Nov 2, 2015, 8:31 am
Last edit by: Suite Disposition
ALL THE URLS AND LINKS IN YOUR EMAILS ARE THE SAME. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO "REPLAY" A GIVEN EMAIL.
Plays are linked to your IHG account number and your IHG link you receive in the email. The links contained are unique to each IHG account number and cannot be "shared".
If you didn't receive all your plays and think that HW might have gotten your email address incorrect, then simply click the link again in your email.
Their email is [email protected].
Quantity of emails received does not always equal quantity of plays available. Emails received does imply that you have plays available.
If you click on your email links and receive a screen with the below message then you do not have plays available.
We love your enthusiasm!
However, you do not have any instant win chances to use.
Complete a qualified stay before February 15 to earn another chance to win.
Prizes:
Chances of winning:
500 pts 1:1.18 or 84.75% (This does not mean you will be guaranteed 500 pts per play)
1000 Pts 1:14.29 or 6.7%
2000 Pts 1:28.57 or 3.5%
5000 Pts 1:42.86 or 2.33%
Other prizes or no prizes: depends on number of entries
5B Prizes= 1,000, 2000, 5,000, $50 GC & Free night
BE SURE TO REGISTER BEFORE SENDING IN ENTRIES!
Leave Surprises here:
500 points (x1098)
1000 points (x42)
2000 points (x26)
5000 points (x17)
$50 Prepaid MasterCard (x13)
1 free night at any IHG hotel (x6)
$2500 Gilt.com GC (x1)
Sony Package (x1)
No Win (x7)
Official Rules
Logistics of the Mail-In Option:
Index Cards Okay? YES (I used 3x5 blank index cards and they were accepted)
Lined Index Cards Okay? Yes, of course, enough with the index cards!
OK to mail cards not inside an envelope? Not according to the rules, which state they must be inside envelopes, one card per envelope
Need to write title before each line? NO
Need second phone number? NO
Middle name required? NO (Left mine out, still got emails. If it's part of your account info, maybe leave it.)
Printed Destination Address Okay? YES (I used printed a bunch of sticker labels and put them on envelopes, accepted)
Printed Return Address Okay? YES (I used an ink stamp)
No Return Address Okay? Yes
Envelope size? Doesn't seem to matter
Non-IHG MasterCard Okay? YES
Debit MasterCard Okay? YES (I used an Ally Bank issued Debit MasterCard)
Use somebody else's MasterCard first 6 digits? YES
There have been reports of mail-in entry emails being sent out on 12/4 and 12/11, and the emails came in rapid succession. This is indicative of HelloWorld batching these out.
Initially batches of emails sent out was on Fridays but as of of 1/6/16 appears to be Wednesdays
#1 Batch=12/4
#2 Batch= 12/11
#3 Batch= 12/18
#4 Batch(xmas)= 12/23
#5 Batch(New Years Day)=12/30
#6 Batch= 1/6
#7 Batch= 1/13
#8 Batch= 1/18-1/24 (emails appear to be arriving daily)
#9 Batch= 2/3-2/5
As of 1/5, points have been posting within a week(ish) of playing and getting confirmation that you've won points.
Points will be paid out without additional email
Some points have been distributed (probably in batches on either Monday or Tuesday)
Points Payout Batches:
#1 12/28 & 12/29--500 pts, 1000pts, 2,000 & 5,000pts (plays before 12/25)
#2 1/4 & 1/5 (plays 12/25-12/30?)
#3 1/11(free nights & pts) & 1/12 (plays from 12/31-1/8)
#4 1/15 (limited due to MLK holiday on 1/18) (for plays from until 1/14)
#5 1/19 (plays from 1/15 til?)
#6 1/29 (plays until 1/24)
#7 2/3 (plays until 1/29)
#8 2/5 (plays until 1/31?)
Has anyone received email with instructions on how to redeem prize? YES ($50 MC redemption instructions received 12/28)
STATUS:
--As of 1/19/16 10:00 am et(estimated) all plays were showing up as no wins. . The play site seems to be undergoing maintenance. Best not to use up the majority of your plays until things smooth out.
--As of 2:45 pm ET on 1/19 play site appears to be back up.
--as of 4:17pm ET on 1/19 500 point plays seems to be working again. No 5B prizes seem to be won at this time
--As of 6pm ET on 1/19 emails being received for wins during the morning hours of 1/19 where it stated no win after select elevator.
--As of 2:30pm EST on 1/20 still reports of nearly 100% 500 pt wins only. Best not to play alot of plays unless you only want 500 pt wins
--As of 8:00 pm EST on 1/20 multiple reports of 5B prizes being won again. Seems to be back to normal.
--As of 2:00 pm EST on 1/21 reports of $50, 2k, 5k, 1k pt wins (unsure of free night wins)
--As of 6:00 pm est on 1/22 everything seems to be working as usual(although very few mentions of free night)
--As of 2:00 pm EST on 1/25 seems like daily emails have been sent out since 1/18 until now.
--As of 6pm EST on 1/29 reports of emails being received from mailed in entries from around mid January. So turnaround for new mailings appear to be about 1 week.
--As of 5pm EST on 2/2 appears that emails have stopped arriving daily with many reporting last email received on 1/29.
Plays are linked to your IHG account number and your IHG link you receive in the email. The links contained are unique to each IHG account number and cannot be "shared".
If you didn't receive all your plays and think that HW might have gotten your email address incorrect, then simply click the link again in your email.
Their email is [email protected].
Quantity of emails received does not always equal quantity of plays available. Emails received does imply that you have plays available.
If you click on your email links and receive a screen with the below message then you do not have plays available.
We love your enthusiasm!
However, you do not have any instant win chances to use.
Complete a qualified stay before February 15 to earn another chance to win.
Prizes:
Chances of winning:
500 pts 1:1.18 or 84.75% (This does not mean you will be guaranteed 500 pts per play)
1000 Pts 1:14.29 or 6.7%
2000 Pts 1:28.57 or 3.5%
5000 Pts 1:42.86 or 2.33%
Other prizes or no prizes: depends on number of entries
5B Prizes= 1,000, 2000, 5,000, $50 GC & Free night
BE SURE TO REGISTER BEFORE SENDING IN ENTRIES!
Leave Surprises here:
500 points (x1098)
1000 points (x42)
2000 points (x26)
5000 points (x17)
$50 Prepaid MasterCard (x13)
1 free night at any IHG hotel (x6)
$2500 Gilt.com GC (x1)
Sony Package (x1)
No Win (x7)
Official Rules
Logistics of the Mail-In Option:
Index Cards Okay? YES (I used 3x5 blank index cards and they were accepted)
Lined Index Cards Okay? Yes, of course, enough with the index cards!
OK to mail cards not inside an envelope? Not according to the rules, which state they must be inside envelopes, one card per envelope
Need to write title before each line? NO
Need second phone number? NO
Middle name required? NO (Left mine out, still got emails. If it's part of your account info, maybe leave it.)
Printed Destination Address Okay? YES (I used printed a bunch of sticker labels and put them on envelopes, accepted)
Printed Return Address Okay? YES (I used an ink stamp)
No Return Address Okay? Yes
Envelope size? Doesn't seem to matter
Non-IHG MasterCard Okay? YES
Debit MasterCard Okay? YES (I used an Ally Bank issued Debit MasterCard)
Use somebody else's MasterCard first 6 digits? YES
There have been reports of mail-in entry emails being sent out on 12/4 and 12/11, and the emails came in rapid succession. This is indicative of HelloWorld batching these out.
Initially batches of emails sent out was on Fridays but as of of 1/6/16 appears to be Wednesdays
#1 Batch=12/4
#2 Batch= 12/11
#3 Batch= 12/18
#4 Batch(xmas)= 12/23
#5 Batch(New Years Day)=12/30
#6 Batch= 1/6
#7 Batch= 1/13
#8 Batch= 1/18-1/24 (emails appear to be arriving daily)
#9 Batch= 2/3-2/5
As of 1/5, points have been posting within a week(ish) of playing and getting confirmation that you've won points.
Points will be paid out without additional email
Some points have been distributed (probably in batches on either Monday or Tuesday)
Points Payout Batches:
#1 12/28 & 12/29--500 pts, 1000pts, 2,000 & 5,000pts (plays before 12/25)
#2 1/4 & 1/5 (plays 12/25-12/30?)
#3 1/11(free nights & pts) & 1/12 (plays from 12/31-1/8)
#4 1/15 (limited due to MLK holiday on 1/18) (for plays from until 1/14)
#5 1/19 (plays from 1/15 til?)
#6 1/29 (plays until 1/24)
#7 2/3 (plays until 1/29)
#8 2/5 (plays until 1/31?)
Has anyone received email with instructions on how to redeem prize? YES ($50 MC redemption instructions received 12/28)
STATUS:
--As of 1/19/16 10:00 am et(estimated) all plays were showing up as no wins. . The play site seems to be undergoing maintenance. Best not to use up the majority of your plays until things smooth out.
--As of 2:45 pm ET on 1/19 play site appears to be back up.
--as of 4:17pm ET on 1/19 500 point plays seems to be working again. No 5B prizes seem to be won at this time
--As of 6pm ET on 1/19 emails being received for wins during the morning hours of 1/19 where it stated no win after select elevator.
--As of 2:30pm EST on 1/20 still reports of nearly 100% 500 pt wins only. Best not to play alot of plays unless you only want 500 pt wins
--As of 8:00 pm EST on 1/20 multiple reports of 5B prizes being won again. Seems to be back to normal.
--As of 2:00 pm EST on 1/21 reports of $50, 2k, 5k, 1k pt wins (unsure of free night wins)
--As of 6:00 pm est on 1/22 everything seems to be working as usual(although very few mentions of free night)
--As of 2:00 pm EST on 1/25 seems like daily emails have been sent out since 1/18 until now.
--As of 6pm EST on 1/29 reports of emails being received from mailed in entries from around mid January. So turnaround for new mailings appear to be about 1 week.
--As of 5pm EST on 2/2 appears that emails have stopped arriving daily with many reporting last email received on 1/29.
Priceless Surprises Promotion
Feb 26, 2016, 3:27 pm
#3091
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1P / *A Gold, SPG Plat, Club Carlson Concierge, Amtrak S+
Posts: 55
Both. Keep emailing in response to their auto-reply if nothing in 2-3 days. If they say you have X, and you really submitted Y, I responded to that email too.
Feb 26, 2016, 4:20 pm
#3092
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SIN
Posts: 1,098
New Datapoint: I mailed in 30 entries on 16 Feb, and have been clicking on my unique link (e-mails never came). I was able to play the game again, so my entries from the 16 Feb have been processed!
Feb 26, 2016, 5:00 pm
#3093
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,196
95 (1 extra accidentally) sent in; dropped them all in the mailbox on 2/15 but obviously they weren't postmarked until 2/16. Received 94 emails in a row a bit over two hours ago. Nothing big but a few extra bonus points.
I tried to keep my handwriting as legible as possible, though there were a few times I was worried they'd mistake a 2 or 3 for a 5 or something, but it seems it worked. As well, I hadn't put any titles before the lines (just wrote the information in the order requested by the T&C), and I had only put one phone number.
Glad it's done, and a ROI of $390ish on the $60ish I spent in materials and 5 hours of labor (while watching some Netflix) and driving time to the post office isn't too horrible.
I tried to keep my handwriting as legible as possible, though there were a few times I was worried they'd mistake a 2 or 3 for a 5 or something, but it seems it worked. As well, I hadn't put any titles before the lines (just wrote the information in the order requested by the T&C), and I had only put one phone number.
Glad it's done, and a ROI of $390ish on the $60ish I spent in materials and 5 hours of labor (while watching some Netflix) and driving time to the post office isn't too horrible.
Feb 26, 2016, 5:19 pm
#3094
Join Date: May 2003
Location: CA
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 2,879
Also received emails for the "replacement" submissions my wife and I made on the 16th. Now to watch and make sure that they all post with IHG. From my first set of submissions I did not receive emails on about 4 and of the 90 that I received, about a half dozen never posted to IHG. So I am watching this time.
Feb 26, 2016, 6:50 pm
#3095
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA LifeTime PLT (2.982 MM, But 3MM+ Total), HHonors GOLD, IHG AMB
Posts: 787
Received two (2) more emails today, 2/26! 500 x 2! Waiting for nine (9) more emails. 
Feb 26, 2016, 7:32 pm
#3096
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: QLA
Programs: SBUX Gold
Posts: 14,507
Mine were sent in 2/13 - received 88 emails over the past week.
FIL's were sent in 2/13 - received 92 emails on 2/18.
Wife's were sent in "2/15" - TODAY just received 92 emails.
MIL's were sent in "2/15" - no emails at all.
Don't lose hope.
FIL's were sent in 2/13 - received 92 emails on 2/18.
Wife's were sent in "2/15" - TODAY just received 92 emails.
MIL's were sent in "2/15" - no emails at all.
Don't lose hope.
Last edited by IceTrojan; Feb 26, 2016 at 7:38 pm
Feb 26, 2016, 8:32 pm
#3097
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 5
Decided to participate the last week of the contest after thinking I'll likely be staying at an IHG property in New York in December and then subsequently seeing the prices.
Dropped 94 entries in the mail for my account on 2/11. Received 93 e-mails on 2/25. Was going to just let the final one go knowing it was only worth 500 points but the 94th e-mail randomly showed up today (2/26).
Dropped 94 entries for the wife in the mail on 2/15 forgetting their was no mail that day but figuring I had already done the work, it was worth the chance. Got all 94 e-mails this afternoon (2/26).
Results on mine were:
89x500
3x1,000
2x5,000
Total - 57,500
Results on the wife's were:
89x500
3x1,000
2x2,000
Total - 51,500
Total of 109,000 points for under $100 and some writer's cramps while watching TV. Will be enough points to cover 3 nights that would have cost me at least $1,300-1,400. Time well spent.
Dropped 94 entries in the mail for my account on 2/11. Received 93 e-mails on 2/25. Was going to just let the final one go knowing it was only worth 500 points but the 94th e-mail randomly showed up today (2/26).
Dropped 94 entries for the wife in the mail on 2/15 forgetting their was no mail that day but figuring I had already done the work, it was worth the chance. Got all 94 e-mails this afternoon (2/26).
Results on mine were:
89x500
3x1,000
2x5,000
Total - 57,500
Results on the wife's were:
89x500
3x1,000
2x2,000
Total - 51,500
Total of 109,000 points for under $100 and some writer's cramps while watching TV. Will be enough points to cover 3 nights that would have cost me at least $1,300-1,400. Time well spent.
Feb 27, 2016, 4:08 am
#3098
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 105
QUESTION:
Did most of you actually write out 94 3 by 5 cards in one sitting? And mail all 94 letters in one mail box all at the same time?
I was only able to write about 10 at a time because I am not used to writing things out long hand anymore. Also I would be afraid to mail 94 envelops at the same time. I thought the mail man would throw them all in the trash thinking it was some type of joke. (So I mailed ten at a time over multiple days.)
It worked for my husband and me in the end getting credit for all 188 we sent. (94 X 2)
What did you do?
Did most of you actually write out 94 3 by 5 cards in one sitting? And mail all 94 letters in one mail box all at the same time?
I was only able to write about 10 at a time because I am not used to writing things out long hand anymore. Also I would be afraid to mail 94 envelops at the same time. I thought the mail man would throw them all in the trash thinking it was some type of joke. (So I mailed ten at a time over multiple days.)
It worked for my husband and me in the end getting credit for all 188 we sent. (94 X 2)
What did you do?
Feb 27, 2016, 4:18 am
#3099
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 75
QUESTION:
Did most of you actually write out 94 3 by 5 cards in one sitting? And mail all 94 letters in one mail box all at the same time?
I was only able to write about 10 at a time because I am not used to writing things out long hand anymore. Also I would be afraid to mail 94 envelops at the same time. I thought the mail man would throw them all in the trash thinking it was some type of joke. (So I mailed ten at a time over multiple days.)
It worked for my husband and me in the end getting credit for all 188 we sent. (94 X 2)
What did you do?
Did most of you actually write out 94 3 by 5 cards in one sitting? And mail all 94 letters in one mail box all at the same time?
I was only able to write about 10 at a time because I am not used to writing things out long hand anymore. Also I would be afraid to mail 94 envelops at the same time. I thought the mail man would throw them all in the trash thinking it was some type of joke. (So I mailed ten at a time over multiple days.)
It worked for my husband and me in the end getting credit for all 188 we sent. (94 X 2)
What did you do?
Last edited by Lou123; Feb 27, 2016 at 3:08 pm Reason: Add message
Feb 27, 2016, 7:04 am
#3101
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 134
5000 X 1 = 5000
2000 X 1 = 2000
1000 X 3 = 3000
500 X 87 = 43500
TOTAL = 53500
Happy hunting everyone!
Feb 27, 2016, 7:19 am
#3102
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,285
Did most of you actually write out 94 3 by 5 cards in one sitting? And mail all 94 letters in one mail box all at the same time?
I was only able to write about 10 at a time because I am not used to writing things out long hand anymore. Also I would be afraid to mail 94 envelops at the same time. I thought the mail man would throw them all in the trash thinking it was some type of joke. (So I mailed ten at a time over multiple days.)
I was only able to write about 10 at a time because I am not used to writing things out long hand anymore. Also I would be afraid to mail 94 envelops at the same time. I thought the mail man would throw them all in the trash thinking it was some type of joke. (So I mailed ten at a time over multiple days.)
We mailed our entries in two batches, 30 and 158. Carrying a tray of 158 stamped, first-class letters into the post office is not far fetched. My wife's parents used to run a mail fulfillment business and would routinely walk into their post office with batches of 500, 1000, or more individually addressed envelopes.
Feb 27, 2016, 7:22 am
#3103
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,518
I sent 70 on Feb 7 and 21 on Feb 14, so 91 total.
I got emails on Feb 14, 16, 17, 18, 19 totaling 59. Those have all been played successfully and the points are posted to my IHG account. But no emails since Feb 19, so I'm missing 32 entries. I just emailed helloworld. We shall see.
We also sent 9 for my GF on Feb 14, and we have gotten 8 of 9 entries there. I won't bother to try to chase up the last one, I don't think.
I got emails on Feb 14, 16, 17, 18, 19 totaling 59. Those have all been played successfully and the points are posted to my IHG account. But no emails since Feb 19, so I'm missing 32 entries. I just emailed helloworld. We shall see.
We also sent 9 for my GF on Feb 14, and we have gotten 8 of 9 entries there. I won't bother to try to chase up the last one, I don't think.
Feb 27, 2016, 8:11 am
#3104
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: Delta Platinum, United Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 120
I only ever received 14 e-mails, but could play each one numerous times. Kept playing until I reached 94 then the message changed to, "We Love your enthusiasm! However you don't have any instant win chances to use".
Have you tried replaying the e-mail? If it works that way just keep replaying until you hit 94.
Have you tried replaying the e-mail? If it works that way just keep replaying until you hit 94.
Feb 27, 2016, 9:31 am
#3105
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: San Francisco
Programs: HH Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 137
94 wins for me totaling 63,500 points!
94 wins for my wife, totaling 57,500 points!
All 121,000 points have now posted into our two IHG accounts. And an added bonus: I only sent in 91 entries for myself, but IHG must have assumed I sent in 94 because they let me play the elevator game 94 times!
A great promo! IHG rocks!
94 wins for my wife, totaling 57,500 points!
All 121,000 points have now posted into our two IHG accounts. And an added bonus: I only sent in 91 entries for myself, but IHG must have assumed I sent in 94 because they let me play the elevator game 94 times!
A great promo! IHG rocks!