IHG One Rewards Discussion

[Shinjetter]

Thanks @exceladdict. I guess it's a mixbag, I've seen some people posting about not getting benefits while booking with corporate code so I guess it comes down to the hotel. Anyway, I have messaged the hotel I'll be staying at regarding this so hopefully they come back with a positive answer!

I used to have a corporate code and everything in Diamond Elite status was given. I also get cashreward bonus too. It had gotten to the point where I bargain for free parking and they offered it. I always go with "Can I substitute my breakfast amenity for parking?". Most of the times they just give you free parking since you are Diamond Elite status.

Nowadays, I use WSJ's code since it comes with AMEX Platinum subscription to The Australian. My corporate code doesn't give me any more discounts

 

[bellroy26]

I used to have a corporate code and everything in Diamond Elite status was given. I also get cashreward bonus too. It had gotten to the point where I bargain for free parking and they offered it. I always go with "Can I substitute my breakfast amenity for parking?". Most of the times they just give you free parking since you are Diamond Elite status.

Nowadays, I use WSJ's code since it comes with AMEX Platinum subscription to The Australian. My corporate code doesn't give me any more discounts

Thanks @Shinjetter! I'm becoming more confident that they would still offer the benefits. If you have Westpac, they have the partner code which gives at least 25% off the BFR. In the terms it says only for Australia/NZ properties but they actually also work for most hotels overseas.

 

[kerfuffle]

I've booked using the Westpac Partner Code and gotten my Diamond Elite welcome amenities and benefits.

 

[SYD]

It’s been years since I’ve dropped a level in IHG but my short lived Diamond status wasn’t renewed and I’m back to Platinum this year but how long into 2024 do you still get the previous tier benefits?

I’m currently in an IHG property and was proactively offered breakfast “since you’re a Diamond member”. At first I thought there might have been a lag in the system but then remembered that IHG was probably like Hilton and you get a bonus month or two in the following year - correct?

 

[exceladdict]

It’s been years since I’ve dropped a level in IHG but my short lived Diamond status wasn’t renewed and I’m back to Platinum this year but how long into 2024 do you still get the previous tier benefits?

I’m currently in an IHG property and was proactively offered breakfast “since you’re a Diamond member”. At first I thought there might have been a lag in the system but then remembered that IHG was probably like Hilton and you get a bonus month or two in the following year - correct?

Interesting, did you book while still diamond? I haven't had a stay since my status dropped.

 

[SYD]

Interesting, did you book while still diamond? I haven't had a stay since my status dropped.

No, I actually rebooked it a few days before check in.

 

[QF WP]

The booking system will catch up with the status level system at some stage. Just when?

 

[SYD]

The booking system will catch up with the status level system at some stage. Just when?

Do you think it’s that and not a lagging status benefit to the end of Feb?

At least Hilton shows the old status and new lower status by this time of year before one drops of the cliff on 01 Mar.

 

[QF WP]

My nephew is a functional programmer. He tried to explain these things to me and my head hurt. Hilton probably have better software than IHG.

 

[levelnine]

Status probably attaches at the time of booking and then status changes take a long time to propagate through the system (if at all) to existing bookings.

 

[Gold Member]

It’s been years since I’ve dropped a level in IHG but my short lived Diamond status wasn’t renewed and I’m back to Platinum this year but how long into 2024 do you still get the previous tier benefits?

I’m currently in an IHG property and was proactively offered breakfast “since you’re a Diamond member”. At first I thought there might have been a lag in the system but then remembered that IHG was probably like Hilton and you get a bonus month or two in the following year - correct?

Hilton is three months extra while Marriott and Hyatt offer an extra two months. IHG status officially expires Dec 31st, and the status downgrade (if not earned or retained) is effected immediately on January 1st. If you’re still receiving IHG Diamond status benefits after being downgraded January 1st, I’d keep quiet and enjoy it while you still can.

IHG’s IT and Loyalty systems are renowned for being riddled with holes and a bit flaky. We can only hope that last year’s Diamonds can still avail Diamond status perks despite being downgraded to Platinum. Keep us updated!

 

[SYD]

Status probably attaches at the time of booking and then status changes take a long time to propagate through the system (if at all) to existing bookings.

As above, I cancelled a flex booking and rebooked the HI MVD a week or so out (so well after downgrade).

Yes, I nodded and smiled when she mentioned “Diamond” status (bank error in my favour!).

It could well be the IT in this country. My Optus plan doesn’t roam, my Global Flexiroam didn’t connect (had to buy an Americas plan). Plus the hotel itself is a time capsule from the 1980s!

 

[oz_mark]

Status probably attaches at the time of booking and then status changes take a long time to propagate through the system (if at all) to existing bookings.

My understanding is that it is supposed to be checked again in the days leading up to check-in. But there's mnual bits and bobs in all this. Sometimes it happens the other way around...

 

[GCC]

Hope this isn’t OT.I have 40,000 IHG points in my account and am deciding between using them for award stays or purchasing Ambassador.
I have Accor + Plat already. Also a swag of Hilton points but have dropped from Diamond to HH Silver.
From what I can see doing dummy bookings, points or points + cash seem to only be available for standard / base rooms?
Does this seem right? I have no IHG status so if so would prefer to buy Ambassador and accrue points.

 

[drron]

If you are planning a few IHG stays then Ambassador is a good choice as it comes with plat status. Other wise awards are the way to go and points plus cash exxtends any stay,

 

[VPS]

Hope this isn’t OT.I have 40,000 IHG points in my account and am deciding between using them for award stays or purchasing Ambassador.
I have Accor + Plat already. Also a swag of Hilton points but have dropped from Diamond to HH Silver.
From what I can see doing dummy bookings, points or points + cash seem to only be available for standard / base rooms?
Does this seem right? I have no IHG status so if so would prefer to buy Ambassador and accrue points.

I presume you're aware the Ambassador means free nights at intercontinental only

 

[GCC]

If you are planning a few IHG stays then Ambassador is a good choice as it comes with plat status. Other wise awards are the way to go and points plus cash exxtends any stay,

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Thanks. Am I missing something then, I can’t seem to use points to pay for part of any premium room, only standard rooms with points + pay rates showing?

 

[GCC]

I presume you're aware the Ambassador means free nights at intercontinental only

Yes, that’s ok. I’m thinking the IHG platinum status would be valuable at other properties.

 

[drron]

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Thanks. Am I missing something then, I can’t seem to use points to pay for part of any premium room, only standard rooms with points + pay rates showing?

I think there is a limit in the number of rooms available for cash + points. I certainly have booked premium rooms with it. There have been times when I get the message that the rate is unavailable though not recently.

 

[Kerrodt]

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Thanks. Am I missing something then, I can’t seem to use points to pay for part of any premium room, only standard rooms with points + pay rates showing?

Is there a specific property and dates that you are looking at?