Pros
It's cheap, but cheaper in areas that are usually further than you are. It's good for the nicer hotels you probably wouldn't get an opportunity to stay. You'll stay at hotels more frequently with the discount
Cons
The bad thing about the discounted rate is the restrictions on it. You have to book at a certain time in advance, no more than 7 days etc. The rate is constantly going up every year. The rate now is about $69 at most IHG hotels. There might be a few you could find that's at least $39. But most of the time the hotel is older and you'll have to travel at least 30 mins to get to the location. With the rate constantly going up, there's other hotels that are full service i.e. Crowne Plaza that authorizes at least $50 a day in incidentals. By the time you check in it's like you're paying $200 depending on how many nights you need. The other problem with the rates is not being able to use them at any Holiday Inn Vacations. I've contacted the hotel directly and they've lied saying that it is available, but I've gone as far as years past a date that I needed and it wasn't offered. I don't think there is restriction on what hotels I am able to use my discounted rate. The club vacations are blocking employees out. Then when it comes down to the rooms needed, you can not assigned your room type until at check in. So if you need a double bed and you call ahead, you can forget it. Pray the hotel isn't booked because if it's not available, be prepared to change your plans or make necessary arrangements. The hotel isn't going to do anything and IHG won't do anything because you're an employee. Any problems you encounter at a hotel you're staying is oh well. Don't even bother contacting IHG.