Originally Posted by
scubaccr
there is definitely some changes coming, but i think exactly what is still subject to talks+agreement between IHG and hotels, and already differences from earlier chatter, eg usd200 cap sounds more like it comes from hotels pushing back than IHG, IHG would otherwise implement 1st Jan (or 1st Feb) at stat of new RA year
Also i book clubrooms despite free lounge to get a suite, often even 1cat up is then well over usd50m plus club is 100usd or more than entry level room. I'd be disgusted with a 50usd credit, in lieu of expected suite upgrade over 50usd extra for a club room, and doesnt compensate for a zero upgrade
I agree there has been a lot of chatter all very similar so definitely something is on the cards, I also think 50usd /10k points in lieu of an upgrade would be a disgrace, I don't always go for a room that gets me a high cat upgrade it depends on location and what my plans are but there are some locations where I really value the option of booking a room that gets me a nice suite especially for leisure on an extended stay.
I have a few nights at the O2 next week so will see what the chatter is like there but I think it will be much the same as I heard in Thailand a few weeks back.