InterContinental Hotels: Priority Club & Inter-Continental Ambassador - Platinum Dilemma (7,5K short) -Upcoming CP Times Square NYC Stay- HELP needed!

I need some last minute advice.
I am around 7,500 points short of Platinum status and will be staying at CP Times Square NYC (3-4 nights).
Is it worth it to become platinum before my stay (in 5 days)?
What kind of upgrade should I normally expect?

I saw a couple of upgrade examples in the Elite experiences thread but I am still debating the $100 expense I need to go through via points.com.
Thanks.

well, first off, CP times square is in a perfect location for NYC, just get ready to hear the taxi horn's all night long.

I was there recently twice, i'm a platinum and they didn't give me anything extra,the first stay, the lady at the counter actually gave an arrogant look at me and my wife when i showed my platinum card and asked for a room upgrade, the only thing she said was "nothing available" and gave me back my card, it was probably a tough day for her so i did not made anything about the bad customer service. The other time a couple weeks after, i had a newly renvated room on a near top floor and it was great.

But like i said, it's nyc, and it's one of the best spot in the city, you can't go wrong with this hotel.

Should'nt you at least have gotten access to the concierge floor lounge as a plat?

If you pay the appropriate rate for the room you have a decent chance of getting the upgrade. Never had an issue when I paid the best flex rate. Any discount rate will give you nill.

Thank you for all responses.
My rate is a convention rate which is 10% lower than best flexible rate.
It is not a huge discount but I guess it depends on the front desk agent.
Getting platinum before the stay will also enable me to get 50% extra points which may ease the pain of purchasing 7,000 points.

Or maybe it is better to let it go and simply enjoy the 5K weekend promo bonus and the 1K PC Visa online booking bonus.

Clock is ticking...:))

I say go for Plat. Besides the other perks (50% points bonus and potential room upgrade), being plat may also get you free breakfast (which may not be a factor if your room rate already includes that).

I say go for Plat. Besides the other perks (50% points bonus and potential room upgrade), being plat may also get you free breakfast (which may not be a factor if your room rate already includes that).

Platinum could provide lounge access, at least it did in my case, staying at the CP two months ago.

I did not actually see what was offered for breakfast, as I was staying at the hotel for a board meeting, at which breakfast was served each day, but the lounge itself is on the top floor with great views, and softdrinks and some snacks available throughout the rest of the day.

Very much enjoyed my stay, and would stay there again.

P.S. It also seemed clear that none of the reception team had seen a new RA card before, as it was passed between a few of them before my eyes;-)

I really think you should go for platinum. I have stayed 3 three times on award night an been upgraded twice to high floors with lounge access.

In this case I think you would be able to get 10k points for $60 if you book one night as a reward night (15k points + $60). I have not used reward nights cash+points so you should check that you get the $60 credited as 10k points.

In this case I think you would be able to get 10k points for $60 if you book one night as a reward night (15k points + $60). I have not used reward nights cash+points so you should check that you get the $60 credited as 10k points.

You get the points for this but they do *not* count towards status.

Thank you for all suggestions again.
I got a couple of web decoders and such and purchased 7K today.
I guess they will post on Wednesday.
My stay is on Thu.
After they post I will be short 82 points:)
Should I call PC line and ask them for an "advance" or "goodwill adjustment" for 82 points. As a last resort I may do a point transfer from Points.com by using some of my air miles.

I have one more night in Barclay in NYC after my stay in CP Times Square under "free nights promo". From what I ready, since Barclay is IC class, platinum won't help me much there. There is not much to lose trying anyways.

Rumeli

You get the points for this but they do *not* count towards status.

I thought that with PC ... all Points count towards Status, although a Plat Status means nothing compared to Plat statuses at other chains where it is very hard to gain one.

I thought that with PC ... all Points count towards Status,
Almost all points count towards status, but the Points & Cash points do not. PCR closed that loophole pretty quickly.

Also the 5k referral bonus does NOT count toward elite status, either.

Also the 5k referral bonus does NOT count toward elite status, either.

For either the new member or the referring member?

For either the new member or the referring member?

IME, it counted for the NEW member.

mxm135 :)

OK...Stayed here three times.....Plat on all occasions....but never upgraded to top floors and never been offered any "perks" in the past
Presently staying here....on the lowly 32nd floor.
Having read previous threads and seen that plats are upgraded....I asked at check in and was told the hotel was very busy this week and no spare rooms available on concierge floors.
They have allowed us access to the lounge on the 46th floor, going to try it for breakfast tomorrow. Am told that it is a cold buffet style.
Asked about internet access ( hotel charges $19.99/day) and was told that plats should sign in and agree the charge, but this will removed from the bill at checkout........hope this happens as it seems steep to access email etc.

Only issue I have is that I had to ask for this.....Surely the hotel should be up front with "perks" for plats.