Originally Posted by
sfozrhfco
It was only a hack when you could extend Diamond status by renewing Ambassador. Now, it is just paying an extra fee to get Platinum status which provides little benefit. The 2-4-1 was somewhat useful when they allowed it to be used any day of the week at a Kimpton during the pandemic. Now, even that is not that useful--especially in the US where there are so few ICs and most of them charge stupid amenity fees which eat up the value rather quickly.
yes it’s diminished some what after they fixed that and when they stopped giving 10% of any reward stays back … reason why I held off for 6m rather than renew immediately.
However, disagree it’s no benefit vs staying 40 nights or buying base points at c$7 per 1000 to get there faster. It’s a great way to jump up to near top tier status, get IC upgrades , 4pm guaranteed checkout at ICs, $20 credit per stay etc
The 2-4-1 was only valid at Kimpton for 2 years during / post the pandemic can’t speak for US but plenty good European, Middle Eastern and Asian ICs where a 2-4-1 works just fine to atleast break even if not come out ahead after 1 stay … none I’m aware of charge an amenity fee either.