How I Scored a Cheap Vacation and 75,000 IHG One Rewards Points

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacation with bonus points, consider hotel chains timeshare presentation offers.

 Here’s how I turned a $249 trip into a fantastic experience with a hefty points boost.

Here’s the offer we took

For $249, I booked a stay at the Holiday Inn Orange Lake Resort in Orlando. This isn’t your standard hotel room—it was a spacious two-bedroom villa, perfect for families or a group of friends up to 8 people. The resort itself offers a wide range of amenities, from pools and lazy rivers to golf courses and restaurants, and is convienently close to Disney.

Other Locations

This offer wasn’t limited to Orlando. You could choose from several destinations, including:

• Gatlinburg, TN: in the Great Smoky Mountains (One of our favorite places to visit)
• Las Vegas, NV: The entertainment capital of the world- We aren’t much on the gaming scene, but some love it
• Myrtle Beach, SC: Known for its beaches and is definitely a possibility later for us

Here’s the Catch (and it wasn’t too bad)

The only requirement? Attending a two-hour timeshare sales presentation. These pitches can be intimidating, but this one wasn’t bad. It was relatively low-pressure, and the sales team respected our decision not to buy, especially when we told them how we travel for free using points and miles.

This should go without saying- I do not suggest buying into a timeshare. Be polite but firm, and just say NO!

The Reward

At the end of the presentation, I received a voucher for 75,000 IHG One Rewards points. For context, 75,000 IHG points can cover:

• One to two nights at mid-range IHG hotels
• A night at some luxury IHG properties during off-peak times.

The Value

Here’s the breakdown:

• Cost of the stay: $249
• Estimated value of 75,000 points: ~$375 (based on a valuation of 0.5 cents per point)
• Net value: I essentially got a discounted vacation plus free chunk of IHG points

Why I Think It’s Worth It

• Affordable luxury vacation: Staying at a resort like Orange Lake for $249 is a steal.
• Bonus points: 75,000 points can kickstart your IHG account or boost your balance for future stays.
• Low-pressure pitch: Not all timeshare presentations are high-stress.
• Multiple destinations: Flexibility to choose a location that suits your travel preference

My Final Thoughts

Time share presentations like IHG Club Vacations offers are an excellent way to enjoy a cheap getaway while boosting your points balance. If you can handle a short sales pitch, the value is undeniable. Keep an eye out for similar offers, and you could score an even better deal. Hilton is currently running a $249 and 75,000 Hilton Honors promo. 

Have you tried one of these offers? My next one is Hilton Grand Vacations!