Ambassador

[kermatu]

Hi kermatu - comp lounge access is rare, but does happen on occasion, depending on property and which room you have booked. Never guaranteed though. Best Ambassador benefits for me are knowing that at least one level upgrade will be applied, as this is not a guarantee with status alone at others, and the late checkout to 4PM, which I use just about all the time. Weekend night cert (BOGO) has been handy in a few more expensive cities, as well. I paid and renew using IHG points, which I find to be pretty good value, for the purpose.

Cheers,
Matt.

Thanks Matt. Lounge/club access is the most valuable benefit to me. I would still pay for a club room in this case - so upgrade and late check-out somewhat less valuable in my scenarios.

As always, quick helpful answers on this site. Much appreciated.

 

[Radio8tiv]

Looking at going to the IC in Singapore, and just before I booked it noticed the AMB program.
A quick calculation of the benefits and for me it looks like value for money even on my 3night stay, however not sure if my maths is correct, so just asking for some clarification before I join the program.

1. The room upgrade is guaranteed, so I just need to book one level down from the room I desire? And will this also give me all the upgraded room perks i.e. lounge access, limo service
2. The weekend certificate needs to be used on the AMB weekend rate, is that the same as the member rates? As I am not a member yet I don't know what the rate is, if the AMB rate is a lot higher it won't be worth it.

 

[SIA1A]

I just need to book one level down from the room I desire?

Correct.

And will this also give me all the upgraded room perks i.e. lounge access, limo service

No. It will give you a room that’s one level better than what you book. You will get the standard Ambassador perks such as late checkout and a gift (eg a bottle of wine or a fruit basket). You will NOT get lounge access or limo. Lounge access is usually an option on the IHG reservations site and carries a higher daily fee. Look for “Club” or similar cues in the room title then carefully check the inclusions. Club access is not an Ambassador inclusion. Likewise, limo is not part of the Ambassador program. Look carefully at the Ambassador program description on the IHG website - if the perks you want are not specifically mentioned, you won’t get them.

One perk you do get is that you earn points at IHG hotels at the Platinum rate, so your earn rate is 150% of the regular rate. Good if you regularly stay at IHG hotels. But there’s a catch. In general, points can’t be used to book superior rooms such as rooms with Club access.

The weekend certificate needs to be used on the AMB weekend rate, is that the same as the member rates? As I am not a member yet I don't know what the rate is, if the AMB rate is a lot higher it won't be worth it.

The AMB weekend rate is typically the same as the “Best Available” Member rate, which is higher than discounted rates such as advance purchase. You will be charged for the first night and your second night will be free. Carefully check the daily rate for each night. If Friday is more expensive than Sat, you will pay the higher rate (ie first night). If you stay Sat+Sun and Sun is more expensive than Sat, you will pay the lower rate if Sat is your first night.

Take good care of the free weekend night certificate that you will receive by snail mail after you join Ambassador. You must surrender it at the hotel when you decide to use it. Note too that IHG can take up to two months to mail the certificate to you - so if you are travelling within the next 2 months you probably won’t receive it in time to use in Singapore.

That all said, the free weekend night is most valuable, obviously, if you use it at an expensive hotel such as Sydney (where Club rates are around $500 per night). I think Singapore is up there with Sydney on the price front. It’s not as attractive in cheaper IHGs such as in Melbourne or Adelaide.

 

[Radio8tiv]

No. It will give you a room that’s one level better than what you book. You will get the standard Ambassador perks such as late checkout and a gift (eg a bottle of wine or a fruit basket). You will NOT get lounge access or limo. Lounge access is usually an option on the IHG reservations site and carries a higher daily fee. Look for “Club” or similar cues in the room title then carefully check the inclusions. Club access is not an Ambassador inclusion. Likewise, limo is not part of the Ambassador program. Look carefully at the Ambassador program description on the IHG website - if the perks you want are not specifically mentioned, you won’t get them.

Thanks for the quick reply, I was looking at booking a suite (premier) and upgrading to a better suite (executive) which had limo service included as part of the room perk, looks like I may need to book the better suite (executive) and get the upgrade to an even better room (royal) if I want the limo service. All suites come with club access so no problems there.

The AMB weekend rate is typically the same as the “Best Available” Member rate, which is higher than discounted rates such as advance purchase. You will be charged for the first night and your second night will be free. Carefully check the daily rate for each night. If Friday is more expensive than Sat, you will pay the higher rate (ie first night). If you stay Sat+Sun and Sun is more expensive than Sat, you will pay the lower rate if Sat is your first night.

That all said, the free weekend night is most valuable, obviously, if you use it at an expensive hotel such as Sydney (where Club rates are around $500 per night). I think Singapore is up there with Sydney on the price front. It’s not as attractive in cheaper IHGs such as in Melbourne or Adelaide.

Looks like this will work out nicely then, with suites well over $600 sgd per night, doing a Fri-Mon stay.
This will be for mid Feb 2019 so the timing will work, however I start this trip mid Jan so hopefully it gets here on time.

My understanding is that I can book the suite on the AMB rate as soon as I become an ambassador member, however in order to get the free night I have to bring the certificate with me.

 

[Carrots]

Did anyone receive an email from IHG yesterday promoting them to join the Ambassador program?

Received the email with some sign on benefits noted (15k points from memory) however link didn't work.

Not sure if it was targeted as recently hit Platinum or just generic.

 

[SIA1A]

My understanding is that I can book the suite on the AMB rate as soon as I become an ambassador member, however in order to get the free night I have to bring the certificate with me.

Yes, that’s correct. You do this at intercontinental.com/ambweekend, where you need to log on using your IHG Rewards credentials. I’m not sure whether you can see the free weekend rates before you enrol for Ambassador. I’ve been an Ambassador for way too long!

Intercontinental Singapore is quite a good hotel but, as is typical in S’pore, it’s crammed between other buildings. Club rooms at Intercontinental’s Jimbaran Bay resort, Bali, are superb with massive Club lounge that operates 24/7 and impeccable service. A free weekend night there is icing on the cake!

 

[kermatu]

Yes, that’s correct. You do this at intercontinental.com/ambweekend, where you need to log on using your IHG Rewards credentials. I’m not sure whether you can see the free weekend rates before you enrol for Ambassador. I’ve been an Ambassador for way too long!

Intercontinental Singapore is quite a good hotel but, as is typical in S’pore, it’s crammed between other buildings. Club rooms at Intercontinental’s Jimbaran Bay resort, Bali, are superb with massive Club lounge that operates 24/7 and impeccable service. A free weekend night there is icing on the cake!

Great info in this thread. Thanks for sharing.