Is InterContinental Ambassador status worth buying in 2019?
By Brandon Loo, January 9 2019
The InterContinental Ambassador program is a paid membership which unlocks a number of benefits when staying at InterContinental-branded hotels and resorts worldwide.
In effect, for the US$200 sign-up free and US$150 each year following, you're buying status and its associated perks such as free room upgrades, late check-out and one free weekend night at an InterContinental property.
Here’s our take on the InterContinental Ambassador program and whether that membership card should have a place in your wallet.
You could use your weekend night certificate at the InterContinental Sydney
InterContinental Ambassador membership: the basics
You’ll need to part with US$200 (~$279) for your first twelve months of InterContinental Ambassador membership, with annual renewals from USD$150 (~$209).
There’s also the option to buy your annual membership for 40,000 IHG Rewards points, although that's not the best use of points if you prefer to redeem them for hotel stays.
Here are the benefits you’ll get as an InterContinental Ambassador in 2019 – note that some of these have changed compared to previous years, which makes the program even better value.
- as of March 1, Ambassador members will receive Platinum Elite status with IHG Rewards Club (this was previously the lower Gold Elite tier), which delivers plenty of practical benefits right across the IHG portfolio
- guaranteed one-category room upgrade (this doesn't apply to Reward Night stays)
- 4pm check-out
- a complimentary weekend night certificate (this is now emailed to you, previously it was posted with a 6-8 week delivery period)
- up to A$25, US$20 or €15 in restaurant, bar or mini-bar credit per stay
- within Greater China, complimentary daily breakfast and 15% off restaurants plus a sweet or savoury snack or fruit platter on arrival
- dedicated check-in area
- complimentary mineral water and Internet
- one free pay-TV film per stay
Note that Club Lounge access and upgrades to Signature Suites are not included with a base-level Ambassador membership.
Club Lounge access isn't included with Ambassador
When it comes to renewing InterContinental Ambassador membership, you may be enticed to pay an extra US$50 (~$69) for 15,000 IHG points and a recurring 10% points rebate on Reward Nights. If you’re a heavy user of IHG points for hotel redemptions, then perhaps this will offer additional value for you.
One night at the Sydney InterContinental usually costs 60,000 points in the lowest category room so that you can expect 6,000 points back per reward night.
Using your InterContinental Ambassador complimentary weekend night certificate
A substantial portion of the Ambassador program's appeal will come from the complimentary weekend night certificate, although this comes with several conditions attached.
Firstly, the certificate can be used only on the second night of a weekend stay – it's not valid for a single night's stay – and that weekend stay must be booked at the Ambassador Weekend Rate, which is effectively the room’s flexible non-discounted rate.
This means if you would have normally booked a promotional or more restrictive rate you’ll have to stump up the difference to the flexible rate before taking advantage of this offer.
However, the numbers can work out in your favour in cities where room rates are exceedingly high.
For example, here’s a search for two nights in an Opera House view room at the InterContinental Sydney. The rate you'd have to select is $617 a night, whereas the best member rate is currently $539 a night.
But the complimentary weekend night certificate would see the second-night cost waived and also upgrade you to one category higher, which happens to be the city-view club room.
So overall you’re paying $617 to the hotel and $279 for your Ambassador membership to get a two-night stay in a club room that would cost at least $1,234 at the cheapest rate.
Club room at Sydney InterContinental
(Note also that in the Middle East a 'weekend' can be defined as Thursday, Friday and Saturday whereas everywhere else, you would be expected to book on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.)
InterContinental Ambassador also gives you IHG Platinum Elite
Another highly appealing aspect of InterContinental Ambassador membership is complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status, which usually requires 40 qualifying nights or 40,000 qualifying points.
This is new to the Ambassador mix for 2019, as the program previously offered only Gold Elite status. However, an IHG spokesperson confirmed to Australian Business Traveller that current Ambassador members who hold Gold Elite status will be automatically be upgraded to Platinum Elite status from 1 March 2019.
IHG Platinum Elite status unlocks a solid set of benefits at the likes of Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton and Holiday Inn hotels, including:
- complimentary room upgrades (except InterContinental and some Holiday Inn Express hotels)
- 50% bonus earnings on top of base points
- guaranteed room availability if booked 72 hours prior
- Elite rollover nights
- priority check-in
- late check-out
InterContinental Ambassador membership: is it worth it?
All things considered, InterContinental Ambassador membership is well worth the initial US$200 fee for most business travellers.
If you spend at least a few nights each year at InterContinental properties, you'll be able to make the most out of the Ambassador-level perks which are exclusive to those hotels including the weekend night certificate, guaranteed upgrade and multiple complimentary gifts per stay.
Of course, the more you stay at other IHG brands, the more you'll appreciate holding instant Platinum Elite status from your membership.
Also read: Our guide to InterContinental Ambassador and Royal Ambassador
Based in Perth, Brandon enjoys tucking into local delicacies, discovering new cocktails, and making aeroplane food look good on camera.
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NULL PaginatorHelper::$namedArgs = NULL PaginatorHelper::$argSeparator = NULL PaginatorHelper::$validationErrors = NULL PaginatorHelper::$tags = array PaginatorHelper::$__tainted = NULL PaginatorHelper::$__cleaned = NULL PaginatorHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object PaginatorHelper::$Js = JsHelper object $adminList = AdminListHelper AdminListHelper::$helpers = array AdminListHelper::$base = "" AdminListHelper::$webroot = "/" AdminListHelper::$theme = NULL AdminListHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" AdminListHelper::$params = array AdminListHelper::$action = "view" AdminListHelper::$plugin = NULL AdminListHelper::$data = NULL AdminListHelper::$namedArgs = NULL AdminListHelper::$argSeparator = NULL AdminListHelper::$validationErrors = NULL AdminListHelper::$tags = array AdminListHelper::$__tainted = NULL AdminListHelper::$__cleaned = NULL AdminListHelper::$Text = TextHelper object AdminListHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object AdminListHelper::$Minify = MinifyHelper object AdminListHelper::$Paginator = PaginatorHelper object AdminListHelper::$Users = UsersHelper object $time = TimeHelper TimeHelper::$helpers = NULL TimeHelper::$base = "" TimeHelper::$webroot = "/" TimeHelper::$theme = NULL TimeHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" TimeHelper::$params = array TimeHelper::$action = "view" TimeHelper::$plugin = NULL TimeHelper::$data = NULL TimeHelper::$namedArgs = NULL TimeHelper::$argSeparator = NULL TimeHelper::$validationErrors = NULL TimeHelper::$tags = array TimeHelper::$__tainted = NULL TimeHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $openGraph = OpenGraphHelper OpenGraphHelper::$helpers = array OpenGraphHelper::$base = "" OpenGraphHelper::$webroot = "/" OpenGraphHelper::$theme = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" OpenGraphHelper::$params = array OpenGraphHelper::$action = "view" OpenGraphHelper::$plugin = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$data = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$namedArgs = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$argSeparator = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$validationErrors = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$tags = array OpenGraphHelper::$__tainted = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$__cleaned = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object OpenGraphHelper::$Seo = SeoHelper object $tags = TagsHelper TagsHelper::$helpers = array TagsHelper::$base = "" TagsHelper::$webroot = "/" TagsHelper::$theme = NULL TagsHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" TagsHelper::$params = array TagsHelper::$action = "view" TagsHelper::$plugin = NULL TagsHelper::$data = NULL TagsHelper::$namedArgs = NULL TagsHelper::$argSeparator = NULL TagsHelper::$validationErrors = NULL TagsHelper::$tags = array TagsHelper::$__tainted = NULL TagsHelper::$__cleaned = NULL TagsHelper::$Form = FormHelper object TagsHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object TagsHelper::$Users = UsersHelper object TagsHelper::$Minify = MinifyHelper object TagsHelper::$Session = SessionHelper object $wysiwyg = WysiwygHelper WysiwygHelper::$helpers = array WysiwygHelper::$base = "" WysiwygHelper::$webroot = "/" WysiwygHelper::$theme = NULL WysiwygHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" WysiwygHelper::$params = array WysiwygHelper::$action = "view" WysiwygHelper::$plugin = NULL WysiwygHelper::$data = NULL WysiwygHelper::$namedArgs = NULL WysiwygHelper::$argSeparator = NULL WysiwygHelper::$validationErrors = NULL WysiwygHelper::$tags = array WysiwygHelper::$__tainted = NULL WysiwygHelper::$__cleaned = NULL WysiwygHelper::$Form = FormHelper object WysiwygHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object WysiwygHelper::$Minify = MinifyHelper object $etUtil = EtUtilHelper EtUtilHelper::$helpers = array EtUtilHelper::$base = "" EtUtilHelper::$webroot = "/" EtUtilHelper::$theme = NULL EtUtilHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" EtUtilHelper::$params = array EtUtilHelper::$action = "view" EtUtilHelper::$plugin = NULL EtUtilHelper::$data = NULL EtUtilHelper::$namedArgs = NULL EtUtilHelper::$argSeparator = NULL EtUtilHelper::$validationErrors = NULL EtUtilHelper::$tags = array EtUtilHelper::$__tainted = NULL EtUtilHelper::$__cleaned = NULL EtUtilHelper::$Text = TextHelper object EtUtilHelper::$Session = SessionHelper object $ads = AdsHelper AdsHelper::$helpers = array AdsHelper::$base = "" AdsHelper::$webroot = "/" AdsHelper::$theme = NULL AdsHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" AdsHelper::$params = array AdsHelper::$action = "view" AdsHelper::$plugin = NULL AdsHelper::$data = NULL AdsHelper::$namedArgs = NULL AdsHelper::$argSeparator = NULL AdsHelper::$validationErrors = NULL AdsHelper::$tags = array AdsHelper::$__tainted = NULL AdsHelper::$__cleaned = NULL AdsHelper::$ArticlePhoto = ArticlePhotoHelper object $articlePhoto = ArticlePhotoHelper ArticlePhotoHelper::$helpers = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$base = "" ArticlePhotoHelper::$webroot = "/" ArticlePhotoHelper::$theme = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" ArticlePhotoHelper::$params = array ArticlePhotoHelper::$action = "view" ArticlePhotoHelper::$plugin = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$data = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$namedArgs = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$argSeparator = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$validationErrors = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$tags = array ArticlePhotoHelper::$__tainted = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $minify = MinifyHelper MinifyHelper::$templates = array MinifyHelper::$helpers = NULL MinifyHelper::$base = "" MinifyHelper::$webroot = "/" MinifyHelper::$theme = NULL MinifyHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" MinifyHelper::$params = array MinifyHelper::$action = "view" MinifyHelper::$plugin = NULL MinifyHelper::$data = NULL MinifyHelper::$namedArgs = NULL MinifyHelper::$argSeparator = NULL MinifyHelper::$validationErrors = NULL MinifyHelper::$tags = array MinifyHelper::$__tainted = NULL MinifyHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $session = SessionHelper SessionHelper::$helpers = array SessionHelper::$__active = true SessionHelper::$valid = false SessionHelper::$error = array SessionHelper::$_userAgent = "60e2f304e6af6f2dd34dae61e91aae4c" SessionHelper::$path = "/" SessionHelper::$lastError = 2 SessionHelper::$security = "medium" SessionHelper::$time = 1594872395 SessionHelper::$sessionTime = 1595880395 SessionHelper::$cookieLifeTime = false SessionHelper::$watchKeys = array SessionHelper::$id = NULL SessionHelper::$host = NULL SessionHelper::$timeout = NULL SessionHelper::$base = "" SessionHelper::$webroot = "/" SessionHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" SessionHelper::$params = array SessionHelper::$action = "view" SessionHelper::$data = NULL SessionHelper::$theme = NULL SessionHelper::$plugin = NULL $users = UsersHelper UsersHelper::$helpers = array UsersHelper::$base = "" UsersHelper::$webroot = "/" UsersHelper::$theme = NULL UsersHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" UsersHelper::$params = array UsersHelper::$action = "view" UsersHelper::$plugin = NULL UsersHelper::$data = NULL UsersHelper::$namedArgs = NULL UsersHelper::$argSeparator = NULL UsersHelper::$validationErrors = NULL UsersHelper::$tags = array UsersHelper::$__tainted = NULL UsersHelper::$__cleaned = NULL UsersHelper::$Session = SessionHelper object UsersHelper::$Minify = MinifyHelper object UsersHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object $format = FormatHelper FormatHelper::$helpers = array FormatHelper::$base = "" FormatHelper::$webroot = "/" FormatHelper::$theme = NULL FormatHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" FormatHelper::$params = array FormatHelper::$action = "view" FormatHelper::$plugin = NULL FormatHelper::$data = NULL FormatHelper::$namedArgs = NULL FormatHelper::$argSeparator = NULL FormatHelper::$validationErrors = NULL FormatHelper::$tags = array FormatHelper::$__tainted = NULL FormatHelper::$__cleaned = NULL FormatHelper::$Text = TextHelper object $seo = SeoHelper SeoHelper::$helpers = array SeoHelper::$base = "" SeoHelper::$webroot = "/" SeoHelper::$theme = NULL SeoHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" SeoHelper::$params = array SeoHelper::$action = "view" SeoHelper::$plugin = NULL SeoHelper::$data = NULL SeoHelper::$namedArgs = NULL SeoHelper::$argSeparator = NULL SeoHelper::$validationErrors = NULL SeoHelper::$tags = array SeoHelper::$__tainted = NULL SeoHelper::$__cleaned = NULL SeoHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object SeoHelper::$Format = FormatHelper object SeoHelper::$Text = TextHelper object $number = NumberHelper NumberHelper::$_currencies = array NumberHelper::$_currencyDefaults = array NumberHelper::$helpers = NULL NumberHelper::$base = "" NumberHelper::$webroot = "/" NumberHelper::$theme = NULL NumberHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" NumberHelper::$params = array NumberHelper::$action = "view" NumberHelper::$plugin = NULL NumberHelper::$data = NULL NumberHelper::$namedArgs = NULL NumberHelper::$argSeparator = NULL NumberHelper::$validationErrors = NULL NumberHelper::$tags = array NumberHelper::$__tainted = NULL NumberHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $text = TextHelper TextHelper::$helpers = NULL TextHelper::$base = "" TextHelper::$webroot = "/" TextHelper::$theme = NULL TextHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" TextHelper::$params = array TextHelper::$action = "view" TextHelper::$plugin = NULL TextHelper::$data = NULL TextHelper::$namedArgs = NULL TextHelper::$argSeparator = NULL TextHelper::$validationErrors = NULL TextHelper::$tags = array TextHelper::$__tainted = NULL TextHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $form = FormHelper FormHelper::$helpers = array FormHelper::$fieldset = array FormHelper::$__options = array FormHelper::$fields = array FormHelper::$requestType = "post" FormHelper::$defaultModel = "Article" FormHelper::$_inputDefaults = array FormHelper::$base = "" FormHelper::$webroot = "/" FormHelper::$theme = NULL FormHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" FormHelper::$params = array FormHelper::$action = "view" FormHelper::$plugin = NULL FormHelper::$data = NULL FormHelper::$namedArgs = NULL FormHelper::$argSeparator = NULL FormHelper::$validationErrors = NULL FormHelper::$tags = array FormHelper::$__tainted = NULL FormHelper::$__cleaned = NULL FormHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object $html = HtmlHelper HtmlHelper::$tags = array HtmlHelper::$_crumbs = array HtmlHelper::$__includedScripts = array HtmlHelper::$_scriptBlockOptions = array HtmlHelper::$__docTypes = array HtmlHelper::$helpers = NULL HtmlHelper::$base = "" HtmlHelper::$webroot = "/" HtmlHelper::$theme = NULL HtmlHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" HtmlHelper::$params = array HtmlHelper::$action = "view" HtmlHelper::$plugin = NULL HtmlHelper::$data = NULL HtmlHelper::$namedArgs = NULL HtmlHelper::$argSeparator = NULL HtmlHelper::$validationErrors = NULL HtmlHelper::$__tainted = NULL HtmlHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $isModerator = false $showNewsletterPopup = false $globalMenus = array( array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ) ) $notification_feed = array( "{"type":"community_comment","id":"64105","url":"\/community\/view\/9396\/asiana-club-frequent-flyer#comment-64105","post_title":"Asiana Club Frequent Flyer","user_id":"19933","username":"levinn","avatar":"<img 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Fan","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"ZQN Fan\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/view\/18794\/zqn-fan"}", "{"type":"like","id":"64103","url":"\/community\/view\/9399\/international-flights-into-melbourne#comment-64103","post_title":"International flights into Melbourne","user_id":"7250","username":"Grannular","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"Grannular\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/grannular"}", "{"type":"comment","id":"128406","url":"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/budget-direct-travel-insurance-review#comment-128406","post_title":"Budget Direct travel insurance","user_id":28455,"username":"Andy G","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/5f0f99461df0417b9631b518dd799465-12670741-825888550888209-6116221528901279568-n.jpg\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"Andy G\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/andy-g"}", "{"type":"like","id":"64076","url":"\/community\/view\/9395\/are-the-flight-restrictions-worth-it#comment-64076","post_title":"Are the flight restrictions worth it?","user_id":"28256","username":"derek2","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"derek2\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/derek2"}", "{"type":"comment","id":"128405","url":"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/news\/grounded-by-the-pandemic-this-furniture-brings-flying-into-your-home#comment-128405","post_title":"Grounded by the pandemic? This furniture brings flying into your home","user_id":6424,"username":"Rufus1","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"Rufus1\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/view\/6424\/rufus1"}", "{"type":"like","id":"64104","url":"\/community\/view\/9399\/international-flights-into-melbourne#comment-64104","post_title":"International flights into Melbourne","user_id":"13509","username":"mviy","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"mviy\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/mviy"}", "{"type":"comment","id":"128403","url":"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/did-qantas-invent-business-class#comment-128403","post_title":"Did Qantas really 'invent' business class?","user_id":27567,"username":"Mowbaggie","avatar":"<img 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data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"ian62\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/view\/8386\/ian62"}", "{"type":"comment","id":"128391","url":"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/free-qatar-airways-business-class-upgrade-qcredits#comment-128391","post_title":"Your Qatar Airways status match includes a free business class upgrade","user_id":21854,"username":"Cl_flyer","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"Cl_flyer\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/view\/21854\/cl-flyer"}", "{"type":"comment","id":"128390","url":"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/news\/qantas-bonus-status-credits-coronavirus#comment-128390","post_title":"Qantas gives grounded frequent flyers bonus status credits","user_id":19237,"username":"P","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"P\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/view\/19237\/p"}" ) $countryCode = "US" $isMobile = false $main_class = "reading-list article-page" $layout_kind = "" $item = array( "Article" => array( "id" => "15667", "kind" => "news", "behaviour" => "", "user_id" => "21281", "include_bio" => "1", "title" => "Is InterContinental Ambassador status worth buying in 2019?", "stand_first" => null, "body" => "<p>The InterContinental Ambassador program is a <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/our-guide-to-the-intercontinental-ambassador-and-royal-ambassador-schemes">paid membership</a> which unlocks a number of benefits when staying at InterContinental-branded hotels and resorts worldwide.</p> <p>In effect, for the US$200 sign-up free and US$150 each year following, you're <em>buying</em> status and its associated perks such as free room upgrades, late check-out and one free weekend night at an InterContinental property.</p> <p><span>Here’s our take on the</span> InterContinental Ambassador program and whether that membership card should have a place in your wallet.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="You could use your weekend night certificate at the InterContinental Sydney" src="/photos/view/size:862,516/5c19e113bab44c1f924b5676dd799463-Intercontinental-sydney-refurb-1500a.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="516" /></span></p> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador membership: the basics</span></h3> <p><span>You’ll need to part with US$200 (~$279) for your first twelve months of </span>InterContinental Ambassador membership, with annual renewals from USD$150 (~$209).</p> <p><span>There’s also the option to buy your annual membership for 40,000 IHG Rewards points, although that's not the best use of points if you prefer to redeem them for hotel stays.</span></p> <p><span>Here are the benefits you’ll get as an InterContinental Ambassador in 2019 – note that some of these have changed compared to previous years, which makes the program even better value.</span></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><span>as of March 1, Ambassador members will receive Platinum Elite status with IHG Rewards Club (this was </span>previously the lower Gold Elite tier), which delivers plenty of practical benefits right across the IHG portfolio</li> <li dir="ltr">guaranteed one-category room upgrade (this doesn't apply to Reward Night stays)</li> <li dir="ltr">4pm check-out</li> <li dir="ltr"><span>a complimentary weekend night certificate (this is now emailed to you, </span>previously it was posted with a 6-8 week delivery period)</li> <li dir="ltr">up to A$25, US$20 or €15 in restaurant, bar or mini-bar credit per stay</li> <li dir="ltr"><span>within Greater China, complimentary daily breakfast and 15% off restaurants plus a</span> sweet or savoury snack or fruit platter on arrival</li> <li dir="ltr">dedicated check-in area</li> <li dir="ltr">complimentary mineral water and Internet</li> <li dir="ltr">one free pay-TV film per stay</li> </ul> <p><span>Note that Club Lounge access and upgrades to Signature Suites are </span><span><em>not</em> included</span><span> with a base-level Ambassador membership.</span></p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="Club Lounge access isn't included with Ambassador" src="/photos/view/size:862,487/5c19e30042744bdb9270582ddd799463-Intercontinental-sydney-flipper.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="487" /></span></p> <p><span>When it comes to renewing </span>InterContinental Ambassador membership, you may be enticed to pay an extra US$50 (~$69) for 15,000 IHG points and a recurring 10% points rebate on Reward Nights. If you’re a heavy user of IHG points for hotel redemptions, then perhaps this will offer additional value for you.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,339/5c19e1f1773c4c9ab8b95754dd799463-Ambassador Renewal Rate.png" alt="" width="862" height="339" /></span></p> <p><span>One night at the Sydney InterContinental usually costs 60,000 points in the lowest category room so that you can expect 6,000 points back per reward night.</span></p> <h3>Using your InterContinental Ambassador complimentary weekend night certificate</h3> <p>A substantial portion of the Ambassador program's appeal will come from the complimentary weekend night certificate, although this comes with several conditions attached.</p> <p><span>Firstly, the certificate can be used only on the <em>second</em> night of a weekend stay – it's not valid for a single night's stay – and that weekend stay must be booked at the Ambassador Weekend Rate, which is effectively the room’s flexible non-discounted rate. </span></p> <p><span>This means if you would have normally booked a promotional or more restrictive rate you’ll have to stump up the difference to the flexible rate before taking advantage of this offer.</span></p> <p><span>However, the numbers can work out in your favour in cities where room rates are exceedingly high.</span></p> <p>For example, here’s a search for two nights in an Opera House view room at the InterContinental Sydney. The rate you'd have to select is $617 a night, whereas the best member rate is currently $539 a night.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,361/5c19e2164e0c4641a32256f5dd799463-Ambassador Weekend Certificate Sydney.png" alt="" width="862" height="361" /></span></p> <p><span>But the </span>complimentary weekend night certificate would see the second-night cost waived and<em> also</em> upgrade you to one category higher, which happens to be the city-view club room.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,361/5c19e24022d4456eb63f578ddd799463-Ambassador Weekend Certificate Sydney Club Room.png" alt="" width="862" height="361" /></p> <p><span>So overall you’re paying $617 to the hotel and $279 for your Ambassador membership to get a two-night stay in a club room that would cost at least $1,234 at the cheapest rate.</span></p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="Club room at Sydney InterContinental" src="/photos/view/size:862,646/5c19e25281fc4a73864357a5dd799463-Room-from-door-sydney-intercontinental-hotel-review.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="646" /></span></p> <p>(Note also that in the Middle East a 'weekend' can be defined as Thursday, Friday and Saturday whereas everywhere else, you would be expected to book on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.)</p> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador also gives you IHG Platinum Elite</span></h3> <p>Another highly appealing aspect of InterContinental Ambassador membership is complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status, which usually requires 40 qualifying nights or 40,000 qualifying points.</p> <p>This is new to the Ambassador mix for 2019, as the program previously offered only Gold Elite status. However, an IHG spokesperson confirmed to <em>Australian Business Traveller</em> that current Ambassador members who hold Gold Elite status will be automatically be upgraded to Platinum Elite status from 1 March 2019.</p> <p>IHG Platinum Elite status unlocks a solid set of benefits at the likes of Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton and Holiday Inn hotels, including:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><span>complimentary room upgrades (except InterContinental and some Holiday Inn Express hotels)</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>50% bonus earnings on top of base points</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>guaranteed room availability if booked 72 hours prior</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>Elite rollover nights</span></li> <li dir="ltr">priority check-in</li> <li dir="ltr">late check-out</li> </ul> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador membership: is it worth it?</span></h3> <p><span>All things considered, InterContinental Ambassador membership is well worth the initial US$200 fee for most business travellers.</span></p> <p><span>If you spend at least a few nights each year at InterContinental properties, you'll be able to make the most out of the Ambassador-level perks which are exclusive to those hotels including the weekend night certificate, guaranteed upgrade and multiple complimentary gifts per stay.</span></p> <p><span>Of course, the more you stay at other IHG brands, the more you'll appreciate holding instant Platinum Elite status from your membership.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/our-guide-to-the-intercontinental-ambassador-and-royal-ambassador-schemes"><strong>Also read:</strong> Our guide to InterContinental Ambassador and Royal Ambassador</a></p>", "photo_gallery_id" => null, "comment_thread_id" => "17051", "show_comments" => "1", "is_must_read" => "0", "show_deal" => "0", "show_deal_right" => "0", "show_deal_bottom" => "0", "hide_promos" => "0", "hide_reading_list" => "0", "show_pull_quote" => null, "is_published" => "1", "is_sponsored" => "0", 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=> "17051", "comment_count" => 11 ), "Photo" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "Tag" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "main_photo" => array( "id" => "110449", "photo_gallery_id" => null, "caption" => "", "attribution" => "", "sponsored_caption" => null, "filename" => "5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg", "user_id" => "21281", "featured" => "1", "order" => "1", "is_inline" => "0", "created" => "2018-12-19 17:19:58", "updated" => "2019-01-10 21:59:35", "deleted" => "0", "width" => "920", "height" => "520", "filesize" => "146904", "kind" => null, "original_url" => null, "dynamic_url" => null, "remote_filename" => null ), "comments" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "polls" => array(), "completePolls" => null, "tag_arr" => array( "IHG Rewards Club", "InterContinental Ambassador" ), "isLifestyle" => false, "text_link" => array( "TextLink" => array(), "Photo" => array() ), "ad_tag" => false ) $pageStartTime = 1594872395.2424 $main_photo = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg" $srcsetPhoto = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:480,270/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg 480w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:720,405/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg 720w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:960,540/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg 960w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg 1200w" $sponsored_caption = "" $width = 1200 $title = "Is InterContinental Ambassador status worth buying in 2019?" $desc = "<p>The InterContinental Ambassador program is a <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/our-guide-to-the-intercontinental-ambassador-and-royal-ambassador-schemes">paid membership</a> which unlocks a number of benefits when staying at InterContinental-branded hotels and resorts worldwide.</p> <p>In effect, for the US$200 sign-up free and US$150 each year following, you're <em>buying</em> status and its associated perks such as free room upgrades, late check-out and one free weekend night at an InterContinental property.</p> <p><span>Here’s our take on the</span> InterContinental Ambassador program and whether that membership card should have a place in your wallet.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="You could use your weekend night certificate at the InterContinental Sydney" src="/photos/view/size:862,516/5c19e113bab44c1f924b5676dd799463-Intercontinental-sydney-refurb-1500a.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="516" /></span></p> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador membership: the basics</span></h3> <p><span>You’ll need to part with US$200 (~$279) for your first twelve months of </span>InterContinental Ambassador membership, with annual renewals from USD$150 (~$209).</p> <p><span>There’s also the option to buy your annual membership for 40,000 IHG Rewards points, although that's not the best use of points if you prefer to redeem them for hotel stays.</span></p> <p><span>Here are the benefits you’ll get as an InterContinental Ambassador in 2019 – note that some of these have changed compared to previous years, which makes the program even better value.</span></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><span>as of March 1, Ambassador members will receive Platinum Elite status with IHG Rewards Club (this was </span>previously the lower Gold Elite tier), which delivers plenty of practical benefits right across the IHG portfolio</li> <li dir="ltr">guaranteed one-category room upgrade (this doesn't apply to Reward Night stays)</li> <li dir="ltr">4pm check-out</li> <li dir="ltr"><span>a complimentary weekend night certificate (this is now emailed to you, </span>previously it was posted with a 6-8 week delivery period)</li> <li dir="ltr">up to A$25, US$20 or €15 in restaurant, bar or mini-bar credit per stay</li> <li dir="ltr"><span>within Greater China, complimentary daily breakfast and 15% off restaurants plus a</span> sweet or savoury snack or fruit platter on arrival</li> <li dir="ltr">dedicated check-in area</li> <li dir="ltr">complimentary mineral water and Internet</li> <li dir="ltr">one free pay-TV film per stay</li> </ul> <p><span>Note that Club Lounge access and upgrades to Signature Suites are </span><span><em>not</em> included</span><span> with a base-level Ambassador membership.</span></p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="Club Lounge access isn't included with Ambassador" src="/photos/view/size:862,487/5c19e30042744bdb9270582ddd799463-Intercontinental-sydney-flipper.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="487" /></span></p> <p><span>When it comes to renewing </span>InterContinental Ambassador membership, you may be enticed to pay an extra US$50 (~$69) for 15,000 IHG points and a recurring 10% points rebate on Reward Nights. If you’re a heavy user of IHG points for hotel redemptions, then perhaps this will offer additional value for you.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,339/5c19e1f1773c4c9ab8b95754dd799463-Ambassador Renewal Rate.png" alt="" width="862" height="339" /></span></p> <p><span>One night at the Sydney InterContinental usually costs 60,000 points in the lowest category room so that you can expect 6,000 points back per reward night.</span></p> <h3>Using your InterContinental Ambassador complimentary weekend night certificate</h3> <p>A substantial portion of the Ambassador program's appeal will come from the complimentary weekend night certificate, although this comes with several conditions attached.</p> <p><span>Firstly, the certificate can be used only on the <em>second</em> night of a weekend stay – it's not valid for a single night's stay – and that weekend stay must be booked at the Ambassador Weekend Rate, which is effectively the room’s flexible non-discounted rate. </span></p> <p><span>This means if you would have normally booked a promotional or more restrictive rate you’ll have to stump up the difference to the flexible rate before taking advantage of this offer.</span></p> <p><span>However, the numbers can work out in your favour in cities where room rates are exceedingly high.</span></p> <p>For example, here’s a search for two nights in an Opera House view room at the InterContinental Sydney. The rate you'd have to select is $617 a night, whereas the best member rate is currently $539 a night.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,361/5c19e2164e0c4641a32256f5dd799463-Ambassador Weekend Certificate Sydney.png" alt="" width="862" height="361" /></span></p> <p><span>But the </span>complimentary weekend night certificate would see the second-night cost waived and<em> also</em> upgrade you to one category higher, which happens to be the city-view club room.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,361/5c19e24022d4456eb63f578ddd799463-Ambassador Weekend Certificate Sydney Club Room.png" alt="" width="862" height="361" /></p> <p><span>So overall you’re paying $617 to the hotel and $279 for your Ambassador membership to get a two-night stay in a club room that would cost at least $1,234 at the cheapest rate.</span></p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="Club room at Sydney InterContinental" src="/photos/view/size:862,646/5c19e25281fc4a73864357a5dd799463-Room-from-door-sydney-intercontinental-hotel-review.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="646" /></span></p> <p>(Note also that in the Middle East a 'weekend' can be defined as Thursday, Friday and Saturday whereas everywhere else, you would be expected to book on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.)</p> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador also gives you IHG Platinum Elite</span></h3> <p>Another highly appealing aspect of InterContinental Ambassador membership is complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status, which usually requires 40 qualifying nights or 40,000 qualifying points.</p> <p>This is new to the Ambassador mix for 2019, as the program previously offered only Gold Elite status. However, an IHG spokesperson confirmed to <em>Australian Business Traveller</em> that current Ambassador members who hold Gold Elite status will be automatically be upgraded to Platinum Elite status from 1 March 2019.</p> <p>IHG Platinum Elite status unlocks a solid set of benefits at the likes of Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton and Holiday Inn hotels, including:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><span>complimentary room upgrades (except InterContinental and some Holiday Inn Express hotels)</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>50% bonus earnings on top of base points</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>guaranteed room availability if booked 72 hours prior</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>Elite rollover nights</span></li> <li dir="ltr">priority check-in</li> <li dir="ltr">late check-out</li> </ul> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador membership: is it worth it?</span></h3> <p><span>All things considered, InterContinental Ambassador membership is well worth the initial US$200 fee for most business travellers.</span></p> <p><span>If you spend at least a few nights each year at InterContinental properties, you'll be able to make the most out of the Ambassador-level perks which are exclusive to those hotels including the weekend night certificate, guaranteed upgrade and multiple complimentary gifts per stay.</span></p> <p><span>Of course, the more you stay at other IHG brands, the more you'll appreciate holding instant Platinum Elite status from your membership.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/our-guide-to-the-intercontinental-ambassador-and-royal-ambassador-schemes"><strong>Also read:</strong> Our guide to InterContinental Ambassador and Royal Ambassador</a></p>" $url = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" $type = "NewsArticle" $comment_count = "11 Comments" $linkToProfile = trueinclude - APP/views/news/view.ctp, line 216 View::_render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 736 View::render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 431 Controller::render() - CORE/cake/libs/controller/controller.php, line 909 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 208 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 172 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 92
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OpenGraphHelper::$namedArgs = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$argSeparator = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$validationErrors = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$tags = array OpenGraphHelper::$__tainted = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$__cleaned = NULL OpenGraphHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object OpenGraphHelper::$Seo = SeoHelper object $tags = TagsHelper TagsHelper::$helpers = array TagsHelper::$base = "" TagsHelper::$webroot = "/" TagsHelper::$theme = NULL TagsHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" TagsHelper::$params = array TagsHelper::$action = "view" TagsHelper::$plugin = NULL TagsHelper::$data = NULL TagsHelper::$namedArgs = NULL TagsHelper::$argSeparator = NULL TagsHelper::$validationErrors = NULL TagsHelper::$tags = array TagsHelper::$__tainted = NULL TagsHelper::$__cleaned = NULL TagsHelper::$Form = FormHelper object TagsHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object TagsHelper::$Users = UsersHelper object TagsHelper::$Minify = MinifyHelper object TagsHelper::$Session = SessionHelper object $wysiwyg = WysiwygHelper WysiwygHelper::$helpers = array WysiwygHelper::$base = "" WysiwygHelper::$webroot = "/" WysiwygHelper::$theme = NULL WysiwygHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" WysiwygHelper::$params = array WysiwygHelper::$action = "view" WysiwygHelper::$plugin = NULL WysiwygHelper::$data = NULL WysiwygHelper::$namedArgs = NULL WysiwygHelper::$argSeparator = NULL WysiwygHelper::$validationErrors = NULL WysiwygHelper::$tags = array WysiwygHelper::$__tainted = NULL WysiwygHelper::$__cleaned = NULL WysiwygHelper::$Form = FormHelper object WysiwygHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object WysiwygHelper::$Minify = MinifyHelper object $etUtil = EtUtilHelper EtUtilHelper::$helpers = array EtUtilHelper::$base = "" EtUtilHelper::$webroot = "/" EtUtilHelper::$theme = NULL EtUtilHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" EtUtilHelper::$params = array EtUtilHelper::$action = "view" EtUtilHelper::$plugin = NULL EtUtilHelper::$data = NULL EtUtilHelper::$namedArgs = NULL EtUtilHelper::$argSeparator = NULL EtUtilHelper::$validationErrors = NULL EtUtilHelper::$tags = array EtUtilHelper::$__tainted = NULL EtUtilHelper::$__cleaned = NULL EtUtilHelper::$Text = TextHelper object EtUtilHelper::$Session = SessionHelper object $ads = AdsHelper AdsHelper::$helpers = array AdsHelper::$base = "" AdsHelper::$webroot = "/" AdsHelper::$theme = NULL AdsHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" AdsHelper::$params = array AdsHelper::$action = "view" AdsHelper::$plugin = NULL AdsHelper::$data = NULL AdsHelper::$namedArgs = NULL AdsHelper::$argSeparator = NULL AdsHelper::$validationErrors = NULL AdsHelper::$tags = array AdsHelper::$__tainted = NULL AdsHelper::$__cleaned = NULL AdsHelper::$ArticlePhoto = ArticlePhotoHelper object $articlePhoto = ArticlePhotoHelper ArticlePhotoHelper::$helpers = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$base = "" ArticlePhotoHelper::$webroot = "/" ArticlePhotoHelper::$theme = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" ArticlePhotoHelper::$params = array ArticlePhotoHelper::$action = "view" ArticlePhotoHelper::$plugin = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$data = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$namedArgs = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$argSeparator = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$validationErrors = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$tags = array ArticlePhotoHelper::$__tainted = NULL ArticlePhotoHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $minify = MinifyHelper MinifyHelper::$templates = array MinifyHelper::$helpers = NULL MinifyHelper::$base = "" MinifyHelper::$webroot = "/" MinifyHelper::$theme = NULL MinifyHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" MinifyHelper::$params = array MinifyHelper::$action = "view" MinifyHelper::$plugin = NULL MinifyHelper::$data = NULL MinifyHelper::$namedArgs = NULL MinifyHelper::$argSeparator = NULL MinifyHelper::$validationErrors = NULL MinifyHelper::$tags = array MinifyHelper::$__tainted = NULL MinifyHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $session = SessionHelper SessionHelper::$helpers = array SessionHelper::$__active = true SessionHelper::$valid = false SessionHelper::$error = array SessionHelper::$_userAgent = "60e2f304e6af6f2dd34dae61e91aae4c" SessionHelper::$path = "/" SessionHelper::$lastError = 2 SessionHelper::$security = "medium" SessionHelper::$time = 1594872395 SessionHelper::$sessionTime = 1595880395 SessionHelper::$cookieLifeTime = false SessionHelper::$watchKeys = array SessionHelper::$id = NULL SessionHelper::$host = NULL SessionHelper::$timeout = NULL SessionHelper::$base = "" SessionHelper::$webroot = "/" SessionHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" SessionHelper::$params = array SessionHelper::$action = "view" SessionHelper::$data = NULL SessionHelper::$theme = NULL SessionHelper::$plugin = NULL $users = UsersHelper UsersHelper::$helpers = array UsersHelper::$base = "" UsersHelper::$webroot = "/" UsersHelper::$theme = NULL UsersHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" UsersHelper::$params = array UsersHelper::$action = "view" UsersHelper::$plugin = NULL UsersHelper::$data = NULL UsersHelper::$namedArgs = NULL UsersHelper::$argSeparator = NULL UsersHelper::$validationErrors = NULL UsersHelper::$tags = array UsersHelper::$__tainted = NULL UsersHelper::$__cleaned = NULL UsersHelper::$Session = SessionHelper object UsersHelper::$Minify = MinifyHelper object UsersHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object $format = FormatHelper FormatHelper::$helpers = array FormatHelper::$base = "" FormatHelper::$webroot = "/" FormatHelper::$theme = NULL FormatHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" FormatHelper::$params = array FormatHelper::$action = "view" FormatHelper::$plugin = NULL FormatHelper::$data = NULL FormatHelper::$namedArgs = NULL FormatHelper::$argSeparator = NULL FormatHelper::$validationErrors = NULL FormatHelper::$tags = array FormatHelper::$__tainted = NULL FormatHelper::$__cleaned = NULL FormatHelper::$Text = TextHelper object $seo = SeoHelper SeoHelper::$helpers = array SeoHelper::$base = "" SeoHelper::$webroot = "/" SeoHelper::$theme = NULL SeoHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" SeoHelper::$params = array SeoHelper::$action = "view" SeoHelper::$plugin = NULL SeoHelper::$data = NULL SeoHelper::$namedArgs = NULL SeoHelper::$argSeparator = NULL SeoHelper::$validationErrors = NULL SeoHelper::$tags = array SeoHelper::$__tainted = NULL SeoHelper::$__cleaned = NULL SeoHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object SeoHelper::$Format = FormatHelper object SeoHelper::$Text = TextHelper object $number = NumberHelper NumberHelper::$_currencies = array NumberHelper::$_currencyDefaults = array NumberHelper::$helpers = NULL NumberHelper::$base = "" NumberHelper::$webroot = "/" NumberHelper::$theme = NULL NumberHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" NumberHelper::$params = array NumberHelper::$action = "view" NumberHelper::$plugin = NULL NumberHelper::$data = NULL NumberHelper::$namedArgs = NULL NumberHelper::$argSeparator = NULL NumberHelper::$validationErrors = NULL NumberHelper::$tags = array NumberHelper::$__tainted = NULL NumberHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $text = TextHelper TextHelper::$helpers = NULL TextHelper::$base = "" TextHelper::$webroot = "/" TextHelper::$theme = NULL TextHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" TextHelper::$params = array TextHelper::$action = "view" TextHelper::$plugin = NULL TextHelper::$data = NULL TextHelper::$namedArgs = NULL TextHelper::$argSeparator = NULL TextHelper::$validationErrors = NULL TextHelper::$tags = array TextHelper::$__tainted = NULL TextHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $form = FormHelper FormHelper::$helpers = array FormHelper::$fieldset = array FormHelper::$__options = array FormHelper::$fields = array FormHelper::$requestType = "post" FormHelper::$defaultModel = "Article" FormHelper::$_inputDefaults = array FormHelper::$base = "" FormHelper::$webroot = "/" FormHelper::$theme = NULL FormHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" FormHelper::$params = array FormHelper::$action = "view" FormHelper::$plugin = NULL FormHelper::$data = NULL FormHelper::$namedArgs = NULL FormHelper::$argSeparator = NULL FormHelper::$validationErrors = NULL FormHelper::$tags = array FormHelper::$__tainted = NULL FormHelper::$__cleaned = NULL FormHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object $html = HtmlHelper HtmlHelper::$tags = array HtmlHelper::$_crumbs = array HtmlHelper::$__includedScripts = array HtmlHelper::$_scriptBlockOptions = array HtmlHelper::$__docTypes = array HtmlHelper::$helpers = NULL HtmlHelper::$base = "" HtmlHelper::$webroot = "/" HtmlHelper::$theme = NULL HtmlHelper::$here = "/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" HtmlHelper::$params = array HtmlHelper::$action = "view" HtmlHelper::$plugin = NULL HtmlHelper::$data = NULL HtmlHelper::$namedArgs = NULL HtmlHelper::$argSeparator = NULL HtmlHelper::$validationErrors = NULL HtmlHelper::$__tainted = NULL HtmlHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $isModerator = false $showNewsletterPopup = false $globalMenus = array( array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ), array( "Menu" => array(), "children" => array() ) ) $notification_feed = array( "{"type":"community_comment","id":"64105","url":"\/community\/view\/9396\/asiana-club-frequent-flyer#comment-64105","post_title":"Asiana Club Frequent Flyer","user_id":"19933","username":"levinn","avatar":"<img 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data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/5f0f99461df0417b9631b518dd799465-12670741-825888550888209-6116221528901279568-n.jpg\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"Andy G\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/andy-g"}", "{"type":"like","id":"64076","url":"\/community\/view\/9395\/are-the-flight-restrictions-worth-it#comment-64076","post_title":"Are the flight restrictions worth it?","user_id":"28256","username":"derek2","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"derek2\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/derek2"}", "{"type":"comment","id":"128405","url":"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/news\/grounded-by-the-pandemic-this-furniture-brings-flying-into-your-home#comment-128405","post_title":"Grounded by the pandemic? This furniture brings flying into your home","user_id":6424,"username":"Rufus1","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"Rufus1\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/view\/6424\/rufus1"}", "{"type":"like","id":"64104","url":"\/community\/view\/9399\/international-flights-into-melbourne#comment-64104","post_title":"International flights into Melbourne","user_id":"13509","username":"mviy","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"mviy\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/mviy"}", "{"type":"comment","id":"128403","url":"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/did-qantas-invent-business-class#comment-128403","post_title":"Did Qantas really 'invent' business class?","user_id":27567,"username":"Mowbaggie","avatar":"<img 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data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"ian62\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/view\/8386\/ian62"}", "{"type":"comment","id":"128391","url":"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/free-qatar-airways-business-class-upgrade-qcredits#comment-128391","post_title":"Your Qatar Airways status match includes a free business class upgrade","user_id":21854,"username":"Cl_flyer","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"Cl_flyer\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/view\/21854\/cl-flyer"}", "{"type":"comment","id":"128390","url":"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/news\/qantas-bonus-status-credits-coronavirus#comment-128390","post_title":"Qantas gives grounded frequent flyers bonus status credits","user_id":19237,"username":"P","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"P\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/view\/19237\/p"}" ) $countryCode = "US" $isMobile = false $main_class = "reading-list article-page" $layout_kind = "" $item = array( "Article" => array( "id" => "15667", "kind" => "news", "behaviour" => "", "user_id" => "21281", "include_bio" => "1", "title" => "Is InterContinental Ambassador status worth buying in 2019?", "stand_first" => null, "body" => "<p>The InterContinental Ambassador program is a <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/our-guide-to-the-intercontinental-ambassador-and-royal-ambassador-schemes">paid membership</a> which unlocks a number of benefits when staying at InterContinental-branded hotels and resorts worldwide.</p> <p>In effect, for the US$200 sign-up free and US$150 each year following, you're <em>buying</em> status and its associated perks such as free room upgrades, late check-out and one free weekend night at an InterContinental property.</p> <p><span>Here’s our take on the</span> InterContinental Ambassador program and whether that membership card should have a place in your wallet.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="You could use your weekend night certificate at the InterContinental Sydney" src="/photos/view/size:862,516/5c19e113bab44c1f924b5676dd799463-Intercontinental-sydney-refurb-1500a.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="516" /></span></p> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador membership: the basics</span></h3> <p><span>You’ll need to part with US$200 (~$279) for your first twelve months of </span>InterContinental Ambassador membership, with annual renewals from USD$150 (~$209).</p> <p><span>There’s also the option to buy your annual membership for 40,000 IHG Rewards points, although that's not the best use of points if you prefer to redeem them for hotel stays.</span></p> <p><span>Here are the benefits you’ll get as an InterContinental Ambassador in 2019 – note that some of these have changed compared to previous years, which makes the program even better value.</span></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><span>as of March 1, Ambassador members will receive Platinum Elite status with IHG Rewards Club (this was </span>previously the lower Gold Elite tier), which delivers plenty of practical benefits right across the IHG portfolio</li> <li dir="ltr">guaranteed one-category room upgrade (this doesn't apply to Reward Night stays)</li> <li dir="ltr">4pm check-out</li> <li dir="ltr"><span>a complimentary weekend night certificate (this is now emailed to you, </span>previously it was posted with a 6-8 week delivery period)</li> <li dir="ltr">up to A$25, US$20 or €15 in restaurant, bar or mini-bar credit per stay</li> <li dir="ltr"><span>within Greater China, complimentary daily breakfast and 15% off restaurants plus a</span> sweet or savoury snack or fruit platter on arrival</li> <li dir="ltr">dedicated check-in area</li> <li dir="ltr">complimentary mineral water and Internet</li> <li dir="ltr">one free pay-TV film per stay</li> </ul> <p><span>Note that Club Lounge access and upgrades to Signature Suites are </span><span><em>not</em> included</span><span> with a base-level Ambassador membership.</span></p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="Club Lounge access isn't included with Ambassador" src="/photos/view/size:862,487/5c19e30042744bdb9270582ddd799463-Intercontinental-sydney-flipper.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="487" /></span></p> <p><span>When it comes to renewing </span>InterContinental Ambassador membership, you may be enticed to pay an extra US$50 (~$69) for 15,000 IHG points and a recurring 10% points rebate on Reward Nights. If you’re a heavy user of IHG points for hotel redemptions, then perhaps this will offer additional value for you.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,339/5c19e1f1773c4c9ab8b95754dd799463-Ambassador Renewal Rate.png" alt="" width="862" height="339" /></span></p> <p><span>One night at the Sydney InterContinental usually costs 60,000 points in the lowest category room so that you can expect 6,000 points back per reward night.</span></p> <h3>Using your InterContinental Ambassador complimentary weekend night certificate</h3> <p>A substantial portion of the Ambassador program's appeal will come from the complimentary weekend night certificate, although this comes with several conditions attached.</p> <p><span>Firstly, the certificate can be used only on the <em>second</em> night of a weekend stay – it's not valid for a single night's stay – and that weekend stay must be booked at the Ambassador Weekend Rate, which is effectively the room’s flexible non-discounted rate. </span></p> <p><span>This means if you would have normally booked a promotional or more restrictive rate you’ll have to stump up the difference to the flexible rate before taking advantage of this offer.</span></p> <p><span>However, the numbers can work out in your favour in cities where room rates are exceedingly high.</span></p> <p>For example, here’s a search for two nights in an Opera House view room at the InterContinental Sydney. The rate you'd have to select is $617 a night, whereas the best member rate is currently $539 a night.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,361/5c19e2164e0c4641a32256f5dd799463-Ambassador Weekend Certificate Sydney.png" alt="" width="862" height="361" /></span></p> <p><span>But the </span>complimentary weekend night certificate would see the second-night cost waived and<em> also</em> upgrade you to one category higher, which happens to be the city-view club room.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,361/5c19e24022d4456eb63f578ddd799463-Ambassador Weekend Certificate Sydney Club Room.png" alt="" width="862" height="361" /></p> <p><span>So overall you’re paying $617 to the hotel and $279 for your Ambassador membership to get a two-night stay in a club room that would cost at least $1,234 at the cheapest rate.</span></p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="Club room at Sydney InterContinental" src="/photos/view/size:862,646/5c19e25281fc4a73864357a5dd799463-Room-from-door-sydney-intercontinental-hotel-review.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="646" /></span></p> <p>(Note also that in the Middle East a 'weekend' can be defined as Thursday, Friday and Saturday whereas everywhere else, you would be expected to book on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.)</p> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador also gives you IHG Platinum Elite</span></h3> <p>Another highly appealing aspect of InterContinental Ambassador membership is complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status, which usually requires 40 qualifying nights or 40,000 qualifying points.</p> <p>This is new to the Ambassador mix for 2019, as the program previously offered only Gold Elite status. However, an IHG spokesperson confirmed to <em>Australian Business Traveller</em> that current Ambassador members who hold Gold Elite status will be automatically be upgraded to Platinum Elite status from 1 March 2019.</p> <p>IHG Platinum Elite status unlocks a solid set of benefits at the likes of Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton and Holiday Inn hotels, including:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><span>complimentary room upgrades (except InterContinental and some Holiday Inn Express hotels)</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>50% bonus earnings on top of base points</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>guaranteed room availability if booked 72 hours prior</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>Elite rollover nights</span></li> <li dir="ltr">priority check-in</li> <li dir="ltr">late check-out</li> </ul> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador membership: is it worth it?</span></h3> <p><span>All things considered, InterContinental Ambassador membership is well worth the initial US$200 fee for most business travellers.</span></p> <p><span>If you spend at least a few nights each year at InterContinental properties, you'll be able to make the most out of the Ambassador-level perks which are exclusive to those hotels including the weekend night certificate, guaranteed upgrade and multiple complimentary gifts per stay.</span></p> <p><span>Of course, the more you stay at other IHG brands, the more you'll appreciate holding instant Platinum Elite status from your membership.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/our-guide-to-the-intercontinental-ambassador-and-royal-ambassador-schemes"><strong>Also read:</strong> Our guide to InterContinental Ambassador and Royal Ambassador</a></p>", "photo_gallery_id" => null, "comment_thread_id" => "17051", "show_comments" => "1", "is_must_read" => "0", "show_deal" => "0", "show_deal_right" => "0", "show_deal_bottom" => "0", "hide_promos" => "0", "hide_reading_list" => "0", "show_pull_quote" => null, "is_published" => "1", "is_sponsored" => "0", "show_related" => "1", "published" => "2019-01-09 05:15:00", "created" => "2018-12-19 17:10:05", "updated" => "2019-01-10 21:59:35", "page_title" => "", "short_title" => "Is InterContinental Ambassador status worth it?", "syndicated_url" => null, "syndicated_title" => null, "num_views" => "22679", "city_id" => "0", "tags" => "IHG Rewards Club, InterContinental Ambassador", "category" => "Reward Program", "featured" => "Home Page, Landing Page" ), "User" => array( "id" => "21281", "username" => "Brandon Loo", "password" => "*****", "author_link" => "brandon-loo", "facebook_id" => null, "avatar" => "", "state" => "Y", "activation_code" => null, "activation_return_url" => null, "last_interaction_notification" => "2018-07-10 15:38:24", "last_watching_notification" => "2018-07-10 15:38:24", "parent_account" => "0", "is_club_member" => "0", "created" => "2018-07-10 15:38:24", "modified" => "2020-07-03 14:30:35", "UserField" => array(), "BioPhoto" => array() ), "CommentThread" => array( "id" => "17051", "comment_count" => 11 ), "Photo" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "Tag" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "main_photo" => array( "id" => "110449", "photo_gallery_id" => null, "caption" => "", "attribution" => "", "sponsored_caption" => null, "filename" => "5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg", "user_id" => "21281", "featured" => "1", "order" => "1", "is_inline" => "0", "created" => "2018-12-19 17:19:58", "updated" => "2019-01-10 21:59:35", "deleted" => "0", "width" => "920", "height" => "520", "filesize" => "146904", "kind" => null, "original_url" => null, "dynamic_url" => null, "remote_filename" => null ), "comments" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "polls" => array(), "completePolls" => null, "tag_arr" => array( "IHG Rewards Club", "InterContinental Ambassador" ), "isLifestyle" => false, "text_link" => array( "TextLink" => array(), "Photo" => array() ), "ad_tag" => false ) $pageStartTime = 1594872395.2424 $main_photo = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg" $srcsetPhoto = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:480,270/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg 480w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:720,405/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg 720w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:960,540/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg 960w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg 1200w" $sponsored_caption = "" $width = 1200 $title = "Is InterContinental Ambassador status worth buying in 2019?" $desc = "<p>The InterContinental Ambassador program is a <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/our-guide-to-the-intercontinental-ambassador-and-royal-ambassador-schemes">paid membership</a> which unlocks a number of benefits when staying at InterContinental-branded hotels and resorts worldwide.</p> <p>In effect, for the US$200 sign-up free and US$150 each year following, you're <em>buying</em> status and its associated perks such as free room upgrades, late check-out and one free weekend night at an InterContinental property.</p> <p><span>Here’s our take on the</span> InterContinental Ambassador program and whether that membership card should have a place in your wallet.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="You could use your weekend night certificate at the InterContinental Sydney" src="/photos/view/size:862,516/5c19e113bab44c1f924b5676dd799463-Intercontinental-sydney-refurb-1500a.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="516" /></span></p> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador membership: the basics</span></h3> <p><span>You’ll need to part with US$200 (~$279) for your first twelve months of </span>InterContinental Ambassador membership, with annual renewals from USD$150 (~$209).</p> <p><span>There’s also the option to buy your annual membership for 40,000 IHG Rewards points, although that's not the best use of points if you prefer to redeem them for hotel stays.</span></p> <p><span>Here are the benefits you’ll get as an InterContinental Ambassador in 2019 – note that some of these have changed compared to previous years, which makes the program even better value.</span></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><span>as of March 1, Ambassador members will receive Platinum Elite status with IHG Rewards Club (this was </span>previously the lower Gold Elite tier), which delivers plenty of practical benefits right across the IHG portfolio</li> <li dir="ltr">guaranteed one-category room upgrade (this doesn't apply to Reward Night stays)</li> <li dir="ltr">4pm check-out</li> <li dir="ltr"><span>a complimentary weekend night certificate (this is now emailed to you, </span>previously it was posted with a 6-8 week delivery period)</li> <li dir="ltr">up to A$25, US$20 or €15 in restaurant, bar or mini-bar credit per stay</li> <li dir="ltr"><span>within Greater China, complimentary daily breakfast and 15% off restaurants plus a</span> sweet or savoury snack or fruit platter on arrival</li> <li dir="ltr">dedicated check-in area</li> <li dir="ltr">complimentary mineral water and Internet</li> <li dir="ltr">one free pay-TV film per stay</li> </ul> <p><span>Note that Club Lounge access and upgrades to Signature Suites are </span><span><em>not</em> included</span><span> with a base-level Ambassador membership.</span></p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="Club Lounge access isn't included with Ambassador" src="/photos/view/size:862,487/5c19e30042744bdb9270582ddd799463-Intercontinental-sydney-flipper.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="487" /></span></p> <p><span>When it comes to renewing </span>InterContinental Ambassador membership, you may be enticed to pay an extra US$50 (~$69) for 15,000 IHG points and a recurring 10% points rebate on Reward Nights. If you’re a heavy user of IHG points for hotel redemptions, then perhaps this will offer additional value for you.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,339/5c19e1f1773c4c9ab8b95754dd799463-Ambassador Renewal Rate.png" alt="" width="862" height="339" /></span></p> <p><span>One night at the Sydney InterContinental usually costs 60,000 points in the lowest category room so that you can expect 6,000 points back per reward night.</span></p> <h3>Using your InterContinental Ambassador complimentary weekend night certificate</h3> <p>A substantial portion of the Ambassador program's appeal will come from the complimentary weekend night certificate, although this comes with several conditions attached.</p> <p><span>Firstly, the certificate can be used only on the <em>second</em> night of a weekend stay – it's not valid for a single night's stay – and that weekend stay must be booked at the Ambassador Weekend Rate, which is effectively the room’s flexible non-discounted rate. </span></p> <p><span>This means if you would have normally booked a promotional or more restrictive rate you’ll have to stump up the difference to the flexible rate before taking advantage of this offer.</span></p> <p><span>However, the numbers can work out in your favour in cities where room rates are exceedingly high.</span></p> <p>For example, here’s a search for two nights in an Opera House view room at the InterContinental Sydney. The rate you'd have to select is $617 a night, whereas the best member rate is currently $539 a night.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,361/5c19e2164e0c4641a32256f5dd799463-Ambassador Weekend Certificate Sydney.png" alt="" width="862" height="361" /></span></p> <p><span>But the </span>complimentary weekend night certificate would see the second-night cost waived and<em> also</em> upgrade you to one category higher, which happens to be the city-view club room.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,361/5c19e24022d4456eb63f578ddd799463-Ambassador Weekend Certificate Sydney Club Room.png" alt="" width="862" height="361" /></p> <p><span>So overall you’re paying $617 to the hotel and $279 for your Ambassador membership to get a two-night stay in a club room that would cost at least $1,234 at the cheapest rate.</span></p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="Club room at Sydney InterContinental" src="/photos/view/size:862,646/5c19e25281fc4a73864357a5dd799463-Room-from-door-sydney-intercontinental-hotel-review.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="646" /></span></p> <p>(Note also that in the Middle East a 'weekend' can be defined as Thursday, Friday and Saturday whereas everywhere else, you would be expected to book on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.)</p> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador also gives you IHG Platinum Elite</span></h3> <p>Another highly appealing aspect of InterContinental Ambassador membership is complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status, which usually requires 40 qualifying nights or 40,000 qualifying points.</p> <p>This is new to the Ambassador mix for 2019, as the program previously offered only Gold Elite status. However, an IHG spokesperson confirmed to <em>Australian Business Traveller</em> that current Ambassador members who hold Gold Elite status will be automatically be upgraded to Platinum Elite status from 1 March 2019.</p> <p>IHG Platinum Elite status unlocks a solid set of benefits at the likes of Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton and Holiday Inn hotels, including:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><span>complimentary room upgrades (except InterContinental and some Holiday Inn Express hotels)</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>50% bonus earnings on top of base points</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>guaranteed room availability if booked 72 hours prior</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>Elite rollover nights</span></li> <li dir="ltr">priority check-in</li> <li dir="ltr">late check-out</li> </ul> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador membership: is it worth it?</span></h3> <p><span>All things considered, InterContinental Ambassador membership is well worth the initial US$200 fee for most business travellers.</span></p> <p><span>If you spend at least a few nights each year at InterContinental properties, you'll be able to make the most out of the Ambassador-level perks which are exclusive to those hotels including the weekend night certificate, guaranteed upgrade and multiple complimentary gifts per stay.</span></p> <p><span>Of course, the more you stay at other IHG brands, the more you'll appreciate holding instant Platinum Elite status from your membership.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/our-guide-to-the-intercontinental-ambassador-and-royal-ambassador-schemes"><strong>Also read:</strong> Our guide to InterContinental Ambassador and Royal Ambassador</a></p>" $url = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" $type = "NewsArticle" $comment_count = "11 Comments" $linkToProfile = trueinclude - APP/views/news/view.ctp, line 222 View::_render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 736 View::render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 431 Controller::render() - CORE/cake/libs/controller/controller.php, line 909 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 208 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 172 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 92
Warning (2): Invalid argument supplied for foreach() [APP/views/news/view.ctp, line 222]Code | Contextif (Configure::read() > 0) {include ($___viewFn);$___viewFn = "/home/et/executivetraveller/app/views/news/view.ctp" $___dataForView = array( "isModerator" => false, "showNewsletterPopup" => false, "globalMenus" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ), "notification_feed" => array( "{"type":"community_comment","id":"64105","url":"\/community\/view\/9396\/asiana-club-frequent-flyer#comment-64105","post_title":"Asiana Club Frequent Flyer","user_id":"19933","username":"levinn","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"levinn\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/view\/19933\/levinn"}", 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credits","user_id":19237,"username":"P","avatar":"<img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.executivetraveller.com\/photos\/view\/size:20,20\/no-avatar.png\" class=\"border-circle lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-aspectratio=\"1.8\" alt=\"P\" \/>","user_url":"\/users\/view\/19237\/p"}" ) $countryCode = "US" $isMobile = false $main_class = "reading-list article-page" $layout_kind = "" $item = array( "Article" => array( "id" => "15667", "kind" => "news", "behaviour" => "", "user_id" => "21281", "include_bio" => "1", "title" => "Is InterContinental Ambassador status worth buying in 2019?", "stand_first" => null, "body" => "<p>The InterContinental Ambassador program is a <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/our-guide-to-the-intercontinental-ambassador-and-royal-ambassador-schemes">paid membership</a> which unlocks a number of benefits when staying at InterContinental-branded hotels and resorts worldwide.</p> <p>In effect, for the US$200 sign-up free and US$150 each year following, you're <em>buying</em> status and its associated perks such as free room upgrades, late check-out and one free weekend night at an InterContinental property.</p> <p><span>Here’s our take on the</span> InterContinental Ambassador program and whether that membership card should have a place in your wallet.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="You could use your weekend night certificate at the InterContinental Sydney" src="/photos/view/size:862,516/5c19e113bab44c1f924b5676dd799463-Intercontinental-sydney-refurb-1500a.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="516" /></span></p> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador membership: the basics</span></h3> <p><span>You’ll need to part with US$200 (~$279) for your first twelve months of </span>InterContinental Ambassador membership, with annual renewals from USD$150 (~$209).</p> <p><span>There’s also the option to buy your annual membership for 40,000 IHG Rewards points, although that's not the best use of points if you prefer to redeem them for hotel stays.</span></p> <p><span>Here are the benefits you’ll get as an InterContinental Ambassador in 2019 – note that some of these have changed compared to previous years, which makes the program even better value.</span></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><span>as of March 1, Ambassador members will receive Platinum Elite status with IHG Rewards Club (this was </span>previously the lower Gold Elite tier), which delivers plenty of practical benefits right across the IHG portfolio</li> <li dir="ltr">guaranteed one-category room upgrade (this doesn't apply to Reward Night stays)</li> <li dir="ltr">4pm check-out</li> <li dir="ltr"><span>a complimentary weekend night certificate (this is now emailed to you, </span>previously it was posted with a 6-8 week delivery period)</li> <li dir="ltr">up to A$25, US$20 or €15 in restaurant, bar or mini-bar credit per stay</li> <li dir="ltr"><span>within Greater China, complimentary daily breakfast and 15% off restaurants plus a</span> sweet or savoury snack or fruit platter on arrival</li> <li dir="ltr">dedicated check-in area</li> <li dir="ltr">complimentary mineral water and Internet</li> <li dir="ltr">one free pay-TV film per stay</li> </ul> <p><span>Note that Club Lounge access and upgrades to Signature Suites are </span><span><em>not</em> included</span><span> with a base-level Ambassador membership.</span></p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="Club Lounge access isn't included with Ambassador" src="/photos/view/size:862,487/5c19e30042744bdb9270582ddd799463-Intercontinental-sydney-flipper.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="487" /></span></p> <p><span>When it comes to renewing </span>InterContinental Ambassador membership, you may be enticed to pay an extra US$50 (~$69) for 15,000 IHG points and a recurring 10% points rebate on Reward Nights. If you’re a heavy user of IHG points for hotel redemptions, then perhaps this will offer additional value for you.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,339/5c19e1f1773c4c9ab8b95754dd799463-Ambassador Renewal Rate.png" alt="" width="862" height="339" /></span></p> <p><span>One night at the Sydney InterContinental usually costs 60,000 points in the lowest category room so that you can expect 6,000 points back per reward night.</span></p> <h3>Using your InterContinental Ambassador complimentary weekend night certificate</h3> <p>A substantial portion of the Ambassador program's appeal will come from the complimentary weekend night certificate, although this comes with several conditions attached.</p> <p><span>Firstly, the certificate can be used only on the <em>second</em> night of a weekend stay – it's not valid for a single night's stay – and that weekend stay must be booked at the Ambassador Weekend Rate, which is effectively the room’s flexible non-discounted rate. </span></p> <p><span>This means if you would have normally booked a promotional or more restrictive rate you’ll have to stump up the difference to the flexible rate before taking advantage of this offer.</span></p> <p><span>However, the numbers can work out in your favour in cities where room rates are exceedingly high.</span></p> <p>For example, here’s a search for two nights in an Opera House view room at the InterContinental Sydney. The rate you'd have to select is $617 a night, whereas the best member rate is currently $539 a night.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,361/5c19e2164e0c4641a32256f5dd799463-Ambassador Weekend Certificate Sydney.png" alt="" width="862" height="361" /></span></p> <p><span>But the </span>complimentary weekend night certificate would see the second-night cost waived and<em> also</em> upgrade you to one category higher, which happens to be the city-view club room.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,361/5c19e24022d4456eb63f578ddd799463-Ambassador Weekend Certificate Sydney Club Room.png" alt="" width="862" height="361" /></p> <p><span>So overall you’re paying $617 to the hotel and $279 for your Ambassador membership to get a two-night stay in a club room that would cost at least $1,234 at the cheapest rate.</span></p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="Club room at Sydney InterContinental" src="/photos/view/size:862,646/5c19e25281fc4a73864357a5dd799463-Room-from-door-sydney-intercontinental-hotel-review.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="646" /></span></p> <p>(Note also that in the Middle East a 'weekend' can be defined as Thursday, Friday and Saturday whereas everywhere else, you would be expected to book on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.)</p> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador also gives you IHG Platinum Elite</span></h3> <p>Another highly appealing aspect of InterContinental Ambassador membership is complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status, which usually requires 40 qualifying nights or 40,000 qualifying points.</p> <p>This is new to the Ambassador mix for 2019, as the program previously offered only Gold Elite status. However, an IHG spokesperson confirmed to <em>Australian Business Traveller</em> that current Ambassador members who hold Gold Elite status will be automatically be upgraded to Platinum Elite status from 1 March 2019.</p> <p>IHG Platinum Elite status unlocks a solid set of benefits at the likes of Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton and Holiday Inn hotels, including:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><span>complimentary room upgrades (except InterContinental and some Holiday Inn Express hotels)</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>50% bonus earnings on top of base points</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>guaranteed room availability if booked 72 hours prior</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>Elite rollover nights</span></li> <li dir="ltr">priority check-in</li> <li dir="ltr">late check-out</li> </ul> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador membership: is it worth it?</span></h3> <p><span>All things considered, InterContinental Ambassador membership is well worth the initial US$200 fee for most business travellers.</span></p> <p><span>If you spend at least a few nights each year at InterContinental properties, you'll be able to make the most out of the Ambassador-level perks which are exclusive to those hotels including the weekend night certificate, guaranteed upgrade and multiple complimentary gifts per stay.</span></p> <p><span>Of course, the more you stay at other IHG brands, the more you'll appreciate holding instant Platinum Elite status from your membership.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/our-guide-to-the-intercontinental-ambassador-and-royal-ambassador-schemes"><strong>Also read:</strong> Our guide to InterContinental Ambassador and Royal Ambassador</a></p>", "photo_gallery_id" => null, "comment_thread_id" => "17051", "show_comments" => "1", "is_must_read" => "0", "show_deal" => "0", "show_deal_right" => "0", "show_deal_bottom" => "0", "hide_promos" => "0", "hide_reading_list" => "0", "show_pull_quote" => null, "is_published" => "1", "is_sponsored" => "0", 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"text_link" => array( "TextLink" => array(), "Photo" => array() ), "ad_tag" => false ) $pageStartTime = 1594872395.2424 $main_photo = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg" $srcsetPhoto = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:480,270/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg 480w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:720,405/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg 720w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:960,540/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg 960w, https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos/view/size:1200,675/5c19e2f1687c47b9853f580cdd799463-Intercontinental-bangkok-flipper.jpg 1200w" $sponsored_caption = "" $width = 1200 $title = "Is InterContinental Ambassador status worth buying in 2019?" $desc = "<p>The InterContinental Ambassador program is a <a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/our-guide-to-the-intercontinental-ambassador-and-royal-ambassador-schemes">paid membership</a> which unlocks a number of benefits when staying at InterContinental-branded hotels and resorts worldwide.</p> <p>In effect, for the US$200 sign-up free and US$150 each year following, you're <em>buying</em> status and its associated perks such as free room upgrades, late check-out and one free weekend night at an InterContinental property.</p> <p><span>Here’s our take on the</span> InterContinental Ambassador program and whether that membership card should have a place in your wallet.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="You could use your weekend night certificate at the InterContinental Sydney" src="/photos/view/size:862,516/5c19e113bab44c1f924b5676dd799463-Intercontinental-sydney-refurb-1500a.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="516" /></span></p> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador membership: the basics</span></h3> <p><span>You’ll need to part with US$200 (~$279) for your first twelve months of </span>InterContinental Ambassador membership, with annual renewals from USD$150 (~$209).</p> <p><span>There’s also the option to buy your annual membership for 40,000 IHG Rewards points, although that's not the best use of points if you prefer to redeem them for hotel stays.</span></p> <p><span>Here are the benefits you’ll get as an InterContinental Ambassador in 2019 – note that some of these have changed compared to previous years, which makes the program even better value.</span></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><span>as of March 1, Ambassador members will receive Platinum Elite status with IHG Rewards Club (this was </span>previously the lower Gold Elite tier), which delivers plenty of practical benefits right across the IHG portfolio</li> <li dir="ltr">guaranteed one-category room upgrade (this doesn't apply to Reward Night stays)</li> <li dir="ltr">4pm check-out</li> <li dir="ltr"><span>a complimentary weekend night certificate (this is now emailed to you, </span>previously it was posted with a 6-8 week delivery period)</li> <li dir="ltr">up to A$25, US$20 or €15 in restaurant, bar or mini-bar credit per stay</li> <li dir="ltr"><span>within Greater China, complimentary daily breakfast and 15% off restaurants plus a</span> sweet or savoury snack or fruit platter on arrival</li> <li dir="ltr">dedicated check-in area</li> <li dir="ltr">complimentary mineral water and Internet</li> <li dir="ltr">one free pay-TV film per stay</li> </ul> <p><span>Note that Club Lounge access and upgrades to Signature Suites are </span><span><em>not</em> included</span><span> with a base-level Ambassador membership.</span></p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="Club Lounge access isn't included with Ambassador" src="/photos/view/size:862,487/5c19e30042744bdb9270582ddd799463-Intercontinental-sydney-flipper.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="487" /></span></p> <p><span>When it comes to renewing </span>InterContinental Ambassador membership, you may be enticed to pay an extra US$50 (~$69) for 15,000 IHG points and a recurring 10% points rebate on Reward Nights. If you’re a heavy user of IHG points for hotel redemptions, then perhaps this will offer additional value for you.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,339/5c19e1f1773c4c9ab8b95754dd799463-Ambassador Renewal Rate.png" alt="" width="862" height="339" /></span></p> <p><span>One night at the Sydney InterContinental usually costs 60,000 points in the lowest category room so that you can expect 6,000 points back per reward night.</span></p> <h3>Using your InterContinental Ambassador complimentary weekend night certificate</h3> <p>A substantial portion of the Ambassador program's appeal will come from the complimentary weekend night certificate, although this comes with several conditions attached.</p> <p><span>Firstly, the certificate can be used only on the <em>second</em> night of a weekend stay – it's not valid for a single night's stay – and that weekend stay must be booked at the Ambassador Weekend Rate, which is effectively the room’s flexible non-discounted rate. </span></p> <p><span>This means if you would have normally booked a promotional or more restrictive rate you’ll have to stump up the difference to the flexible rate before taking advantage of this offer.</span></p> <p><span>However, the numbers can work out in your favour in cities where room rates are exceedingly high.</span></p> <p>For example, here’s a search for two nights in an Opera House view room at the InterContinental Sydney. The rate you'd have to select is $617 a night, whereas the best member rate is currently $539 a night.</p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,361/5c19e2164e0c4641a32256f5dd799463-Ambassador Weekend Certificate Sydney.png" alt="" width="862" height="361" /></span></p> <p><span>But the </span>complimentary weekend night certificate would see the second-night cost waived and<em> also</em> upgrade you to one category higher, which happens to be the city-view club room.</p> <p><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" src="/photos/view/size:862,361/5c19e24022d4456eb63f578ddd799463-Ambassador Weekend Certificate Sydney Club Room.png" alt="" width="862" height="361" /></p> <p><span>So overall you’re paying $617 to the hotel and $279 for your Ambassador membership to get a two-night stay in a club room that would cost at least $1,234 at the cheapest rate.</span></p> <p><span><img class="inserted-image caption-grey" title="Club room at Sydney InterContinental" src="/photos/view/size:862,646/5c19e25281fc4a73864357a5dd799463-Room-from-door-sydney-intercontinental-hotel-review.jpg" alt="" width="862" height="646" /></span></p> <p>(Note also that in the Middle East a 'weekend' can be defined as Thursday, Friday and Saturday whereas everywhere else, you would be expected to book on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.)</p> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador also gives you IHG Platinum Elite</span></h3> <p>Another highly appealing aspect of InterContinental Ambassador membership is complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status, which usually requires 40 qualifying nights or 40,000 qualifying points.</p> <p>This is new to the Ambassador mix for 2019, as the program previously offered only Gold Elite status. However, an IHG spokesperson confirmed to <em>Australian Business Traveller</em> that current Ambassador members who hold Gold Elite status will be automatically be upgraded to Platinum Elite status from 1 March 2019.</p> <p>IHG Platinum Elite status unlocks a solid set of benefits at the likes of Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton and Holiday Inn hotels, including:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><span>complimentary room upgrades (except InterContinental and some Holiday Inn Express hotels)</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>50% bonus earnings on top of base points</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>guaranteed room availability if booked 72 hours prior</span></li> <li dir="ltr"><span>Elite rollover nights</span></li> <li dir="ltr">priority check-in</li> <li dir="ltr">late check-out</li> </ul> <h3><span>InterContinental Ambassador membership: is it worth it?</span></h3> <p><span>All things considered, InterContinental Ambassador membership is well worth the initial US$200 fee for most business travellers.</span></p> <p><span>If you spend at least a few nights each year at InterContinental properties, you'll be able to make the most out of the Ambassador-level perks which are exclusive to those hotels including the weekend night certificate, guaranteed upgrade and multiple complimentary gifts per stay.</span></p> <p><span>Of course, the more you stay at other IHG brands, the more you'll appreciate holding instant Platinum Elite status from your membership.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/our-guide-to-the-intercontinental-ambassador-and-royal-ambassador-schemes"><strong>Also read:</strong> Our guide to InterContinental Ambassador and Royal Ambassador</a></p>" $url = "https://www.executivetraveller.com/is-intercontinental-ambassador-status-worth-it-in-2019" $type = "NewsArticle" $comment_count = "11 Comments" $linkToProfile = trueinclude - APP/views/news/view.ctp, line 222 View::_render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 736 View::render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 431 Controller::render() - CORE/cake/libs/controller/controller.php, line 909 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 208 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 172 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 92
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Dec 2011
Total posts 18
I've been a member for 3 years now and am still not convinced as to the value (wife disagrees). The free night is not really free and the need to buy a weekend night with it really reduces that value. Plus of course the paid night is not at the best rate.
Also, the "upgrade" may not be areal upgrade, rather , say a corner room, or higher floor. No lounge access is also a bugbear - Hilton does this better.
27 Nov 2016
Total posts 14
I’m an Ambassador and a Spire Elite and see absolutely NO value in it whatsoever. Staying at branded Intercon properties both in Australia and internationally I’ve been surprised that in most instances there is not even an acknowledgment from the GM of even being in house let alone a supposed amenity. Interestingly enough when I stay at lower level IHG properties such as HI or Kimpton, they get v excited which they have absolutely no obligation to do but they appreciate a guest of high category. I have not bothered to use my weekend night this year as Australian Intercon properties are overpriced, very tired and poorly managed. If I have a quick Asian trip before year end I might use it but I’m definitely not renewing, Ambassador represents no value to me.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Dec 2016
Total posts 12
I am in my fourth year and see the previous comments a little lacking in pure mathematics. As pointed out in the article a weekend stay could not only save more than enough to pay for your membership but also give you all the other perks. Last year I couldn’t get an upgrade on a standard two night stay and was offered points or a refund to compensate and the refund was a sizeable amount. Have had champagne and fruit platter when staying and it was my birthday. The upgrades have also applied at the other brands as well.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jul 2018
Total posts 3
I am also Spire Elite(was Royal status) I dropped out of Ambassador years ago, I found the free weekend voucher of little benefit based on the above comments, plus I found properties blacking out dates on anumerous occasions.
10 Jan 2019
Total posts 1
The value for some, including me, will be the Platinum Elite status included in the membership. I'm Spire at the moment, but unlikely to travel enough this year to maintain even Gold.
All three comments above have valid points, and its definitely true that non-Intercom hotels pass on benefit that they didn't or don't have to e.g. always upgraded in hotels in China, Japan (e.g. 6 nights in the ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka to the Club floor when still Platinum) etc. and not a notional one either. Australian properties seem to be a different ball game altogether - Janeblogs is spot on there, but we don't use IHG much here.
Overall, as per Howdy, used wisely, the membership fee is more than covered, and I'll be renewing this year.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Dec 2015
Total posts 11
I have been a Platinum Elite Ambassador member for about eight years and think the annual fee is well worth it. When staying at InterContinental properties I have always been upgraded to a much better room (usually a suite) and quite often (~80% of the time) have been given access to the Executive Lounge. I must agree that my status is rarely acknowledged in Australia, whereas overseas they almost fall over themselves to acknowledge my loyalty - this also goes for the Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn branded properties, not just the InterContinental's. A big shout out to the InterContinental in Singapore (the original one, next to Bugis) who make me feel like a long-lost family member when I arrive for my annual visit. The late check-out alone is well worth the ~$200 each year - the chance to have a late afternoon shower before heading for an evening flight is fantastic!
13 Feb 2018
Total posts 3
@muzzh I'm not sure how you could be given access to lounges 80% of the time. Club access is NOT a benefit of Ambassador, and even if you are upgraded to a club room you will not receive club access.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Mar 2015
Total posts 7
I have purchased Ambassador a couple of times but there really is very little value. Too many conditions on the free night, and no discernible benefit at the hotel. The 'free room upgrade' is an empty gesture as there is clearly no difference between the room I booked and the "upgrade".
Accor, Hilton offer much better real benefits, with Starwood a bit ambiguous following their merger with Marriott.
29 Mar 2019
Total posts 11
Well worth it. I have used the extra free night every year, I pay for the Ambassador level with points as well, next month in the US the free night in San Francisco saves me $400USD alone.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
30 May 2019
Total posts 1
The ambassador membership was worth it I’ve been a member for over 10 years , now I’m not so sure, but talking about doing the maths. I tried to book a room for a weekend for our wedding anniversary using my free night (we always save the free night for this ) I found a room in Adelaide on the IHG site for $176 inc breakfast total $352 we used be able to quote the rate then book no problem free night etc late check out, last night I was told the rate was different for the free night I was quoted $217 for the same room without breakfast so a difference of $43 + the cost of 2 breakfasts $78 = $121 extra to pay, total $297. considering the cost of my membership was let’s say 200 aud thats generous on today Xchange rate
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
04 Sep 2015
Total posts 10
I am a member , and the value is so worth it, always get-a fantastic upgrade or offered $$$$, Always showered with freebies etc, even get treated well in the other IHG group brands.Yes it is worth it all right.No I dont stay in Hotels often .
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