I am Platinum and just lost Royal as I did not stay at 5 Intercontinental Hotels last year. I did stay at 3. I need 2 more hotels. But, I am headed overseas and want to get the Royal before I stay 20 nights at a hotel. My question: If I book an Intercontinental Hotel for this week and I use CC to book it, they will charge me if I don't cancel. If I am charged, do I then get that night counted toward my elite status and nights for the year?