2019 Ambassador changes

[eric2011]

I have just received my offer to renew. They list no changes, the offer is the same as last year. When I go to the site they state the change will br made early 2019. How early - Jan, Feb March. ?

I thought I read somewhere that it happens in April, can't remember if it was at the start or end of April

 

[jasonfungsing]

Just had a chat with IHG, this is what I got:

Thanks for sending a message to IHGService and for being an IHG Rewards Club Ambassador!
As per the most recent update we received, these handpicked benefits will be effective March 1, 2019.

 

[JFi]

The new T&Cs are out. Effective now for Royal Ambassadors and Ambassadors from March 1.

Still no idea about that complimentary breakfast in Greater China as it makes no mention of that unless I need glasses...
Also that "fruit, sweet or savory snack on day of arrival" benefit is now Royal Ambassadors only whereas Ambassadors used to get it too. Bit ridiculous for something that doesn't / shouldn't cost much. As least they kept the single-room rate for double occupancy which wasn't mentioned in earlier materials.

As an Ambassador, with potential upgrades not granting lounge access like Hilton, I would rather them not being able to upgrade me and give me 50USD or 10,000 points. Maybe they can't give me 4pm checkout either and I can get 100USD or 20,000 points? lol

 

[jasonfungsing]

Looks like the website updated

InterContinental Ambassador Programme

Platinum Elite, weekend certificate receive instantly, welcome kit still take 6 to 8 weeks to arrive.

 

[laf2er]

Just spent 3 nights at IC in Jinan, China as an IC AMB, booked basic room, both mine and another IC AMB had our rooms upgraded as well as receiving lounge access and breakfast for all 4 guests. Had 2 nights at IC Qingdao, China straight after and got a view upgrade as well as breakfast, no lounge access. IC Jinan had their own card of benefits for IC AMB which stated lounge access.

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

To clarify, are you a Royal Ambassador? The T's and C's suggest in China just 1 Breakfast (i.e. 1 Adult) would get it and no lounge access just room upgrade and a 120RMB dining credit ... sounds like they give you the 'royal' treatment?

Just spent 3 nights at IC in Jinan, China as an IC AMB, booked basic room, both mine and another IC AMB had our rooms upgraded as well as receiving lounge access and breakfast for all 4 guests. Had 2 nights at IC Qingdao, China straight after and got a view upgrade as well as breakfast, no lounge access. IC Jinan had their own card of benefits for IC AMB which stated lounge access.

 

[laf2er]

To clarify, are you a Royal Ambassador? The T's and C's suggest in China just 1 Breakfast (i.e. 1 Adult) would get it and no lounge access just room upgrade and a 120RMB dining credit ... sounds like they give you the 'royal' treatment?

Just regular Ambassador. Jinan just appeared to have their own rules.

 

[Rick93]

Can someone please advise .....

What happens if you don't renew by your nominated expiry ?

Do you lose all your accumulated points ?

If you have no travel plans, can you rejoin later ?

 

[andye]

Can someone please advise .....

What happens if you don't renew by your nominated expiry ?

Do you lose all your accumulated points ?
The join and renewal fee are both USD200

If you have no travel plans, can you rejoin later ?

The points all stay in your IHG account
The join and renewal fee are both USD200
The free night certificate is now sent quickly and electronically rather than by post with a significant delay.
I'm not aware of a disadvantage to delaying renewal if that suits travel plans

 

[Rick93]

But if you rejoin later by USD 200 ....

Do you still get the 10% rebate on Reward nights and the 15k in points ?

 

[andye]

But if you rejoin later by USD 200 ....

Do you still get the 10% rebate on Reward nights and the 15k in points ?

Good question
I can't find anything in the T&Cs about those benefits (and I had assumed they had been enhanced away) but this article seems to say they exist

IHG Rewards Club Discontinues All Other Ambassador Renewal Options Except $200?

Has IHG discontinued all other InterContinental Ambassador renewal options except the $200 one?

loyaltylobby.com

The points and discount would be an advantage for most people but would need to confirm and check individual travel plans/expected redemptions

 

[Rick93]

Ummm, well my Renewal date is 30th. April .... and it still offers me the 40k in points Renewal.

Mmmm. Can these USA-based articles be trusted ?

Does IHG have too many 'deals' running around the world concurrently ?

 

[Rick93]

Just read full article .... which does explain the current offers.

 

[Fifa]

But if you rejoin later by USD 200 ....

Do you still get the 10% rebate on Reward nights and the 15k in points ?

I renewed before my due date and received the 15,000 bonus points plus 10% back on award stays as well as retaining Spire Elite despite having few stays in 2018.

After much procrastination I decided to renew my +1’s Ambassador membership after it expired. He did not receive the bonuses but did maintain Spire Elite for another year so a part win

 

[Jacques Vert]

I renewed before my due date and received the 15,000 bonus points plus 10% back on award stays as well as retaining Spire Elite despite having few stays in 2018.

Presumably you renewed with cash? My understanding is that if you renew using points you no longer get the 15k bonus points certificate.

 

[Fifa]

Presumably you renewed with cash? My understanding is that if you renew using points you no longer get the 15k bonus points certificate.

Yes both accounts renewed with cash - US$200 each

 

[Rick93]

So, does it seem, that if I DO NOT renew by my expiry ........

I WILL NOT receive the 15k in points, nor the 12 months of 10% Rewards rebates. Even if I REJOIN by paying the USD 200. a day past current expiry .......

Mmmmm. I will have to strongly consider this. Thanks for opinions thus far .....

 

[Rick93]

The new T&Cs are out. Effective now for Royal Ambassadors and Ambassadors from March 1.

Still no idea about that complimentary breakfast in Greater China as it makes no mention of that unless I need glasses...
Also that "fruit, sweet or savory snack on day of arrival" benefit is now Royal Ambassadors only whereas Ambassadors used to get it too. Bit ridiculous for something that doesn't / shouldn't cost much. As least they kept the single-room rate for double occupancy which wasn't mentioned in earlier materials.

As an Ambassador, with potential upgrades not granting lounge access like Hilton, I would rather them not being able to upgrade me and give me 50USD or 10,000 points. Maybe they can't give me 4pm checkout either and I can get 100USD or 20,000 points? lol

In trying to find an answer to my previous questions, I came across the following, in the Ambassador Q&A section ….

' As an Intercontinental Ambassador, will I receive the same benefits at all properties within the Intercontinental Hotels Group ( IHG ) family of brands ? '

" Ambassador benefits only apply at Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts. However, your IHG Rewards Club benefits apply to the entire family of IHG brands ".

So, the information that IHG supply in their own Q&A section on Ambassador benefits DOES NOT mention anything about 'selected' properties ( nor any specific property or series of properties, in China for example ), regarding the 'benefit' of comp. breakfast.

The way I read it, all IHG IC properties are rated as 'equal' …..

 

[Rick93]

Renewed with 2.75 hours to go ( expiry date ).

Paid the USD200.

Got the 15k in points credited immediately, but the eCert. for Weekend Night isn't obvious. Needs to be found somewhere ?

 

[Andz]

Booked a duplex studio room complimentary weekend cert at Robertson Quay, got 2 tier upgrade to club studio, paid for club lounge access and got S$30 FNB credit.