Oct 5, 2015, 12:42 pm
Last edit by: scubaccr
List of properties that have (or have not) recognised Spire. AND Provided Spire 'Specific' Benefit.
I suggest listing country, brand, property, how you were recognised (Club/not at all etc) and the month you stayed that way if anyone stays after that date we can have an update on whether things have changed.
Or if anyone can think of a better solution feel free to change it.
INDIA
CP JAIPUR - Suite upgrade, club access, happy hour with free snacks, Spire Elite label placed on your table for better treatment - Sep 2016
INDONESIA
IC Bali - local gift at check-in, room upgrade, free breakfast - Jan 2016
JAPAN
IC Tokyo Bay, not recognised at all, August 2015
NETHERLANDS
CP Amsterdam South - Spires Amenity choice now 'Lounge/Drink/600pts' on both paid+Award nights.
(On paid nights at checkin likely to be offered Junior Suite upgrade too if room is free, but not offered on awards.)
UNITED KINGDOM
CP London Heathrow. Free breakfast only. Offered discounted cash payment of 24 GBP pp for lounge access June 2016
Indigo Paddington, no recognisition. September 2015 (this hotel now gives good upgrades to Spire even when checking in late)
Indigo Kensington/Earls Court - apparently recognised. Got nothing not even Welcome Amenity, October 2015
HI Haydock M6 - J23, recognised as club. September 2015
HI London Gatwick Worth, Recognised as Club, September 2015
HI Express Birmingham NEC recognised as "basic member" August 2015
HIX Birmingham Star City, no recognition or amenity - January 2016
HIX Hamilton, recognised as club Aug 2015, recog. Spire Aug 2016
HI Birmingham M6, recognised as club Sept 2015 & Oct 2015, recognised as Spire January 2016
HIX Leigh Sports Village, recognised as club Sept 2015
HI Portsmouth, recognised as Club 22/October/2015
HI Leeds - Wakefield, recognised as club 19th December 2015
HI Luton Airport Recognised as Club 18th March 2016
HI Norwich Airport Me Recognised as Platinum June 3rd 2016
HI Norwich Airport MrsB Recognisd as Club June 3rd 2016.
USA
HI Express, Chicago, IL, recognized at Platinum (not Spire), October/2015. No benefits
THAILAND
HI Pattaya, Thailand, recognized at Platinum (not Spire), November/2105. August 2016, recognized as Spire, upgrade to Ocean View Suite but no benefits
CHINA
CP Guangzhou Haidu letter recognising as a Spire but no benefits additional to Golds. No room upgrade
CP Qingdao No letter, no recognition nothing
I suggest listing country, brand, property, how you were recognised (Club/not at all etc) and the month you stayed that way if anyone stays after that date we can have an update on whether things have changed.
Or if anyone can think of a better solution feel free to change it.
INDIA
CP JAIPUR - Suite upgrade, club access, happy hour with free snacks, Spire Elite label placed on your table for better treatment - Sep 2016
INDONESIA
IC Bali - local gift at check-in, room upgrade, free breakfast - Jan 2016
JAPAN
IC Tokyo Bay, not recognised at all, August 2015
NETHERLANDS
CP Amsterdam South - Spires Amenity choice now 'Lounge/Drink/600pts' on both paid+Award nights.
(On paid nights at checkin likely to be offered Junior Suite upgrade too if room is free, but not offered on awards.)
UNITED KINGDOM
CP London Heathrow. Free breakfast only. Offered discounted cash payment of 24 GBP pp for lounge access June 2016
Indigo Paddington, no recognisition. September 2015 (this hotel now gives good upgrades to Spire even when checking in late)
Indigo Kensington/Earls Court - apparently recognised. Got nothing not even Welcome Amenity, October 2015
HI Haydock M6 - J23, recognised as club. September 2015
HI London Gatwick Worth, Recognised as Club, September 2015
HI Express Birmingham NEC recognised as "basic member" August 2015
HIX Birmingham Star City, no recognition or amenity - January 2016
HIX Hamilton, recognised as club Aug 2015, recog. Spire Aug 2016
HI Birmingham M6, recognised as club Sept 2015 & Oct 2015, recognised as Spire January 2016
HIX Leigh Sports Village, recognised as club Sept 2015
HI Portsmouth, recognised as Club 22/October/2015
HI Leeds - Wakefield, recognised as club 19th December 2015
HI Luton Airport Recognised as Club 18th March 2016
HI Norwich Airport Me Recognised as Platinum June 3rd 2016
HI Norwich Airport MrsB Recognisd as Club June 3rd 2016.
USA
HI Express, Chicago, IL, recognized at Platinum (not Spire), October/2015. No benefits
THAILAND
HI Pattaya, Thailand, recognized at Platinum (not Spire), November/2105. August 2016, recognized as Spire, upgrade to Ocean View Suite but no benefits
CHINA
CP Guangzhou Haidu letter recognising as a Spire but no benefits additional to Golds. No room upgrade
CP Qingdao No letter, no recognition nothing
Discussion about new top tier: Spire
Oct 1, 2015, 11:16 am
#916
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: 10023-Central Park West
Programs: CHASE UNITED CLUB; CITI PRESTIGE； IHG SPIRE AMBASSADOR; RITZ-CARLTON GOLD; Global Entry
Posts: 227
Is there any consenus - if at the upper end of Plat heading towards Spire - better to stick to Plat (known/safer option) for next year or get Spire (allure of maybe extra stuff next year, but big risk of getting nothing due to lack of recognition of Spire)?
Plenty of hotel spend left this year, can push it to IHG or elsewhere easily.
Plenty of hotel spend left this year, can push it to IHG or elsewhere easily.
I am completely confused. I have both platinum card and SPIRE ELITE card for the year 2016. Why should I worry about "big risk of getting nothing due to lack of recognition of Spire "?
I imagine most if not all SPIRE elites have both cards.
A platinum elite can request a platinum elite card as soon as the platinum level is reached by a click on IHG website "request a new card".
Last edited by ylord789; Oct 1, 2015 at 11:24 am
Oct 1, 2015, 3:58 pm
#917
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Brighton, UK
Programs: IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 510
I am completely confused. I have both platinum card and SPIRE ELITE card for the year 2016. Why should I worry about "big risk of getting nothing due to lack of recognition of Spire "?
I imagine most if not all SPIRE elites have both cards.
A platinum elite can request a platinum elite card as soon as the platinum level is reached by a click on IHG website "request a new card".
I imagine most if not all SPIRE elites have both cards.
A platinum elite can request a platinum elite card as soon as the platinum level is reached by a click on IHG website "request a new card".
Oct 1, 2015, 4:19 pm
#918
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: I hate my location and hope to flee from it soon.
Programs: Hyatt PL, PC Spire/RA, HH GOLD, SPG Green, Marriott Silver, Skywards B, CSA Gold, Lufthansa Paper,UA
Posts: 1,211
Sure, twice heard from the hotel employee that my status is expired and
"you are base\basic member sir" No matter what I show on my phone or in real plastic.
"you are base\basic member sir" No matter what I show on my phone or in real plastic.
Oct 1, 2015, 4:34 pm
#919
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Somewhere in Europe
Posts: 3,362
Three months down line the it really should be sorted and knowledge levels should be at a decent level. Hotels not complying now really deserve to be reported.
Last edited by chrism20; Oct 1, 2015 at 4:45 pm
Oct 1, 2015, 11:45 pm
#920
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
3 months down the line nobody at IHG seems to care.I only have IC bookings for the rest of the year,but nobody at IHG cares about that either.
Oct 2, 2015, 9:19 am
#921
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SE USA
Programs: DL DM/MM , IHG Plat, MR Titanium, HH Gold, EK Frequent Kettle, UA Silver, AA Hater
Posts: 2,020
Really bad form to not respond to customers.
This Spire things really sounds like a fine example of poor implementation. I will be Spire soon so I guess I will find out first hand.
Oct 2, 2015, 2:28 pm
#922
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
HIX San Giovanni Rome, Staybridge Vauxhall London and Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Tower all saw Spire in their system.
HIX gave 500 pt voucher or a single drink. no room upgrade (they have some rooms have a nice balcony overlooking the courtyard, we did not get that.)
Staybridge gave 500 pt voucher or a drink + a snack from the pentry.
CP Copenhagen did not offer any choice of amenities but upgraded the room and gave lounge access which I believe it is routinely gives to Plat as well.
HIX gave 500 pt voucher or a single drink. no room upgrade (they have some rooms have a nice balcony overlooking the courtyard, we did not get that.)
Staybridge gave 500 pt voucher or a drink + a snack from the pentry.
CP Copenhagen did not offer any choice of amenities but upgraded the room and gave lounge access which I believe it is routinely gives to Plat as well.
Oct 3, 2015, 5:51 am
#924
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: North of the Highland line
Programs: BA Gold IHG Ambassador Spire Shangri La Diamond
Posts: 695
Recent experiences
HIEx Birmingham NEC - nothing, welcomed me as a "base" member that's what the letter said, argued for platinum benefits, was told they did not recognise Spire - fed back to IHG, no response
HI Southampton - room upgrade was the same as previously given to Platinums, was offered the usual drink or points, took points got 500. Hotel said they were still waiting to be told if they were to differentiate between platinum and spire but did not expect to have to
CP Barcelona. - very nice room far better than we had as Platinums and given lounge access for one night
Am about to embark on a business trip to China, they have always been pretty good re Platinums so let's see if there is any difference for spire but I'm already booked in club rooms so it may not be clear if they would have given me club lounge anyway
HIEx Birmingham NEC - nothing, welcomed me as a "base" member that's what the letter said, argued for platinum benefits, was told they did not recognise Spire - fed back to IHG, no response
HI Southampton - room upgrade was the same as previously given to Platinums, was offered the usual drink or points, took points got 500. Hotel said they were still waiting to be told if they were to differentiate between platinum and spire but did not expect to have to
CP Barcelona. - very nice room far better than we had as Platinums and given lounge access for one night
Am about to embark on a business trip to China, they have always been pretty good re Platinums so let's see if there is any difference for spire but I'm already booked in club rooms so it may not be clear if they would have given me club lounge anyway
Oct 4, 2015, 11:32 am
#925
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Marriott Platinum. Aspiring flyer with both feet on the ground.
Posts: 318
I'm honestly scared to hit Spire this year... I'm trying to hold on to Platinum as I've had excellent recognition this year, but I'm on course to get Spire soon. I'm not an ambulance chaser by nature, but if I even suspect (having read all accounts so far) that I'm not getting my due benefits because of a ridiculously organised introduction of an elite level, I will claim for all that I can get in terms of both monetary compensation and/or points.
But like I said.. I'd rather if I didn't have to...
But like I said.. I'd rather if I didn't have to...
Oct 5, 2015, 3:22 am
#926
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Platinum, SPG Gold
Posts: 413
I've got the feeling that many Spires here are expecting to be treated with more benefits than Platinum.
I personally don't. Here's why. Right now Spire is in a "preview bonus" period, at least until 1st Jan 2016.
The extra benefits are still being negotiated with hotels, and still being formulated. Till then, I'd just treat Spire as "another name for plat"
I personally don't. Here's why. Right now Spire is in a "preview bonus" period, at least until 1st Jan 2016.
The extra benefits are still being negotiated with hotels, and still being formulated. Till then, I'd just treat Spire as "another name for plat"
Oct 5, 2015, 3:38 am
#927
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: North of the Highland line
Programs: BA Gold IHG Ambassador Spire Shangri La Diamond
Posts: 695
I've got the feeling that many Spires here are expecting to be treated with more benefits than Platinum.
I personally don't. Here's why. Right now Spire is in a "preview bonus" period, at least until 1st Jan 2016.
The extra benefits are still being negotiated with hotels, and still being formulated. Till then, I'd just treat Spire as "another name for plat"
I personally don't. Here's why. Right now Spire is in a "preview bonus" period, at least until 1st Jan 2016.
The extra benefits are still being negotiated with hotels, and still being formulated. Till then, I'd just treat Spire as "another name for plat"
As I have hit my 75 nights already I am booking with another chain anyway where my loyalty is correctly recognised so IHG have scored a good own goal here
Oct 5, 2015, 8:43 am
#928
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, Club Carlson Gold, HHonors Gold, Best Western Diamond Select, BA Blue
Posts: 1,335
Holiday Inn Frankfurt Airport North recognised me as Spire and gave me a room upgrade - not that the hotel was any good, but it's the thought that counts. I got free WiFi for all three of my devices that needed it. They did say that breakfast was included but I noticed a 6 EUR charge added to my bill at checkout. I couldn't be bothered to argue.
Pleasant enough staff but hotel a bit basic and dingy.
Pleasant enough staff but hotel a bit basic and dingy.
Oct 5, 2015, 9:25 am
#929
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 81
Stayed in Zurich last week on points and a full revenue night, Holiday Inn Messe, and HIX at Airport, both said I was club member in the computer and couldn't be bothered when I showed them my Spire status in IHG.com. Ask me to call IHG and told me to get moving.
I am considering staying only at IC from now on and will pass on everything else IHG.
I am considering staying only at IC from now on and will pass on everything else IHG.
Oct 5, 2015, 10:21 am
#930
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, Club Carlson Gold, HHonors Gold, Best Western Diamond Select, BA Blue
Posts: 1,335
Not holding out much hope for the Hotel Indigo in St Petersburg, Russia. Had a very curt reply to my very courteous email enquiry. They seem to have some really miserable staff at reception!
Anyway, the bottom line is that Spire's are treated the same as Plats and you might get an upgrade if one is available and you might get late checkout if there's one available.
Really disappointed as I've had some fantastic responses back from other IHG hotels around the world this year to my email enquiries and I've always had a great experience for which I've always written glowing reviews about the hotel on the IHG site.
I might cancel the booking and rebook at the Crowne Plaza Ligovsky in St Petersburg, Russia. I've stayed there before and the service was excellent. I just wanted to try out the Hotel Indigo in LED.
Anyway, the bottom line is that Spire's are treated the same as Plats and you might get an upgrade if one is available and you might get late checkout if there's one available.
Really disappointed as I've had some fantastic responses back from other IHG hotels around the world this year to my email enquiries and I've always had a great experience for which I've always written glowing reviews about the hotel on the IHG site.
I might cancel the booking and rebook at the Crowne Plaza Ligovsky in St Petersburg, Russia. I've stayed there before and the service was excellent. I just wanted to try out the Hotel Indigo in LED.