IHG® Dining Rewards program replacing Priority Privilege from 1st July 2014

[woodborer]

August 1 looks to be the date:

Important Note: Members can begin using their benefits at participating hotels in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Vanuatu on 1 August 2014.

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

They have started 'call-downs' on existing PP accounts (I expire in 4 weeks). Got one today from Queensland phone #

 

[OzEire]

I got a call on Friday to ask if I wanted to sign up for the programme... Offered a one-level status upgrade if I accepted the special phone offer.

So my question was, is there a level above Platinum ?

Their answer, errr sorry, that 'benefit' is not available to Plat members.



OzEire

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I got a call on Friday to ask if I wanted to sign up for the programme... Offered a one-level status upgrade if I accepted the special phone offer.

So my question was, is there a level above Platinum ?

Their answer, errr sorry, that 'benefit' is not available to Plat members.



OzEire

I wonder if they're using the same telemarketers? :shock:

Apart from it being a stupid comment to make to a platinum member, it's also a standard advertised benefit to everyone!

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

They are using an old telemarketing # that has been recyclyed across many companies: 0390385700

The fella who called me accidentally hung up on me and never called back (a good thing?) ...they didn't sound like they knew what they were doing i.e. not well versed in IHG Rewards

The guy said he could take my order/subscription over the phone with him there and then but I decided to wait. He didn't seem to realize the website was not accepting subscriptions yet.

 

[james1]

So I guess that Ambassador buys you gold and then IHG Dining Rewards gets you to Platinum? Personally I will save a lot of $ keeping Plat in IHG under this new scheme. Makes you wonder why they bothered with the whole shake up of qualifying and non qualifying points a year or two ago.

 

[markis10]

So I guess that Ambassador buys you gold and then IHG Dining Rewards gets you to Platinum? Personally I will save a lot of $ keeping Plat in IHG under this new scheme. Makes you wonder why they bothered with the whole shake up of qualifying and non qualifying points a year or two ago.

Its a reflection of programs turning to spend rather than stay for status, not that Platinum is packed with the goodness other programs offer. And lately, I am finding almost every stay requires a call to the call centre to get it to credit, mind you that can work in your favor with back to back stays......

 

[james1]

Its a reflection of programs turning to spend rather than stay for status, not that Platinum is packed with the goodness other programs offer.

Yes it is pretty basic. I probably get an upgrade on two-thirds of my stays but the welcome amenity either at check in or in-room have become rare creatures over time. Never been knocked back though for the 2pm checkout which has always been useful.

In reference to the other thread re: the HI Potts Point, my upgrade rate for dozens of stays there would be 100%.

 

[Mantaray]

Whereas before there were multiple avenues to extract value from this program it seems they've closed most of those avenues.

Obviously it remains to be seen exactly what the offer will be - I can't see myself transitioning to the new program given the apparent reduction in value for "almost the same price" err I mean "only a slight increase".

Sounds like your standard program enhancement.

Hold the phone...

An upfront Free Night certificate that can be used globally and doesn't require any other spend, no questions asked is a pretty good benefit. You get close to your money back with this benefit alone, especially if you choose an InterCon or Crowne Plaza.

Whereas with PP you have to pay the membership THEN pay a night upfront BEFORE you get your second night, with a BOGO. So more upfront cost to get the same benefit. And the BOGO only works in Australasia, not globally.

Agree some of the vouchers seem to have fallen off but my view is that the overall value washes out pretty similar to PP, if not better than PP (in my eyes). Ongoing 25% off beverage (no beverage discount with PP) is great too. Will make it more appealing to drop in to my local IC for drinks.

I for one will be converting over to the new program once my PP membership expires. Will need to book another trip to IC Fiji...

 

[Kea 02]

Hold the phone...

An upfront Free Night certificate that can be used globally and doesn't require any other spend, no questions asked is a pretty good benefit. You get close to your money back with this benefit alone, especially if you choose an InterCon or Crowne Plaza.

Whereas with PP you have to pay the membership THEN pay a night upfront BEFORE you get your second night, with a BOGO. So more upfront cost to get the same benefit. And the BOGO only works in Australasia, not globally.

Agree some of the vouchers seem to have fallen off but my view is that the overall value washes out pretty similar to PP, if not better than PP (in my eyes). Ongoing 25% off beverage (no beverage discount with PP) is great too. Will make it more appealing to drop in to my local IC for drinks.

I for one will be converting over to the new program once my PP membership expires. Will need to book another trip to IC Fiji...

Hi Mantaray
You have some valid points, about the new Ihg Dining Rewards program. However I believe
what most will miss, is PP 2 for 1 Bogos, as they could be used numerous times.

 

[plugster2011]

Hold the phone...

An upfront Free Night certificate that can be used globally and doesn't require any other spend, no questions asked is a pretty good benefit. You get close to your money back with this benefit alone, especially if you choose an InterCon or Crowne Plaza.

Whereas with PP you have to pay the membership THEN pay a night upfront BEFORE you get your second night, with a BOGO. So more upfront cost to get the same benefit. And the BOGO only works in Australasia, not globally.

Agree some of the vouchers seem to have fallen off but my view is that the overall value washes out pretty similar to PP, if not better than PP (in my eyes). Ongoing 25% off beverage (no beverage discount with PP) is great too. Will make it more appealing to drop in to my local IC for drinks.

I for one will be converting over to the new program once my PP membership expires. Will need to book another trip to IC Fiji...

If you feel you are able to extract value from the program then that's great.

I still am not clear on the precise inclusions of the new program.

This year to date I have conservatively saved in excess of $2000 dollars using the newsletter offers. Money that I would of spent if not for the program. And I still have 1 of my 25% vouchers and both of my BOGOs.

Having to book a night up front to use a BOGO isn't an issue for me.

Anyway my PP runs until April 15 so hopefully by then some of the evidence will be in on whether the program is worth it. I still have my doubts.

 

[JB2000]

This year to date I have conservatively saved in excess of $2000 dollars using the newsletter offers. Money that I would of spent if not for the program. And I still have 1 of my 25% vouchers and both of my BOGOs.

Having to book a night up front to use a BOGO isn't an issue for me.

The PP hotel offers have meant great savings for me as well. I got a call last night about my membership, expiring August, they told me hotel offers would keep getting offered to members. I took a look at the website, the 25% discount on food & alcohol is appealing given I can now entertain clients at the InterCon in Sydney.

Has anyone purchased and used yet?

 

[Rick93]

Current PP Newsletter is for July / August ...

Interestingly, I found ( via 'dummy' booking ), that the same ( some ) 'benefits' are available for September too !

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

Just checking in with the board members - has anyone signed up for the 'new' Dining Rewards scheme yet (Australia). Rereading the T's and C's and checking the price to remind myself of the +ve's and -ve's and interested to know if anyone has taken the plunge. Only 11 days left on my PP card.

 

[Rick93]

PP website gone ??

 

[Fifa]

PP website gone ??

I hope not - I have been trying to make some bookings tonight but nada .
And I thought it was just me!

 

[Rick93]

Tried a few different links - nothing - all gone !

So, where's the replacement program ?

Is the new program up and running yet ?

What's the update for those who's PP Membership runs well into 2015 ?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

What's the update for those who's PP Membership runs well into 2015 ?

IE......me!

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

If you need the codes thus blog post covers it. Just get a search result on the main IHG site and then in the URL replace the code 6BARC with the code you need from the post...

Priority Privilege Guide - large discounts at IHG hotels - Point Hacks

 

[Rick93]

Actually, just found the PP site back up ...

As there was at least one other person who also noted it 'down', there must have been a techo issue, but all fixed now ...