Originally Posted by
scubaccr
But then an increase from 32k to 40k is just covering the cheaper cost of points these days , eg
o 2years ago, cheapest typically P+C at us$70/10k (us$7/1k) so 32k points value couls be said to be us$224 (but p+c now no longer that higher us$7/1k)
o In last 18months the P+C has variable discounted P+C rates, even to be P+C of 15k/20k per night.
IHGers can now obtain via P+C points at just us$5.5/1k , SO .... 32k is now usd176 and 40k is usd220 , so same net Ambassdor purhase cost usd224 v usd220
May be correct for New Sign-Ups. But for Renewal the cost used to be 24k points and that is now the same as New Sign-Ups at 40k. So at us$7/1k that would have been us$168, but is now us$280 (us$7/1k x 40k) / us$220 (us$5.5/1k x 40k), an increase of 67% / 31%, which is a big jump.
Also, the cash cost for Renewal is still showing as us$150, so what used to be us$150 against us$168 (or 11% cheaper) is now us$150 against us$280 / us$220 (or 46% / 32% cheaper). With the 5k point certificate being removed last year are the other benefits worth the increased cost difference when Renewing with points.