Originally Posted by
grandgourmand
So why IHG:
1) I can buy Ambassador status
2) I like the hotels more than SPG's. I mainly stay at Sheratons and Westins.
3) I get more room upgrades, even at non-Intercontinentals
4) I like the promotions. FYI SPG hasn't offered me a "challenge to get points" in over a year.
5) I like the brands, especially Indigo
I too am concerned about Marriott's takeover of Starwood as I've been a longtime Starwood Platinum.
I find your list interesting as I have found NONE of the points you mention as applying to IHG. Even as an Ambassador I rarely got an upgrade beyond an upgraded room so that comment surprises the hell out of me. Promotions are better BUT good hotels also require more points and really nice hotels are far and few IMHO. Indigo is a nice brand but there still aren't many and I found the rooms at the ones I have stayed at very small.
So again, I am concerned as well but hauling it over to IHG is far from my plan. Hope you have good luck with it and hope you report back if the grass is indeed greener on the other side.