And the new IHG top tier is confirmed as …. Spire Elite
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Well, the waiting is over. The new IHG Rewards Club tier is to be called Spire.
Don’t ask me why. Gold, Platinum and, erm, Spire.
With a bright red membership card.
If you ask IHG:
‘Spire’ is derived from the old English word ‘spir’ – a shoot or a stalk of grass standing out amongst the others. It is awe inspiring, exceptional and a symbol of prestige. It conveys a sense of dedication and an aspirational attitude: going above and beyond; the sky is the limit.
The name connotes a strong sense of prestige, elevated stature, and worthiness of admiration, along with a sense of dedication and an aspirational attitude, which is in line with how IHG Rewards Club sees its most loyal members who would qualify for this tier.
You will be officially be ‘Spire Elite’, ‘Spire Ambassador’ or ‘Spire Royal Ambassador’ depending on whether you also have status in the separate InterContinental Ambassador scheme.
There was nothing in the launch announcement yesterday which we did not already know:
Spire will require 75,000 base points or 75 nights in a calendar year
You will receive 25,000 bonus points or a free Platinum card for a friend or family member when you qualify for it or achieve Spire renewal (I have already claimed my points, which post instantly)
There are NO additional benefits over and above Platinum (so far?) – although, in theory, top tier members should get first choice of decent upgrades
The rumour of ‘free InterContinental Ambassador status’ seems to have been just that – a rumour.
IHG has made vague promises of additional benefits to come in 2016. For now, though, there doesn’t seem to be much to get excited about – unless you love bright red.
The net result of all this so far is probably negative for IHG. A LOT of Platinum members will feel they have been downgraded. The few who have Spire, including myself, have nothing at all to be excited about – yet.
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IHG One Rewards update – July 2025:
Get bonus points: IHG is currently running TWO global promotions. You can register for both.
Promo 1: IHG One Rewards will give you your choice of either 2,000 bonus points for every two nights or 8,000 bonus points for every four nights you stay. The offer period is 20th May to 31st August. Click here to register and learn more.
Promo 2: IHG One Rewards is running a promotion aimed at five brands – Crowne Plaza, voco, Vignette, Candlewood and Garner. You will earn triple base points for stays at these brands until 30th September. Click here to register and learn more.
New to IHG One Rewards? Read our overview of IHG One Rewards here and our article on points expiry rules here. Our article on ‘What are IHG One Rewards points worth?’ is here.
Buy points: If you need additional IHG One Rewards points, you can buy them here.
IHG One Rewards is offering a 100% bonus when you buy points by 17th July 2025. Click here to buy.
Want to earn more hotel points? Click here to see our complete list of promotions from IHG and the other major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.
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