The wait is over! The member can choose and tailor the program to fit them, as IHG has replaced its I hg rewards, previously Priority Club and I hg rewards club, with I hg one rewards.
Diamond members can get a daily hot breakfast for two. Members can choose their preferred rewards option, which includes annual lounge access and confirmable suite upgrades. Platinum and Diamond members can be upgraded to suites, if available, and premium rooms, if not.
There are program changes and a page for IHG One rewards here.
The rate and bonus points of the IHG rewards are on offer.
The new tier and bonus points earning structure will be rolled out to all member accounts by April 17. The other unique benefits will be available in June.
Diamond members will be able to choose a complimentary hot breakfast for two. Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees can be excluded from the hotel.
All properties other than select service and limited-service brands that already offer breakfast are able to do so.
Beginning in early June, Diamond Elite members will have access to a dedicated support line to connect with agents who can assist with their travel needs. Diamond Elite members can access the support line through their IHG One Rewards account in either the IHG app or website.
Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite members can stretch their points further with exclusive access to discount promotions on Reward Nights, or nights they book with IHG One Rewards points, subject to eligibility.
Beginning in early June, if Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite members request to check in early, hotels will do their best to have the rooms ready, subject to availability. And all members will be able to request a late check-out up to 2:00 PM, also subject to availability.
Elite Rollover Nights are a way for our Gold Elite, Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite members to earn Elite status faster. Platinum Elite, Diamond Elite and, beginning in early June, Gold Elite members can earn status faster by rolling extra Qualifying Nights over to the next year.
Platinum and Diamond members should see more complimentary suite upgrades in the future, as IHG intends to more clearly communicate this benefit to members in the future and track how well properties are following up.
“Hotel teams should make every effort to upgrade these members to suites if available, before their arrival.“
The welcome amenity choice for Gold members will be discontinued in June and the bonus points will be discontinued in April.
The new app will be launched in the coming weeks.
World of Hyatt style Milestone rewards allow program members to choose their preferred rewards type every 10 consumed nights starting at 20 and ending at 100.
If you don't choose one of the options within 90 days, you will lose your night.
The Food and Beverage Reward is worth $20 and must be used during a stay. If you use more than one at a time, the expense is removed from your folio. You can't use them at Holiday Inn Club Vacation.
The suite upgrade can be used by members to upgrade a stay of up to five nights, but they need to contact the IHG One rewards department from 14 days to 1 day before the stay to apply the upgrade. The upgrade is to a standard suite, but a premium room can be confirmed if a suite is not available.
IHG will offer a digital option instead of calling customer service in the future.
Annual Lounge Membership is valid for the rest of the year and the following year, and can be chosen at 40 or 70 nights.
There are two options at 40 and 70 nights. The lounge option is only available once at each milestone, and the suite upgrade option is only available once at each milestone.
I would choose the confirmable suite for 20 nights, 40 nights, and 70 nights. Each is valid for up to 5 nights.
You can choose between 40 or 70 nights for the Annual Lounge Membership.
Whether you prefer bonus points or credits is up to you.
Suite Upgrades and Annual Lounge Memberships don't have value for those who only stay at IHG's select-service brands. The most valuable are at Kimpton, InterContinental, Regent, and Six Senses hotels.
It is not clear how the choice is structured. You have 90 days after you reach the lounge access to make a choice.
If you earn 40 or 70 nights in October or January, it will be valid for 24 months. This is not something that IHG intended.
The Ambassador and Inner Circle programs are not changing.
You have to wonder why anyone would sign up and pay for the Ambassador program if they don't reach Platinum or Diamond status and get an annual lounge option.
Suite upgrades and lounge access are your Milestone Reward options.
Conclusion.
I have been saying for a long time that I hg rewards is not competitive with other hotels because it does not offer elite member benefits, such as lounge access, breakfast, and suite upgrades.
It has been good for members that stay at limited or select-service properties.
This has been fixed.
Even if you reach the Diamond status in spend, you must have at least 40 nights of qualification before you can get lounge access.
Both spent nights and spent cash are rewarded by this structure.
You can confirm an upgrade to a suite for up to 20 nights if you choose the confirmable suite upgrade. You can combine this with the lounge access option at InterContinental hotels for 40 nights.
Platinum and Diamond members need to be upgraded to suites, and compliance is enforced. It's not clear how much is unclear.
What is the purpose of the paid Ambassador program after these changes?
It makes sense for an occasional guest that can't get into the Platinum tier with its upgrades to suites and premium rooms that is way more than one category from the booked room type that this paid program offers.
The changes make the program more competitive for me, and I will stay at IHG affiliated hotels more in the future.
The lifetime top tier status that rewards long-term loyalty is still missing from IHG.
You should question the motives behind the frequent name changes of loyalty programs. You should stick with it rather than tinker with it.
What do you think about the benefits changing? You can leave a comment.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
