I am pretty sure that I am one of few Platinum members that has never stayed at a HI/IC in the US before, I mostly work in Southeast Asia and sometimes Europe (UK & Germany). In the last week I have stayed at three HI:s in the US and I have a few comments that be interesting to you:

(+) I have been surprised by how much my Platinum status means when checking in. Never before has someone said that they are "very impressed" to see a Platinum member and thanked me for being such a valued customer of the Intercontinental chain.

(-) My impression is that the HI hotels are more budget-oriented in the US: it seems that a US CP or IC compares better to a Asian HI.

(-) The hotels I have stayed in are often old and worn. Bathroom amenities are sparse. Often only one (or none) restaurant with questionable food and often poor price/value.

(-) Hotel service can't really compare (to Asian HI:s) as US HI:s probably are rated as budget hotels.

I have stayed at the HI Intl Airport LAX, HI Express LAS and HI 8th Street SFO so far on this trip. Will probably add one more hotel in LAX and NYC before flying to Europe again. (any advice on good HI:s in these locations welcome)

Any comments are welcome - should I book CP:s or even IC:s to get the service level i've been accustomed to?