IC Ambassador Upgrades

[Love2travel]

Hi everyone.

I have recently signed up for the IC Ambassador program for USD$200 on the advice of posters at the trip advisor forum.

I will be going on a 2 week holiday to French Polynesia with my partner in August and via my travel agent, I have booked into the IC Tahiti in Papatee, IC Moorea and the IC Thalasso in Bora Bora.

I'm hoping that some AFF members can advise of their success in receiving the complimentary room upgrade as per the benefits of the IC Ambassador programs.

Thanks in advance!

 

[markis10]

The upgrades are guaranteed and are a one level upgrade, so long as you are on a paid stay.

 

[Love2travel]

Thanks markis10. Should all work out and I get upgraded during my stay, an upgrade for one night in Bora Bora alone would equal the cost of the IC Ambassador membership alone.

 

[markis10]

Thanks markis10. Should all work out and I get upgraded during my stay, an upgrade for one night in Bora Bora alone would equal the cost of the IC Ambassador membership alone.

Its a good place to use points if you have any, especially if it's in conjunction with a paid stay .

 

[Love2travel]

Its a good place to use points if you have any, especially if it's in conjunction with a paid stay .

The IC Thalasso sounds like it's the best place to use the BOGO in terms of value. I won't be using my BOGO there though on this trip. Might check out IC Fiji for a short getaway though

 

[timi2fly]

FYI - I had problems getting the 'automatic upgrade' when I booked using the Intercontinental Family & Friends rate. I couldn't find any list of exclusions when I signed up or checked again, however it took a discussion with the IC Manager for the upgrade to occur. Despite this, they said that it still doesn't apply to the F&F rate, and the upgrade was a once-off.

I have been meaning to take this up with the Ambassador's Club since I finished that stay, as it left me a little less-than-impressed.

Has anyone else had this experience or anything similar?

 

[markis10]

FYI - I had problems getting the 'automatic upgrade' when I booked using the Intercontinental Family & Friends rate. I couldn't find any list of exclusions when I signed up or checked again, however it took a discussion with the IC Manager for the upgrade to occur. Despite this, they said that it still doesn't apply to the F&F rate, and the upgrade was a once-off.

I have been meaning to take this up with the Ambassador's Club since I finished that stay, as it left me a little less-than-impressed.

Has anyone else had this experience or anything similar?

There are issues with the IC in Syd not honouring the AMB benefits as part of a Priority Privilege BOGO stay, I have lodged a deceptive and misleading conduct complaint with the ACCC as a result.

 

[Love2travel]

FYI - I had problems getting the 'automatic upgrade' when I booked using the Intercontinental Family & Friends rate. I couldn't find any list of exclusions when I signed up or checked again, however it took a discussion with the IC Manager for the upgrade to occur. Despite this, they said that it still doesn't apply to the F&F rate, and the upgrade was a once-off.

I have been meaning to take this up with the Ambassador's Club since I finished that stay, as it left me a little less-than-impressed.

Has anyone else had this experience or anything similar?

I had read on another forum, it may have been FT, regarding no room upgrade given when using points break i think and IC Ambassador at the IC Thalasso in Bora Bora. I believe that you are unable to book an over water bungalow at the Thalasso on points break.

 

[Danger]

There are issues with the IC in Syd not honouring the AMB benefits as part of a Priority Privilege BOGO stay, I have lodged a deceptive and misleading conduct complaint with the ACCC as a result.

Did you have any success with this?

 

[fall502]

Did you have any success with this?

I was contemplating doing the same and am interested in how you went.

 

[markis10]

Still a WIP, the wheels turn slowly, given it now takes 5 months for ASIC to reregister businesses. I am not expecting any quicker action from the ACCC.

 

[fall502]

Thanks for the update markis10

 

[Sprucegoose]

I had read on another forum, it may have been FT, regarding no room upgrade given when using points break i think and IC Ambassador at the IC Thalasso in Bora Bora. I believe that you are unable to book an over water bungalow at the Thalasso on points break.

Thats why I don't go there.....

 

[Austman]

Well the matter with SYD IC using PP BOGOs is settled - they give Ambassador upgrades on that rate now.

But what about Friends & Family rates at ICs in general? I can't see anything in the IHG T&Cs that excludes the rate from Ambassador upgrades. All the T&Cs say is that Friends & Family rates are not points earning and that Reward Night stays will not get an Ambassador upgrade.

 

[Pushka]

IC Ambassador Upgarades

We purchased a club Exec room in Bali Intercontinental and were upgraded to a Club duplex (lovely). Received a fruit basket every day and a box of chocolates. A club Exec room in Singapore was upgraded to a Shop House room. Again very nice. A fruit basket and gift of a ceremonial spoon.

Future: Booked an Exec Club room in Istanbul and automatically upgraded to a River front view (we had booked a city view)

Booked an Exec Club room in Dubai and waiting to see what happens there. I'll follow up with an email in the next couple of months.

All were paid for bookings.

Yegads. An old thread.

 

[Austman]

All were paid for bookings.
Yegads. An old thread.

Thanks but your info is only relevant (for posts #6 and #14) if the "paid for bookings" were at the Friends & Family rate.

Yes, an old thread but still it seems to be an unresolved issue.

 

[Pushka]

Thanks but your info is only relevant (for posts #6 and #14) if the "paid for bookings" were at the Friends & Family rate. Yes, an old thread but still it seems to be an unresolved issue.

I was answering the OP though. No mention of Friends and Family.

 

[Austman]

I was answering the OP though. No mention of Friends and Family.

But that's the issue really. You always get the Ambassador "guaranteed" upgrade on a "normal" paid rate. The issue is that some paid rates might not get it. So saying : I had "paid for bookings" needs to also say at what rate.

The Friends and Family rate seems not to always get the "guaranteed" upgrade.

 

[Pushka]

I've never heard of the Family rate. So didn't think to mention it. . And neither did the OP so.....

 

[Austman]

I've never heard of the Family rate. So didn't think to mention it. . And neither did the OP so.....

Friends and Family rate. And important to know if you book that rate (and others rates!) if you want Ambassador benefits!

The OP didn't specifically mention rates either - except that a travel agent booked it. The rate turns out to very important for the issue. There has been some mention that TA rates don't get upgrades either.

And by post #6 the subject of this thread had become: What rates might not get the guaranteed Ambassador upgrade?