IHG Hotels, Crowne Plaza Bait & Switch

I was going to make a reservation here:

 

Crowne Plaza : Boston - Woburn

Newly Renovated! Torchbearer Award Winner! Just north of Boston. Large indoor pool and fitness center-free shuttle and wi-fi. Popular local sports themed restaurant and bar on site. Large screen  View More...

4.5 / 5 (176 reviews)

15 Middlesex Canal Park Rd. , Woburn, MA 01801 , United States

1 877 2 CROWNE (Reservations) 1-781-9358760 (Front Desk)

11.12 mi (17.89 km) from destination Free Internet

 

Rooms available

From ‎$ 93.00 USD

Nightly Rate

Points & breakfast

 

IHG^® Rewards Club Reward Nights

20,000 Points

15,000 Points + $40.00 USD

10,000 Points + $70.00 USD  

 

I noted that some hotels on the IHG website had Points & breakfast, and others had 1000 WEEKEND BONUSPT, etc.  It seemed reasonable to conclude that I could pay $93 (plus tax), and expect to get a free breakfast and some points.  But no!  If you want the "free" breakfast and "bonus" points, you've got to PAY for them.  That would bring the rate up to $130 (plus tax).

 

So IHG has decided to play the same nickel and dime game as the airlines, starting with Spirit.

 

I decided to stay at Marriott, instead.