-
Seeking some input here.
The 15k points are worth $75 (I would probably buy to top up a redemption) so I have a net outlay of $125.
Between other offers, I’m not getting much value out of things like the 4pm check out and I find application of the $20 F&B credit to be patchy at best. So it boils down to can I get £100 worth of value out of the 2-4-1 weekend voucher.
I’m thinking I can probably come out of this infront regardless, but am aware that it will be at the cost of me committing to a weekend at an IHG when a neighbouring hotel may have a better deal going. Any thoughts welcome!
I’m having the same dilemma, since it no longer renew the diamond status.
If there was a favourite IC that you are planning to stay anyway, then it is worth, and you can just keep the platinum status as an option ..
If you can make use of the voucher then why not?
I’ve had some very good value from the 2nd night free cert in the past.
If you only book non refundable rates at ICs then I wouldn’t bother renewing. But if you book flexible rates then it can be worth it.
Just do the maths first and remember the search engine results don’t take the second night being free into account when showing the total costs – you need to so that yourself.
I think it’s only worth it now if you know that you’ll be visiting a destination which has an IC, and you want to stay in it! Even when there’s an IC somewhere, it can be underwhelming, badly located or ridiculously overpriced.
I wish there was an equivalent programme for Kimpton, that would be awesome!
Also consider whether you’re better off with the free night, or the perks via Emyr
Also consider whether you’re better off with the free night, or the perks via Emyr
I doubt there are many ICs costing less than $125, therefore this voucher will always be cheaper than Emyr, unless OP doesn’t travel during weekends.
I wish there was an equivalent programme for Kimpton, that would be awesome!
IHG should make the voucher valid at all IHG hotels and even on weekdays. Would happily pay a premium for that, say $250. Or make it even more engaging by charging $500 for two nights valid anywhere and any day.
Mine was up for renewal and I decided I will but not until I actually need it. Can’t see me staying at an IC this side of July (all my planned stays are HIX) so I’ll renew it when it makes sense since I’m Plat until the end of the year and have a suite night award in the bank.
Also consider whether you’re better off with the free night, or the perks via Emyr
I doubt there are many ICs costing less than $125, therefore this voucher will always be cheaper than Emyr, unless OP doesn’t travel during weekends.
This is the problem. Matching up the rare 2 night weekend stay with a city that has an IC. And if I don’t jump this week then the necessary return goes to $200.
I think I’m out.
I don’t think it’s worth it if Diamond status is not included. I won’t be re-joining Ambassador.
I don’t think it’s worth it if Diamond status is not included. I won’t be re-joining Ambassador.
Diamond was never included with AMB!
There was a quirk where if you already had Spire / Diamond then renewwed AMB that you retained spire / diamond but it was never part of the official benefits.
The only status included with AMB is Plat and that hasn’t changed.
Ah ok thanks. Then I was lucky. If Diamond status were to be included, then I would sign/pay up again tomorrow.
I am also not renewing.
I will wait until I can use the voucher.
Plus I am finding that upgrades hard to get with hotels preferring to give points rather than upgrade a base suite to a better suite.
Maybe I am better off booking via an agent. Sadly the last one I tried did not even reply to my request!
@Ian have you tried Emyr? I and others have always found him very responsive.
He won’t get you discounts rates but he can het extra benefits
Can someone with an Ambassador voucher do me a favour? Looking to see if the IC Rome Ambasciatori has voucher availability from 12-15 June this year. Saving £750 would certainly sweeten the renewal deal!
You can do it yourself – you don’t need the voucher to search
https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/content/us/en/ambassador/free-weekend-certificate
Perfect, I knew there must have been a way somehow! I’ve always just clicked through from the voucher (when I had one). Thanks.
One more thing to consider if it’s a marginal decision whether to sign up or not is that the Ambassador helpline tend to be better than IHG’s general customer services (and I’ve found they seem a bit more likely to offer points in compensation for problems). That’s worth something, especially if you stay with IHG often.
Personally, I think I’ll let my Ambassador lapse and just renew if I can use the free night.
Also consider whether you’re better off with the free night, or the perks via Emyr
I doubt there are many ICs costing less than $125, therefore this voucher will always be cheaper than Emyr, unless OP doesn’t travel during weekends.
The 241 rate is normally more than the best flexible rate you’ll pay with Emyr, and my general experience has been that there are other benefits I value when I’ve booked via Emyr like free lounge access or meaningful confirmed upgrades. I used to renew Ambassador every year and find a way to use the voucher but now I’ll buy it if/when I want to do an IC over a weekend stay and using Emyr isn’t preferable; tellingly I haven’t done this in a couple of years.
If Kimptons and Regents were rolled in I’d definitely have kept it as that’s enough options for me to be confident I’d have a use for the voucher and would get more from the benefits.
My amb is due for renewal this month and last years amb membership purchase extended diamond status till end of this year.
Has anyone who renewed their membership had their diamond status extended to end of next year?
Mine due next week, and upon reviewing T’s and C’s I’ve spotted 12(h) which lists complimentary breakfast as an Ambassador benefit. Is this a thing?! Never spotted or made use of it before, as I’ve always booked rates that included breakfast!
Unfortunately not, I think complimentary breakfast is only for AMB members in China.
Mine due next week, and upon reviewing T’s and C’s I’ve spotted 12(h) which lists complimentary breakfast as an Ambassador benefit. Is this a thing?! Never spotted or made use of it before, as I’ve always booked rates that included breakfast!
Yes, it is a thing, but if you read to the end of 12(h) you’ll find it’s valid only in Mainland China.
My amb is due for renewal this month and last years amb membership purchase extended diamond status till end of this year.
Has anyone who renewed their membership had their diamond status extended to end of next year?
That hasn’t worked for the last few months.
Mine due next week, and upon reviewing T’s and C’s I’ve spotted 12(h) which lists complimentary breakfast as an Ambassador benefit. Is this a thing?! Never spotted or made use of it before, as I’ve always booked rates that included breakfast!
Yes, it is a thing, but if you read to the end of 12(h) you’ll find it’s valid only in Mainland China.
Touché! I skimmed that bit and thought it was “Not applicable… in Mainland China”.
Thanks
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Popular articles this week:
