IC Ambassador worth it?

[Cruiser Elite]

No, Platinum Elite is not a status at ICs, only Ambassador and Royal Ambasador

Well if it's not status what is it?

 

[markis10]

Well if it's not status what is it?

It's nothing as far as ICs are concerned, although with the points changes you do get extra points now but no real benefits. ICs are separate from the other chains and had their own loyalty program (6 continents) which was merged, the lack of recognition is a legacy of that.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Way too complicated for me - so if I am going to spend say 20+ nts a year in IC in NKG I should take out Ambassador?

 

[markis10]

Way too complicated for me - so if I am going to spend say 20+ nts a year in IC in NKG I should take out Ambassador?

Absolutely.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Absolutely.

So if I purchase Ambassador and then get Lounge access does that mean I no longer have to out in NKG with TheEmu every night I am there and have him send me home in a drunken stupor at about 3am night after night?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

So if I purchase Ambassador and then get Lounge access

Purchasing Ambassador does not automatically give you club access. Royal Ambassador does give an option of club access or free mini bar IIRC, but you cannot buy RA. It has to be offered to you by IC which they do if they have RA availability and you reach some pre-determined level which has been guessed at, but is not officially defined (as far as I know).

To gain club access as an Ambassador, you usually have to buy a club room, or a room which the ambassador one level upgrade will give you club access.

Also note, the purchase price for Amb decreases in future membership years. My second year dropped to US$150 rather than the first year of US$200 and there are usually point promos attached to renewal (and it seems they vary from member to member). I've no idea (yet) if the third year decreases again......someone else may like to comment on that possibility.

 

[Rick93]

.... and, if you are talking about the Sydney IC, the following applies:

If you want a Club Access room, you book and pay for a Club Room.
There is no upgrade to a Club Access room or suite.
Upon check in, you will be upgraded a minimum of one 'grade' ( this excludes any 'Club' room ).

Eg. Book a King Club City View room, and you will likely wind up with a King Club Eastern View room.

You won't get a suite upgrade ( from my experience there ... )

 

[Deleted member 29185]

.... and, if you are talking about the Sydney IC,
There is no upgrade to a Club Access room or suite.

I beg to differ there. My experiences are that if you book the Harbour Bridge and Opera House suite without club, they'll upgrade you to club as that's the only higher room grade.

 

[markis10]

I beg to differ there. My experiences are that if you book the Harbour Bridge and Opera House suite without club, they'll upgrade you to club as that's the only higher room grade.

If there is no higher room they will charge you the rate of the room below and say you have been upgraded.

 

[doczim]

If there is no higher room they will charge you the rate of the room below and say you have been upgraded.

sneaky buggers. not really what I would call in the spirit of an upgrade. shame on you IC Sydney

 

[Deleted member 29185]

If there is no higher room they will charge you the rate of the room below and say you have been upgraded.

Not in my experience and I've done it a few times.

 

[Hawkeye]

I beg to differ there. My experiences are that if you book the Harbour Bridge and Opera House suite without club, they'll upgrade you to club as that's the only higher room grade.

I've been upgraded to the Australia Suite before having booked the Opera House Suite. One of the largest suites I've had the pleasure of staying in.

 

[markis10]

Not in my experience and I've done it a few times.

Have you done it since club rooms ceased to exist as a bookable categoty?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Have you done it since club rooms ceased to exist as a bookable categoty?

OK, you got me there. When did that happen and why? I see they still advertise club suites and I do have a suite booked for Jan where they have told me I'll be given club access, but if not then they're going to miss out on my cash.

More info, after me suddenly seeing red following the info from markis10, I phoned and my 3 nite booking has been upgraded to club from deluxe harbour suite. Apparently, the change did not go down well with the punters and they're changing back.....business as usual.

 

[markis10]

Apparently, the change did not go down well with the punters and they're changing back.....business as usual.

Hooray, was hoping it would not be something that would spread.

 

[woodborer]

Purchasing Ambassador does not automatically give you club access. Royal Ambassador does give an option of club access or free mini bar IIRC, but you cannot buy RA. It has to be offered to you by IC which they do if they have RA availability and you reach some pre-determined level which has been guessed at, but is not officially defined (as far as I know).

While it is invitation only, the do publish a basic set of criteria: member-terms | IHG

Royal Ambassador Criteria: Royal Ambassador status is by invitation only. To qualify for invitation to Royal Ambassador status, an Ambassador member must: During their membership year, stay at least 60 qualifying nights in any IHG® properties including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, HUALUXE™, EVEN™ Hotels, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. At least 20 of these qualifying nights must be at InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts properties. The member must also stay at 3 or more different InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts properties. SCH reserves the right to change these criteria at any time and without prior notification.

 

[kpc]

Do you get Ambassador benefits on award stays? Also, if I join today, would my account be updated in time for an IC stay this coming Sat (3 days time)?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Timely post kpc - I will be staying IC in NKG next week - hold Plat Elite thanks to overhang of Cent - always book basic room - sometimes they give Club access - sometimes not - most confusing system I have ever come across.

 

[markis10]

Do you get Ambassador benefits on award stays? Also, if I join today, would my account be updated in time for an IC stay this coming Sat (3 days time)?

Some apply such as late checkout but others at the hotels discretion, ask at check in and sign up then, many have reported favourable attention this way.

 

[kpc]

Some apply such as late checkout but others at the hotels discretion, ask at check in and sign up then, many have reported favourable attention this way.

Thanks markis10....staying at IC Mel on Sat night (AFF8 )...are you saying I can join up as Ambassador upon checkin and then receive Ambassador benefits (this will be a paid stay)?...have some award IC stays next year so hoping having Ambassador status maybe of some use....