IHG / Intercontinental Fiji questions

[Edge]

Hi guys, looking to book Intercontinental Fiji for my wife and daughter. We require a 2BR room and a late checkout. A few questions:

1. I have IHG Platinum available through being a VA Plat - I assume the benefits only apply if I book directly through the hotel, not say Virgin Australia holidays?

2. If I join the Ambassador club would I get those benefits even if not booking direct?

3. Is the Ambassador club "guaranteed room upgrade" 100% guaranteed? If so which room would I need to book to guarantee a 2BR room? Probably not prepared to risk booking a 1BR unless absolutely 100% guaranteed.

4. Is the Ambassador club late checkout guaranteed? (Flight would leave Fiji at 6pm so late checkout definitely required)

Any other IHG info or specific Intercontinental Fiji info I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance

 

[andye]

A few questions:

1. I have IHG Platinum available through being a VA Plat - I assume the benefits only apply if I book directly through the hotel, not say Virgin Australia holidays?

Need to book via IHG to get benefits (though can click through ebates/mrrebates to get cashback). There are no significant benefits of Platinum over Ambassador except extra points

2. If I join the Ambassador club would I get those benefits even if not booking direct?

Probably not but not sure if Fiji would stretch things

3. Is the Ambassador club "guaranteed room upgrade" 100% guaranteed? If so which room would I need to book to guarantee a 2BR room? Probably not prepared to risk booking a 1BR unless absolutely 100% guaranteed.

It is virtually guaranteed and often applied immediately booking. However the upgrade is usually of the quality of room (eg pool view rather than garden view) rather than number of bedrooms. If you had enough points you could try a dummy award booking which might give you a clue about the upgrade. If you must have the 2BR, I would suggest consider the base 2BR and using your Ambassador free night to offset cost

4. Is the Ambassador club late checkout guaranteed? (Flight would leave Fiji at 6pm so late checkout definitely required)

You should get the late check-out, though duration can vary. Even if say you were only given till 1pm you would still be able to hang around the resort

Any other IHG info or specific Intercontinental Fiji info I should be aware of?

Not been to IC Fiji so above advice is generic. Seem to remember that pointhacks did a review a while back

 

[Edge]

Thanks so much for your reply.

So even if booking a 2br room (which costs close to $1k per night) the ambassador club free room would apply? If this is the case I will definitely book with the hotel direct.

 

[andye]

Yes. Make sure you use the intercontinental.com/AMBWeekend link to book it. Cant remember if you can get the ebates cashback on it then but doesnt hurt trying

 

[donovan301]

In addition to Andye's accuracy... I have bn to Inter C Fiji and actually found the Lagoon view rooms to be the most enjoyable. Ground floor in my humble opinion...ease of access !
You might find that 2bdrm rooms are farther back into the compound.
The staff are Very accommodating.
I would suggest joining Ambassador and then calling them to discuss your situation.
Their front of counter staff are surprisingly suitable to deal with, in my opinion.
Can always use tripadvisor reviews to ascertain room locations and reviews...but by the lagoon is nice and also quiet.
Also located near the restaurant that provides the A la carte breakfasts ....much better and enjoyable than the buffet option....to many kids n babies for a nice breaky in buffet option.
But like I say, sign up to their Ambassador program and drop them a line.
Personally I found them to be far above and beyond much of the service you will find anywhere in the South Pacific Islands.
A surprise to me, but a pleasant one indeed.
(P.s it's still the islands, so somethings still happen at Island pace, regardless of location or status ;-)

Good luck, enjoy.

Local snorkling in lagoon is ok... they also do diving and snorkelling trips. Excellent water staff.

Previously I have found Club related rooms to be a little over rated...(or atleast the services associated with them....but maybe that's just me...and some others whichI read reviews post visit)

 

[eric2011]

Yes. Make sure you use the intercontinental.com/AMBWeekend link to book it. Cant remember if you can get the ebates cashback on it then but doesnt hurt trying

I generally have success,but not the full 2 nights worth, Most IC's Charge for 1 night (the expensive one) and put thru the other at 0.01c

 

[Edge]

Thanks for your advice and feedback.

I have signed up to the Ambassador Club, any idea how long it normally takes for it to become active in your IHG membership?