1st IHG stay - some queries

[dairyfloss]

Hi Matt, what about some of the other Ambassador perks - the $20USD bar credit - is that only for staying in Intercontinental branded properties too? Or if it's a property that you can book on the IHG website it's safe to assume that's it available to use at the hotel in question? This IHG rewards programme is so confusing with the chopping and changing of privileges between the different chains under their umbrella!

Yes - as a general rule, anything which is published for the Ambassador program is for IC hotels only. It’s specifically curated for that brand. During the slower covid period, Regent jumped on for the guaranteed room category upgrade, and you were also able to redeem the IC AMB free weekend night at Kimpton properties, but that all ends in a few weeks on Jan 1.

When you are staying at a Kimpton or other non-IC IHG property, you need to look instead at what IHG Diamond gives you, which is the choice of welcome amenity, including breakfast (best value, unless otherwise included in the rate), plus additional flexibility with check in and check out depending on availability, and extra points. Only the welcome benefit choice (of something) and points are guaranteed.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[italianlover]

Just checked in.

Some successes, some failures.

Early check-in at 11:30.
Guaranteed room upgrade unavailable.
Welcome amenity - 600 points, drink or breakfast (I went with the latter).
The Snuggle is Real - 1000 points or coughtail (I went with the latter).

Slightly off topic but how is the Kimpton Fitzroy London? I hope you are enjoying the hotel it looks impressive in photos. I have booked 4 nights in March, used points so will be a basic room and don’t expect many perks as Platinum Ambassador, but you never know. Thanks for your info.

 

[doctorstrangelove]

Slightly off topic but how is the Kimpton Fitzroy London? I hope you are enjoying the hotel it looks impressive in photos. I have booked 4 nights in March, used points so will be a basic room and don’t expect many perks as Platinum Ambassador, but you never know. Thanks for your info.

The common areas are astonishing - it's quite beautiful. The location is top-notch just being a 5-10 minutes walk from the British Museum and 2 minutes away from the London Underground. I only ate (my complimentary) breakfast there. I went for the Full English option and it was very tasty and filling indeed. The room was a standard size for London (therefore small by most standards!) but it was perfectly acceptable. I had a great night's sleep. Staff were helpful without being overbearing.

I'm not an expert in luxury hotels but from my limited experience I think you've chosen well and I hope you'll enjoy your stay as much as I did mine.

 

[italianlover]

The common areas are astonishing - it's quite beautiful. The location is top-notch just being a 5-10 minutes walk from the British Museum and 2 minutes away from the London Underground. I only ate (my complimentary) breakfast there. I went for the Full English option and it was very tasty and filling indeed. The room was a standard size for London (therefore small by most standards!) but it was perfectly acceptable. I had a great night's sleep. Staff were helpful without being overbearing.

I'm not an expert in luxury hotels but from my limited experience I think you've chosen well and I hope you'll enjoy your stay as much as I did mine.

Thanks so much for this I appreciate your reply and I am really looking forward to staying there now. Enjoy the rest of your trip.