1st IHG stay - some queries

[doctorstrangelove]

Hi all,

I was one of the lucky ones who managed to swoop in on the Diamond status for nothing which I've managed to extend for another year by then signing up the Ambassador programme. My first stay is going to be at the Kimpton Fitzroy London beginning December and I'm just trying to get my head around the perks I'm entitled to maximize my stay!

The main perks of Ambassador seem to be guaranteed room upgrade, $20USD to spend at bar/restaurant & late check-out.

Free breakfast + check-in amenity as Diamond.

If I use the Kimpton secret password will I get an additional check-in amenity too?

Also, 20,000 bonus points for staying 2 nights after signing up for Ambassador.

Anything else to keep a look out for? TIA.

 

[Kerrodt]

Kimpton secret password?? What is that all about?

 

[sudoer]

Kimpton secret password?? What is that all about?

Use the Kimpton Hotel Secret Password to Get Upgrades, Free Drinks and More

Mention the secret password "Pick-a-stick" at check-in to score perks and other benefits when staying at Kimpton Hotels. Perks range from free parking, a free breakfast, a free upgrade, etc. Plus, Kimpton now offers travelers an "emotional support beverage" at check-in if their flight is...

awardwallet.com

There's a rotating password that you can mention at check-in to get free stuff.

 

[FishFood]

Free breakfast + check-in amenity as Diamond.

In other IHG properties the check in amenity is usually a choice of points or drink or breakfast so not sure if you will get both breakfast and something else, but good luck

 

[doctorstrangelove]

In other IHG properties the check in amenity is usually a choice of points or drink or breakfast so not sure if you will get both breakfast and something else, but good luck

Thank you for your personal experience Fishfood. This is useful to know as the offer has been misrepresented on multiple points blogs. For example Flighthacks (they were not the only offenders) listed complimentary breakfast and welcome amenity as two separate benefits.

HUGE: How To Get Instant IHG One Rewards Diamond Status

That’s right, with just a few clicks you can score free IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status!

flighthacks.com.au

Under Welcome Amenities (which it is under):

Diamond Elite Members’ Welcome Amenity choice also includes Free Breakfast at full-service and select-service brands (REGENT, InterContinental, Hualuxe, Hotel Indigo, voco, Crowne Plaza, Even, Holiday Inn, and Kimpton)

for each night of your stay. In terms of taking this as a welcome amenity (if you're offered the choice) provided you're staying longer than one night it's an absolute no-brainer! And the language makes it very clear you're correct in this and I should not expect another to be offered.

From your own IHG experience, has there ever been a case where breakfast was not offered as one of the welcome amenities to choose from?

 

[FishFood]

From your own IHG experience, has there ever been a case where breakfast was not offered as one of the welcome amenities to choose from?

Only at HIX, since it's included for everyone

 

[bussyboy]

https://www.facebook.com/51530158577/posts/10160637185498578

"The snuggle is real" - report back on the bonus!

 

[jakeseven7]

Hi all,

I was one of the lucky ones who managed to swoop in on the Diamond status for nothing which I've managed to extend for another year by then signing up the Ambassador programme. .

How did you extend the Diamond? I thought Ambassador only gave you a year of Plat?

 

[sudoer]

How did you extend the Diamond? I thought Ambassador only gave you a year of Plat?

READER EMAIL: Confirming: Ambassador Renewal Extended Diamond

IHG One Rewards members can extend their Diamond tier by renewing or buying InterContinental Ambassador.

loyaltylobby.com

 

[NM]

Only at HIX, since it's included for everyone

Another option is for Ambassador member at an Intercontinental Hotel, where Ambassador membership entitles one free breakfast at Intercontinental Hotels. In this situation. choosing the breakfast welcome amenity will entitle them to two breakfasts (both people staying in the same room). This does not entitle them to three breakfasts! Note that Ambassador entitlement is for the member only and is one per day of the stay, though I have experienced hotels not enforcing this as member only and allowing the other person in the room to partake in the free breakfast.

So if staying alone as Ambassador at an Intercontinental Hotel, no point in choosing the breakfast welcome amenity. But if staying with another person in the same room, it might be a desirable option for the welcome amenity to ensure both people get breakfast.

 

[doctorstrangelove]

Another option is for Ambassador member at an Intercontinental Hotel, where Ambassador membership entitles one free breakfast at Intercontinental Hotels. In this situation. choosing the breakfast welcome amenity will entitle them to two breakfasts (both people staying in the same room). This does not entitle them to three breakfasts! Note that Ambassador entitlement is for the member only and is one per day of the stay, though I have experienced hotels not enforcing this as member only and allowing the other person in the room to partake in the free breakfast.

So if staying alone as Ambassador at an Intercontinental Hotel, no point in choosing the breakfast welcome amenity. But if staying with another person in the same room, it might be a desirable option for the welcome amenity to ensure both people get breakfast.

@NM am I misreading the T&C? For Ambassador - complimentary breakfast only valid in mainland China? It seems outwith China you receive up to $20USD voucher instead?

h. Complimentary breakfast: One complimentary full breakfast for each night of the stay for the member, valid only in the main restaurant. Not applicable to in-room dining. Valid in Mainland China only.

https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/content/gb/en/ambassador/terms-conditions

 

[NM]

@NM am I misreading the T&C? For Ambassador - complimentary breakfast only valid in mainland China? It seems outwith China you receive up to $20USD voucher instead?

Yes, I think you are correct. I my case, it was likely the A$25 credit that Mrs. NM used for breakfast. And obviously that credit is not limited to spending on/by the member, but is applied to food/beverage charged to the room.

 

[maia200]

Does anyone have the local phone number for Diamond Elite? They all have a number but don't seem to have an Australian number. It does say it is a free call but I do not have international access on my mobile?

 

[maia200]

I stayed at the ICH at Oliver Tambo JNB. Received two breakfasts as part of my benefit however could chose between 600points or ONE welcome drink. Blame jet-lag I took the one wine and bought the other one. Poor use...but lovely at the time

 

[dairyfloss]

I stayed at the ICH at Oliver Tambo JNB. Received two breakfasts as part of my benefit however could chose between 600points or ONE welcome drink. Blame jet-lag I took the one wine and bought the other one. Poor use...but lovely at the time

Given that 600 points are worth about $5, then unless your wine was very very cheap, then you absolutely made the right choice! I reckon unless you are on a breakfast included rate, and don't drink purchasable beverages of any kind (incl. water), then the 600 IHG points should probably be declined for something else every time!

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[maia200]

Given that 600 points are worth about $5, then unless your wine was very very cheap, then you absolutely made the right choice! I reckon unless you are on a breakfast included rate, and don't drink purchasable beverages of any kind (incl. water), then the 600 IHG points should probably be declined for something else every time!

Cheers,
Matt.

Thanks for that feedback....wine was definitely dearer than $5 . A win then.

 

[doctorstrangelove]

Just checked in.

Some successes, some failures.

Early check-in at 11:30.
Guaranteed room upgrade unavailable.
Welcome amenity - 600 points, drink or breakfast (I went with the latter).
The Snuggle is Real - 1000 points or coughtail (I went with the latter).

 

[dairyfloss]

Just checked in.

Some successes, some failures.

Early check-in at 11:30.
Guaranteed room upgrade unavailable.
Welcome amenity - 600 points, drink or breakfast (I went with the latter).
The Snuggle is Real - 1000 points or coughtail (I went with the latter).

The Guaranteed room upgrade of one category only applies to InterContinental branded properties (and Regent properties, temporarily - that ends in 2023). For upgrades at other properties you rely on your IHG Diamond status, which doesn't always get you much, I'm afraid. Travel in Asia for the best treatment, if you can!

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[doctorstrangelove]

The Guaranteed room upgrade of one category only applies to InterContinental branded properties (and Regent properties, temporarily - that ends in 2023). For upgrades at other properties you rely on your IHG Diamond status, which doesn't always get you much, I'm afraid. Travel in Asia for the best treatment, if you can!

Cheers,
Matt.

Hi Matt, what about some of the other Ambassador perks - the $20USD bar credit - is that only for staying in Intercontinental branded properties too? Or if it's a property that you can book on the IHG website it's safe to assume that's it available to use at the hotel in question? This IHG rewards programme is so confusing with the chopping and changing of privileges between the different chains under their umbrella!

 

[FishFood]

Hi Matt, what about some of the other Ambassador perks - the $20USD bar credit - is that only for staying in Intercontinental branded properties too?

In case you don't get an answer I believe this is the case, the ambassador and IHG one rewards operate somewhat separately although the benefits do sometimes overlap