FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,051
I find it hard to imagine an SPG/Hyatt loyalist ever being happy with IHG as their new primary program. Presumably the love for SPG comes from elite status treatment, as it surely doesn't come from good redemption value at high-end properties.
IHG just simply doesn't do elite status well. Sure you get tons of points, which you can convert into free nights at increasingly outrageous rates (in points terms) and that's assuming that a popular property even releases more than the minimum # of rooms on points. No status benefits also means paying for breakfast, lounge, etc. or making alternative arrangements. Show up to an IC without Ambassador (or RA) and your room will be facing the rubbish bins or parking lot, no matter your IHG status...
It's like comparing apples and oranges. Stick with the combined SPG/Marriott until further notice. Most public comments from Marriott execs suggest that they are VERY AWARE of not wanting to annoy the expensively-acquired "rabid" SPG loyalists...