each room and inventory is available. [4]
- IHG benefits on award stays. Member benefits apply on Reward Night stays, except the Guaranteed Room Availability benefit for Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite members. [4]
- Pricing errors. If a Reward Night point price is published in error, IHG One Rewards reserves the right to cancel the booking and refund the points. [4]
- Marriott participation. Cash + Points, PointSavers and room upgrades apply only at the participating or select hotels and resorts that offer them. [8]
Frequently asked questions
Do hotel programmes really have no blackout dates?
IHG One Rewards states there are no blackout dates for Reward Nights. [4] The statement is tied to room inventory that is limited and subject to prior sale. [4]
If there are no blackout dates, why can no reward room be found?
IHG One Rewards says room inventory is limited and subject to prior sale. [4]
Do award prices change on busy dates?
Yes, where the programme publishes variable pricing: IHG cites brand, hotel and day of week as factors. [4]
Can every room type be booked with points?
At IHG One Rewards a Reward Night is valid only for a standard room for one night. [4]
Can a programme cancel an award booking after it is confirmed?
IHG One Rewards reserves the right to cancel a Reward Night booking and refund the points where an erroneous point price was published. [4]
Sources
Sources checked on 18 October 2026. Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, Wyndham Rewards, Accor ALL and Best Western Rewards are not covered here; start from the glossary for their terminology.
- Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program terms and conditions, checked 18 October 2026
- IHG One Rewards membership terms and conditions, checked 18 October 2026
- Marriott Bonvoy redeem points page, checked 18 October 2026