Originally Posted by
WasKnown (Post # 167)
IHG seems interest in breaking into the upper upscale/luxury space more. They have purchased Kimpton and Six Senses relatively recently and have also worked to revive Regent. They also launched a luxury soft flag (Vignette Collection) not too long ago. However, their current hotel portfolio is very similar to Hilton’s with largely limited service properties. It will take them a long time to catch up to Marriott.
Unlike Marriott & Hilton (and Hyatt), the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has no lifetime status.
Originally Posted by
mfirst (Post # 177)
I think for the <20 nights a year traveler - unless there was a long-term goal for points - as with most programs (especially the airlines these days) the benefits (even in theory) are of limited value...
My sense - and please comment if this applies to you - is that there are few non-business travelers that are staying and earning top status on their own which means that the real perks only have value if you are spending a significant amount of time in hotels and the "little things" that status brings actually mean something . . . .
I fall into that less-frequent guest category, and have earned lifetime Marriott
BONV°Y™ Platinum Elite status mostly through personal credit card spend, including four years as a Titanium Elite. Now we have redirected our spend and stays to obtain the same for my spouse of 30+ years. 💚
We do not usually stay at 85K-point properties. A 25K- or 35K-point Free Night Award (FNA) certificate, with 15K-point top-up, suits us nicely. We find value in eating breakfast and dinner at a lounge, and in the 16:00 check-out.
Once I fully retire (for the third time), I may get a Hilton Aspire AmEx to maximize options. About half our stays are in the Philippines, and half in the U.S. (including Guam).
(We are also lifetime members of the UA United Club and AA Admirals Club, purchased around 2000.)