Originally Posted by
JapanFlyerT
I am close to the $20,000 spend on my IHG Premier, which will get me 10,000 points plus $100 credit.
The question is whether to aim for the $40,000 and get Diamond status. It might require a bit of manufactured spending, not sure at this point.
I have about 250,000 points at present, plus 2 anniversary nights a year, so there is the potential for perhaps 10 nights if I stay at Crowne Plazas or Holiday Inns. Indigo and voco are few in Japan but on the increase. IC are only within reach with one of my anniversary nights (plus points). there is also the small benefit of getting free pool access at some Crowne Plazas (they tend to charge here).
It is hard to anticipate 2024 travel outside of Japan at this time.
The alternative would be to spend the next $20,000 on my Marriott card (where I already have platinum).
Any suggestions?
It seems IHG has maintained point value better than others. The Ambassador Diamond extension trick is an attractive option for renewal. With 4th award nights free(effectively a 33% boost in points value) , and confirmable suite upgrades I'd stick with IHG.
Bonvoy seems to be going the way of Hhonors, which is the worst of the majors.