Originally Posted by
LTN Phobia
I assume they wanted a higher spend at ICs than $10k (and possibly more than 50 nights at ICs).
It's been assumed on this forum for some time that they would only consider IC spend (and possibly nights) and not really interested in other IHG spend.
SPG. You get Marriott with it as well once you qualify for SPG Plat.
Lounge access is guaranteed for Platinum members. Suite upgrades are NOT guaranteed, but neither is it for RA.
I would not call it 'unique' in any way though.
That's fair. I still thought I'd stick with other IHG brands just in case that played a role, but it's clear that it didn't. It's difficult because Intercontinental hotels aren't in a ton of US cities, and often it's not an option. But whenever it was, that's where I stayed. I guess for the upcoming year I will stay in ICs when there's one in the city I'm in, otherwise I will stay elsewhere. That way if I requalify for RA next year, great, and if not it's no big deal because I didn't put any extra effort in. I really didn't enjoy staying in crappy Holiday Inn Express hotels, but I thought it would help. I won't be doing that any more.
So if I get SPG Platinum, I also get Marriott Platinum? Does it work the other way around too?