Originally Posted by
scienm
Even if someone is a local VIP customer who staying and spending a lot, hotels usually don't want to give any benefits unless stated explicitly. I'm also a local VIP at some of ICs and they gave me some benefits as an exception, but it's because I'm a RA basically. I don't think they will grant me an access to a club lounge or give me a free minibar if I lose my RA status.
Depends on the individual IC and how regular you have been as repeating lomgterm multi-year multi-night guest on paid nights. Upgrade+Lounge access is almost a zero cost to the hotel and they keep your business rather than lose you to a nearby HH/MR chain hotel where status is easier to obtain/renew.
Dropping RA to plain Ambassador at your regular IC in the past was not unusual to still get all the RA benefits (early checkin, RA Upgrade as before, even foc lounge access ) with exception of foc minibar.