Originally Posted by
Atacama40
Yep me too .... no mention of RA but I guess that's same as before. Can't see much so different in terms of how it impacts RA's really. Can't see so much that affects anyone really bar breakfast for Diamond.
RA need extensive stays in ICs to be invited. Primary benefits are lounge access and upgrades.
New diamond get immediate free hot breakfast for 2. After 40 nights in ANY IHG hotels, they get lounge access for year+
There are going to be many many more in the lounges that are 40+ night diamonds, than are RA, so expect lounges to be busier as the first impact.
Heavy stayers can get up to 4 x 5 night confirmed upgrades, and other "subject to availablilty". So not the same as double upgrade for RA. Other differences are the enhanced early check in/ late checkout and minibar amenity. However the lines are blurring, and are they enough for IHG to keep and administer the RA program, and attempt to differentiate from the diamond benefit. RA either need more daylight, or alternatively they might just drop it.
RA has never been highly promoted in the past, so can't read too much into the fact that it was not mentioned in todays PR.