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I’m shortly staying at IC Sofia on a BAH package booking. I’m a IHG member (no status) but currently not an IC ambassador.
I am aware that no points are collected when it’s a TA booking like BAH, but wondered if any of the other benefits are given if I were to buy the Ambassador and let the hotel know in advance?
Understand IC ambassador would usually give a 1 level upgrade on room, late check out plus a $20 food/beverage credit per stay. I’m booked in a ‘cosy king room’ on room only basis, so IC benefits may be useful if they would be given, but don’t particularly want to spend $200 if it’s a definite no.
I imagine it would be up to the hotel. Nothing would be guaranteed, or even really due, for BAH bookings. Apparently it used to be possible to buy Ambassador membership through the individual IC hotels, and perhaps get preferential treatment for that particular stay. I don’t know if that is still the case. Would the IHG Platinum status that comes with Ambassador be useful for any other IHG stays over the next year?
I’ve nothing planned currently with any IHG bookings other than a pre-flight hotel/parking booking that’s not direct with IHG.
I wouldn’t rely on it.
It does appear to be down to individual hotels if they offer AMB / IHG benefits on non direct bookings.
IHG policy is benefits only apply on direct bookings so you can’t really complain if a hotel doesn’t offer any benefits for an off piste booking.
Personally I wouldn’t risk it especially aa you appear you won’t gain from it on an ongoing basis.
IHG policy is benefits only apply on direct bookings so you can’t really complain if a hotel doesn’t offer any benefits for an off piste booking.
Unlike the IHG Rewards terms, there’s nothing that excludes third party bookings in the Ambassador terms. Paragraph 32 excludes certain bookings but not those. Third party bookings are instead excluded from the benefits guarantee (paragraph 10a).
So the benefits do apply, but you have no recourse if you don’t get them. Possibly an academic distinction!
@freckles I stayed at the IC Sofia last September with absolutely no IHG status. I’m very much not an IC fan, and I only booked because I was travelling alone and it was so incredibly cheap in a BAH package They tried to sell me an Ambassador upgrade at reception, but when I said no, they gave me an upgrade, lounge access, breakfast and a late check out for free. I didn’t need the late check out and the lounge access and breakfast weren’t worth having in my view, so I just enjoyed the upgrade. In terms of room, I would go for the cathedral view side although another poster recently said they preferred the mountain view as it was quieter, but I wouldn’t choose that.
@freckles I stayed at the IC Sofia last September with absolutely no IHG status. I’m very much not an IC fan, and I only booked because I was travelling alone and it was so incredibly cheap in a BAH package They tried to sell me an Ambassador upgrade at reception, but when I said no, they gave me an upgrade, lounge access, breakfast and a late check out for free. I didn’t need the late check out and the lounge access and breakfast weren’t worth having in my view, so I just enjoyed the upgrade. In terms of room, I would go for the cathedral view side although another poster recently said they preferred the mountain view as it was quieter, but I wouldn’t choose that.
@jdb that’s interesting! On the basis of ‘probably/possibly not getting benefits’ I don’t think I will buy it and see what happens. Yes, the cost via BAH is very competitive. I think I saw your post on Sofia and it’s given me some thoughts- Plovdiv is a definite and a walking tour on the first morning to get some bearings.IHG policy is benefits only apply on direct bookings so you can’t really complain if a hotel doesn’t offer any benefits for an off piste booking.
Unlike the IHG Rewards terms, there’s nothing that excludes third party bookings in the Ambassador terms. Paragraph 32 excludes certain bookings but not those. Third party bookings are instead excluded from the benefits guarantee (paragraph 10a).
So the benefits do apply, but you have no recourse if you don’t get them. Possibly an academic distinction!
Para 32 reads to me to exclude airline/travel agency bookings from benefits
Benefit exceptions
Airline crew, delayed passenger, negotiated long stay, airline/travel/hotel industry, complimentary rooms, and employee rates are not eligible for InterContinental Ambassador or Royal Ambassador benefits/invitation. This does not limit or reduce the benefits of IHG® One Rewards.I believe that refers to discounted rates available to individuals working in the travel industry e.g. https://www.ihg.com/content/gb/en/deals/partner-offers/airline-employee
I was in a Marriott on a BAH booking in Toronto and at check in explained that gold elite when handing over hotel voucher and received a room upgrade. Shy bairns get nowt but not surenI’d pay in the hope not expectation of receiving benefits
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