InterContinental Hotels: Priority Club & Inter-Continental Ambassador - Pilot Programme for Consistent Benefits?

I checked into a CP last Friday. The Front Desk guy said they are in a brand new pilot program to provide a more consistent level benefits to elites (I was Platinum).

He said the choices were:

- 1,000 points
- Snack/Water
- Something else I don't remember - but not breakfast

The guy said they had been offering free breakfast but had to stop it due to this program.

I guess in a way it is a good thing but not so good when it means a downgrade at the property.

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Interesting - don't Hyatt do something similar (although with a better choice?)

I checked into a CP last Friday. The Front Desk guy said they are in a brand new pilot program to provide a more consistent level benefits to elites (I was Platinum).

He said the choices were:

- 1,000 points
- Snack/Water
- Something else I don't remember - but not breakfast

The guy said they had been offering free breakfast but had to stop it due to this program.

I guess in a way it is a good thing but not so good when it means a downgrade at the property.

This isn't new. I have encountered this at many IHG properties where I could choose my own 'local amenity/benefit' for being a platinum member.

mxm135 :)

I checked into a CP last Friday. The Front Desk guy said they are in a brand new pilot program to provide a more consistent level benefits to elites (I was Platinum).

He said the choices were:

- 1,000 points
- Snack/Water
- Something else I don't remember - but not breakfast

The guy said they had been offering free breakfast but had to stop it due to this program.

I guess in a way it is a good thing but not so good when it means a downgrade at the property.

Perhaps they need to look at Hilton HHonors!

Last year I got;


Upgraded on every stay apart from one.
Executive lounge access at every Hotel where it was available.
Free Breakfast for me and partner every stay.
Free water on every stay at a Hilton / Doubletree.
Free internet every stay.
5 Free nights from various promotions.
Numerous small bottles of wine/ fruit bowls / chocolates / cookies etc
Airline Miles sufficient to get me four return international flights.


When I look at the list above I know now why I have just dropped a tier with IHG and why Hilton got so much of my business!!

This isn't new. I have encountered this at many IHG properties where I could choose my own 'local amenity/benefit' for being a platinum member.

mxm135 :)

I think OP means system wide benefit rather than local benefits. It may be pushed to global Crowne Plaza brand in future.

I encountered this at Liverpool CP on 26 December. Having noticed a marked decline in Platinum benefits (ie from excellent to non existent) I discussed it with the front of house manager. She explained these new "wonderful" options (the 3rd is a voucher for a drink btw) and I gave her my immediate (negative) feedback.

I checked into a CP last Friday. The Front Desk guy said they are in a brand new pilot program to provide a more consistent level benefits to elites (I was Platinum).

He said the choices were:

- 1,000 points
- Snack/Water
- Something else I don't remember - but not breakfast

The guy said they had been offering free breakfast but had to stop it due to this program.

I guess in a way it is a good thing but not so good when it means a downgrade at the property.

I've been staying at a CP every week (Reading, PA) for the last few months and have not heard of this. I would say inconsistency still reigns supreme...some weeks they recognize my RA status (which I know they don't have to) and give me free movie, free drink and appetizer in restaurant, upgrade, and free breakfast. Other weeks is just the upgrade and breakfast. They also have wheel (a la "Wheel of Fortune") at the Front Desk for all PC members (not just elite) offering an opportunity to win a variety of perks (1,000 and 5,000 points are posssible). I feel better off with what this property offers than what's proposed above.

I encountered this at Liverpool CP on 26 December. Having noticed a marked decline in Platinum benefits (ie from excellent to non existent) I discussed it with the front of house manager. She explained these new "wonderful" options (the 3rd is a voucher for a drink btw) and I gave her my immediate (negative) feedback.

Used the CP Liverpool several times a few years ago, didn't get anything as a Platinum on either occasion.
Only lame excuses as to why they wouldn't upgrade me, despite the hotel being less than half full. Was even told they didn't have an exec lounge, even though you could see it from the front desk!

Contrast that with the Hilton Liverpool, where I have been upgraded on every stay even on rewards redemptions. They recently even put me in a full suite on a rewards stay!
I have always been given exec lounge access and a choice of free breakfast in either lounge or restaurant.
Since it opened just along the road I haven't even considered the CP Liverpool, to be honest I had forgotten it was there.

If you see my previous post, you will perhaps understand why IHG don't see me that often now!

Have stayed at CP Liverpool three times in last 18 months. First was as Gold, next two as Platinum.

On each occasion was given a voucher with a few options on it. Can't remember all the options because I always went for the free parking for one night choice.

Have never been offered lounge access, though have always received a water view room.

I get the impression that PC members are given similar benefits, irrespective of status, but others may have different experiences.

the rate booked as a lot to do with it, best flexible always results in an upgrade for me

Starting to look like HH.

I stayed at the CP in Valley Forge, PA on Jan 6 & 7 and was given the same offer of either:

1000 points
bottle of water & snack
drink at the bar/lounge

I was also given a certificate for free breakfast each day. Since I was staying for a conference which provided free drinks each day I went with the 1000 points.

I just stayed at the HI Brighton and was given a similar offer on check in, but for a 500 point voucher, not 1000. The other choices were a bar discount voucher and a goodie bag (using the word 'goodie' in its loosest possible form).

Also had the same as doug_1970 at the HH Northampton the last 3 times i have stopped there. choice of:

500 points
free drink at bar
water + chocolates

Maybe the number of points depends on the length of stay? I got two 500 point vouchers and was staying for 2 nights. Maybe 500 points/night is the standard offer?

Received a survey email regarding a very recent stay at HI Portsmouth:

You recently stayed at the HOLIDAY INN PORTSMOUTH hotel which is participating in a Priority Club® Rewards program testing complimentary bonus items offered to our most loyal members at check-in.

In the survey it mentioned the three rewards:
-1000 Reward Points
-Bottle of Water
OR
-Snack

It said that Portsmouth was participating in this testing initiative. What irks me is that staff there did not even acknowledge that I was a Platinum member in any way shape or form let alone offer me one of these additional rewards. The only 'complimentary' things I got were because I had booked an Executive Club Room (free bottle of still water, sparkling water, and KitKat Crunchy bar). Very disappointing--not very consistent so far! I have waited 6 years to get Platinum (qualified last year with the Priority Chase Visa) and this is my final year of it and not received a single acknowledgement regarding my status in the last 3 stays! Oh well.

Received a survey email regarding a very recent stay at HI Portsmouth:



In the survey it mentioned the three rewards:
-1000 Reward Points
-Bottle of Water
OR
-Snack

It said that Portsmouth was participating in this testing initiative. What irks me is that staff there did not even acknowledge that I was a Platinum member in any way shape or form let alone offer me one of these additional rewards. The only 'complimentary' things I got were because I had booked an Executive Club Room (free bottle of still water, sparkling water, and KitKat Crunchy bar). Very disappointing--not very consistent so far! I have waited 6 years to get Platinum (qualified last year with the Priority Chase Visa) and this is my final year of it and not received a single acknowledgement regarding my status in the last 3 stays! Oh well.

I've just had an email survey from them on the same subject. In my case it was the Bolton HI, and they didn't give me anything at all, so this was the first I'd heard of it.

1000 points is worth having, but not if they don't tell us about it!

I've tried a search and can't find another similar post, so here goes: I just checked in to the HIX Edinburgh Royal Mile and was told that as a chainwide pilot for standardized amenities for Elites, I was offered a choice of a voucher for a free drink at the bar, 500 points, or a welcome pack containing water chocolates and whatever (my ears failed to catch that as my mouth was already saying "drink voucher please").

The voucher is headed Priority Club Rewards IHG and states "this voucher is part of a pilot program valid for use at issuing hotel only".

Interesting development.

Edit: just found the other thread. Mods please move.

For HIXs this is useful. For CPs not so good if it means the hotels stop doing their own extra thing locally.

CP Coogee Sydney had the same offer and pilot program was mentioned

For Platinum choice of:
1000 PC point certificate - value $US6 by C+P purchase option
Bottle of water and chocolate bar - value $AU7 by minibar pricing
Drink at bar - likely beer or house wine so probably $6-7 dollars as well

Had never been offered free breakfast at this property so this represents a bonus on previous stays and an upgrade to Ocean View with 2 balconies makes me a happy camper!

I was irked that I hadn't been acknowledged as Platinum or PC and even more so when I got the email about the survey so I wrote to PC Customer Care and CC'd the hotel in as well.

PC forwarded me on to Guest Relations (despite it being a PC offer and promotion, survey was from them, etc) but shortly afterwards the hotel manager emailed me directly with a very nice long email (I was surprised at its length).

At the Holiday Inn Portsmouth, the complimentary bonus items choices are: 500 Priority Club Points or a Free Drink at our Bar.

At least we have confirmation of what they are offering. I was offered 2000points which I am happy to accept, I would honestly prefer hearing that they are going to re-train their staff because I would have much rather received these offers on-site during my stay to make me feel appreciated instead of as an attempt to backtrack having done it wrong in the first place.

Just thought I'd post a positive handling of a complaint for once!

Holiday Inn Baruna mentioned the pilot program when I checked in last mth
Took the 500 pts

As for consistency then this must be a joke!

Is it 1000 points, 500 points, or 500 points per night?

Stayed Liverpool CP in January for 2 nights and received 1000 points. Returned to that hotel last week for 1 night and received 500 points. Stayed 2 nights at HI Heathrow Ariel this weekend and received only 500 points! In summary the scheme is a joke! No consistency at all!

Perhaps someone from PC can clarify once and for all?

I asked about this in CP Manchester and they haven't heard anything about this and will continue to do what they normally do to which I showed great support to stay the same. Odd as Liverpool and Manchester are on the same parent company.

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As for consistency then this must be a joke!

Is it 1000 points, 500 points, or 500 points per night?

Stayed Liverpool CP in January for 2 nights and received 1000 points. Returned to that hotel last week for 1 night and received 500 points. Stayed 2 nights at HI Heathrow Ariel this weekend and received only 500 points! In summary the scheme is a joke! No consistency at all!

Perhaps someone from PC can clarify once and for all?

They may be trying different amounts at different hotels to see what reactions are - that's what a pilot programme is all about.

I personally think this is rubbish.

I would rather play russian roulette with the hop of an upgrade than a handfull of points or a bottle of water! :(

I personally think this is rubbish.

I would rather play russian roulette with the hop of an upgrade than a handfull of points or a bottle of water! :(

Same here!

But it really varies on property.
I stayed at the HI lisbon. First stay got a room upgrade, free wifi, and free drink
2nd stay a month later - same as above but no welcome drink
Some HI properties I got free breakfast to free water and snack to free drink with some sort of room upgrade.
1000 points is worth about $6 to me. Water is worth whatever the vending machine charges..

I was offered 2000points ...
Just thought I'd post a positive handling of a complaint for once!

Suppose I spoke too soon! I was advised I should see the 2000 points on my next statement which arrived a few days ago. Still nothing. I immediately notified the manager who had emailed me (I responded to his personal email account) but I still have not heard anything back. I had sent a follow-up email about 2 weeks ago in response to his email in which I mentioned I still had not received the promised points but that I was still waiting for my statement period to end. (The primary purpose of that email was to thank him for the offer and to just add that I hoped he was instituting a retraining procedure for reception staff to ensure they don't ignore their PC members status, elite or not, again.)

Anyway, not heard anything so now the 'positive handling' is turning into a giant fiasco. It's only 2000 points but they shouldn't offer them if they aren't going to give them. Oh well!

Suppose I spoke too soon! I was advised I should see the 2000 points on my next statement which arrived a few days ago. Still nothing.

Did you look up your account online? The paper statements (and even email statements) are usually outdated.

HTB.

Did you look up your account online? The paper statements (and even email statements) are usually outdated.

Yes, definitely. I only check my account online but thanks for the advice. I can see other regular points going in (from Visa card and the Platinum status rebate) but nothing for the 2000 points offered.

UPDATE: They emailed me today to apologise for not receiving the points. They apparently sent the request to the wrong department and have sent it to the correct one now. Hopefully I will see the points post soon!

I've just had an email survey from them on the same subject. In my case it was the Bolton HI, and they didn't give me anything at all, so this was the first I'd heard of it.

1000 points is worth having, but not if they don't tell us about it!


Ha, just stayed there and got nothing whatsoever, wasn't aware until I got the survey.

CP - Fredericton NB

Free Parking + Choice of:

1) Free Breakfast Buffet
2) Free Drink in Bar
3) Passes for two at the Art Gallery
4) or 1000 priority points

Free Breakfast or Free WIFI are decent benefits worth offering (although Radisson is free WIFI anyway),
the rest is a bit 'meh'
It is no substitute for room upgrade though!

Ha, just stayed there and got nothing whatsoever, wasn't aware until I got the survey.

Drop them an email and ask why not perhaps?

Basically I'm asking you to do my dirty work, obviously....;)

Holiday Inn Bangkok, Silom

Choice of;

500 points

Drink Coupon

Small PC carry bag.

I was also given a one category upgrade.

Took the points.

HIX Croydon UK, choice of:

500 points
bottle of water
drink at the bar

Can't complain as never had any of those at that property before.

OH stayed at Croyden a few weeks ago and did not get this (Feb 23), must be very new

Just had two stays at the Melbourne cp using points. On both I was upgraded. On the first I had the choice of a drinks voucher, a snack or 1,000 points. Didnt get mentioned on second stay.

Seems like the program to trial consistent benefits is being implemented in the trial locations inconsistently :)

Seems like the program to trial consistent benefits is being implemented in the trial locations inconsistently :)

Stayed at the HIX Victoria this week, and since I'd been surveyed on that hotel previously, I asked them about it at reception. Cue complete blank incomprehension from GM and the Duty Manager. To the point that they asked if I'd send them the details of it. Which of course I shall do.

500 Points
Water and a snack
Drink at the bar

I'd much prefer a continental breakfast, personally.

OH stayed at Croyden a few weeks ago and did not get this (Feb 23), must be very new

Was early March, but the voucher was torn out of a booklet which looked like a fair few had been used.

HI Washington Capitol: March 2012

500 points, free drink at bar, bottle of water, and packet of Lays Crisps (chips for our USA friends) AND ....... all served in a nice PC branded paper bag :rolleyes: