IHG Ambassador Program

[ShrinkWrapped]

I have a question about joining the ambassador club

I'm planning to stay 5 nights at the strings by intercontinental in Tokyo with my mum in two months on a holiday. However their fee structure is rather draconian in the sense that a second person triggers a 7000 yen/night surcharge in all rooms.

I was thinking given that joining ambassador is 200 USD; 5 nights of double occupancy already is 35000 yen or ~ 350USD wouldn't I benefit just my joining for this stay alone since "single room rate for double occupancy" is one of the ambassador benefits. I'm guessing that means if my mum and I stay in the same room we don't have to pay the extra person surcharge?

can anyone clarify this for me before I join please

 

[markis10]

I have a question about joining the ambassador club

I'm planning to stay 5 nights at the strings by intercontinental in Tokyo with my mum in two months on a holiday. However their fee structure is rather draconian in the sense that a second person triggers a 7000 yen/night surcharge in all rooms.

I was thinking given that joining ambassador is 200 USD; 5 nights of double occupancy already is 35000 yen or ~ 350USD wouldn't I benefit just my joining for this stay alone since "single room rate for double occupancy" is one of the ambassador benefits. I'm guessing that means if my mum and I stay in the same room we don't have to pay the extra person surcharge?

can anyone clarify this for me before I join please

Sounds like a no brainer, and may as well book the BOGO for the weekend night should one of those 5 nights qualify

 

[ShrinkWrapped]

thanks

I just wasn't sure if I could bypass that extra person surcharge

I haven't misinterpreted the T&C right?

 

[markis10]

thanks

I just wasn't sure if I could bypass that extra person surcharge

I haven't misinterpreted the T&C right?

Its part of the benefits!

 

[ShrinkWrapped]

hmm so I guess I can jut book online then! If i sign up to ambassador will it automatically drop second person charges when I book? I assume it counts for advance purchase rates too?

 

[markis10]

hmm so I guess I can jut book online then! If i sign up to ambassador will it automatically drop second person charges when I book? I assume it counts for advance purchase rates too?

It takes a while for Ambassador to be processed, suggest upgrade, wait, then once confirmed book, worst case they give you a refund at the hotel.

 

[Ricardo]

I have a question about joining the ambassador club

I'm planning to stay 5 nights at the strings by intercontinental in Tokyo with my mum in two months on a holiday. However their fee structure is rather draconian in the sense that a second person triggers a 7000 yen/night surcharge in all rooms.

I was thinking given that joining ambassador is 200 USD; 5 nights of double occupancy already is 35000 yen or ~ 350USD wouldn't I benefit just my joining for this stay alone since "single room rate for double occupancy" is one of the ambassador benefits. I'm guessing that means if my mum and I stay in the same room we don't have to pay the extra person surcharge?

can anyone clarify this for me before I join please

Not sure that strings Tokyo is a true IC ? Others may be able to confirm.

I had a great stay at the IC Tokyo Bay, which may be an option, it is a little further out but has a great view from the top floor club lounge, and the level of service and facilities were great, I think also the rates were reasonable from memory.

 

[Sprucegoose]

thanks

I just wasn't sure if I could bypass that extra person surcharge

I haven't misinterpreted the T&C right?

I think you could get around it alright through no declaration

 

[Ricardo]

A couple of questions for those in 'the know' RE IHG AMB...

1. Are upgrades granted for PP BOGO stays, and the free weekend night?

2. If I use my PP points to get the membership (32,000) does this mean the following year if I renew I only pay the $150 USD?

3. Do you think 32,000 points is worthwile, given you get 5,000 points on joining the nett would be 27,000 points, or should I just pay the $200 USD?

4. Any general feedback about the program, good or bad, availablity of rooms/benefit etc

Many thanks

R

 

[markis10]

A couple of questions for those in 'the know' RE IHG AMB...

1. Are upgrades granted for PP BOGO stays, and the free weekend night?

2. If I use my PP points to get the membership (32,000) does this mean the following year if I renew I only pay the $150 USD?

3. Do you think 32,000 points is worthwile, given you get 5,000 points on joining the nett would be 27,000 points, or should I just pay the $200 USD?

4. Any general feedback about the program, good or bad, availablity of rooms/benefit etc

Many thanks

R

Upgrades are guaranteed for all but rewards nights, so no issues there. I value 5000 points at $35, so 32000 is about par with the $$.

 

[Ricardo]

Upgrades are guaranteed for all but rewards nights, so no issues there. I value 5000 points at $35, so 32000 is about par with the $$.

Ok thanks Markis, I had a quick read of the T&C info so that was helpful also.

R

 

[bass_ke]

Still trawling the thread bit rather quickly so apologies if its already been covered.


Am I able to book my reward night as soon as I pay for ambassador status or must I wait for membership pack to arrive?

Looking at using it for a Sat and Sun night the the Mel IC

Nate

 

[markis10]

Still trawling the thread bit rather quickly so apologies if its already been covered.


Am I able to book my reward night as soon as I pay for ambassador status or must I wait for membership pack to arrive?

Looking at using it for a Sat and Sun night the the Mel IC

Nate

Once it shows online you should be able to book.

 

[bass_ke]

Excellent smithers!

In your experience is it difficult to find a weekend to use the free night on or is it pretty open?

Also, any idea if it'll count as a stay for the purpose of the Win Big promo? My IC stay will be my 2nd saturday that I need for one bonus and my 3rd IHG brand for another bonus

Thanks!
Nate

 

[markis10]

I have never had an issue with availability within reason, ie I don't look for it over Xmas New Year or major events. And they have always counted as a stay for both nights although I am aware of some who have reported it coming up as non eligible.

 

[bass_ke]

Would you still recommend the Priority Privilege membership? Are the free nights that you get with it as easy to book?

Thanks

 

[markis10]

Would you still recommend the Priority Privilege membership? Are the free nights that you get with it as easy to book?

Thanks

Yes, sometimes availability is not as good but I find I can normally get at least ten free nights a year out of my sub, just put a fake phone number in the application, the renwal telemarketing is the most anti sales effort I have ever encountered.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Yes, sometimes availability is not as good but I find I can normally get at least ten free nights a year out of my sub, just put a fake phone number in the application, the renwal telemarketing is the most anti sales effort I have ever encountered.

How many times do they "forget" to collect BOGO certs? (so far I've only stayed once with a BOGO and they didn't collect it and I'm hoping for more of that).

I'm assuming the ten or so is a combination of newsletter and certs?

 

[markis10]

How many times do they "forget" to collect BOGO certs? (so far I've only stayed once with a BOGO and they didn't collect it and I'm hoping for more of that).

I'm assuming the ten or so is a combination of newsletter and certs?

That 10 is from three cents and is usually 50:50 newsletter vs forgetting, I think I have had 20 free nights this last 12 months thanks to the IC SC.

 

[bass_ke]

I have 3 upcoming stays with IHG, 2 in Aus and 1 in NZ. If I purchase Priority Privilege now can I apply the certs retrospectively to my bookings or must I cancel the current bookings and make new ones with cert details?

Thanks again for all your help kind sir!