IHG Hotels that recognise status

[oz_mark]

Only Diamonds get club access and breakfast

Diamond only get club access if they have chosen it as a milestone reward. While IHG are a stingy on allowing people into the lounge, it is a much better experience in the lounge compared to programs where half the hotel seems to have access

 

[pauly7]

People’s QFF points still posting quickly?

I had a bunch of stays that posted 2 days after to both my IHG and QFF account but now up to week 3 for a stay early Feb… odd…

 

[Beano]

Only Diamonds get club access and breakfast

As Plat AMB you should get upgraded room but even if you get upgraded to club room you would not normally get access

Drinks voucher is usually middy of tap beer or glass of house wine

Thanks, but I have an update. Because they couldn't upgrade my room I was given 10,000 points as compensation.

In the past a room upgrade included club access and breakfast, but that was a long time ago.

 

[kerfuffle]

Long post covering late December 2024 to early March 2025 ...

Hotel: voco Melbourne Central
When: December 26-27
Status: Diamond Ambassador
Rate: $210
Booked: 1 King Bed Standard
Received: 1 King Bed Premium Bath
Amenity Offered: Breakfast, drink or 600 points. Took the breakfast.

Finally got upgraded to a room with a bathtub! But I prefer the King Bed Premium (one grade down) I usually get as there's more storage space underneath the TV.

Hotel: InterContinental Adelaide
When: February 7-9
Status: Platinum Ambassador
Rate: $210ish/night inclusive of breakfast (rip my free breakfast)
Booked: 1 King Classic
Received: 1 King Classic High Floor
Amenity Offered: Drink or 600 points. Took the points.

Love visiting IC Adelaide when it's off-peak; cheap hotel rates and FruChocs every night! (LIV Golf was on the weekend after so timed it well)

Hotel: Holiday Inn Warwick Farm
When: February 20-23
Status: Platinum Ambassador
Rate: $180ish/night
Booked: 1 King Standard with Sofa Bed
Received: 1 King Premium
Amenity Offered: Drink or 500 points. I opted for the drink, but was also given 500 points.

First time at a Holiday Inn; got an offer to claw back my Diamond Elite status by staying eight nights by March 20, and since I already had five nights booked (plus staying at an IC overseas next month) thought I'd do a staycation to make up the eight nights to get my free breakfast back. Had low expectations, but it was quite a pleasant stay. Chose this one due to free parking and it's the closest IHG hotel to where I live. Seemed very busy too; quite a few tour groups and some guests who used to live in the area and were in town for a visit.

Hotel: voco Brisbane City Centre
When: March 1-2
Status: Platinum Ambassador
Rate: $210/night
Booked: 1 Queen Bed Standard
Received: 1 Queen Bed Standard River View 1 King Grand River View
Amenity Offered: Drink or 600 points. Opted for the drink, which I used next door at Hotel Indigo as the hotel restaurant was closed at the time I tried to redeem my drink voucher. Also got a two-tier stand of nibbles despite my lower status, however this was my sixth stay at the hotel. No bottle of sparkling wine because it wasn't my birthday this time haha.

Not sure what the difference between a King Grand River View and a King Premium River View (what I usually get upgraded to when I stay here) is; looks exactly the same except the sofa is against the wall instead of the window ...

Hotel: InterContinental Adelaide
When: March 7-9
Status: Platinum Ambassador
Rate: $565 for the first night, $590 for the second night. Used my Complimentary Weekend Night Certificate
Booked: 1 King Classic Club Lounge Access City View High Floor (for the breakfast and because I've never been in the lounge before)
Received: 1 King Classic Parklands View (more like King Classic Adelaide Oval and SkyCity view)
Amenity Offered: Drink or 600 points. Took the points as I knew the bar would be busy, being peak season aka the Mad March long weekend.

I originally booked this at the end of April 2024 (because peak rates). In mid-December, I noticed the lounge access part was missing, so called the hotel to ask what was up, and they reassured me everything was fine. Turns out in the 11 months since I had booked the hotel, they reconfigured their rooms so you can only get paid lounge access if you book a King Classic River View room or higher. When I asked whether my keys had lounge access enabled, they were happy to honour my original booking.

Like the rest of the hotel, the lounge is visually outdated, but service was excellent. As I was pressed for time, I couldn't fully partake in afternoon tea or evening drinks and canapes, but they were happy to whip up something small so I could still have something to eat and drink. They were also very considerate of my allergies. Missed the buffet breakfast though ...

... Just as well I'm now back to Diamond Elite for the rest of the year!

 

[Beano]

Trying the VOCO in Brisbane at end of March. That used to be a Mercure/Novotel. Indigo round the corner was an IBIS. Stayed there at that time.

Also back to Adelaide so will see if its CP or IC.

 

[blackcat20]

Hotel: voco Auckland City Centre
When: March 7-9
Status: Platinum elite
Rate: approx $350pn
Booked: 1 King Bed Bay view
Received: 1 King Bed Sea view (which I think is the same view, just higher floor)
Amenity Offered: Drink or bonus points. Took the drink, was anything at all from the bar menu except champagne. Also received full size still and sparkling water in the room.

 

[The-Aviator]

Hotel: InterContinental Melbourne
When: March 2025
Status: Platinum Ambassador
Rate: $304/night (Visa partner rate)
Booked: 1 King Classic City View
Received: 1 King Premium Club Lounge Access (with Club access granted by way of Annual Lounge Pass)

Another enjoyable stay, received an email and could see the upgrade in app a day before arriving. Check-in was quick with late check-out and welcome amenity (took points) proactively offered. The receptionist noted the upgrade and initially said lounge access was not included, however after pointing out my Annual Lounge Pass he was able to see that on his screen and arranged Club access and provided an amenities letter. They still take a $100 per night deposit on top of your rate, which I feel is so odd in this day and age.

The room was nice, although smaller than the room I had on my last stay. Fully stocked minibar and plenty of free bottles of water. Wi-Fi was fast and the air conditioning worked flawlessly, both of which were issues during my last stay. Houseekeping was very good. Two gripes with the room were the small size of the TV (which had local channels only plus Chromecast) and the shampoo bottle pump not working which I discovered mid-shower and had to force it out of its holder to pour the contents out - this used to be a recurring issue for me at many hotels a few years back but this was the first time in a while I had experienced it! Bit of a shame to waste a full bottle of Byredo but I left a note for housekeeping to replace it, and replace it they did.

The Club InterContinental lounge is located in an interesting location in the lobby, just next to reception. You access via keycard which opens a sliding door. The lounge had more than enough seating for the number of guests accessing it during my stay, there was no trouble at all in finding a table of your choice. I visited for two breakfasts, two afternoon teas, one evening drinks service and one quick visit after arriving to check it out and grab a soft drink from the all-day refreshments.

Lounge breakfast includes a limited hot and cold buffet as well as a list of à la carte items; drinks including coffee and juice are brought to you by staff. Afternoon tea includes a tiered stand with two finger sandwiches, a cake and a scone plus non-alcoholic beverage of your choice. Evening service includes a small buffet of cold items and two hot canapés served to your table. The evening drink menu was extensive and I was glad to see some zero alcohol gin as an option. The staff in the lounge were mostly attentive and responsive with the exception of one guy who seemed occupied doing his own things other than attending to guests.

I also had lunch at Alluvial on my last day primarily to make use of the Ambassador F&B credit, the club sandwich was $31 so great value for $6 after the credit. Interestingly the menu noted a Sunday surcharge but I wasn't charged it, not sure if that is because I was an in-house guest or what.

There is a pool and gym on the rooftop, didn't use either but checked them out and they looked good. Location is excellent on Collins Street, lots of trams nearby if you need them but Melbourne is a very walkable city.

Have stayed at four IHG properties in Melbourne, being the CP, Voco, Indigo and the IC. I would return to all except the Voco but for those with a lounge pass, I would say the IC is the best option.

 

[Beano]

Thia trip I have stayed in a Crowne Plaza, HI Express, IC and HI (still there). My terms are full charge back. Only the HI Ex, Southbank, asked for a credit card pre-authorisation, even though the card would not be used. Is that correct or reasonable? Upgrade in all except HI Ex. All offerred vouchers or points.

 

[kerfuffle]

Hotel: InterContinental Melbourne
When: March 2025
Status: Platinum Ambassador
Rate: $304/night (Visa partner rate)
Booked: 1 King Classic City View
Received: 1 King Premium Club Lounge Access (with Club access granted by way of Annual Lounge Pass)

How come you won't return to the voco?

 

[ShrinkWrapped]

How come you won't return to the voco?

of the Melbourne IHGs, the voco is the one I constantly return to. The IC is ancient with rooms that really need a decent upgrade and reno. I'm a sucker for the free sparkling water at the voco .... and the location

 

[Ryan Bingham]

of the Melbourne IHGs, the voco is the one I constantly return to. The IC is ancient with rooms that really need a decent upgrade and reno. I'm a sucker for the free sparkling water at the voco .... and the location

I've booked the Indigo and Voco (stayed at the IC, was a bit meh, but no lounge access). I'm Platinum and my Ambassador expires on Mon (which doesn't really impact either) so I'm interested in which I should select (same high floor booked for both).

 

[kerfuffle]

I've booked the Indigo and Voco (stayed at the IC, was a bit meh, but no lounge access). I'm Platinum and my Ambassador expires on Mon (which doesn't really impact either) so I'm interested in which I should select (same high floor booked for both).

I didn't have a great impression at the Hotel Indigo back in September 2023. No chili flakes to go with my eggs at the old restaurant (not sure if still the case with the new restaurant). And my blinds were playing up, requiring me to play handyman. Great location though.

For shopping and everything else except Southern Cross, I'd rather stay at voco

 

[kerfuffle]

Hotel: voco Brisbane City Centre
When: March 22-23
Status: Diamond Ambassador
Rate: Westpac Partner Rate; $221
Booked: 1 Queen Bed Standard
Received: 1 King Grand River View
Amenity Offered: Breakfast.

Since I last stayed here in early March, the double tier bonus welcome amenity of nibbles has gone back to a single plate (so no more nuts, cheese and grapes), and the water is now a smaller carton instead of a bigger glass bottle.

 

[Beano]

I am trying to understand the Indigo and Voco hotels. Does Indigo = IBIS (blinds) and VOCO = Mercure? I was thinking of Voco on North Quay, Brisbane, but had work on the GC so stayed in the CP Surfers. Same Old-Same Old!


I also note a comment about the hotels being a bit tired. that's true of many IHG I stay at, including IC, except, HI EX, some of which are relatively new, and CP Adelaide. The HI Potts point is a case in Point! Shower-in-bath, bath curtains, often cracked basins and dull tapware, no decent power outputs, 240 or 5 V in the room, but I love it. The only medrenisations are the clock radios which had lightning connectors and now are wireless charge, oh, and the TVs, which I think have a poorer system than the previous. You used to be able to record a programme if you had to go out and watch it later.

 

[SYD]

I am trying to understand the Indigo and Voco hotels. Does Indigo = IBIS (blinds) and VOCO = Mercure? I was thinking of Voco on North Quay, Brisbane, but had work on the GC so stayed in the CP Surfers. Same Old-Same Old!

Can’t speak for Voco but definitely not those Accor tiers. Generally much better than Ibis, Ibis Styles and Mercure.

I also note a comment about the hotels being a bit tired. that's true of many IHG I stay at, including IC, except, HI EX, some of which are relatively new, and CP Adelaide. The HI Potts point is a case in Point! Shower-in-bath, bath curtains, often cracked basins and dull tapware, no decent power outputs, 240 or 5 V in the room, but I love it. The only medrenisations are the clock radios which had lightning connectors and now are wireless charge, oh, and the TVs, which I think have a poorer system than the previous. You used to be able to record a programme if you had to go out and watch it later.

The condition could vary wildly by property and age. I wouldn’t say it’s normal across IHG properties as a rule.

 

[Aeryn]

I am trying to understand the Indigo and Voco hotels. Does Indigo = IBIS (blinds) and VOCO = Mercure?

No. IME both Voco and Indigo are far far superior to the IBIS, Novotel, Mecure and Mantra Accor brands. I reckon they are often much nicer and newer than a lot of ICs too.

I generally rate Indigo above Voco except in Melbourne. The Melbourne Voco is in an excellent location and the unlimited free sparkling water is very much appreciated. Melbourne Indigo is in an inconvenient location for me and has smaller rooms.

Voco and Indigo suit singles or couples, have comfy beds and always a walk in shower. Less suitable for families or those wanting to have a kitchenette or laundry.

 

[bussyboy]

Indigo closer to pullman, surely

 

[SYD]

Indigo closer to pullman, surely

Except they’re trying to be a “Boutique” brand with each property unique rather than cookie cutter.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Slightly OT :
Stayed at Quincy Melbourne recently and very happy with it.
From our room, we could see Hotel Indigo on Spencer Street, dwarfed by Hyatt Centric!


Stayed there in the late-mid '90s when it had a swimming pool & a seafood buffet - was called "Holiday Inn on Flinders" from memory.

Also stayed at The Grand Hotel across the street in January 2021, when the Holiday Inn on Flinders was used as a quarantine hotel for Australian Open Tennis players - watched them practice hitting tennis balls in their rooms, then promptly depart at 12.01 am.