Gold Elite with Priority Club - not happy Velocity

[chooms]

Not happy Velocity....

Ok, I got status match DJSG last year (along with everyone else) but when travelling, I wasn't staying too much with IHG hotels (mainly GHA, which I am WP).

Last month, work changed to shift more business IHG's way which meant resurrecting my Priority Club membership.

One of the advantages of DJ's SG membership is complimentary Gold Elite status with IHG's Priority Club which is going to be very beneficial to me over the next year or so.

So, I filled out my details thinking it was all awesome and how good Velocity was (even to the extent of possibly starting to fly on their metal a bit more). This was on the 20th of August.

Got my email confirmation and it said to contact Velocity if I had not heard anything from IHG in 20 days (which I did at about the 19 day mark and was told to ring back at 30 days).

Today, some 30 days later, I was notified I had been downgraded from Gold Velocity to Silver Velocity and according to the Velocity call centre, I am now not entitled to the IHG benefit.

This would be true if I had not signed up while I was still a Velocity Gold Member.

I had a lengthy conversation with the call centre (they kept thinking I wanted Velocity Gold comped!) but finally, they asked me to send off an email with my confirmation to see what they can do.

Surely, with record keeping and databases in membership programmes they would be able to see I was a SG and entitled to this benefit while I was a member.

Will wait to see if they keep to their word and update on progress as it happens.

 

[straitman]

It is distinctly possible that a fair percentage of the problem lies with Priority Club as well as with Velocity. They both seem to have their issues but I find Velocity easier to deal with than Priority Club.

 

[froggerADL]

May I suggest that you just pay the $50 for IHG Gold if it means that much to you. I'm not sure why it would mean anything to anyone but maybe that's just me. Of course, Hilton Gold is an entirely different proposition, but you can't buy that for fifty bucks.

 

[Hvr]

May I suggest that you just pay the $50 for IHG Gold if it means that much to you. I'm not sure why it would mean anything to anyone but maybe that's just me. Of course, Hilton Gold is an entirely different proposition, but you can't buy that for fifty bucks.

froggerADL is right, IHG Gold is fairly useless. I had it for a couple of years and once the points re finished it will be forgotten. Hilton Gold (and especially Diamond) on the other hand is actually worth something and the benefits are tangible.

 

[boylero]

damn I chos PC plat, sounds like I should have went HH plat

 

[AaronBradford]

I had issues when signing up for PC Gold Elite. Had to really push their team. Tried calling, but line quality was cough in their call centre. Tried DMing them on Twitter and got responses, but no action. Messaged them on Facebook and the issue was resolved about 40 days after opting in. Was not terribly impressed, I think the issue here is with PC and not Velocity. Should have opted in sooner, IMHO.

 

[Comoman]

Yes I went with PC and not Hilton. Big mistake. 1 year later still haven't got my card.

I wonder when my Plat is renewed I can change to Hilton?

 

[straitman]

Yes I went with PC and not Hilton. Big mistake. 1 year later still haven't got my card.

I wonder when my Plat is renewed I can change to Hilton?

You don't need the card but if you really want one then log in to your PC account and order one online.

Re swapping to Hilton I doubt there will be a second bite available so soon.

 

[chooms]

Time for an update, got this email from Velocity Gold last Wednesday:

Membership Number: xx_xx_xx_

Dear Mr Chooms

Thank you for your recent correspondence in regard to your Velocity membership as we appreciate the time taken to make us aware of your comments.

In the event of a member being downgraded or upgraded to a different membership level within the period of Complimentary Partner membership or Complimentary membership, Velocity members shall retain their Complimentary Partner membership or Complimentary membership with the Program Partner until the Complimentary Partner membership or Complimentary membership expires.
We are currently following up your request and we will contact you as soon as possible regarding your Complimentary IHG Membership.

Should you have any further enquiries regarding your Membership, feel free to contact us at this email address, or call the Membership Contact Centre on the telephone numbers below.


Yours sincerely


Velocity Frequent Flyer

Looking OK so far...

RE Hilton, I did consider it but I don't really get much of a say in where I get put up for the night. That being said, I really like the Sydney Intercontinental (so much as I prefer it over the Sydney Hilton with great views to boot!).

 

[Ewing]

RE Hilton, I did consider it but I don't really get much of a say in where I get put up for the night. That being said, I really like the Sydney Intercontinental (so much as I prefer it over the Sydney Hilton with great views to boot!).

But remember, while you can earn Priority Club points at InterContinental, your Gold status means absolutely nothing. You need Ambassador for that, and the entry level Ambassador includes PC Gold anyway.

 

[whatmeworry]

PC Gold Elite is not worth it. To be honest you can achieve PC Gold Elite with the right bonus codes with a 2 or 3 night stay at a IHG property. Also if you have status with another program like Hilton Honours. you could probably just write a letter/email to PC and you would probably get comped a status match with PC.