I apologize in advance to this multiple/cross posting. If the moderator wants to close it, do so. But I believe this information needs to be highlighted over here on the DL Forum, given many confused posts on the 60+ pages of the original thread from the vast number of newbies who have taken up this offer to become AMBASSADORs. I feel it is critical that you be aware of the limitations which most of you seem oblivious to. Given recent posts here and on the IC Forum, you should know this up front:

Caveats about the AMBASSADOR versus the PRIORITY CLUB program
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A lot of DL folks seem to be confused about the PRIORITY CLUB program and because of this AMBASSADOR offier, may not realize what they are joining. Note that AMBASSADOR per se is not an elite tier of the PC program, but rather an enhanced benefits program at the chain of hotels that goes under the name INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS & RESORTS. AMBASSADOR benefits only apply at such IC branded properties, which is the high end hotel brand of the IC Group. This means you will NOT get these benefits when staying at the other brands of INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS: HOLIDAY INN, CROWNE PLAZA, STAYBRIDGE INN, HI EXPRESS and the like.

This causes much confusion, even to long time PC members. The AMBASSADOR program used to be called the SIX CONTINENTS CLUB when IC was an independent hotel group. When it was purchased and merged with the HOLIDAY INN group -- HIs, CPs, etc. -- they first called the overall group SIX CONTINENTS HOTELS, then changed that to INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS. Which is where the confusion starts between the umbrella corporate entity, and the various hotel brands/chains under it.

So when you make bookings at HIs, CPs and the like on the PC/IC website, you will get a notice in red that advises "Ambassador benefits not given with this stay" or something to that effect. Don't panic, but don't expect to have your 2nd Weekend Night Certificate to be accepted at an HI, CP, etc.

AMBASSADOR members also get GOLD PC status. Unfortunately, there are very few benefits that go with this mid-tier status, so don't expect suite upgrades, free breakfasts and other perks if your PC membership changes to GOLD as a result of becoming an AMBASSADOR.

[That said, for those of you who reside outside North America and who may travel extensively to places where there are higher end HIs and CPs, you may find check-in clerks welcoming you as AMBASSADORs and providing extras on that basis, like suite or Exec/Club Floor upgrades and free drink coupons. Technically, these are benefits for PC PLATINUMs not GOLDs. But some properties misinterpret AMBASSADOR as being top tier status in the PC program and, as I note, give these top tier benefits when available. If you get them, congrats. More likely you won't. But just know there is even confusion at the individual property level among staff. And note this DOES NOT HAPPEN at North American HIs or CPs unless you are both PC PLATINUM and AMBASSADOR.]

So this is an exceptionally good offer, even if you never use IC hotels or the various AMBASSADOR benefits, as you can't get 25K miles for such a rediculous price. But just be clear on what to expect, and except at high end IC hotels, it will be little or nothing extra because PC GOLD benefits are next to nothing.

But enjoy. I have belonged to AMBASSADOR and SCC for over two decades and find the extra benefits and treatments at IC hotels to be well worth the annual renewal fee, though I do miss being escorted to my room by an assistant manager, as happened in the "good old days" when there were far fewer of us...

But hey, I said there is much confusion. It starts with the stupid idea of naming the entire corporation the same as one of its hotel brands/groups [IC], and second by having a separate benefits program [AMBASSADOR] that is confused as an elite benefits program for the frequent stay program [PRIORITY CLUB], which it isn't.