Originally Posted by
strickers
Yes, lounge pass gives Star Prestige benefits which will vary by hotel, you must book direct and the hotel must be participating. Whether the mini bar is included at all I'm not sure and I had to remind them to remove items from my bill at checkout.
From the T&C:
At participating Iberostar Beachfront Resorts Annual Lounge Membership provides access to the Star Prestige facilities and services, excluding Star Prestige guest rooms, for the registered Member plus one additional hotel guest
This is interesting. I've been looking at the Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte in Bahia and it sells Star Prestige rooms and benefits. If I booked the basic room (which seems to be a Junior Suite) then would this hotel give me the Junior Suite Privilege / Star Prestige benefits upon check in or would I have to argue the toss when I arrive and are placed in my basic Junior Suite? It's an all-inclusive resort so most of the experience is included anyway and the Star Prestige benefits are things like access to exclusive pool/bar areas, priority dinner reservations, and use of the wet spa.
The Junior Suite Privilege retails for around twice the price of the base Junior Suite and doesn't seem to be much different from the pictures (apparently they're on the 1st and 2nd floors) so this would be an excellent use of the IHG Lounge Access benefit if it is delivered without stress as promoted.