Confused by IHG loyalty programs

[Johnno101]

I recently took up the Velocity Gold offer of IHG Gold Elite rewards. Now I am trying to figure out what that entitles me to and the difference between this and Priority Privilege ($A299) and Ambassador Club membership ($US200).

I am looking at staying 9 nights at IHG at Fiji in FEB/MARCH, 1 night at Auckland Airport this month and 1 night CP Auckland in June. Probably another 8 nights throughout the year at Gold Coast, Adelaide and Melbourne.
I would like to take advantages of the specials in the Jan/Feb Priority Privilege Accommodation Offers as mentioned in this board (thanks Markis in particular).

Are the IHG rewards and Priority Privilege the same? If not is it better to also get the ambassador or only get ambassador.

On a separate note I will hit Velocity Platinum after the Fiji trip and wonder how this effects the Gold elite upgrade, does it automatically get upgraded.

Appreciate the advice.

 

[Kieran2274]

On a separate note I will hit Velocity Platinum after the Fiji trip and wonder how this effects the Gold elite upgrade, does it automatically get upgraded. Appreciate the advice.

When you go up from Gold to Platinum in Velocity (for the first time for certain) you get to make your elections again. I switched from Hertz 5 Star to Europcar Privilege Elite for example (I prefer driving an A6)

 

[markis10]

Priority club does not really offer much in benefits as a gold, at ICs its Ambassador that makes a difference. At an IC excluding America points are limited to a per stay basis vs per earn, Priority Privilege is a local discount program. When you hit VA WP go for Hilton Diamond.

 

[Johnno101]

So in my case which would be better especially given the 9 days at IHG Fiji. I am looking for cheapest rate and discounted meals. With priority privilege I get 50% reduction in room rack rate as well as 50% on meals. (Can I also take part in Big Win 2014? with either or is it only Privilege?).

Is there any benefit other than its cheaper going ambassador. My stays will be local only(Australia, NZ and pacific). At end of year will change to Hilton Diamond as you recommend.
Thanks for your assistance.

 

[markis10]

Why not do both, PP for the room and dining benefit and ambassador for the room upgrade etc

 

[Fifa]

I second markis10's suggestion - and you will be able to use the PP Jan/Feb newsletter promo "50% Off Best Flexible Rate",saving your 2 x PP BOGO certificates and the one free Ambassador weekend night certificate for future stays .

Yes, you can enrol in the Big Win comp.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

On a side note, IHG Gold use to be a status one could buy for US$50 (and maybe you still can) so that gives you some idea how much IHG gold is actually worth (not much). You also get IHG gold automatically when you buy IC ambassador status. Like markis10 said, when/if you get the chance again, go HH Diamond which does get you some genuine benefits. Ambassador is worth it if you stay a few times with IC but if not, no point really. The best parts of ambassador is a guranteed one room upgrade and 4pm check-out.

 

[Fifa]

The best parts of ambassador is a guranteed one room upgrade and 4pm check-out.

And the free weekend night when you buy one

 

[bryanjones]

And the free weekend night when you buy one

In your experience, how long does it take for the ambassador membership kit to turn up? Any idea if you can reuse the BOGO weekend certificate or if they (in my case IC Sydney) will take it?

 

[tinkybelle]

I would be selecting Hilton Diamond! even PC plat doesn't get you much!

 

[Fifa]

In your experience, how long does it take for the ambassador membership kit to turn up? Any idea if you can reuse the BOGO weekend certificate or if they (in my case IC Sydney) will take it?

I think my membership packs have arrived in around 6 weeks in the past.
You can join the Ambassador program when you check-in and this gives immediate upgrade and other benefits (your Amb pack with weekend cert is then posted to you).
The weekend certificate has to be surrendered at checkin so can only be used once.
Yes, you can use the cert at IC Sydney with best value being a club city side room (you'll receive a club eastern harbour view room).

 

[Johnno101]

Ok thanks for all input.
I am confused by one query still and it relates to this from the privilege newsletter:
50% Off Best Flexible Rate at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
It has a link which takes me to the IHG site for the resort. When I go to view rooms and rates but the only rates are the best flexible rate of $504 Fijian for basic room. How do I find out what I will be charged (is it best to ring and get actual rate from customer services) and will it be $252 Fijian, that being 50% of the best flexible rate as given by the IHG app as well.

If this rate I see is correct then it appears that priority privilege is worth it for this one stay alone, even without the dining savings. Therefore I will join that and get ambassador club as well for the guaranteed upgrade.

Then use the BOGO weekend certificate at Sanctuary Cove (any suggestions as to best value there?) sometime when it cools down a bit and the pack arrives.

I will use to the max the IHG this year, utilise any reward nights and then towards the beginning of next year go to Hilton Diamond via velocity.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Ok thanks for all input.
I am confused by one query still and it relates to this from the privilege newsletter:
50% Off Best Flexible Rate at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
It has a link which takes me to the IHG site for the resort.

The link adds the code into the IHG site. Do a dummy booking and see. Book two nights, go right through the booking and see what the price is at the end. I just tried but the system says "temporarily unavailable" so I can't be more specific.

 

[Johnno101]

Tried a dummy booking but comes up with:
No rooms exactly matching your preferences were found. The following room types are available.
Does this mean what I think it does; no availability

 

[markis10]

Tried a dummy booking but comes up with:
No rooms exactly matching your preferences were found. The following room types are available.
Does this mean what I think it does; no availability

More likely an issue with the booking engine.

 

[Rick93]

As a PP Member ( logged in ), I'm getting 'no availability' also ... ( right up to the end of Feb. )

 

[eric2011]

In your experience, how long does it take for the ambassador membership kit to turn up? Any idea if you can reuse the BOGO weekend certificate or if they (in my case IC Sydney) will take it?

Mine usually take Around 6 weeks to arrive, the hotel is meant to take and retain your certificate at arrival however in my experience the IC at SYD are very slack in asking for them, in fact in the last membership year I used it 4 times prior to it expiring. Only once was I actually asked for it with my reply being " no problems, it's in my luggage and I will drop it down when we unpack". Needless to say that was the last I heard about it.

 

[Rick93]

Damn ...

Wish I had of tried that one last recent stay ...

Silly me said, "Oh, do you need the voucher?"

She said, "Oh, yes, we had better take that from you ..."

Der ...

 

[Johnno101]

Well will not be joining priority club yet as when I rang to book they had no pp-newsletter availability for January/February (apparently all allocated were taken up) and there have been none allocated for March at all. So makes the joining fee a bit excessive.
The other point was the cs person tried to tell me the hotel was nearly booked out for February/March. I did not bother to point out that this is the downtime and there are some good options available elsewhere on the islands.

 

[Rick93]

Ya don't want to to be in that part of Fiji in Jan / Feb anyway ...

Stinking hot, and it's 'cyclone' season ...

Was there in Jan 08, and 'lost' 7 out of a 10 day stay to extreme bad weather ... ( not to mention the poor locals, who tend to lose property and possessions )