IHG Ambassador newbie

[jampot]

Hi all,

I’m lucky enough to be going to Six Senses Laamu in a few weeks (Base level/Lagoon Villa room) for six nights in November. I’ve seen a bit about the Ambassador status and wondered if this is worth it for this trip alone – at a high level it looks like the points bonus would be valuable in itself, but keen to understand if things like the upgrade/extras given through the status are a bit hit and miss at the higher end hotels.

Many thanks in advance

Jamie

[strickers]

Ambassador only gives benefits at Intercontinental. SS Laamu is spectacular but expensive! Breakfast is included I think in all stays, ice cream bar can work for lunch, take advantage of the 241 offers on drinks and be prepared to spend large for dinner.

[jampot]

Ok thank you, so I won’t sign up then! We had free half board as part of our package thankfully, but yes, expecting drinks to break the bank

[strickers]

A couple of years ago a small beer was $15.

[BBbetter]

Doesnt Ambassador get you free breakfast at SS?

[BBbetter]

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spa is progressively integrating into the IHG One Rewards programme and at that time the following benefits will apply for InterContinental Ambassador, Royal Ambassador and Kimpton Inner Circle members at participating Six Senses hotels:
Complimentary Breakfast for two in the main restaurant per day. Benefit not applicable at Six Senses Residences.
Signature Amenity of either a complimentary 50 minute Six Senses Spa massage for two or local experience once per stay. The Signature Amenity varies by resort, is subject to availability and confirmed on arrival. Not applicable with corporate or negotiated rates.
Complimentary one category room upgrade (subject to availability, excluding residences and 2 bedroom or greater suites/villas)
Extended check-out of 4pm subject to availability. Guaranteed for Royal Ambassador & Kimpton Inner Circle members. Benefit always subject to availability for all tiers at Six Senses Residences.
Early check-in subject to availability. Guaranteed for Royal Ambassador & Kimpton Inner Circle members and in circumstances where the room is not available at 10 am, the member may be checked into another available room until the original booked room becomes available. Benefit always subject to availability for all tiers at Six Senses Residences.
Complimentary Internet access. Internet accessibility, speed, and connectivity in common areas and guest rooms vary by hotel.
Wellness Platter welcome amenity on day of arrival. Benefit always subject to availability for all tiers at Six Senses Residences.

[strickers]

I stand corrected says the man in the orthopaedic shoes. Now I remember it was Ambassador that gave the free breakfast, we also had a complimentary massage. So almost certainly worth signing up if the latter appeals.

[jeff]

BBbetter wrote:

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spa is progressively integrating into the IHG One Rewards programme and at that time the following benefits will apply for InterContinental Ambassador, Royal Ambassador and Kimpton Inner Circle members at participating Six Senses hotels:

“Participating” is the key word. For instance, I think Six Senses Koh Samui is not yet integrated into the IHG program and doesn’t plan to be for some time. However, I understand they unofficially acknowledge status with some perks.

[u07ch]

Upgrades at most Six Senses are rare as they are smallresorts; So far only Fiji & Bali have upgraded me in 6 stays – though Yao Noi in May gave me the best in category version of my room .

The amenity can be good value on a stay, but won’t cover the cost on its own. Most resorts now offer a 1 hour massage each for 2 guests; or a 100usd room credit to Ambassadors.

At Laamu you get IHG reward points if your stay was booked direct; so the the Platinum points bonus aren’t to be scoffed at – when I went my total bill was ±14k (I had a very big beach villa.) That adds up to a decent amount of bonus points you can use to book rewards rooms later.

[jampot]

Thanks all for the help above, in case helpful for anyone else in the future I’d say it was definitely worth it just for this stay. While they couldn’t upgrade me due to lack of availability they were very apologetic, they gave my wife and I an amazing couples massage (cost itself is usd400 after tax), and I will get an extra c35k points. I didn’t mention my status, they knew my status before arrival.

[meta]

If you can book it on points, it means you get Ambassador benefits.

I’ve been upgraded every time at the participating Six Senses, but as ever don’t expect an upgrade on the day or on the spot, engage with the hotel staff in advance.