Constructive Suggestions To Help IHG Meet Customer Expectations - 021710
Feb 17, 2010, 5:28 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Here
Programs: Some
Posts: 79
2. Do something about the 'wall' between IC and the rest of the brands.
3. Raise the earnings bar - either create another tier or raise the number of points to get Plat. I say this with some hesistation as I rather like being able to earn Plat at IHG and Diamond at Hilton but I'm fairly sure the bar is going to have to be raised to get better sustainable Plat benefits. I hope its just raising the point accumulation level though. Being able to get status with points is one of the things that differentiates the program in that it truly rewards the overall business a customer gives both IHG and its partners while taking volume into account.
4. Room upgrade rewards - how about being able to pay more points to get a better room or upgrade guaranteed?
3. Raise the earnings bar - either create another tier or raise the number of points to get Plat. I say this with some hesistation as I rather like being able to earn Plat at IHG and Diamond at Hilton but I'm fairly sure the bar is going to have to be raised to get better sustainable Plat benefits. I hope its just raising the point accumulation level though. Being able to get status with points is one of the things that differentiates the program in that it truly rewards the overall business a customer gives both IHG and its partners while taking volume into account.
4. Room upgrade rewards - how about being able to pay more points to get a better room or upgrade guaranteed?
"being able to pay more points to get a better room or upgrade guaranteed" is a great idea. I normally get a comp on a points stay but would pay a premium to make sure I get what I want rather than gamble on it...Nice if PC picked up on that one.
I think the status levels currently ie Gold/Plat work for IHG's customer base (if Plat benefits are consistant) but its seems volume travellers feel left out and its a hot button issue. Wonder what the existing Amb Status would look like if it could only be attained by nights only say 75 a yr and special status in non-IC's as well and you still got the buy 1 get 1 free cert (any day) + HI type points opportunites
Feb 17, 2010, 9:46 pm
#17
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
I'd love to see IHG allow you to double dip with points and miles ala Hilton.
Plus I'd like for the last of the old style HIX properties to be upgraded to the new standards by the end of the year. I'm looking at you, North Las Vegas, NV.
Plus I'd like for the last of the old style HIX properties to be upgraded to the new standards by the end of the year. I'm looking at you, North Las Vegas, NV.
Feb 18, 2010, 11:17 am
#18
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: SPG Plat,MR Plat Spire Plat/IC Amb, Choice Plat, BW Plat
Posts: 1,320
Assuming its 2 suggestions per day.....
1 - Cleaning standards. Too open to interpretation by location. They need to enforce as seriously as they do the HIX breakfast rule. Locations fear those random audits. Sign me up for secret shopper stays
2 - Pet peeve - Gap under the door. Some locations already cover it with a flexible cover but 98% don't and its sometimes a serious noise/light leak. Of course when you put a towel down the designated "under the door bill pushing person" at 4am makes enough noise to wake you up. I'll save the "plopping newspapers down the hall way guy" at 5am for another suggestion
1 - Cleaning standards. Too open to interpretation by location. They need to enforce as seriously as they do the HIX breakfast rule. Locations fear those random audits. Sign me up for secret shopper stays
2 - Pet peeve - Gap under the door. Some locations already cover it with a flexible cover but 98% don't and its sometimes a serious noise/light leak. Of course when you put a towel down the designated "under the door bill pushing person" at 4am makes enough noise to wake you up. I'll save the "plopping newspapers down the hall way guy" at 5am for another suggestion
Feb 18, 2010, 11:39 am
#19
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Near Lichfield, UK
Programs: BMI DC Gold, BA Gold, LH SEN, Priority Club Platinum, Nectar purple
Posts: 949
Feb 18, 2010, 11:45 am
#20
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA, FB, LH; PC/IC, HH, MR
Posts: 964
Sounds like a joke but PCR has been seeding the marketplace with promotions to drive business their way and quite a few are untargeted but are "allowed" public access by not being having a control feature activated. Of course the public devours the free candy and loads their account up with it. Then someday, like last Thursday, you have a problem and your account history shows a long list of untargeted promotions that PCR allowed you to access. But the evidence shows you broke past T&C's frequently. Guilty as charged. Like a Police Officer who lets drivers speed all day but when The Boss is around nails everything faster than a turtle, PCR has been inconsistent and needs to set a new legitimate level of permissible activity. Obviously the market devours PCR opportunites so why not turn most untargeted promotions into public access, open up participation within the terms, and stop looking the other way when its convenient. PCR keeps a lucrative traffic generator and PCR members have fun, guilt free.
I've never had to query my account, but every time I sign up for a promo on here I put "chat room / blog" for location of promo. I figure they can then take them away from me if they wish.... although they never have. (Here's hoping that continues...)
Having said that, I have noticed that I'm able to register for fewer promos this year (so far) than last.
Cheers
Feb 18, 2010, 12:07 pm
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Here
Programs: Some
Posts: 79
[QUOTE=markdg;13415072]Okay, I see what you're saying now. If I read you correctly, you're saying all offers should be open to all.... rather than being targetted and "guilty pleasures".
Idea is PCR should "legalize" all the "Points" everyone is smoking. If its sanctioned by the authorities change the laws and stop busting buddy whats his name under vague rules. Assuming of course you don't like being profiled as an outlaw deviant, non diligent, scripting, points theft and have your account arrested. I'd prefer not to be.
Idea is PCR should "legalize" all the "Points" everyone is smoking. If its sanctioned by the authorities change the laws and stop busting buddy whats his name under vague rules. Assuming of course you don't like being profiled as an outlaw deviant, non diligent, scripting, points theft and have your account arrested. I'd prefer not to be.
Feb 18, 2010, 12:21 pm
#22
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Johnstown, PA
Programs: UA P, Delta SL, US SL, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, IHG PL AMB, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat
Posts: 928
I was refering to the recent problem with many accounts being locked for an audit which took up to a week to clear. I would consider that to be a fiasco. My account was not audited, but then I did not take part in the promo that seemed to set off the audit.
Feb 18, 2010, 1:23 pm
#23
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA, FB, LH; PC/IC, HH, MR
Posts: 964
Feb 18, 2010, 1:58 pm
#24
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: CMI
Programs: AA EXP & 2MM, HH DIA, Hertz GLD
Posts: 954
Howdy,
1. This should be an option. Benefits for paid stays or benefits for award stays.
2. I want benefits for award stays. I could care less on business about the free drinks, food, rooms, etc...I'm on business - it's all an expense.
3. I need the free bits on vacation.
Let me choose where my benefits apply.
I want a suite on vacation - I'll take what I pay for on business.
Keep the faith,
Pakse
1. This should be an option. Benefits for paid stays or benefits for award stays.
2. I want benefits for award stays. I could care less on business about the free drinks, food, rooms, etc...I'm on business - it's all an expense.
3. I need the free bits on vacation.
Let me choose where my benefits apply.
I want a suite on vacation - I'll take what I pay for on business.
Keep the faith,
Pakse
Feb 18, 2010, 7:22 pm
#25
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Sun & beach destinations
Programs: UA-lifetime Platinum (2MM), IHG-Amb, HH-Diamond, Hertz-PC, Marriott-Gold, CX-AM
Posts: 1,427
Feb 19, 2010, 9:14 am
#27
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: CMI
Programs: AA EXP & 2MM, HH DIA, Hertz GLD
Posts: 954
Howdy,
Fastest way I have hit Diamond with Hilton is 28 stays in 28 nights.
Fastest way I have hit Platinum with IHG is 5 stays - 60k points (promotions kicked in, including IC 15k, plus a stack of other promotions) - but 60k points is fast. I did the 5 stays in 2 weeks. Insta Plat.
Yes - there seriously needs to be a level added for (butt-in-room).
But I am still stuck on my first point - I want benefits on award stays - we do what we do (many of us) for those family trips -- it seems like we are being cheated when the one time we have a chance to enjoy a suite (closing a door to the parents bedroom) is the one time we get a standard room at the IC.
Just my two cents.
Keep the faith,
Pakse
Fastest way I have hit Diamond with Hilton is 28 stays in 28 nights.
Fastest way I have hit Platinum with IHG is 5 stays - 60k points (promotions kicked in, including IC 15k, plus a stack of other promotions) - but 60k points is fast. I did the 5 stays in 2 weeks. Insta Plat.
Yes - there seriously needs to be a level added for (butt-in-room).
But I am still stuck on my first point - I want benefits on award stays - we do what we do (many of us) for those family trips -- it seems like we are being cheated when the one time we have a chance to enjoy a suite (closing a door to the parents bedroom) is the one time we get a standard room at the IC.
Just my two cents.
Keep the faith,
Pakse
Feb 19, 2010, 9:56 am
#28
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Austria
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Gold, GHA Titanium, Melia Silver
Posts: 169
1. no benefits on award stays is the biggest problem for me
2. option for either 2000 points at IC or room rate based as at HI/CP
3. apply Ambassador benefits to CP and HI properties
2. option for either 2000 points at IC or room rate based as at HI/CP
3. apply Ambassador benefits to CP and HI properties
Feb 20, 2010, 6:49 am
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Here
Programs: Some
Posts: 79
Seems to be a red flag issues with many in all IHG brands. No option to select or quarantee a room of choice on redemption stays. True the vast majority pay for business stays and their reward is a free personal stay on vacation etc and getting a poor to plain room and "hope" for mercy at the front desk is a big negative. To some its offensive to be a second class guest when you obviously earned the free stay through loyalty stays.
Feb 20, 2010, 9:42 pm
#30
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: SPG Plat,MR Plat Spire Plat/IC Amb, Choice Plat, BW Plat
Posts: 1,320
Seems to be a red flag issues with many in all IHG brands. No option to select or quarantee a room of choice on redemption stays. True the vast majority pay for business stays and their reward is a free personal stay on vacation etc and getting a poor to plain room and "hope" for mercy at the front desk is a big negative. To some its offensive to be a second class guest when you obviously earned the free stay through loyalty stays.
I find its a mixed bad as some put you in a nice room while others try to stick you with a crappy room unless you press the point early (before you checkin or take the luggage in)....I always get the key first and do a pre-inspection now). Generally it forced me to buy personal stays if I feel uncomfortable about the hotels sincerity in providing suitable rooms.