Basic Ambassador membership question
 

I am sorry to ask such a simple question to some may consider it silly.

If I pay the US$200 or so to become an Ambassador member is that all I need to do to get a supposed room upgrade each stay. Or, do I need to reach a certain tier before that kicks in.

Thank you.

Yes, "guaranteed room upgrade" is one of the Ambassador benefits.

It is worth joining then. I'm looking at the Intercontinental Honk Kong and the the next room category from what I am booked in for is another AUD$2000 in total for 9 nights. $200 is a bargain then.

Of course despite the saying guaranteed room upgrade I am sure there are always times when things go wrong

The guaranteed room upgrade is pretty guaranteed there is the odd occasion where a property is genuinely sold out of the next category well ahead of the stay and properties will typically as a minimum give the rate difference back between the room that you booked and the next category down.

That's good to hear.

I just signed up.

Thanks everyone for the help.

Only applies to ICs.

Everyone should note that not all room categories are bookable online. Many hotels have room categories for 'upgrade' purposes, which meet the 1-level upgrade.

Specialty Suites are excluded from the 'upgrade' as noted in the T&Cs.

mxm135 :)

I did notice that about the specialty suites. I always book the room I am happy to stay in in case I don't get upgraded.

I'm having that issue with an upcoming stay at IC Malta.

I booked one level below Club on the assumption I would be upgraded to a Club room but when I asked them for confirmation they said I would be upgraded to a 'Superior' room, a category not available online.

They've told me I can have Club Lounge access for 70 Euro's per day

I have to say I'm really unhappy at what feels like a con and am seriously considering changing Hotels

You didn't really expect to get a year of club access for a one-time $200 fee, did you?

How long does it take for my status to be reflected on their website? I just paid the $200 to join and my credit card has been charged but the website still has me as a lowly club member.

Club is never guaranteed and is usually a property by property case by case basis.

it takes up to 3 days. I joined a saturday, and charged same day, but website showed old tier until monday.

That isn't what they asked.

Basically, it was, if the "assumption" is that Club access is granted simply by booking one level below Club.