Ambassador program questions

[celetrum]

Hi everyone

couple of questions on ambassador program.

when signing up to ambassador you get a status bump in IHG. So from basic IHG you get bumped up to IHG Gold. First couple of Questions around what happens if your status has changed during the year within IHG from Gold to Platinum.

1) I have read in a few places that if you have your IHG status go up then you would receive a second welcome package? So if my IHG went from gold to platinum mid way through enrolled year would I get a new ambassador package to reflect my platinum status ?

2) does the bump from gold to platinum in IHG extend my membership time with Ambassador ? Or is it basically twelve months from sign up and you have to renew regardless of what happens in your IHG program side of things ?

With the last couple of questions it's more around timings so I'll give a bit of a brief context. We plan on using our first BOGOF voucher at IC Sydney in January 2016. However planning on doing a Greece trip too visit family in SEp 2016 for around 6 weeks and was hoping to be able to use a second round of BOGOF in Abu Dabi or Dubai on the way back to melbourne in Mid Oct 2016.

3) how long does the renewal package take ? Around the same time ? Or is it quicker for renewing memberships ? Can there be longer delays than 6 weeks ?

4) any ideas on how to get your renewal package or at least the BOGOF certificate if overseas at the time it's due to be delivered ?

Trying to to figure if it's worth joining now (but realised will be OS when renewal package is due to come) or wait a couple of months to join. Will all depend on whether can get a hold of my renewal package BOGOF certificate whilst OS or would even joining start of September be pushing it to get my renewal package certificate to use in Mid Oct ? From what I read these certificates are not electronic (why don't they just load it onto your membership instead of paper certificate ?)

have read each mixed responses on whether the status bump in IHG does in fact send you a new packag for ambassador and also can be pot luck if the new package contains another BOGOF certificate.

hope we this makes sense.? And thanks in advance

 

[Austman]

1) I have read in a few places that if you have your IHG status go up then you would receive a second welcome package? So if my IHG went from gold to platinum mid way through enrolled year would I get a new ambassador package to reflect my platinum status ?

No. Maybe a new card. That's it.

2) does the bump from gold to platinum in IHG extend my membership time with Ambassador ? Or is it basically twelve months from sign up and you have to renew regardless of what happens in your IHG program side of things ?

It's 12 months, no extensions.

3) how long does the renewal package take ? Around the same time ? Or is it quicker for renewing memberships ? Can there be longer delays than 6 weeks ?

It can take 6 weeks. Mine have sometimes taken longer. Renewed in December, package received in February.

4) any ideas on how to get your renewal package or at least the BOGOF certificate if overseas at the time it's due to be delivered ?

E-mail to the Ambassador Services Centre? They can expedite some matters. They have for me in the past.

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

Agree with everything Austman says.

I once had a renewal package go missing and after phoning the Ambassador Service Centre they offered to mail it to an address of my choosing so if you need it somewhere else then i would phone.

 

[celetrum]

Ok just took the plunge and signed up for Intercontinental Ambassador program! We are going to use the BOGOF certificate that comes with it for our first ever stay at an intercontinental in a club room at IC Sydney in Mid January.

Possibly going ring to look at signing onto Dining rewards in early January as well to get the bump up to Platinum as well. Should I sign up online for Dining Rewards or wait till I get to IC Sydney in case they have a dining rewards incentive ?

I dont think it would make a difference arriving to check in as a Gold Ambassador as opposed to a Platinum Ambassador ?

 

[Rick93]

Book your room yourself, online.
But don't just 'set and forget' ...
Review room prices every month
What often happens, is that prices will fall, closer to the stay date ( certain key dates excluded, like NYE etc. )

Eg. say today's rate = $560. / night for King Club City View.

Two months from now, rate 'might' be $520. Then in January, it 'might' be $490.

If you find the price has dropped ...

Book your new room, at the cheaper rate, THEN cancel the more costly booking.

 

[celetrum]

Book your room yourself, online.
But don't just 'set and forget' ...
Review room prices every month
What often happens, is that prices will fall, closer to the stay date ( certain key dates excluded, like NYE etc. )

Eg. say today's rate = $560. / night for King Club City View.

Two months from now, rate 'might' be $520. Then in January, it 'might' be $490.

If you find the price has dropped ...

Book your new room, at the cheaper rate, THEN cancel the more costly booking.

So even the Ambassador Weekend rate which is basically the flexible rate might drop between booking and coming! Thanks for the heads up on that!

 

[Jacques Vert]

A question about the free night. I realize the T&Cs say that you pay for the first night and the second night is free.

What happens when the second night is significantly higher-priced than the first? Do you pay the cheaper price for the first night or do they charge an average of the two?

I've used the BOGO certificates before however the difference in price between the two nights has been small so I haven't taken much notice.

 

[Austman]

You do have to book the BOGO via the link.

But in my experience it's the second night that's not charged regardless of if it was cheaper or dearer.

 

[oz_mark]

A question about the free night. I realize the T&Cs say that you pay for the first night and the second night is free.

What happens when the second night is significantly higher-priced than the first? Do you pay the cheaper price for the first night or do they charge an average of the two?

I've used the BOGO certificates before however the difference in price between the two nights has been small so I haven't taken much notice.

The second night is free, but some hotels will try it on. Just have to hold your ground with them...

 

[Jacques Vert]

You do have to book the BOGO via the link.

But in my experience it's the second night that's not charged regardless of if it was cheaper or dearer.

The second night is free, but some hotels will try it on. Just have to hold your ground with them...

Thanks for the speedy replies. I thought that should be the case but as I said, I have never taken that much notice.

And yes, I realize I need to book via the BOGO page; thanks for confirming.