Ouch!

I think we all knew these changes would lead to a cull of plats, but bearing in mind the emails received by many here it looked as if IHG had decided to hold back with the axe. Both Hilton and Marriott are known to comp plat to members who fall short by only a few nights, yet IHG seems determined to apply the new rules to the letter.

It seems IHG is under some illusion that members will steer nights to IHG to pursue status, but can't see that their published benefits are so weak that it's not going to strongly effect behaviour. Yes, I do steer some stays to marriott to ensure I preserve status there, and a friend of mine who's a Hilton man does likewise. Not for the few extra points but for the benefits, lounge access, free breakfasts and a real upgrade policy that works. At IHG plat benefits are a crapshoot. When the conversion from PC to IHG was announced early in 2013 to commence midyear I assumed IHG would improve bennies so we'd all have a few months to appreciate the changes and actively work to make status. The only real changes I saw was the offer of a free drink or 300/500 points, plus I do have to say, some upgrades, though still a crapshoot... Unlike many others I was not led to believe I'd been comped 2014 status, but by end October realised IHG Plat remained an empty vessel.

Make no mistake, IHG still has value, the crazy pointearning means I'll still be here chasing down the big wins, but last year I decided not to chase the status and nothing I've seen so far changes that decision.

Gold it will be but unless bennies are strengthened, I can't see the changes playing out well for IHG loyalty...