IHG Family Travel: How the Holiday Inn Kids Stay & Eat Free Program Works
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A family vacation can be very expensive, especially when you factor in extra hotel rooms and dining costs. But the IHG network offers a special program called Kids Stay & Eat Free for family travel. Available at participating Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Resort hotels worldwide, this program allows eligible children to stay in their parents’ room at no extra charge and enjoy free meals at the hotel restaurant.
Eligibility rules vary by region, and there are important conditions regarding children’s ages, guest limits, and meal requirements. Understanding these details can help you avoid surprises at check-in and maximize your savings.
What Is IHG Kids Stay & Eat Free?
The Kids Stay & Eat Free program is a family benefit offered primarily at participating Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Select, and Holiday Inn Resort hotels.
Other IHG brands — including InterContinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, voco, and Staybridge Suites — may offer family-friendly amenities or children-stay-free policies at certain locations, but they generally do not include the global Kids Eat Free program.
The program has two parts:
- Kids Stay Free – eligible children can stay in the same room as their parents without an additional room charge.
- Kids Eat Free – eligible children receive complimentary meals from the kids’ menu when dining with a paying adult.
Participation is determined by the individual hotel, so it’s always worth confirming availability before booking.
Booking Tips: Make sure the Holiday Inn hotel you’ve chosen participates in the program. Also, when searching, specify the number of children so that the website displays rooms that meet your accommodation requirements. If you have more than two children, contact the hotel directly to discuss accommodation options.
You can review all the terms and conditions in more detail on the official Terms and Conditions page.
Part 1. Kids Stay Free Rules
In most participating hotels:
- Up to two children can stay free.
- They must share a room with up to two registered adults.
- The room must allow the maximum occupancy.
- Baby cribs are complimentary, while rollaway beds may incur an additional charge depending on the hotel.
Age Limits by Region
One detail many travelers overlook is that the age limit isn’t the same worldwide.
| Region | Kids Stay Free |
|---|---|
| United States, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central & South America | 18 years and under |
| Europe | 17 years and under |
| Asia-Pacific (excluding Greater China), Middle East & Africa | 12 years and under |
| Greater China | 12 years and under* |
*In Greater China, this offer applies only to the “Advance Booking Offer (including breakfast)” and “Best Flexible Rate (including breakfast)” room rates.
The Kids Stay Free program applies to any eligible stay and is subject to the terms of that stay. Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether you pay with cash or IHG One Rewards points.
Part 2. Kids Eat Free Rules
The Kids Eat Free benefit can be just as valuable as the complimentary stay, especially for families traveling with young children. At participating Holiday Inn hotels, registered child guests can enjoy free breakfast, lunch, and dinner when dining in the hotel’s designated restaurant.
To qualify, children must order from the Kids’ Menu, while at least one registered adult accompanying them must purchase a full-priced main course from the regular menu. The offer typically covers up to four children per family, or two children for each paying adult, whichever limit is lower. Children’s meals generally include one main course and one dessert, although the exact menu varies by hotel and destination. It’s also worth noting that beverages for children may be charged separately at some properties.
Age Limits for Kids Eat Free
| Region | Kids Eat Free |
|---|---|
| United States, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean & Latin America | 11 years and under |
| Europe | 12 years and under |
| Asia-Pacific | 12 years and under |
| Greater China | 12 years and under |
What Isn’t Included?
There are a few important exclusions.
The Kids Eat Free offer generally does not apply to:
- Room service (except at certain hotels in Europe)
- Group bookings of 10 or more rooms
- Corporate rates
- Travel industry rates
- Employee rates
These restrictions are among the most commonly overlooked parts of the program.
Example of the Savings
Imagine a family of four staying three nights at a Holiday Inn Resort.
| Expense | Without Program | With Kids Stay & Eat Free |
|---|---|---|
| Extra room charge for children | $0 | $0 |
| Breakfast for two children (3 mornings) | ~$90 | $0 |
| Lunch for two children (3 days) | ~$90 | $0 |
| Dinner for two children (3 evenings) | ~$120 | $0 |
| Estimated Savings | ~$300 | Included |
Actual savings depend on the hotel’s menu prices, but families can often save several hundred dollars during a week-long vacation.
Bottom Line
IHG’s Kids Stay & Eat Free program remains one of the best family-friendly benefits offered by a major hotel company. At participating Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Resort hotels, up to two children can stay free when sharing a room with their parents, while eligible children also receive complimentary meals from the kids’ menu when dining with a paying adult.
For families planning vacations, road trips, or weekend getaways, the program can reduce travel costs by hundreds of dollars. Just remember that age limits, occupancy rules, and participating hotels vary by region, so it’s worth reviewing the property’s terms before you book.
