InterContinental mulling positive changes to the Ambassador scheme

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• Czechoslovakia says:

  9 Aug9 August 10:51

  Currently sat by the pool in IC Malta. IC Amb got upgrades to club suites, and after a little negotiation, a fair price for Lounge Access too. Fair considering this was a redemption. Every IC I’ve stayed in has been generally very good in regards to status. Next up is IC Times square, not holding up too much hope there though. I’d happily loose every other benefit, save for room upgrade, late check out and included lounge on paid stays. Reckon IHG would be better off too on that.

  • Simonbr says:

    9 Aug9 August 13:47

    Czech’, At an IC such as Malta, if you pay for a suite entitled to lounge access and you are an ambassador is it reasonable to expect an upgraded suite also with lounge access? Also does the IC lounge in Malta serve a decent sparkling wine or champagne?

    • Czechoslovakia says:

      9 Aug9 August 15:04

      This stay was a purely points redemption, only for standard rooms, so to get the largest suite on the floor (according to the fire plan) was a big win. The 15th floor rooms are club IC rooms, and except small 1513 and 1516 are all nice. I doubt youd get upgraded to the 17th or 18th floor though, they are twice the size/price. Lounge here is great. Not a wine expert, so couldn’t really say, there’s a selection of them. The wines and spirits are only out during afternoon tea service, but there’s beer available all day long. 3 local, US bud and Heineken. Everything is reasonably priced here anyhow. A great place to stay.

    • Czechoslovakia says:

      9 Aug9 August 15:10

      Asked for you, in this hotel would have to be a club suite or deluxe suite to be upgraded to the 17/18th floor as AMB

      • Simonbr says:

        9 Aug9 August 15:36

        Thanks for going out of your way to find that out, much appreciated.

• rams1981 says:

  9 Aug9 August 11:02

  OT hotels.com. I have 5 nights expiring in a month which requires a paid stay by then which I’m not sure I can do. Any tips for what to do?

  • Rob says:

    9 Aug9 August 11:10

    What I did once was book a £5 hostel in Bangladesh or somewhere similar. Someone told me about one where the owner always marks you down as having checked in. I paid my £5 and got my night credit. You could do a random punt on one of these but if you are marked as a no-show you don’t get the credit.

    You will find a few places in London for as little as £25 (shared dorms above pubs, eg The Crown in Battersea) but whether you actually want to book one and go down there to check in is a different question ….

    On the basis that you can book for anyone off your account and you still get the credit, it may be easier to find a friend or relative who needs a hotel and do a deal to book it for them.

  • Mark E says:

    9 Aug9 August 12:56

    I have twice kept my hotels dotcom account from having expired stays by booking into the Vibol Happy House in Phnom Pehn and not showing up. Last stay cost me £2.30

  • DANIEL MACDONALD says:

    9 Aug9 August 13:12

    I booked a sub£1 place in North Vietnam/Thailand…

    Reset the clcok for 12 months.

  • Gavin says:

    9 Aug9 August 22:16

    I used “Elegant Guest House” somewhere in India for £4.30, owner checked me in, job done

    • rams1981 says:

      10 Aug10 August 11:14

      Thanks all. Used the top suggestion and it kept it live. £2 odd! Bargain.

• Adrian says:

  9 Aug9 August 11:14

  I too filled in the survey.
  IHG really remind me of BA, they have a sub-par offering and even with improvements (maybe) to come they will still be sub-par.
  I tried to explain to them, I’m a leisure only traveller with my wife, we can get free brekkie at Hilton (gold) and brekkie and lounge access at Marriott/SPG (Plat), that is why this year 41 nights have gone to Hilton and Marriott and 1 to IHG.
  Marriott have been good and given the Plat status even before I’ve finished the challenge (IT issues maybe, but still we have it) so they are going to get my business.
  IHG simply need to do more, even more than they are currently proposing.

  • Ian M says:

    9 Aug9 August 12:19

    The problem for us is that IHG obviously don’t need to do more. If they needed our business then I’m sure they would do more.

    I completely agree though. My stays go to Hilton or Marriott/Starwood. Got top tier with both. The only thing that’s been disappointing with Hilton is trying to get late checkouts

• xcalx says:

  9 Aug9 August 11:44

  Gave up on ICs a few years back. I tend to stay in Staybridge Suites whilst in the US. Less points, larger rooms, usually newer properties, adequate free breakfast daily. Evening food and drink on midweek evenings. Plus free airport (airport area)and local transportation. The last one I stayed in St Petersburg FL was $309 + taxes a good deal at 25K IHG a night.

• Tris Casson-Rennie says:

  9 Aug9 August 13:02

  The IHG Ambassador scheme is well overdue an overhaul. However it will only be as good as its implementation across the InterContinental estate.
  The free movie has started to become obsolete as people are streaming these days, however that was about the only “family” benefit. Perhaps something like a complimentary Planet Trekkers Activity for your family per stay would have been a suitable replacement? Far too much emphasis on corporates and not enough on those of us that choose to spend hard earned cash…perhaps I digress.
  The elevation to Platinum Ambassador is a welcome return to how Ambassador membership always was in EMEA.
  I would like to have seen an announcement around Lifetime status being considered and would bring them into line with other hotel loyalty schemes.
  Still any overhaul that adds value is welcome. ????

• Simon Neville says:

  9 Aug9 August 13:25

  I really like the free movie option, its something i’d never normally pay for so it does become a treat when you’re tired after exploring a new city or just chilling, can’t imagine it costs that much to keep it in there.

  The other question mark of value would be around the points rebate when you renew, that must have quite a cost / benefit associated with it…

• Garyn says:

  9 Aug9 August 13:33

  OT I’m a Plat and 2 weeks ago referred my wife , she used the link and applied successfully for gold. Nothing appeared on my account re referral. Just called and was told accounts couldn’t see link(definately used) but they would give me the 9000 MR for a referral to gold card. Is this correct 9000 not 18000? Thanks

  • Bonglim says:

    9 Aug9 August 13:49

    Pretty sure it is 18000

    • Garyn says:

      9 Aug9 August 15:00

      Thanks

      • Roberto says:

        9 Aug9 August 15:22

        Although for a few days the referal system went pear shaped.

  • Nick says:

    9 Aug9 August 19:14

    Did you clear cookies first? If you’ve already browsed the page then the first impression will be what counts, regardless of whether you did or didn’t click the right link later. You might find google got some of your bonus!

    The key with this game is ALWAYS to use a non-saved-cookie browser to book. There’s also a message saying ‘you have been referred’ on the page – screenshot that. Then if you need to prove you did click a link, then you have something to use. Otherwise you could try reading your own cookies, which should show the referral (if indeed it was valid), and sending them that.

    If it’s not a valid referral, then 9000 ex gratia is a very good result.

• Wally1976 says:

  9 Aug9 August 15:03

  Another OT sorry. Just been declined for the free Virgin credit card. Credit record is excellent but I did upgrade my Amex PRG to Platinum only a few days ago so that could be why. Any tips on getting Virgin to overturn their decision? Thanks.

  • Rob says:

    9 Aug9 August 17:54

    Only route now is to write in to the Jubilee House address.

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