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InterContinental Hotels Group, aka IHG, is one of the renowned hotel groups with 18 brands and over 6,000 locations. IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program of IHG Hotels, but there is another IHG elite status that you may not have heard of: the InterContinental Hotels Ambassador program. If you stay at IHG’s Intercontinental hotels and participating Six Senses hotels and resorts, then the InterContinental Ambassador program might be what you are looking for.
This program is unique because achieving this status tier isn’t simply about staying at an InterContinental hotel countless nights each year or collecting IHG points. The qualifying criteria differ from other Elite status levels. I will discuss all the benefits, pros, and cons of the InterContinental Hotels Ambassador program so you can make an informed decision about whether it will be worth it for you.
What is InterContinental Hotels Ambassador Program?
The InterContinental Hotels Ambassador program is a loyalty program offered by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. It provides perks for guests staying at InterContinental hotels and resorts. However, no need to confuse it with the IHG One Rewards program, as they are separate programs. What makes the Ambassador program unique is that it requires a monetary purchase as its qualifying criteria; it’s like you are subscribing to some service.
Another thing worth noting is that the InterContinental Ambassador program does not extend Ambassador benefits to stays at other IHG brands. Instead, guests will receive IHG Platinum Elite status when staying at other IHG brand properties.
How to Get Ambassador Status?
So, there are two ways you can achieve this status; if you’re a member of IHG One Rewards, you have the option to acquire Ambassador status by either paying $200 or redeeming 40,000 IHG points per year. Once you sign up, your membership will be valid for 12 months from the date of registration. You can do the process online or at any IHG property.
You can obtain a value of up to or even more than 1 cent per point for your IHG points. However, on average, IHG points are typically valued at around 6-7 cents. Therefore, 40,000 points would be worth more than $200. If you have the option to redeem the points for higher value rewards, it would be more beneficial to directly purchase the status by paying $200.
Benefits You Will Get From IHG Ambassador Status
By becoming an Ambassador member, you can enjoy a range of perks and personalized services during your stays at InterContinental properties.
Some of the benefits typically associated with the InterContinental Hotels Ambassador program include:
Guaranteed One Category Room Upgrades
Ambassador members receive complimentary room upgrades at InterContinental hotels. Also, this benefit does not include club access and may not apply to certain suite types. Also, this benefit is not guaranteed on award stays
Extended Check-Out
With this program, you get guaranteed 4 pm check out. Guests can enjoy extended check-out times, allowing for a more relaxed departure.
Free Weekend Certificates
Members receive a complimentary weekend night certificate when they signup for the program or renew; it can be used for a complimentary stay when booking a paid weekend night. As an Ambassador member, you can enjoy the benefit of receiving one complimentary weekend night during a paid stay at InterContinental hotels and resorts. This offer applies specifically to the second night of your booking when you select the Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night rate.
Also, remember weekend nights are generally considered to be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with the exception of the Middle East region. In the Middle East, hotels may define the weekend as Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
$20 Food and beverage Credit Per Stay
You will receive a $20 credit per stay that can be used at certain hotel restaurants, bars, and minibars.
In China, being an Ambassador member comes with extra perks that make it even more enticing. When you stay at hotels within Mainland China, you’ll receive a complimentary breakfast for one person every night of your stay. These additional benefits make the InterContinental Ambassador program even more appealing for those traveling in China. See more details here.
Benefits at Six Senses
Being an IHG Ambassador holds special significance when you stay at Six Senses, a charming collection of top-notch luxury hotels, resorts, and spas. If you have an IHG Ambassador membership, you can enjoy exclusive perks at Six Senses.
The benefits you get at Six Senses as an ambassador member are:
- You’ll have the option of an extended check-out until 4 p.m.
- Early check-in at 10 a.m. is also available (subject to availability).
- Complimentary breakfast for two in the main restaurant every day.
- As a special touch, you’ll get to choose between a complimentary 50-minute Six Senses Spa massage for two or an exciting local experience during your stay. If you use this perk even once, your membership fee is covered.
- Depending on availability, you might even be treated to a complimentary room upgrade.
Remember, these perks are only valid when you book through IHG or any authorized place. Also, it’s applicable only to participating Six Senses properties.
InterContinenetal Royal Ambassador
Royal Ambassador status is a special tier that’s only offered to a small percentage of members, and it’s based on their activity and loyalty at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. So, if you are eligible for the Royal Ambassador you will get access for special benefits. Here are some of the notable benefits you get from this status:
- Benefit from a US$50 minibar credit per night, with a total allowance of up to US$200 per stay.
- Receive a complimentary night stay at any IHG Hotel worldwide (excluding IHG Army), as long as the room requires fewer than 70,000 IHG Points.
- Guaranteed room upgrades to a higher category, including the option for a suite (subject to availability).
- Complimentary access for two to Club Intercontinental or Regent Club lounges, where you can indulge in premium amenities and services.
- Early check-in at 10 am and late check-out until 4 pm.
- Receive a complimentary weekend night certificate, offering additional opportunities for memorable getaways.
- Delight in an in-room amenity, specially provided to enhance your stay experience.
- Complimentary mineral water throughout your stay.
- Earn Kimpton Inner Circle member status, unlocking even more exclusive privileges at Kimpton Hotels.
Is InterContinental Hotels Ambassador Program Really Worth It?
To make this purchase worth it you have to redeem benefits for more than $200. If you’re someone who stays at InterContinental Hotels regularly, getting the Ambassador status is definitely a smart move. It offers fantastic perks that make it totally worth it! The free night certificate alone can cover the cost of the annual fee and more. Other benefits you get from the other hotels like Six Senses and Platinum Elite Status in IHG One Rewards with a guaranteed room upgrade, late check-out, and a $20 credit for food and drinks, you’ll find it easy to make up for the membership fee with just a stay or two.
So, if you love staying at InterContinental Hotels, becoming an Ambassador member is a no-brainer. You’ll be treated to some amazing benefits that will make your stays even more enjoyable and rewarding! It all depends on you and what your needs are, as said if you stay at InterContonetal Hotels you can make the Status worth it.
IHG Credit Cards To Earn Points
IHG offers several credit cards that allow you to earn IHG Rewards Club points, which can be redeemed for hotel stays, flights, gift cards, and other rewards. Here are some of the IHG credit cards you can consider to earn points:
- IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
- IHG® Rewards Premier Business Card
- IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Bottom Line
As mentioned above if you visit InterContinental Hotels having Ambassador status is worth it, but even if you don’t stay at InterContinental hotels and resorts all the time, it can still be worth enrolling just for the fantastic perk of a complimentary weekend night. So, if you can make the most of this benefit and get good value from it, becoming an InterContinental Ambassador might be a smart move, adding extra joy and value to your occasional stays!
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