Originally Posted by sdsearch

Well, you can certainly try.

And if it works, maybe it'll be fast enough.

But even if it works, it won't last too long, and can't be repeated.

For the long run, the simplest way (for anyone based in the USA, as you seem to be) to get Platinum status with IHG is to get and hold this credit card:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credi...lect-visa.html

which will not only make you Platinum (but that might take a few weeks after approval), but also give you tons of bonus points right away, a free night certificate every anniversary year (for just a $49 annual fee), and a 10% rebate on all hotel point redemptions. Plus it has 0% forex.