What is IHG Rewards Club Ambassador Status and is it Worth it? Like Luxury? Read On!
June 2016
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If you are loyal to IHG, are not yet Gold Elite and like to stay at IHG’s most luxurious brand, buying Ambassador Status is a fantastic choice!
We think it is a simple and smart decision - basically the value of the free weekend night and the 5,000 IHG points for each stay more than pays for the annual cost even if you only stay at InterContinental Hotels a few times a year! And you get lots of wonderful perks!
Ambassador Status is only valid at InterContinental Hotels (including the Venetian and Palazzo in Las Vegas) but you also enjoy Gold Elite Status across all the IHG brands! You can buy InterContinental Ambassador Status for $200 the first year and $150 each year thereafter. IHG Rewards Club members may also purchase membership for 32,000 IHG Reward points.
We value IHG Rewards Club points at .7 cents per point, which is what we would be willing to pay if we could buy IHG Rewards points and the minimum value we suggest you seek before redeeming IHG points. Therefore, since 32,000 points have a value of about $224, you are better off paying $200 instead of using points. To see how trvlvip determines rewards mile and point values, see our great tip on this topic.
With Ambassador Status you receive 5,000 bonus points for each stay (our estimate of the value of 5,000 points is $35 at .7 cents per point)! You also enjoy an annual free weekend night (which can be worth well over $200), guaranteed upgrades, 4 p.m. check-out when available, a complimentary in-room movie each stay and many additional benefits!
Here is more detail on some of the benefits of Ambassador Status:
Complimentary annual weekend night certificate - Valid on the 2nd night of a paid weekend stay with the Ambassador Weekend Rate, it is valid for 12 months, is not transferrable and must be presented at check-in
Gold Elite status in IHG Rewards Club across ALL IHG hotels
Up to 4 p.m. check-out
5,000 bonus IHGRewards Club points for each stay
Guaranteed room upgrade to a superior room
Fresh fruit upon arrival
Mineral water in room daily
In-room gift
Complimentary pay-TV film per stay
Complimentary daily newspaper
Free internet
Dedicated Ambassador check-in area
When staying on Reward Nights, all Ambassador privileges apply with the exception of upgrades and the free-Pay TV film per stay
Ambassador membership is valid for a rolling year and expires on the last day of the month after which an account is enrolled.
Royal Ambassador Status is by invitation only and is typically awarded after completing:
75 qualifying nights
20 nights at InterContinental Hotels
3 different InterContinental Hotels
Rewards Nights do not qualify towards Royal Ambassador Status.
Here are the additional benefits of Royal Ambassador Status:
Guaranteed room availability with 24-hour advance reservation
Check-in as early as 8 a.m.
An upgrade to an executive room, Club InterContinental room with lounge access or a suite is guaranteed
Use of all in-hotel health club facilities (where available)
Beverages are complimentary from the mini-bar (at the The Venetian and The Palazzo Resorts a $100 credit is applied toward the mini-bar per stay)
Royal referral certificate: Members can invite another person to receive complimentary Royal Ambassador Status for the year; the certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue
To read more about Ambassador and Royal Ambassador Status see the terms and conditions.
The Wrap Up:
Buying Ambassador Status is a fantastic choice! The value of the benefits outweigh the annual cost even if you only stay at InterContinental Hotels a few times a year! And you get lots wonderful, luxurious perks!
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