Originally Posted by
factory81
I just called a CP in downtown Dallas about benefits. I asked about free breakfast or internet. They remarked that they only do free internet, late check-out, bonus points, and a free newspaper. No mention of room upgrades. They said they don't offer free breakfast. Maybe they are just setting expectations low.
I forgot, what IHG hotels even offer free breakfast? Is it just HIX now? Are our benefits really that lame now? Late check-out, and a bonus in our point earnings?
CP @ 119 a night. Nearby I have an Indigo @ 129/nt. And then the competition is by and large more expensive - $179 for a Homewood Suites, $196 for a Sheraton, $279 for a Marriott, But with an 18 minute walk, I can pick up a $100/nt Hyatt House. Which I believe does offer free breakfast (and I have....platinum status I think with Hyatt, not their highest status which I think is diamond).
I know IC's are pretty limited in their benefits. But what about Staybridge, CP, HI, and Indigos? I don't think I will stay at an indigo for business, but who knows.
o Platinum bennies are
50% points bonus / possible 2pm checkout / free local newspaper / free basic speed internet (since July 2013) / space available room upgrade which may just be high floor (not room category boost) etc
o It is not for an individual franchise hotel to tell you what benefits IHG elite status confers, if you are part of IHG @Rewards program you should do your homework, takes 5 minutes, and check the program t+c's and associated benefits.
o You should also be aware of the different offerings each IHG Brand provides.
EG HIE's provide an INCLUSIVE but basic breakfast, as do most Staybridge, where as the other brands IC/CP/HI/INDIGO do not provide an inclusive breakfast and you must either pay extra on booking the room, or pay at hotel.
o IHG Platinum does not require hotels to provide any of
free breakfast / lounge access
even room upgrade is 'if available' and need not be a better category, but better/higher floor, better view etc.
o Yes many hotels will provide more than the bare minimum, eg some CP with lounges will give Platinums lounge access (so maybe small breakfast in lounge is free, mostly lounge access does not provide restaurant breakfast rights)
o Many hotels will recognise frequent repeat guests and provide benefits like a proper upgrade even if not platinum.