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In case you’re unfamiliar with IHG and how its bifurcated program works I’ll do a quick refresher. IHG operates two concurrent programs: IHG Rewards Club and Ambassador. IHG Rewards Select has varying tiers and its IHG Rewards Select points that you redeem or earn whenever you stay at any of IHG’s propertires. IHG’s Ambassador program is geared specifically towards their Intercontinental Brand, and you pay to participate. The program guarantees a certain group of benefits that, in my experience, have significantly outweighed the cost of joining year after year. Those benefits are changing in early 2019.
Here’s what the program currently offers:
- Joining costs either $200 or 40k points
- Guaranteed upgrade upon arrival
- Usually the upgrade shows on the account prior to arrival
- Complimentary Weekend Night
- must be booked via their site
- Enjoy a 4 pm late check out
- Choice of refreshments on arrival, in-room welcome gift, and mineral water.
- Additionally, you will receive one complimentary pay TV film per stay.
Here’s the new stuff
What’s going away:
- Pay per view movie
- Fruit plate only given in Greater China for Platinum and Spire Elites
What’s coming to
- Comped Platinum Status
- $20 bar or restaurant credit per room
- E-Delivered Free Weekend Night
- This is overdue and greatly appreciated.
- Extra benefits in China
- One Breakfast for each night you stay
- 15% discount on bar and restaurant purchases
Overall:
I like the changes personally. I never really ate the fruit plate or used the pay per view movie, but adding in a free breakfast ( odd that it’s only one, but one is more than one ), the $20 credit is nice, and finally the E-cert is being updated.
I’ll continue to renew my Ambassador membership so long as I can continue to extract more value than what I pay. Renewals for me have consistently offered 15k bonus points and 10% off all Intercontinental redemptions. Add in a free weekend night certificate and I’m happy as a clam to pay $200 a year to participate.
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So the free breakfast for one person is only in mainline China? That’s strange.
I have Platinum because of the IHG credit card so the Platinum status means nothing to me. I would prefer free breakfast for two at all Intercontinental hotels though.