Need 900 qualifying points before 31 Dec

[marks]

Hi All,

I need to get 900 Qualifying points to put me over the 40k point to platinum. I'm based in Brisbane.

I think this means I need a $90USD spend. Is there an easy way to get this?
Any recommendations?

Cheers.

 

[samh004]

Brisbane has a Holiday Inn Express that can be quite good value these days. To make sure you get the right number of points you could pick extra bonus points with the stay.

The InterContinental Sanctuary Cove can also be good value too.

 

[marks]

Thanks for that.
Can I just buy the points?
Is it possible to have a lunch at the hotel and claim this on my IHG number, if I'm not staying there?

Regards,
Mark.

 

[samh004]

Thanks for that.
Can I just buy the points?
Is it possible to have a lunch at the hotel and claim this on my IHG number, if I'm not staying there?

Regards,
Mark.

No. Elite Qualifying Points cannot be bought.

Also, while a program like Starwood allows you to earn (non-elite) points on restaurant spend when not staying at a hotel, IHG does not. Regardless though, it wouldn't count towards your elite points unless it was part of a stay.

Seriously though, the BNE HIX is available on a random date for $118.50. That would put you just short of the 900 points you need, but room service would push you over. If you wanted an extra guarantee I can see 1000 bonus points for $160 and 2000 bonus points for $160 as well.

 

[Must...Fly!]

BNE HIX doesn't have room service, but from memory there are snacks down at reception you can buy. Might count, never bought them though. YMMV

CP in Surfers might be an option for a quick weekend away

 

[samh004]

BNE HIX doesn't have room service, but from memory there are snacks down at reception you can buy. Might count, never bought them though. YMMV

True. When I was there you could order from the room, but they then called you when whatever you ordered was ready for collection from the front desk. I'd assume that would go onto your overall bill to be paid for at checkout (and thus count towards qualifying points) but YMMV as you say.

 

[andye]

The other thing you may be able to do if you have Amex is:
Open a Virgin ATLANTIC account
Transfer Amex MR points to VS account (1:1)
Transfer VS to IHG (1:1 minimum 10000)
I did this last year-they are elite-qualifying. The minimum number may make this over the top for you but you should have enough time.

Reiterate that you need to be staying for food spend to count. You also need to be careful w calculating the USD value of a stay