Originally Posted by
nicolas75
The LoyaltyLobby team, which is no longer a Royal Ambassasor since the Royal Ambassasor referral no longer exists and which does not have the number of annual spendings in the Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental and Kimpton hotels to qualify, regularly likes to criticise the Royal Ambassador programme (which they would obviously be delighted to have).
The truth is that the programme remains exceptional for upgrades which almost systematically exceed two categories, and that early check-in is a very appreciable benefit (as was the case for my recent stay in Vietnam).
They forget to mention the free access to the club and the free breakfast which have been introduced (which are obviously a very valuable benefit, especially as the lounges have at the same time significantly improved the offer, which is definitely not that of an airport lounge or a Hilton hotel).
As far as the minibar is concerned, the truth is that I rarely use it (except for a Coke Zero when I arrive late at night and the club lounge is closed), especially as there is a club lounge.
The truth is that the possibility of using a 500 dollar credit as you want it in the minibars or restaurants is interesting.
Is true. The demise of the FOC Mini bar since what was it? three years back? and this new downgrade is disappointing. But the upgrades are still exceptional. And to be honest, I'm normally (not always) getting way above the minimum 2 level upgrade, as I know many of you are doing. Very frequently 3 or 4 levels higher ... sometimes more. Have had Presidential (or a level below) at ICDFC, IC Warsaw, ICRAK, Lyon and super other combinations at ICO2, Phuket, Bangkok and indeed at Kimptons and CP's this year. I say that not to crow, but to underline your comment about the upgrade value.
I've not seen the credits yet and like a fool forgot to choose my milestone rewards which have now evaporated according to email I got from IHG yesterday. But will be interesting to see how they work out.
I guess like Hades said, it means I have to socialise instead of raiding the MB and stumbling round half naked looking out at Hyde Park
..... in the room that is .... ahem.