Please can someone in nutshell explain what are the prime benefits of being an Ambassador? I've read some of the stuff on the website re late check-out, guaranteed room upgrade etc etc but is there anything else?
Another question is related to my Spire (Diamond) status and Ambassador. I need 13 more nights by December 31st to re qualify for Diamond for 2023 which is going to be challenging. But I have just been offered the 40k points swap to get Ambassador - so my key question is whether Ambassador is effectively a "higher" tier level than Diamond? In other words, if I do the 40k points swap am I effectively renewing my Diamond status too and I retain all those benefits + also get some more with Ambassador status?
Joining/renewing Ambassador to renew Spire/now Diamond has been a well-utilized trick among the traveler community, despite being an unpublished loophole in IHG's loyalty system. I wonder how much longer it'll last now that some of those
credit card hawkers and information thieves travel bloggers have written articles about said trick, but I believe it still exists. I plan on doing it come December to keep my status alive through next year since I don't have enough travel booked for the remainder of the year to renew organically.
As for the actual benefits of Ambassador, benefits such as the guaranteed one category upgrade and 4 PM checkout are predominantly specific to InterContinental-branded hotels, although they'll also be valid at Regent properties until December 31st this year. You also get perks as an Ambassador at the Six Senses properties that participate in IHG, and these ones are particularly valuable: complimentary breakfast for two, a complimentary 50-minute massage for two or "local experience", one category upgrade/early check-in/late check-out subject to availability and free wi-fi. Ambassador is also appealing because it's a ticket to Platinum status with IHG One Rewards, so it's an instant level-up for people who don't have status with the program.
In essence, Ambassador is beneficial at the top-end brands, although come January 1st, it'll only provide benefits to you at InterContinental and Six Senses since Regent and Kimpton will no longer fall under the Ambassador benefits scheme.
khabah