Originally Posted by
Flamewing
From the IHG® REWARDS CLUB GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
IHG® Rewards CLUB GOLD, PLATINUM ("ELITE") MEMBERSHIPS
2. b. Qualifying Nights – IHG® Rewards Club Gold Elite status will be awarded to members who have earned a minimum of 15 nights at Qualifying Rates during a calendar year. IHG® Rewards Club Platinum Elite status will be awarded to members who have earned a minimum of 50 nights at Qualifying Rates during a calendar year. Once a member earns Elite membership status in any calendar year, such status will be maintained through the end of the following calendar year. Starting July 1, 2013, IHG® Rewards Club Reward Nights consumed by members will be counted as Qualifying Nights towards Elite membership qualifications.
And that's exactly what I said: "since 1st July 2013 Reward Nights DO count as qualifying nights towards maintainance and/or increase of the status"
Looks like two sets of slightly different text about this. The following is from link ->reservations->rewards nights , which I copy in full below. IHG specifically say COUNTING and COMBINED (as against Qualifying) ........................
Reward Nights are now even more valuable
As a valued IHG® Rewards Club member, we always want you to get the most out of your stay - that includes counting Reward Nights towards your Elite Status!
Starting 1 July 2013, IHG® Rewards Club will combine your Reward Nights with your Qualifying Nights toward Elite Status qualification, bringing you closer to attaining Elite Status while you enjoy your stay using your points.