Offer to retain IHG diamond ambassador for 2024

[RD_ADL]

Well, there goes that !!
It seems, that Sanctuary Cove IC like to play 'give and take' ....
I was upgraded weeks ago to a Queenslander Suite, and I booked an airfare to stay with my daughter and finance.
They have the bedroom, and me in the lounge ....
Now, they have reclaimed that upgrade, and we are back into an ordinary base room ( I don't care what's out the window ... )
Of course, they claim my 'Ambassador upgrade' is an $8. upgrade to a 'marina view' from a 'garden view' or whatever ....

I ... am ... SPEWING !!!!!

It's these things that are really beginning to give me doubts about staying with IHG. I've been a Royal Ambassador for 10+ years. Stay 100+ nights per year, spend $30k+. They've just downgraded the previous benefit of free minibar to 25 x USD20 F&B Credits. Upgrades are now only 2 categories higher, whereas it used to be a suite. Consequently, new tiers in rooms are being added to ensure the two category upgrade is like your situation - Marina View or City View, High Floor, Low floor........

Just can't understand why they downgrade the loyalty benefits of the top 1% of guests.

Seriously considering a move to Marriott or Accor.

 

[drron]

On the other hand I have now decided I will make IHG my first choice instead of Marriott where I am LTP.
IHG have treated me way better than Marriott with the exception of Sanctuary Cove IC last year.
The milestone awards have been a help. By claiming my 40 night benefit of lounge access on January 2nd I have this until 31/12/25. The T&Cs do state it is for the rest of the year in which it is claimed plus the next 12 months.

 

[moa999]

Just got similar offer for 2026..
Currently Plat Ambassador (with 38 nights, which will become 40 and I will take the lounge pass).

For me 90,000 points.. I've also seen offers of 120,000 on FT.

Now 90,000 points is US$875.. so not cheap. But equivalent to say 3 nights at Sydney IC
(But last week with 100% bonuses was US$645).

The points themselves are probably worth US$540 by the various calculators.

So US$325 difference.

The main benefit I guess is the breakfast, which can easily run $30-40 these days, plus more points on paid stays.. and likely better upgrades.

 

[Rick93]

Got the offer as well.
( Plat. to Diamond til end of 26 ).
I'm asked to buy 115k of points at $US980.
I'm rethinking my position, as I wasn't impressed by the refurbished Sydney IC Club Lounge set up.
A real downgrade in food offerings.
Rather than canapes on the table, they offer two choices, served by staff. One piece at a time.
They still had a few salady-type choices on a small table.
Not worth the cost of Club access anymore at both Sydney and Double Bay, and Sanctuary Cove went the same way.
Gone are the great days of Club Lounge food and drinks .....

 

[kerfuffle]

Mine's 85K points. Will pass and just use my Annual Lounge Pass or Food and Beverage vouchers for breakfast (or eat outside the hotel)