I noticed this offer last Thursday, but was waiting for the official discussion to start here because:
I'm Virgin + QF Gold and have yet to choose between a year of Hilton Honors Gold or IHG 1 Gold as per Velocity Gold benefits.
Although imo, HH is overall a worse loyalty program, Gold level status members get instant room upgrades (if available), which is a great perk not offered at the equivalent IHG Gold level.
I have 3 nights booked at a Crowne Plaza (IHG) property in June and have yet to book 2 nights (One in Toronto, one in NYC.) Would I be wrong in choosing Hilton Honors Status through VA Gold and then applying for the IHG match/status challenge?
There could be two caveats, which is that I only have VA gold status because of the VA status match/challenge offered to QF Gold and above last year. I haven't met the criteria to keep my Gold status, but for some reason, they've kept extending it. I currently have it extended until July 11, at which time I will have returned from my North America trip. Will this have any complications for the hotel status that I choose with VA?
Assuming that I choose HH status and it isn't affected by my loss of Gold VA status, would it be safe to say that the choice I'm considering kinda covers both bases?
The second caveat is: The 3 nights at Crowne Plaza are at discounted group rates (I think) as I'm attending a conference at the hotel. Do these qualify as "qualifying nights" for the purpose of IHG'S promotion?
*note: My 3 night Crowne Plaza booking is showing up in my IHG account
Would love the thoughts of fellow forum users!
Cheers.