Originally Posted by
returnoftheyeti
2) Should I try to get a IHG Chase Credit card before we go?
Yes, get the IHG Premier credit card. This comes with Platinum status at IHG. The card earns 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels, and Platinum status earns an extra 5 points on top of the 10 points per dollar from the hotel. So 25 points per dollar rather than 10 without the card and status. Valuing the point at .4 cents, this means you'll get extra points worth ($1200 * .004 *15) or $72 (6% of your spending). You'll also get the credit card sign-up bonus of 80000 points with $2000 spend. The Platinum status may get you a minor room upgrade at the HK IC.
As to your other questions, there are others more experienced that may be able to answer. There is an IC Ambassador status that you can buy, with benefits that may reduce your cost. You could investigate this to see if it is worthwhile.