This may seem like a basic question for IHG experts but I'll be new to both IHG's Diamond and Lounge Pass in 2025 and I'm used to Bonvoy's inconsistent breakfast policies.

We don't require an elaborate breakfast buffet full of foods-of-the-world live food stations for breakfast and on the many occasions we have been faced with such a choice at Bonvoy hotels in Asia we often end up having what looks like a standard Western breakfast on the plate followed by fruits.

I understand that as Diamond I will be offered breakfast for two as the welcome gift. This will be most useful at brands like Crown Plaza, Indigo, and Holiday Inn where I've seen the breakfast rate is typically higher (€10 each at our local CP) than the standard rate for the same room. So there's some hard cash saved.

My question relates to ICs with lounges that we will also now be able to visit. Am I correct that the Lounge Pass will get us breakfast in the club lounge and if we wanted breakfast in the IC main restaurant buffet then we would need to use our Diamond welcome gift to get it? That being the case, can I ask what most FTers do in this scenario? Are IC club lounge breakfasts generally good? Are there any advantages to taking breakfast in the club lounge (sparkling booze for example) apart from avoiding the great unwashed in their pyjamas coughing over the buffet?

My second question is for 2026 when I will still have lounge access but will need to requalify for Diamond during 2025. If the majority of my stays are at ICs with lounge access or, somewhat polarised, at HIXs where breakfast is included in the rate for everyone then does the equation simply come down to the additional cost of pushing to requalify as Diamond on points (including buying them on flexible rates) vs the cost of breakfasts at a few stays at CPs, Indigos, and HIs?

Thanks.