IHG Hotels that recognise status

[Beano]

On another matter I just signed up to IC Ambassador, using points as I had been downgraded to Gold Elite. The expiry date is given as 31/12/26, that's more or less two years. Is that normal?

Also I was offered a paid upgrade by CP Adelaide next week with a minimum of $2 for a high floor room up to $18 for a junior suite but that was before I joined IC Ambassador. I'll see what happens when I get there.

 

[Gold Member]

On another matter I just signed up to IC Ambassador, using points as I had been downgraded to Gold Elite. The expiry date is given as 31/12/26, that's more or less two years. Is that normal?

The less we advertise this glitch the better We don’t want Bloggers ruining it for everyone when IHG cotton onto it.

 

[Beano]

The less we advertise this glitch the better We don’t want Bloggers ruining it for everyone when IHG cotton onto it.

Right!

 

[VPS]

Right!

so I have just gone down to Gold Elite and it appears I have 45306 points so just wondering if I should get IC Ambassador again or not which costs 45,000 points

 

[Beano]

so I have just gone down to Gold Elite and it appears I have 45306 points so just wondering if I should get IC Ambassador again or not which costs 45,000 points

I had a bit more points and had already spent some in a CP in Madrid. I travel regularly in Australia using IHG hotels, where I can find them, but not quite enough last year. Being Platinum Elite just enhances the experience. Regular upgrades, welcome gift, drink or points, more points per stay. If you travel at weekends there is a "free" night but that comes with fish-hooks. (I'm thinking of using it in Madrid IC).
It appears it gives USD20 for food and beverages each visit; can't remember if it's per day or per stay. Only one hotel gave me free upgrades as a Gold, but that was one where I was a regular guest and staff and management new me.
One warning, I hadn't used points for a few years so had a stash, and although 45,000 was a big chunk, I thought it worth it. Another thought is that the 45000 represents about 1 1/2 free nights if you stick with CP and HI. I have found that I would be lucky to squeeze 2 nights out of that. Also IHG are offering bonus points to buy, but it works out at the same price as the cash or points for IC Ambassador.

Good luck!

 

[drron]

The $US20 is per stay. However hotels usually give you a poor exchange rate. However if you get a $US25 F&B award it usually has a very good conversion rate.
The free Ambassador night certainly come with restrictions. I have found it better value at ICs out of Australia.

The bonus points you can buy when booking are though Qualifying points so count to status retention. So far I have requalified diamond via points. No way could i rack up 70 nights. Points you just buy are not qualifying points so only for redemptions and even with 100% bonus aren't great value.

 

[Beano]

The $US20 is per stay. However hotels usually give you a poor exchange rate. However if you get a $US25 F&B award it usually has a very good conversion rate.
The free Ambassador night certainly come with restrictions. I have found it better value at ICs out of Australia.

The bonus points you can buy when booking are though Qualifying points so count to status retention. So far I have requalified diamond via points. No way could i rack up 70 nights. Points you just buy are not qualifying points so only for redemptions and even with 100% bonus aren't great value.

Good point! The points you purchase can go towards your status. Currently there is a separate offer form IHG to buy points with 100% bonus.

 

[VPS]

I had a bit more points and had already spent some in a CP in Madrid. I travel regularly in Australia using IHG hotels, where I can find them, but not quite enough last year. Being Platinum Elite just enhances the experience. Regular upgrades, welcome gift, drink or points, more points per stay. If you travel at weekends there is a "free" night but that comes with fish-hooks. (I'm thinking of using it in Madrid IC).
It appears it gives USD20 for food and beverages each visit; can't remember if it's per day or per stay. Only one hotel gave me free upgrades as a Gold, but that was one where I was a regular guest and staff and management new me.
One warning, I hadn't used points for a few years so had a stash, and although 45,000 was a big chunk, I thought it worth it. Another thought is that the 45000 represents about 1 1/2 free nights if you stick with CP and HI. I have found that I would be lucky to squeeze 2 nights out of that. Also IHG are offering bonus points to buy, but it works out at the same price as the cash or points for IC Ambassador.

Good luck!

I guess the clincher would be if I knew it would stick until the end of 2026 - if you want to take it offline happy for you to PM me

 

[Beano]

I guess the clincher would be if I knew it would stick until the end of 2026 - if you want to take it offline happy for you to PM me

I was surprised to see the longer date. I'll just have to wait and see.