New IHG Rewards structure from March 2022

[astrosly]

Details on this page:

The all-new IHG® One Rewards is here

We gave you a sneak peek of IHG One Rewards in January, and now it’s here! With our new programme comes a new attitude: IHG One Rewards celebrates you for being you. We know there’s no one right way to travel — so we created a loyalty programme that rewards it all.

www.ihg.com

Benefits of each of these tiers haven't been detailed yet. For comparison the current tier benefits:

Join IHG® One Rewards and achieve IHG One Rewards Elite status and enjoy more benefits

Join IHG® One Rewards and enjoy great benefits like low rates, earn points on every stay, redeem points for free nights, free WIFI and much more

www.ihg.com

Diamond replaces Spire, and seems Silver is the new Gold regarding qualifying and probably benefits. I didn't think Gold was worth it was it only gave a late check out as a real benefit whilst other programmes a gold level would have other things such as early check in or room upgrade. Be interested to see what benefits align with each of these tiers in the new structure as they are only spruiking improved earn rates.

 

[andye]

A bit more info and some speculation here

IHG Rewards is planning a major relaunch in March - what will change?

According to a leaked document circulated to hotel staff in China, IHG Rewards is planning major changes to go live at the end of March with new status tiers.

www.headforpoints.com

 

[SYD]

It will be interesting to see what other “enhancements” are in store.

 

[Mattg]

Will be interesting to see what really changes and whether it's an "enhancement" in the true sense.

It's clear that the tier benefits of IHG status are currently lacking when compared to other programs. They really need to increase the status benefits, but I suspect they'll probably end up just making it harder to get the same benefits as before or remove benefits from lower-tiered members.

Interesting to note that Head for Points says hotels have been told these changes will make it cheaper to service IHG Rewards members in the future.

 

[exceladdict]

Will be interesting to see what really changes and whether it's an "enhancement" in the true sense.

It's clear that the tier benefits of IHG status are currently lacking when compared to other programs. They really need to increase the status benefits, but I suspect they'll probably end up just making it harder to get the same benefits as before or remove benefits from lower-tiered members.

Interesting to note that Head for Points says hotels have been told these changes will make it cheaper to service IHG Rewards members in the future.

The concerning line I read in the announcement is "And when it comes to picking perks, the choice is all yours".

Unless one of the choices is breakfast, I expect this will be a net loss for most members.

 

[oz_mark]

I would think that @TonyHancock would see the retirement of the Spire name as a positive enhancement

 

[SYD]

I would think that @TonyHancock would see the retirement of the Spire name as a positive enhancement

The uninspired status level….

 

[Matt_01]

Does any one know how this may impact the current IHG WP offer if you stay 5 nights. The best I have ever been with IHG is gold and that was via Amex and never used it. I have HH D (8-9 years), PGR Black, Shangri-La Jade and after reading this am wondering if staying 5 nights in the IHG chain is actually worth it. The IC is the biggest drawcard, however the benefits of IHG WP do not seem to be at the same level as HH D and comparable to Shangri-La Jade (which still maybe better) or BGR Black. Am I missing something?

 

[Mattg]

Does any one know how this may impact the current IHG WP offer if you stay 5 nights. The best I have ever been with IHG is gold and that was via Amex and never used it. I have HH D (8-9 years), PGR Black, Shangri-La Jade and after reading this am wondering if staying 5 nights in the IHG chain is actually worth it. The IC is the biggest drawcard, however the benefits of IHG WP do not seem to be at the same level as HH D and comparable to Shangri-La Jade (which still maybe better) or BGR Black. Am I missing something?

The benefits of IHG Platinum really aren't great. IHG is making some changes to its program in the coming months which may or may not improve things.

I personally found it worthwhile to do this challenge because I stay often enough at IHG properties and value things like late checkout. But if you're used to Hilton & Shangri-La benefits, IHG status will be a disappointment.

 

[SYD]

Does any one know how this may impact the current IHG WP offer if you stay 5 nights. The best I have ever been with IHG is gold and that was via Amex and never used it. I have HH D (8-9 years), PGR Black, Shangri-La Jade and after reading this am wondering if staying 5 nights in the IHG chain is actually worth it. The IC is the biggest drawcard, however the benefits of IHG WP do not seem to be at the same level as HH D and comparable to Shangri-La Jade (which still maybe better) or BGR Black. Am I missing something?

Current assumption is that fast track goes ahead (and still worth it if you stay at sub IC properties).

If you’re planning IC stays, then the Ambassador offer might work out better.

TBH, I’ve never understood the parallel universes of IHG status programs…

 

[andye]

a

Does any one know how this may impact the current IHG WP offer if you stay 5 nights. The best I have ever been with IHG is gold and that was via Amex and never used it. I have HH D (8-9 years), PGR Black, Shangri-La Jade and after reading this am wondering if staying 5 nights in the IHG chain is actually worth it. The IC is the biggest drawcard, however the benefits of IHG WP do not seem to be at the same level as HH D and comparable to Shangri-La Jade (which still maybe better) or BGR Black. Am I missing something?

The draw of the IHG programme used to be that it was relatively easy to burn and decent value (esp with pointbreaks) to redeem.

Status benefits were minimal (the odd CP lounge maybe)

If you are in the market for IC then I would favour buying Ambassador as you get Plat thrown in with that

 

[Hvr]

Unless one of the choices is breakfast, I expect this will be a net loss for most members.

I got my Gold Status mainly staying at the Holiday Inn Express (HIX) brand. The only benefit, and the one I really want is late check out. The breakfast is already provided to all guests. If they want to make breakfast a 'benefit' it might save them a few dollars in food but will most likely cost them customers.

IHG meets a specific customer demographic and has the product, including reward program to match it. The HIX product, whilst below the Hilton DoubleTree; is clean and comfortable and frankly status won't get you much apart from late checkout.

Even regular Holiday Inns wont have much to offer to status members. the Crowne Plaza and other niche brands will, but they're not really of interest to me. Nor are many so called status benefits,

It will be interesting to see if this an enhancement that will harm customers. I think it will.

 

[Mattg]

It will be interesting to see if this an enhancement that will harm customers. I think it will.

One of the German blogs I follow has written about this. Their take roughly translates to "Update for IHG Rewards - obviously it's being made worse"

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Well I was contemplating moving from Accor's program, but I think I'll just Ambassador if the time comes and save doing the stay/night hurdle - it will also give time to see how these enhancements pan out.

 

[bullerdude]

Given ihg doesn’t offer many benefits now it will be interesting to see how low they may go with h to be updated program.

 

[drron]

I have made IHG my secondary program instead of hilton as I have been treated better by them. However I started by purchasing Ambassador so get plat status automatically.
Every time I have used the Ambassador free weekend night I have been upgraded to a suite plus lounge access. Pre covid the IC Double Bay became our go to Sydney Hotel. Only 1 visit that I didn't get an upgrade.
Have had a suite upgrade at CP NRT. Plus several "upgrades at HIs -basically a better view and higher floor.
I have found the points + pay rates quite attractive.

Will wait to see if any changes to the Ambassador program.

 

[VPS]

I have made IHG my secondary program instead of hilton as I have been treated better by them. However I started by purchasing Ambassador so get plat status automatically.
Every time I have used the Ambassador free weekend night I have been upgraded to a suite plus lounge access. Pre covid the IC Double Bay became our go to Sydney Hotel. Only 1 visit that I didn't get an upgrade.
Have had a suite upgrade at CP NRT. Plus several "upgrades at HIs -basically a better view and higher floor.
I have found the points + pay rates quite attractive.

Will wait to see if any changes to the Ambassador program.

I had ambassador for two years and never got an upgrade to a suite and never got lounge access

 

[bussyboy]

I noted the article comment that "these elite benefits don’t quite match those of hotel chains such as Hilton or Hyatt..."

It will be interesting to see what's coming up with the 'new program' in March - can't hurt to get on board early

The all-new IHG® One Rewards is here

We gave you a sneak peek of IHG One Rewards in January, and now it’s here! With our new program comes a new attitude: IHG One Rewards celebrates you for being you. We know there’s no one right way to travel — so we created a loyalty program that rewards it all.

www.ihg.com

 

[andye]

I noted the article comment that "these elite benefits don’t quite match those of hotel chains such as Hilton or Hyatt..."

It will be interesting to see what's coming up with the 'new program' in March - can't hurt to get on board early

The all-new IHG® One Rewards is here

We gave you a sneak peek of IHG One Rewards in January, and now it’s here! With our new program comes a new attitude: IHG One Rewards celebrates you for being you. We know there’s no one right way to travel — so we created a loyalty program that rewards it all.

www.ihg.com

Very underwhelming if this commentary pans out. Suspect its valid as the website has good IHG contacts

IHG Rewards is planning a major relaunch in March - what will change?

According to a leaked document circulated to hotel staff in China, IHG Rewards is planning major changes to go live at the end of March with new status tiers.

www.headforpoints.com

 

[drron]

Well my run with Ambassador continues. Staying this weekend at the IC Sanctuary Cove to use my Ambassador free weekend night. Was meant to be 2 weeks ago but the floods put paid to that. Just checked my booking and have been again upgraded to a Queenslander suite with club access.