Jun 18, 2016, 4:39 am
Last edit by: HadesNL
Update 2023:
- it seems no new RA have been invited by IHG
- criteria for RA requalification are still unknown
- geographical location of member / country account registration seems of some impact due of covid19(restrictions/availability)
- RA is processed in weekly batches starting december 2022
- proof by nicolas75 shows RA qualification for 2024 seems to be strictly based on IC hotels only (not Regent, Kimpton, SixSenses anymore)
As per Tim O'Brien's post about IHG-corporate explaining RA criteria:
As you are aware,
Royal Ambassador is our invitation only tier with the number of members invited each year
limited to ensure our hotels are able to consistently deliver on the benefits promise,
elevating your stay experience at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.
Although we do not currently have a published criteria for Royal Ambassador,
consideration is determined by variable activities within a members account such as
- qualified paid room nights & spend across our luxury brands (, 2023 EDIT: Post-Pandemic from 2024 InterContinental only : Pre-Pandemic also Kimpton & Regent ) ,
- member region,
- primary hotels,
- category (of the hotel class / €$¥£ price levels compared to currency rates / competition / city / region / country / continent )
- tenure (repeat custom / average spend at hotel)
Accompanying or adjoining reservations,
such as the additional rooms of your family etc are not included for Royal Ambassador consideration
but are included in determining Spire Elite status within IHG Rewards Club.
* FT:IHG forum community group consensus / empirical evidence shows
- that members must have stayed at different unique hotels per city / country / region / continent
the amount of uniques needed for RA qualification is unknown but generally extended long stays at just 1 hotel do not qualify
- IHG-corporate showing keen interest in how much guests are spending €$¥£ at hotel's own operated F&B / Spa / transport / extra services / other venues
atacama40 has given us insights that extra spend at the hotel charged to the hotelfolio generates EQP but also flags the database as high valued spending guest
- one must have AMB to get considered for RA invitation by IHG as they seem to evaluate over a longer period the length of one's tenure / devotion / spend / undisclosed criteria at stayed IC-hotels
2024
Royal Ambassador 2024 (Re)Qualification - statistics
Thank you everyone who graciously shared their status and statistics. I took the liberty to compose an overview.
The common factor that is instantly recognisable is:
IC: 69 N - 4 unique IC - $17400 - 2 unique country
AndyMick
IC: 96 N - 10 unique IC - 7 unique country - 164778 EQP
Ithink
IC: 78 N - 10 unique IC - £27000
Richelieu
~
ProjectSunburst
15 unique IC (USA) - $35000
Kimpton spend: $11000
Milleage Millionaire
IC: 100 N : 58 revenue & 42 award - 166514 EQP
Raynyan
~
Nicolas75
~
ILS2
$20000
HadesNL
IC: 41 N - 8 unique IC (2x USA, 1x UK, 3x EU, 1x Indonesia) 250458 EQP
Marlin1978
IC: 40 N - 9 unique IC (USA + EU) - $13000
HClee01
IC: 30 N - 6 unique IC - $8700
2x Kimpton / 1x Regent : 22 N - $7400
VAbeachgirl
IC: 88 N - 14 unique IC - 8 countries
2x Kimpton : 7 N
total $20000 (IC + Kimpton)
PremexecSNA
IHG : 85 N - 147000 EQP of which
90% revenue stay
85 % IC + Kimpton
10 unique IC
15 unique Kimpton
Darby1970
IC 100 N : 59 revenue of which
37 N : 11 unique IC (USA)& 4 (non-USA)
187682 EQP
Atacama40
IC + Kimpton : 40 N : UK, ME, Asia
Roomrate > £1000
EmeraldLady
11 unique IC : 4 continents
IHG: 87 N
$20000
Dmac1418
IC: 3 N - 2 unjque (IC Houston MC & IC San Diego)
6S Fiji $22000 (room: $10000 + spend $12000)
Smythmeister
~
Additional statistics can be found in the comments of LL
https://loyaltylobby.com/2023/12/03/...4-share-yours/
The only other place on the whole interweb that has an interest in Royal Ambassador.
============================
2023
Below our FT-members from the IHG forum with RA status
some of whom have graciously shared their statistics to shed some light
-----------------------
Mileage millionaire: 155359 EQP - IC nights 58 - total nights 108 - unique IC 15
Shoven : $16000 - IC nights 49 - Kimpton nights 8 - total nights 57 - unique IC 5 - unique Kimpton 2 - [unique countries UK/Thailand]
Stimpy: overall stats higher than Shoven
Nicholas75 : 230236 EQP - 93 EQN
Raynyan : 190000 EQP - IC/Kimpton nights 90 - unique IC/Kimpton 10
Vsevolod4 : $24000 - IC nights 67 - total nights 87
Vabeachgirl : $17500 - IC nights 75 - Kimpton nights 4 - total nights 79 - unique properties 13 [unique countries 7]
Hclee01: >$12600 - >156K EQP - 54 EQN - unique IC 3 - unique Kimpton 1 - unique Regent 2 [unique countries Singapore/Thailand/Taiwan/Japan]
Chinatrvl :
Ithink : 220.000 EQP - 47 EQN
Ninjalad : 150000 EQP - IC nights 34
Andymick : 145000 EQP - IC nights 100
Gentleman adventurer :
Marlin1978 :
Pseudo nim :
Hadesnl : 250000 EQP - Kimpton/IC nights 30 - 44 EQN - unique IC 3 - unique Kimpton 2 [unique countries UK/NL/FRA/Indonesia]
Itadakimasu : 120000 EQP - IC nights 12 - 51 EQN
Atacama40 : >£25000 - IC nights 60 - unique IC 8 - unique Kimpton 1
Eein : corporate rates global & local
Raynyan's friends : RA extension because their account is Japanese registered
Tim O'Brien: after own friendly persuasion effort : $8,500 - IC nights 79 of which 49 at pres.suite - unique IC 4 [unique countries US/AUS/CAN]
----------------
The only other place on the internet that has an interest in RA (re)qualification statistics is at the comments at Loyaltylobby,
more 2023 RA datapoints can be found there:
https://loyaltylobby.com/2022/12/09/...re-your-stats/
https://loyaltylobby.com/2023/01/18/...re-your-stats/
==============================================
Update 2020 / 2021:
RA status was extended due to the global pandemic of covid19
================================================== =======
Update 2019: The RA status granted at the start of the calendar year 2017 and 2018 has been based on IC revenue. As from 2019 criteria again have become vague. RA is not achieved through IC spend only. Other, unknown elements are taken into account as well. (Fact: Some users with very high +25k IC spend were not renewed in 2019.)
Update December 2018: it looks like some accounts are proactively being renewed in December 2018, well ahead of the stated expiration of Jan 31, 2019. It is currently unknown what criteria were used, but previous years appeared to indicate around $10K++ in IC spend only.
As before, please Divide EQPs by 10 to get $$$ Spend
- it seems no new RA have been invited by IHG
- criteria for RA requalification are still unknown
- geographical location of member / country account registration seems of some impact due of covid19(restrictions/availability)
- RA is processed in weekly batches starting december 2022
- proof by nicolas75 shows RA qualification for 2024 seems to be strictly based on IC hotels only (not Regent, Kimpton, SixSenses anymore)
As per Tim O'Brien's post about IHG-corporate explaining RA criteria:
As you are aware,
Royal Ambassador is our invitation only tier with the number of members invited each year
limited to ensure our hotels are able to consistently deliver on the benefits promise,
elevating your stay experience at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.
Although we do not currently have a published criteria for Royal Ambassador,
consideration is determined by variable activities within a members account such as
- qualified paid room nights & spend across our luxury brands (, 2023 EDIT: Post-Pandemic from 2024 InterContinental only : Pre-Pandemic also Kimpton & Regent ) ,
- member region,
- primary hotels,
- category (of the hotel class / €$¥£ price levels compared to currency rates / competition / city / region / country / continent )
- tenure (repeat custom / average spend at hotel)
Accompanying or adjoining reservations,
such as the additional rooms of your family etc are not included for Royal Ambassador consideration
but are included in determining Spire Elite status within IHG Rewards Club.
* FT:IHG forum community group consensus / empirical evidence shows
- that members must have stayed at different unique hotels per city / country / region / continent
the amount of uniques needed for RA qualification is unknown but generally extended long stays at just 1 hotel do not qualify
- IHG-corporate showing keen interest in how much guests are spending €$¥£ at hotel's own operated F&B / Spa / transport / extra services / other venues
atacama40 has given us insights that extra spend at the hotel charged to the hotelfolio generates EQP but also flags the database as high valued spending guest
- one must have AMB to get considered for RA invitation by IHG as they seem to evaluate over a longer period the length of one's tenure / devotion / spend / undisclosed criteria at stayed IC-hotels
2024
Royal Ambassador 2024 (Re)Qualification - statistics
Thank you everyone who graciously shared their status and statistics. I took the liberty to compose an overview.
The common factor that is instantly recognisable is:
- everyone has a valid AMB membership
- everyone has spent a good amount in €$£
IC: 69 N - 4 unique IC - $17400 - 2 unique country
AndyMick
IC: 96 N - 10 unique IC - 7 unique country - 164778 EQP
Ithink
IC: 78 N - 10 unique IC - £27000
Richelieu
~
ProjectSunburst
15 unique IC (USA) - $35000
Kimpton spend: $11000
Milleage Millionaire
IC: 100 N : 58 revenue & 42 award - 166514 EQP
Raynyan
~
Nicolas75
~
ILS2
$20000
HadesNL
IC: 41 N - 8 unique IC (2x USA, 1x UK, 3x EU, 1x Indonesia) 250458 EQP
Marlin1978
IC: 40 N - 9 unique IC (USA + EU) - $13000
HClee01
IC: 30 N - 6 unique IC - $8700
2x Kimpton / 1x Regent : 22 N - $7400
VAbeachgirl
IC: 88 N - 14 unique IC - 8 countries
2x Kimpton : 7 N
total $20000 (IC + Kimpton)
PremexecSNA
IHG : 85 N - 147000 EQP of which
90% revenue stay
85 % IC + Kimpton
10 unique IC
15 unique Kimpton
Darby1970
IC 100 N : 59 revenue of which
37 N : 11 unique IC (USA)& 4 (non-USA)
187682 EQP
Atacama40
IC + Kimpton : 40 N : UK, ME, Asia
Roomrate > £1000
EmeraldLady
11 unique IC : 4 continents
IHG: 87 N
$20000
Dmac1418
IC: 3 N - 2 unjque (IC Houston MC & IC San Diego)
6S Fiji $22000 (room: $10000 + spend $12000)
Smythmeister
~
Additional statistics can be found in the comments of LL
https://loyaltylobby.com/2023/12/03/...4-share-yours/
The only other place on the whole interweb that has an interest in Royal Ambassador.
============================
2023
Below our FT-members from the IHG forum with RA status
some of whom have graciously shared their statistics to shed some light
-----------------------
Mileage millionaire: 155359 EQP - IC nights 58 - total nights 108 - unique IC 15
Shoven : $16000 - IC nights 49 - Kimpton nights 8 - total nights 57 - unique IC 5 - unique Kimpton 2 - [unique countries UK/Thailand]
Stimpy: overall stats higher than Shoven
Nicholas75 : 230236 EQP - 93 EQN
Raynyan : 190000 EQP - IC/Kimpton nights 90 - unique IC/Kimpton 10
Vsevolod4 : $24000 - IC nights 67 - total nights 87
Vabeachgirl : $17500 - IC nights 75 - Kimpton nights 4 - total nights 79 - unique properties 13 [unique countries 7]
Hclee01: >$12600 - >156K EQP - 54 EQN - unique IC 3 - unique Kimpton 1 - unique Regent 2 [unique countries Singapore/Thailand/Taiwan/Japan]
Chinatrvl :
Ithink : 220.000 EQP - 47 EQN
Ninjalad : 150000 EQP - IC nights 34
Andymick : 145000 EQP - IC nights 100
Gentleman adventurer :
Marlin1978 :
Pseudo nim :
Hadesnl : 250000 EQP - Kimpton/IC nights 30 - 44 EQN - unique IC 3 - unique Kimpton 2 [unique countries UK/NL/FRA/Indonesia]
Itadakimasu : 120000 EQP - IC nights 12 - 51 EQN
Atacama40 : >£25000 - IC nights 60 - unique IC 8 - unique Kimpton 1
Eein : corporate rates global & local
Raynyan's friends : RA extension because their account is Japanese registered
Tim O'Brien: after own friendly persuasion effort : $8,500 - IC nights 79 of which 49 at pres.suite - unique IC 4 [unique countries US/AUS/CAN]
----------------
The only other place on the internet that has an interest in RA (re)qualification statistics is at the comments at Loyaltylobby,
more 2023 RA datapoints can be found there:
https://loyaltylobby.com/2022/12/09/...re-your-stats/
https://loyaltylobby.com/2023/01/18/...re-your-stats/
==============================================
Update 2020 / 2021:
RA status was extended due to the global pandemic of covid19
================================================== =======
Update 2019: The RA status granted at the start of the calendar year 2017 and 2018 has been based on IC revenue. As from 2019 criteria again have become vague. RA is not achieved through IC spend only. Other, unknown elements are taken into account as well. (Fact: Some users with very high +25k IC spend were not renewed in 2019.)
Update December 2018: it looks like some accounts are proactively being renewed in December 2018, well ahead of the stated expiration of Jan 31, 2019. It is currently unknown what criteria were used, but previous years appeared to indicate around $10K++ in IC spend only.
As before, please Divide EQPs by 10 to get $$$ Spend
================================================== =====
December 2019 / January 2020 Link to RA Renewals & Upgrades
================================================== =====
================================================== =====
JANUARY 2019 RA RENEWAL STATS [put total IHG vs. IC if you can]
================================================== =====
NAME.... IHG total (paid)/IC/EQP, break out IC spend if you can
Pseudo Nim 73 IC nights, $14.6K IC spend ($17.7K total),
Shoven 70 (50) IC nights, $17.3K IC spend ($17.3K total),
Unterwegs 52 IC nights, approx $12K net IC spend. No other brands this year! No more mediocre HIs to make status.
Kaix 63 IC nights, $14.4K IC spend ($15.1K total)
Tim O'Brien 26 IC Paid Nights as at Dec 27, when notified of RA renewal, 140,171 EQP, IC Net Spend 14, 017.
Vsevolod4 IHG total 132, IHG total paid 101, IC nights 85, IC Qualified Spend $16.5K, total EQP 398,800, Kimpton nights: 3, RA Ambassador Kit renewed Dec 27, RA renewal (again) and Kimpton Inner Circle upgrade Jan 4.
kaka(mom) 34 nights 1 country (all IC), IC spend:23k USD
JANUARY 2019 RA RENEWAL STATS [put total IHG vs. IC if you can]
================================================== =====
NAME.... IHG total (paid)/IC/EQP, break out IC spend if you can
Pseudo Nim 73 IC nights, $14.6K IC spend ($17.7K total),
Shoven 70 (50) IC nights, $17.3K IC spend ($17.3K total),
Unterwegs 52 IC nights, approx $12K net IC spend. No other brands this year! No more mediocre HIs to make status.
Kaix 63 IC nights, $14.4K IC spend ($15.1K total)
Tim O'Brien 26 IC Paid Nights as at Dec 27, when notified of RA renewal, 140,171 EQP, IC Net Spend 14, 017.
Vsevolod4 IHG total 132, IHG total paid 101, IC nights 85, IC Qualified Spend $16.5K, total EQP 398,800, Kimpton nights: 3, RA Ambassador Kit renewed Dec 27, RA renewal (again) and Kimpton Inner Circle upgrade Jan 4.
kaka(mom) 34 nights 1 country (all IC), IC spend:23k USD
Lewis42 / 81 Total (unknown IC) / $16k IC / $2k Kimpton / 4 Continents
81 nights total
$18k Kimpton / IC (about $2k kimpton)
stays in 4 continents
been Ra for ~3-4 years
ID;Name;Confirm;Kit msg; Revenue ;Nights;Challenge?;Additional Info
40;stimpy;+;none; $9,000.00 ;50;?;RA since 2001 - exceptional renewal
38;turner32;-;none; $9,000.00 ;?;?;8/9 years as RA
49;hannes08;+;01/16/2019; $9,990.00 ;52;2000;renewal probably because of challenge
17;Lewis42;+;12/27/2018; $10,000.00 ;?;2000;renewal probably because of challenge
27;scienm;+;none; $10,032.00 ;32;?;8 years RA
25;hclee01;+;none; $10,142.16 ;37;?;current RA since 2014 - manual renewal
18;annihilation;-;none; $10,605.00 ;39;?;
51;crosskonaftw;?;none; $10,700.00 ;35;?;not yet RA
30;Land-of-Miles;+;none; $10,999.00 ;19;?;
16;Kimsbrand;-;none; $11,297.88 ;5;?;not RA yet. 13,532.92 USD total?
48;Urby38;+;12/27/2018; $11,300.00 ;47;?;Royal since 2012
42;SAWorldVoyager;?;12/21/2018; $11,391.52 ;?;?;
14;Cielito_;+;none; $11,511.00 ;62;no;77/62/8 with 12042 USD after batch
45;whimike;+;none; $11,700.00 ;?;?;RA for about 7 years
10;Unterwegs;+;12/27/2018; $12,000.00 ;52;yes;
44;serendipity1211;+;01/16/2019; $12,300.00 ;45;no;first-time RA
28;cazane;+;12/27/2018; $12,600.00 ;61;no;4 prepaid nights not posted until 27th 11890 -> 12600
11;VaBeachGirl;+;12/27/2018; $12,750.00 ;68;no;
50;lukah;?;none; $12,800.00 ;80;?;3 years RA
15;336;-;none; $12,900.00 ;16;2000;NOT completed challenge / Lots of adjusted stays
1;DonPedro;+;12/21/2018; $12,971.00 ;49;no;
47;SD2019;+;none; $13,000.00 ;35;no;stays erroneously adjusted or marked as overlapping
36;BRUSS;+;01/16/2019; $13,001.00 ;?;?;
13;Tim O'Brien;+;12/27/2018; $14,017.00 ;26;?; Kimpton;
33;marlin1978;?;12/27/2018; $14,182.00 ;46;no;
26;Kaix;?;12/27/2018; $14,400.00 ;63;?;
9;Pseudo Nim;+;12/27/2018; $14,600.00 ;73;?;
41;PMMMDL;?;?; $15,000.00 ;50;?;
23;nicolas75;?;12/27/2018; $15,000.00 ;81;?;
5;sharps1337;+;12/21/2018; $15,200.00 ;79;no;
3;Raynyan (friend2);?;12/21/2018; $15,500.00 ;69;no;
22;pantanal;+;12/27/2018; $16,000.00 ;?;?;
24;vsevolod4;+;12/27/2018; $16,319.00 ;84;no;
34;boekel;?;12/27/2018; $16,950.00 ;60;no;
21;ILS2;+;none; $17,000.00 ;40;?;
8;skaya (2x);+;12/27/2018; $17,000.00 ;?;?;
7;shoven;+;12/27/2018; $17,304.00 ;50;?;
51;EmeraldLady;+;12/27/2018; $18,000.00 ;47;?;
32;Mr. Chan;?;12/21/2018; $19,582.00 ;45;yes;completed challenge
46;kaka;+;12/21/2018; $20,001.00 ;34;no;
31;christenlabelle;?;none; $22,000.00 ;51;1k + Kimpton;
39;marcel.baden;?;12/27/2018; $22,000.00 ;77;?;
35;Flying Lawyer;?;12/27/2018; $22,135.00 ;70;?;
37;Roey007;?;none; $25,000.00 ;42;?;9 years RA - 9k adjustment: no kit message with 11k before
12;IThink;+;12/27/2018; $25,000.00 ;85;no;
19;HadesNL;+;12/27/2018; $28,273.90 ;52;?;
4;Raynyan (friend3);?;12/21/2018; $30,000.00 ;73;no;
29;btravers33;?;12/27/2018; $30,000.00 ;98;?;
2;Raynyan (friend1);?;12/21/2018; $32,000.00 ;75;no;
20;Raynyan;+;12/27/2018; ? ;70;?;~30 nights not counted somehow
6;samjnz;?;12/21/2018; ? ;?;2000;
04 JAN 2018 RA RENEWAL STATS [put total IHG vs. IC if you can]
================================================== =====
NAME.... IHG total (paid)/IC/EQP, break out IC spend if you can
Pseudo Nim 139 (116)/85/192K, of which $18K in IC
Boekel 85 (70)55/170K, of which $15K in IC
Tim O'Brien 29 IC Nights 2 Non IC IHG nights, 341,976 EQP
scubaccr 55 paid IC Nights , us$13,000++ / 4paid non-IC nights us$900++ (plus 8x IC reward nights, 20x non-IC reward nights) <== Sorry.. forgot to cop exact EQP values before 1/1/2018 acct zeroing
Cielito_ 81/77/5 - $7,353 F&B + $11,656 Room = $19,009 IC net spend - EQP 468,000 (First Time RA)
hclee01 50 IC us$13k++
Land-of-Miles ?? IC us$10.5k++
cazane 60 IC us$11.8k++
VaBeachGirl 54 IC us$13k++
PiffPaffPuff 60IC us$25k++
??????? 35 IC us$10.2k++ <== first time RA ref PiffPaffPuff colleague
Spitcool 40 IC us$15k++
Eltham 40 IC us$12k++
shoven 43 IC us$15k++ <== first time RA
skaya (partner) ?? IC us$10.2k++ <== renewed
darby1970 62 IC us$13k++
The Mileage Millionaire 102 paid IHG nights / 100 paid IC nights / 229k EQP / $22.7k++ IC spend
Orion_1 8 nights at IC, spent at 2 properties - USD 10,200 in total at ICs (honeymoon...)
HadesNL Elite qualifying points: 239,095, Qualifying nights: 39
Aussielori 50 IC us$8k++ 9.2k overall renewed on 16 jan
04 JAN 2018 RA LOSS STATS [put total IHG vs. IC if you can]
================================================== =====
tarek.h ?? IC us$9.1k++
sharps1337 IC us$9.9k++ (and 129 non-IC us$17k++ )
04 JAN 2017 RA RENEWAL STATS (Please include 2016 y/end EQP count)
================================================== =====
NAME.... IHG/IC/IC's EQP $$$$s
SCUBACCR 80/56/13 EQP=14,979 (Split $12864 + $2115)
HANNES08 76/46/10 EQP=11,200
OZ_CATALYST 75/63/8 EQP=14,700 (first Time RA) ($12414 at ICs)
TAREK.H 46/37/4 EQP=14.500 ($10,917 IC Spend)
TravelTheWorld66 147/33/11 EQP=27.972 ($8500 IC Spend)
HCLEE01 67/50/6 EQP=14880
ATACAMA40 82/56/10 EQP=??,???
VaBeachGirl 84/42/12 EQP=15,000
Land-of-Miles 87/73/10 EQP=40,000
SSH4POOH 132/99/28 EQP=50,000
???????? 75/35/8 EQP=??,??? (First Time RA, ref SSH4POOH)
iThink 82/36/11 EQP = 18,200
aussielori 75/45/5 EQP =15,100
1010101 50/48/4 = 12,500
MYSTERY7 63/45/? EQP=25,000 (First Time RA)
EmeraldLady 68/42/10 EQP=15,500
NKU 86/80/5 EQP=20,000
Petrus 110/40/3 EQP=20,000 ($8500 IC Spend)
JOHHENRIK 74/65/10 EQP=16,800
SyLance 76/76/4 EQP=17,500 (RA again after 3years missed)
Pseudo Nim 90/58/15 IC spend $9,500, $17K across chain (175K EQP)
Tim O'Brien 58 nights, EQP 474,576 , July 31, 2017 Year End, renewed to Dec 29, 2017
HadesNL 22/20/7 and us$20,000 ref two posts.
PROTEOME 53/36/? $25,000 (Plus further 30x IC Non-qual nights and 18 IC Award nights) <== nb Maybe/Maybe-Not the IC Non-qual $$'s count as about half EQPs spend, probably > 10k IC qual spend
Chinatrvl 88 nights (in all brands, but c. 75 in ICs), 300,000 EQP, ADR c. 115 USD as I stayed mostly on a locally negotiated rate (spend c. 10k USD)
Unterwegs 78(my count 86)/63/10/285.000 (according to email, I would have expected less. my spending estimate is 15-20K$)
Lewis42 77/39/10 EQP=16010
Whimike 88/35/12 EQP=14220
04 JAN 2017 RA Demotion to xxx Ambassador stats (if > 75/30/3)
==================================================
NAME IHG/IC/IC's EQP $$$$s
[Archived - no longer valid] New (Royal) Ambassador Criteria
A document was unintentionally available in the internet about changes to the (Royal) Ambassador Qualifying and Re-Qualifying criteria.
The document is available on
http://viewfromthewing.img.boardinga...Ambassador.pdf
Older discussion
There was an ongoing discussion about the criteria for some time. This thread is now closed.
update from Executive Liaison Sept, 2023,
spend at other IHG luxury brands does count for RA, and Renewal.
Brands weren't stated, but reasonable to assume Six Senses, Regent, and Kimpton.
$18k Kimpton / IC (about $2k kimpton)
stays in 4 continents
been Ra for ~3-4 years
ID;Name;Confirm;Kit msg; Revenue ;Nights;Challenge?;Additional Info
40;stimpy;+;none; $9,000.00 ;50;?;RA since 2001 - exceptional renewal
38;turner32;-;none; $9,000.00 ;?;?;8/9 years as RA
49;hannes08;+;01/16/2019; $9,990.00 ;52;2000;renewal probably because of challenge
17;Lewis42;+;12/27/2018; $10,000.00 ;?;2000;renewal probably because of challenge
27;scienm;+;none; $10,032.00 ;32;?;8 years RA
25;hclee01;+;none; $10,142.16 ;37;?;current RA since 2014 - manual renewal
18;annihilation;-;none; $10,605.00 ;39;?;
51;crosskonaftw;?;none; $10,700.00 ;35;?;not yet RA
30;Land-of-Miles;+;none; $10,999.00 ;19;?;
16;Kimsbrand;-;none; $11,297.88 ;5;?;not RA yet. 13,532.92 USD total?
48;Urby38;+;12/27/2018; $11,300.00 ;47;?;Royal since 2012
42;SAWorldVoyager;?;12/21/2018; $11,391.52 ;?;?;
14;Cielito_;+;none; $11,511.00 ;62;no;77/62/8 with 12042 USD after batch
45;whimike;+;none; $11,700.00 ;?;?;RA for about 7 years
10;Unterwegs;+;12/27/2018; $12,000.00 ;52;yes;
44;serendipity1211;+;01/16/2019; $12,300.00 ;45;no;first-time RA
28;cazane;+;12/27/2018; $12,600.00 ;61;no;4 prepaid nights not posted until 27th 11890 -> 12600
11;VaBeachGirl;+;12/27/2018; $12,750.00 ;68;no;
50;lukah;?;none; $12,800.00 ;80;?;3 years RA
15;336;-;none; $12,900.00 ;16;2000;NOT completed challenge / Lots of adjusted stays
1;DonPedro;+;12/21/2018; $12,971.00 ;49;no;
47;SD2019;+;none; $13,000.00 ;35;no;stays erroneously adjusted or marked as overlapping
36;BRUSS;+;01/16/2019; $13,001.00 ;?;?;
13;Tim O'Brien;+;12/27/2018; $14,017.00 ;26;?; Kimpton;
33;marlin1978;?;12/27/2018; $14,182.00 ;46;no;
26;Kaix;?;12/27/2018; $14,400.00 ;63;?;
9;Pseudo Nim;+;12/27/2018; $14,600.00 ;73;?;
41;PMMMDL;?;?; $15,000.00 ;50;?;
23;nicolas75;?;12/27/2018; $15,000.00 ;81;?;
5;sharps1337;+;12/21/2018; $15,200.00 ;79;no;
3;Raynyan (friend2);?;12/21/2018; $15,500.00 ;69;no;
22;pantanal;+;12/27/2018; $16,000.00 ;?;?;
24;vsevolod4;+;12/27/2018; $16,319.00 ;84;no;
34;boekel;?;12/27/2018; $16,950.00 ;60;no;
21;ILS2;+;none; $17,000.00 ;40;?;
8;skaya (2x);+;12/27/2018; $17,000.00 ;?;?;
7;shoven;+;12/27/2018; $17,304.00 ;50;?;
51;EmeraldLady;+;12/27/2018; $18,000.00 ;47;?;
32;Mr. Chan;?;12/21/2018; $19,582.00 ;45;yes;completed challenge
46;kaka;+;12/21/2018; $20,001.00 ;34;no;
31;christenlabelle;?;none; $22,000.00 ;51;1k + Kimpton;
39;marcel.baden;?;12/27/2018; $22,000.00 ;77;?;
35;Flying Lawyer;?;12/27/2018; $22,135.00 ;70;?;
37;Roey007;?;none; $25,000.00 ;42;?;9 years RA - 9k adjustment: no kit message with 11k before
12;IThink;+;12/27/2018; $25,000.00 ;85;no;
19;HadesNL;+;12/27/2018; $28,273.90 ;52;?;
4;Raynyan (friend3);?;12/21/2018; $30,000.00 ;73;no;
29;btravers33;?;12/27/2018; $30,000.00 ;98;?;
2;Raynyan (friend1);?;12/21/2018; $32,000.00 ;75;no;
20;Raynyan;+;12/27/2018; ? ;70;?;~30 nights not counted somehow
6;samjnz;?;12/21/2018; ? ;?;2000;
04 JAN 2018 RA RENEWAL STATS [put total IHG vs. IC if you can]
================================================== =====
NAME.... IHG total (paid)/IC/EQP, break out IC spend if you can
Pseudo Nim 139 (116)/85/192K, of which $18K in IC
Boekel 85 (70)55/170K, of which $15K in IC
Tim O'Brien 29 IC Nights 2 Non IC IHG nights, 341,976 EQP
scubaccr 55 paid IC Nights , us$13,000++ / 4paid non-IC nights us$900++ (plus 8x IC reward nights, 20x non-IC reward nights) <== Sorry.. forgot to cop exact EQP values before 1/1/2018 acct zeroing
Cielito_ 81/77/5 - $7,353 F&B + $11,656 Room = $19,009 IC net spend - EQP 468,000 (First Time RA)
hclee01 50 IC us$13k++
Land-of-Miles ?? IC us$10.5k++
cazane 60 IC us$11.8k++
VaBeachGirl 54 IC us$13k++
PiffPaffPuff 60IC us$25k++
??????? 35 IC us$10.2k++ <== first time RA ref PiffPaffPuff colleague
Spitcool 40 IC us$15k++
Eltham 40 IC us$12k++
shoven 43 IC us$15k++ <== first time RA
skaya (partner) ?? IC us$10.2k++ <== renewed
darby1970 62 IC us$13k++
The Mileage Millionaire 102 paid IHG nights / 100 paid IC nights / 229k EQP / $22.7k++ IC spend
Orion_1 8 nights at IC, spent at 2 properties - USD 10,200 in total at ICs (honeymoon...)
HadesNL Elite qualifying points: 239,095, Qualifying nights: 39
Aussielori 50 IC us$8k++ 9.2k overall renewed on 16 jan
04 JAN 2018 RA LOSS STATS [put total IHG vs. IC if you can]
================================================== =====
tarek.h ?? IC us$9.1k++
sharps1337 IC us$9.9k++ (and 129 non-IC us$17k++ )
04 JAN 2017 RA RENEWAL STATS (Please include 2016 y/end EQP count)
================================================== =====
NAME.... IHG/IC/IC's EQP $$$$s
SCUBACCR 80/56/13 EQP=14,979 (Split $12864 + $2115)
HANNES08 76/46/10 EQP=11,200
OZ_CATALYST 75/63/8 EQP=14,700 (first Time RA) ($12414 at ICs)
TAREK.H 46/37/4 EQP=14.500 ($10,917 IC Spend)
TravelTheWorld66 147/33/11 EQP=27.972 ($8500 IC Spend)
HCLEE01 67/50/6 EQP=14880
ATACAMA40 82/56/10 EQP=??,???
VaBeachGirl 84/42/12 EQP=15,000
Land-of-Miles 87/73/10 EQP=40,000
SSH4POOH 132/99/28 EQP=50,000
???????? 75/35/8 EQP=??,??? (First Time RA, ref SSH4POOH)
iThink 82/36/11 EQP = 18,200
aussielori 75/45/5 EQP =15,100
1010101 50/48/4 = 12,500
MYSTERY7 63/45/? EQP=25,000 (First Time RA)
EmeraldLady 68/42/10 EQP=15,500
NKU 86/80/5 EQP=20,000
Petrus 110/40/3 EQP=20,000 ($8500 IC Spend)
JOHHENRIK 74/65/10 EQP=16,800
SyLance 76/76/4 EQP=17,500 (RA again after 3years missed)
Pseudo Nim 90/58/15 IC spend $9,500, $17K across chain (175K EQP)
Tim O'Brien 58 nights, EQP 474,576 , July 31, 2017 Year End, renewed to Dec 29, 2017
HadesNL 22/20/7 and us$20,000 ref two posts.
PROTEOME 53/36/? $25,000 (Plus further 30x IC Non-qual nights and 18 IC Award nights) <== nb Maybe/Maybe-Not the IC Non-qual $$'s count as about half EQPs spend, probably > 10k IC qual spend
Chinatrvl 88 nights (in all brands, but c. 75 in ICs), 300,000 EQP, ADR c. 115 USD as I stayed mostly on a locally negotiated rate (spend c. 10k USD)
Unterwegs 78(my count 86)/63/10/285.000 (according to email, I would have expected less. my spending estimate is 15-20K$)
Lewis42 77/39/10 EQP=16010
Whimike 88/35/12 EQP=14220
04 JAN 2017 RA Demotion to xxx Ambassador stats (if > 75/30/3)
==================================================
NAME IHG/IC/IC's EQP $$$$s
[Archived - no longer valid] New (Royal) Ambassador Criteria
A document was unintentionally available in the internet about changes to the (Royal) Ambassador Qualifying and Re-Qualifying criteria.
The document is available on
http://viewfromthewing.img.boardinga...Ambassador.pdf
Older discussion
There was an ongoing discussion about the criteria for some time. This thread is now closed.
update from Executive Liaison Sept, 2023,
spend at other IHG luxury brands does count for RA, and Renewal.
Brands weren't stated, but reasonable to assume Six Senses, Regent, and Kimpton.
New RA qualifying criteria based on IC Revenue
Aug 27, 2023, 11:27 am
#4741
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,523
Other things for RA as important and distinction versus Hyatt/Marriott/Hilton/Accor
- early check in at 10.00 (handy when arriving in Europe / Asia)
- hospitality room for RA if room is not ready (worth its weight in gold if i want straighten my toupet/wig after longhaul travel)
- late check out at 16.00 (handy departing US / Asia)
- room upgrade cat+2 (me like this)
- suite upgrade cat+1 (me like this even more)
(hotels may upgrade further up) (swoon)
- lounge access (always available for use)
- if hotel has no lounge than complimentary breakfast (never a fuss)
- if lounge is available but closed than max $100 per day credit at F&B (never encountered such situation yet though but good to know)
but the full list:https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental...rms-conditions
Royal Ambassador Benefits
And
==================================
Benefits – General
Guaranteed Benefit
Compensation if Guaranteed Benefit not available
Room Upgrade
Either a Restaurant & Bar or Spa credit of USD50, or 10,000 IHG® One Rewards points (provided only once per stay). Not applicable on Reward Nights / Free Nights.
4pm late check-out
Either a Restaurant & Bar or Spa credit of USD50, or 10,000 IHG® One Rewards points (provided only once per stay).
Club InterContinental lounge access or alternate Club experience (Royal Ambassador only)
A Restaurant & Bar or Spa credit of up to USD100 per night, not to exceed the Club InterContinental upgrade supplement value.
=============================
Royal Ambassador at Six Senses hotels & resorts participating in IHG-1rewards
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
==============================
Contrary to what popular bloggers & influencers seem to repeat in their echochamber
that
Hyatt Courtesy card / Globalist
Marriott Cobalt / Ambassador
Hilton Preferential VIP / Diamond
are the only aspirational status to aim for,
i believe IHG's Royal Ambassador still has much merit of its own that can suit one's travel patterns and increase one's stay satisfaction substantially
The only thing that puts RA at a disadvantage is
- its elusive "per invitation only" criteria
- missing the highest rank of pecking order of lifetime status
to Marriott Bonvoy Titantium Lifetime
to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Lifetime
to Hilton Diamond Lifetime
to Hilton Gold Lifetime
to Hyatt Globalist Lifetime
(you could argue though that to much lifetime members might impact availability of benefits, certainty of delivery of upgrades, create swelling ranks of elites all vying for the same benefits and quality of lounges degrading due to larger quantity of users )
- early check in at 10.00 (handy when arriving in Europe / Asia)
- hospitality room for RA if room is not ready (worth its weight in gold if i want straighten my toupet/wig after longhaul travel)
- late check out at 16.00 (handy departing US / Asia)
- room upgrade cat+2 (me like this)
- suite upgrade cat+1 (me like this even more)
(hotels may upgrade further up) (swoon)
- lounge access (always available for use)
- if hotel has no lounge than complimentary breakfast (never a fuss)
- if lounge is available but closed than max $100 per day credit at F&B (never encountered such situation yet though but good to know)
but the full list:https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental...rms-conditions
Royal Ambassador Benefits
- Royal Ambassador member benefits include:
- Guaranteed two category room upgrade at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, based on room type purchased, will be assigned. If Royal Ambassador members were to redeem the Confirmable Suite Upgrade Milestone Reward for their stay, they would not be entitled to an additional room upgrade at check-in because of their Ambassador membership. Click here for more information.
- Complimentary Club InterContinental lounge access.
- Applicable only where the hotel has a dedicated Club InterContinental lounge.
- Valid for two people including the member, staying in the member's room only.
- Where the hotel does not operate a dedicated Club InterContinental lounge,
- Royal Ambassador members will be given two complimentary full breakfasts for each night of the stay in the main restaurant for the member and one registered guest staying in the member’s room.
Note: if the Royal Ambassador member chooses the Welcome Amenity Free breakfast for two, they will only receive up to two breakfasts, which will be for the member plus one additional guest staying in the member’s room. - The Club InterContinental lounge access Benefits Guarantee is not applicable at hotels that do not operate a dedicated Club InterContinental lounge. More information on the Benefits Guarantee can be found here.
- Free Night at an IHG® Hotel.
- The Royal Ambassador member will receive one Reward Night credited directly to the member’s account, within 8 weeks of obtaining Royal Ambassador status. The Reward Night credit is redeemable as a ‘Royal Ambassador Night’ when logged into the member's account, applies to the room rate only, and is subject to Reward Night availability at an IHG® hotel where the point amount required for a single redemption night is 70,000 IHG® One Rewards points or less. The Royal Ambassador Night is valid for one calendar year from 1st January to 31st December. Blackout dates apply, and the Royal Ambassador Night has no cash value and may not be transferred, bartered, or sold. The member must be a registered guest, check-in and stay for all Royal Ambassador Reward Night redemption stays.
- Valid at any IHG® hotel branded property excluding IHG® Army Hotels and Six Senses.
- Guaranteed early check-in of 10 a.m. on day of arrival.
- Guaranteed late check-out of 4 p.m. on day of departure.
- Complimentary Weekend Night on the second night of a paid stay. Click here for more information
- Minibar credit
- Minibar credit of USD50 per night, cumulative up to a maximum of USD200 per stay, in all countries unless otherwise stated below.
- Minibar credit can be used toward minibar food and beverage only.
- In Mainland China (excluding Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan): Maximum RMB200 credit for the minibar per night, cumulative up to a maximum of RMB800 per stay.
- Minibar consumption greater than the credit amount will be charged to the member's guest folio and settlement of additional charges is the responsibility of the member.
- The minibar credit is limited to the member’s guest room and is inclusive of any taxes, service charges or gratuities, up to and including the credit amount.
- In-room welcome amenity: choice of fruit or sweet or savory snack on day of arrival when selected in stay preferences prior to arrival. (Solely fruit provided at InterContinental Alliance Resorts).
- Complimentary mineral water daily.
- Complimentary highest Internet access will be provided in guest room only at select hotels where available for purchase.
- Waived Amenity or Destination fees, where they would otherwise be charged
- This excludes any Government, State, or City mandatory imposed fees/taxes, and Resort Fees.
- Single room rate for double occupancy.
- Guaranteed room availability for member’s room with 24-hour advance reservation.
- Valid only at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. Must be booked via the Ambassador Service Center. Reservations must be made before 12:00 noon (local hotel time) 24 hours prior to intended arrival. The room upgrade benefit will be subject to availability. These bookings may not be accepted by the hotel in exceptional circumstances such as the hotel being reserved for Government use or in the case of world sporting events, as determined by IHG.
- The Ambassador Benefits Guarantee is not applicable for reservations made utilizing the 24 hours Guaranteed room availability benefit.
And
- InterContinental Ambassador and Royal Ambassador guaranteed upgrade excludes Residences, Penthouses, Presidential and Specialty Suites and two bedroom or greater Suites/Villas.
- Royal Ambassadors purchasing a suite category will receive a one category suite upgrade.
- Further Suite exceptions at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in addition to clause 17 can be reviewed here.
- The upgrade exclusion is applied only towards the Ambassador Guaranteed benefit and does not limit IHG® One Rewards Elite benefits.
- At the sole discretion of the hotel, the hotel may provide room upgrades greater than one category. No compensation shall be provided where the hotel upgrade is beyond the defined category upgrade or to a category of various room configurations.
- All guaranteed benefits for InterContinental Ambassador including Royal Ambassador members and Club InterContinental access for Royal Ambassador members are subject to availability, and excluded from the Benefits Guarantee, over the following special events period:
- New Year’s Eve, December 31 – Location: Global
- Chinese New Year, beginning on the 1st day of the lunar year for a 10-day period – Location: Greater China
- Ramadan, beginning on the 1st day of Ramadan for a 30-day period – Location: Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Hajj, from the 20th of Dhu al-Qidah to the 20th of Dhu al-Hijjah (total of 30 days) – Location: Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Ambassador and Royal Ambassador guaranteed upgrade will not be applicable to Suites rooms at InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping until early 2025
- InterContinental Ambassador and Royal Ambassador benefits do not apply at IHG Residence properties.
- The following benefits exceptions are applicable when staying at InterContinental Alliance Resorts:
- Complimentary water will be provided on the day of arrival and will not be replenished daily.
- Royal Ambassador: Minibar credit will be capped at USD50 per day and USD100 per stay.
- InterContinental Ambassador one category andRoyal Ambassador two category room upgrades aresubject to availability.
- The following benefits are not applicable when staying at InterContinental Alliance Resorts:
- Complimentary Weekend Night
- InterContinental Ambassador Restaurant and Bar credit up to USD20 for Ambassador Platinum members when staying at InterContinental Alliance Resorts, Macao
- Royal Ambassador Club InterContinental lounge access/alternate experience access
- Royal Ambassador breakfast for two when staying at The Venetian Resort and Palazzo at The Venetian, Las Vegas
- The benefits Guarantee is not applicable at InterContinental Alliance Resorts
==================================
Benefits – General
- Any stay by the same member that begins within 24 hours of the last night of a prior stay at the same hotel, will be considered part of the same stay and will not qualify for any member benefits.
- Benefits Guarantee: If an InterContinental Hotel or Resort is unable to fulfil the guaranteed benefits of a room category upgrade, 4pm late check-out, or Club InterContinental lounge access/alternate experience for Royal Ambassadors where provided, unless otherwise stated as an exception, the member will receive compensation for the undelivered benefit(s).
- This Benefits Guarantee is not applicable for reservations made via a third-party website or tour operator/wholesaler or as part of a group block/reservation, due to force majeure or other circumstances beyond the control of the hotel and the benefit exceptions as per clause 33.
- This Benefits Guarantee is not applicable during a force majeure event or similar circumstances beyond the control of the hotel, as described in the benefits exceptions as per clause 33
- This Benefits Guarantee cannot be requested and given in lieu of program benefits that are available.
- All Restaurant, Bar or Spa credits are only valid during the stay in which the standard, guaranteed benefit is not provided and cannot be carried over to a future stay or alternative hotel and cannot be transferred, bartered or sold. Any such credit has no cash redemption value, and the unused portion of such a credit cannot be exchanged for cash and is forfeited. Any such credit may be limited to select restaurants, bars or spa venues, at the sole discretion of the issuing hotel. Where provided, the credit amount will be deducted from the member's guest room folio on check-out and settlement of additional charges above the credit amount is the responsibility of the member. The credit is limited to the member’s guest room and is inclusive of any taxes, service charges or gratuities up to and including the credit amount.
Guaranteed Benefit
Compensation if Guaranteed Benefit not available
Room Upgrade
Either a Restaurant & Bar or Spa credit of USD50, or 10,000 IHG® One Rewards points (provided only once per stay). Not applicable on Reward Nights / Free Nights.
4pm late check-out
Either a Restaurant & Bar or Spa credit of USD50, or 10,000 IHG® One Rewards points (provided only once per stay).
Club InterContinental lounge access or alternate Club experience (Royal Ambassador only)
A Restaurant & Bar or Spa credit of up to USD100 per night, not to exceed the Club InterContinental upgrade supplement value.
=============================
Royal Ambassador at Six Senses hotels & resorts participating in IHG-1rewards
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
- Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spa is progressively integrating into the IHG® One Rewards program and at that time the following benefits will apply for InterContinental Ambassador, Royal Ambassador and Kimpton Inner Circle members at participating Six Senses hotels:
- Complimentary Breakfast for two in the main restaurant per day. Benefit not applicable at Six Senses Residences.
- Signature Amenity of either a complimentary 50 minute Six Senses Spa massage for two or local experience once per stay. The Signature Amenity varies by resort, is subject to availability and confirmed on arrival. Not applicable with corporate or negotiated rates.
- Complimentary one category room upgrade (subject to availability, excluding residences and 2 bedroom or greater suites/villas)
- Extended check-out of 4pm subject to availability. Guaranteed for Royal Ambassador and Kimpton Inner Circle members. Benefit always subject to availability for all tiers at Six Senses Residences.
- Early check-in subject to availability. Guaranteed for Royal Ambassador and Kimpton Inner Circle members and in circumstances where the room is not available at 10 am, the member may be checked into another available room until the original booked room becomes available. (Aka Hospitality room if room is not ready ) Benefit always subject to availability for all tiers at Six Senses Residences.
- Complimentary Internet access. Internet accessibility, speed, and connectivity in common areas and guest rooms vary by resort
- Wellness Platter welcome amenity on day of arrival. Benefit always subject to availability for all tiers at Six Senses Residences.
==============================
Contrary to what popular bloggers & influencers seem to repeat in their echochamber
that
Hyatt Courtesy card / Globalist
Marriott Cobalt / Ambassador
Hilton Preferential VIP / Diamond
are the only aspirational status to aim for,
i believe IHG's Royal Ambassador still has much merit of its own that can suit one's travel patterns and increase one's stay satisfaction substantially
The only thing that puts RA at a disadvantage is
- its elusive "per invitation only" criteria
- missing the highest rank of pecking order of lifetime status
to Marriott Bonvoy Titantium Lifetime
to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Lifetime
to Hilton Diamond Lifetime
to Hilton Gold Lifetime
to Hyatt Globalist Lifetime
(you could argue though that to much lifetime members might impact availability of benefits, certainty of delivery of upgrades, create swelling ranks of elites all vying for the same benefits and quality of lounges degrading due to larger quantity of users )
Last edited by HadesNL; Aug 28, 2023 at 12:36 am
Aug 27, 2023, 6:18 pm
#4742
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SXB
Programs: FB Silver, BA Silver, BD Gold rememberer, IHG Diamond Royal Ambassador, Hilton and Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,583
Thans for posting those benefits again. I wonder if I'll be in the happy few and I am preparing to mitigate any disappointment by noticing that the free-breakfast-if-no-lounge benefit shouldn't cost a lot to the Ambassador programme as it is virtually impossible to be RA without staying enough to trigger diamond status, now giving free breafast.
On the other hand, and to be more on topic with your last remark, I see a distinction between RA and the other "aspirational" level, from my limited understanding of them.
First, RA has published benefits. It has undisclosed/obscure eligibility criteria (which is a minus), but it has a clearly defined benefit and published list and compensation when they are not given. This is a "tier" of a loyalty program. Hyatt Courtesy Card seems targetted more at people bringing business to Hyatt but not necessarily via their own travel. It isn't really a frequent customer tier as much as a VIP tier, they'd upgrade to their nicest room/suite available. Same with Marriott and I suppose Hilton. So, sure it's "aspirational" as in "one might aspire to get one one day as one could aspire to get a Nobel prize", it's on another level and for another target group than RA in my opinion and (limited) understanding.
On the other hand, and to be more on topic with your last remark, I see a distinction between RA and the other "aspirational" level, from my limited understanding of them.
First, RA has published benefits. It has undisclosed/obscure eligibility criteria (which is a minus), but it has a clearly defined benefit and published list and compensation when they are not given. This is a "tier" of a loyalty program. Hyatt Courtesy Card seems targetted more at people bringing business to Hyatt but not necessarily via their own travel. It isn't really a frequent customer tier as much as a VIP tier, they'd upgrade to their nicest room/suite available. Same with Marriott and I suppose Hilton. So, sure it's "aspirational" as in "one might aspire to get one one day as one could aspire to get a Nobel prize", it's on another level and for another target group than RA in my opinion and (limited) understanding.
Aug 28, 2023, 12:40 am
#4743
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,523
Richelieu : you are quite right,
the amount of spend for RA,
equals the threshold for Diamond,
so complimentary breakfast is a sure fact ....
handy for RA
to use the Diamond welcome amenity of breakfast for the main restaurant downstairs
and use lounge access for a second breakfast upstairs in the club lounge (or to enjoy a post-breakfast quieter coffee)
the amount of spend for RA,
equals the threshold for Diamond,
so complimentary breakfast is a sure fact ....
handy for RA
to use the Diamond welcome amenity of breakfast for the main restaurant downstairs
and use lounge access for a second breakfast upstairs in the club lounge (or to enjoy a post-breakfast quieter coffee)
Aug 28, 2023, 6:48 am
#4744
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,373
Richelieu : you are quite right,
the amount of spend for RA,
equals the threshold for Diamond,
so complimentary breakfast is a sure fact ....
handy for RA
to use the Diamond welcome amenity of breakfast for the main restaurant downstairs
and use lounge access for a second breakfast upstairs in the club lounge (or to enjoy a post-breakfast quieter coffee)
the amount of spend for RA,
equals the threshold for Diamond,
so complimentary breakfast is a sure fact ....
handy for RA
to use the Diamond welcome amenity of breakfast for the main restaurant downstairs
and use lounge access for a second breakfast upstairs in the club lounge (or to enjoy a post-breakfast quieter coffee)
Yeah in fairness I don't think they correlate the between upstairs and downstairs so much (sounds like a good idea for a British mid 70's sitcom ... on wait....) .... say ICPL 7th floor and Theo's .... they never check and you could do both with ease under the radar. But you absolutely right, with the voucher or added benefit, you could do that quite legitimately and without potential embarrassment that some might concern over. And indeed at some locations it's very nice to try both and the variations that come with. There are indeed a couple of nice dish options at Theo's that I never realised were there and didn't appear on breakfast menu upstairs. And especially at other locations with things like Asian stations.
Aug 28, 2023, 7:41 am
#4745
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,523
I cannot be saved with my waistline anymore dear Atacama40 .....
Even after my stomach is now the size of a ping pong ball, i still carry heavy genes .....
And you are right about your observation,
The IC Parklane thread mentions breakfast at Theo's has exotic things like shwarma omelet and lobster eggs......
Have we missed out ?!
We live to sheltered in the ivory tower of the upstairs club lounge that it is good sometimes to mix & mingle downstairs at the main breakfast venue!
Even after my stomach is now the size of a ping pong ball, i still carry heavy genes .....
And you are right about your observation,
The IC Parklane thread mentions breakfast at Theo's has exotic things like shwarma omelet and lobster eggs......
Have we missed out ?!
We live to sheltered in the ivory tower of the upstairs club lounge that it is good sometimes to mix & mingle downstairs at the main breakfast venue!
Last edited by HadesNL; Sep 6, 2023 at 2:51 pm
Aug 28, 2023, 1:09 pm
#4747
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,373
Bit like that line in Apocalypse Now when the tiger emerges from the jungle ..."never get off the boat, never get off the boat" .... stick to Hades Ivory Tower on floor 7
Aug 31, 2023, 11:35 pm
#4748
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: IHG, RC, HH, AA, QF, UA, Aeroplan
Posts: 2,690
i nearly always book a couple suites to accommodate family, and have never had a property deny RA benefits to both rooms.
namely club privileges, mini bar benefit, and early late check out, and of course point earning on total spend, i always have it put on the one folio.
but here at San Diego, they are making a big deal of it, the lower rungs at least.
I've connected with the new GM, who is ex Manager from Toronto Centre, who I've known for around 15-20 years, and i haven't pushed him on it, as the issue just came up today, with three family members arriving
tomorrow is another day!!
namely club privileges, mini bar benefit, and early late check out, and of course point earning on total spend, i always have it put on the one folio.
but here at San Diego, they are making a big deal of it, the lower rungs at least.
I've connected with the new GM, who is ex Manager from Toronto Centre, who I've known for around 15-20 years, and i haven't pushed him on it, as the issue just came up today, with three family members arriving
tomorrow is another day!!
Sep 1, 2023, 12:11 am
#4749
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 671
i nearly always book a couple suites to accommodate family, and have never had a property deny RA benefits to both rooms.
namely club privileges, mini bar benefit, and early late check out, and of course point earning on total spend, i always have it put on the one folio.
but here at San Diego, they are making a big deal of it, the lower rungs at least.
I've connected with the new GM, who is ex Manager from Toronto Centre, who I've known for around 15-20 years, and i haven't pushed him on it, as the issue just came up today, with three family members arriving
tomorrow is another day!!
namely club privileges, mini bar benefit, and early late check out, and of course point earning on total spend, i always have it put on the one folio.
but here at San Diego, they are making a big deal of it, the lower rungs at least.
I've connected with the new GM, who is ex Manager from Toronto Centre, who I've known for around 15-20 years, and i haven't pushed him on it, as the issue just came up today, with three family members arriving
tomorrow is another day!!
And they always change things, which is annoying. For example, until recently, the $20 credit daily at the Vistal restaurant, you get it because of the Amenity fee, it was in the past it was just a $20 credit, now it doesn't include gratuity, so if you get something for $15 and leave $5 tip, they charge you for the $5, before it was anything above $20. There's a few other things I can go into that they change. So if you know they guy, tell him his staff thinks, he sucks balls...lol
Sep 1, 2023, 1:39 am
#4750
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,523
Thanks for this interesting revelation about IC SanDiego,
Tim O'Brien
Indeed routing to one folio is the way to go !
Tim O'Brien
Indeed routing to one folio is the way to go !
Sep 1, 2023, 2:41 am
#4751
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: IHG, RC, HH, AA, QF, UA, Aeroplan
Posts: 2,690
I have stayed at IC San Diego 5 times in the last year. They have the worst customer service attitude of any hotel period. If you have an issue, it's a lot of attitude and resistance and you just have to fight them to fix it. Basically, it's the attitude of, it's not that big of a deal or it's your fault. Pretty much the opposite of what you would expect from a nice hotel. I've had issues such as water leaking from the shower into the room and no hot water. Both times a true hassle to get things right. The other staff such as the lounge staff and concierge are wonderful and the staff I have gotten to know have straight up told me it was the GM that makes the place that way and he sucks. They told me the only way management pays attention or cares is if you leave a bad review publicly, then they will finally reach out to fix and they've seen it enough times. I keep going back because the location works well for me, the lounge is great, and the staff that isn't management is great. I was there last month and I had to pray that I had no issues and hope I don't have to interact with the management staff there.
And they always change things, which is annoying. For example, until recently, the $20 credit daily at the Vistal restaurant, you get it because of the Amenity fee, it was in the past it was just a $20 credit, now it doesn't include gratuity, so if you get something for $15 and leave $5 tip, they charge you for the $5, before it was anything above $20. There's a few other things I can go into that they change. So if you know they guy, tell him his staff thinks, he sucks balls...lol
And they always change things, which is annoying. For example, until recently, the $20 credit daily at the Vistal restaurant, you get it because of the Amenity fee, it was in the past it was just a $20 credit, now it doesn't include gratuity, so if you get something for $15 and leave $5 tip, they charge you for the $5, before it was anything above $20. There's a few other things I can go into that they change. So if you know they guy, tell him his staff thinks, he sucks balls...lol
I knew Chuck, who was the second last GM, a true gentleman, who put us in 1701, last stay, one of their two vice presidential suites.
You must be referring to the last guy, i never met.
there are some great staff here, Michael Chacon, on Concierge is a stellar example, last stay he took my then 13 yr old son out on motorized scooters when the lounge closed!!
meeting with Front Desk Manager, Santiago, in the morning,
If no joy there, I'll' reach back out to Bertrand, the new GM.
Last edited by Tim O'Brien; Sep 1, 2023 at 3:01 am Reason: typo
Sep 1, 2023, 12:16 pm
#4752
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 671
The staff is awesome there, that's the reason I go back. I just don't like how the front desk Management handles things and the great staff told me it was the GM that makes it that way. I hope the new guy is better and not the start of the nickel and diming. Now, they charge you the gratuity on the amenity food, I hope they don't start charging the gratuity for the Diamond Breakfast at Vistal, right now a certificate gets you, 2 entrees, 2 drinks and gratuity included. I tried leaving a tip and the staff stopped me because they said it's included.
Sep 6, 2023, 2:17 pm
#4753
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,523
Well the void in my life has been fulfilled,
I was at a loss now both kids have flown out to college,
But ordinary eaves dropping in the club lounge provides much needed entertainment to keep me from falling in abysmally dull despair.
Besides spotting an obscene amount of Goyard bags in the IC PL lounge......
Two couples are striking a conversation in IC PL club lounge,
Especially after the news broadcast on the club's TV
The older refined couple:
"We are just Diamond without ambassador but it is very nice to have lounge access with the lounge pass"
The middle aged couple less refined with a tone of DYKWIA
" I am Diamond Ambassador and already staying 120 nights with IHG and just came back from IC LA Downtown,
the lounge there is awesome
but our favorite is IC Edinburgh,
look at the photos of our suite,
we've booked extra nights this Christmas there,
i am aiming to get Royal Ambassador,
especially with my 120 nights,
IHG should improve like Hilton that you can gift status so i can let my wife use the lounges,
The topic goes on about F16 training, RAF and US vs UK relations for Ukraine support,
A topic that is to complex for a simple geologist mind like mine, so i tuned out .....
S/O whom couldn't help but also listened to the conversation:
" is RA attainable with 120 nights" ?
Me:
" there are whole volumes of text written about it on Flyertalk,
but i think those 120 nights mean nothing this year if it is across all IHG and not pure IC,
and it depends if IHG has calculated the worthyness ¥$€£ of such a tenure over a longer period,
and if the profile meets the unpublished criteria"
S/O:
"Do not even think about sharing FT wisdom with DYKWIA,
he sounds like those whom claim to know better and will have last word than believing you as RA
and did not bother even to do homework and discover FT is in existence
Me:
"You are right, i musn't shatter the hopes of the DYKWIA, especially since we kinda know that IHG is trying to cul the RA pool and not admitting new members that easily
from VFTW's article https://viewfromthewing.com/better-u...ewards-guests/
Furthermore the Royal Ambassador and and Kimpton Inner Circle groups “have gotten very big, even apart from Covid”
and that’s made it challenging to deliver benefits.
So they’re evaluating the size and benefits of their invite-only tier
To make matters a bit like cruel irony,
I posted in the IC Parklane thread that i noticed an IHG bigwig on the guestlist....
Actually the CEO himself,
i bumped thrice into him across the hotel,
Elevator, Club Lounge, at Theo Randall
So on the fourth occasion
at Najma Lebanon restaurant ,
i just introduced myself as the face of "this is how a satisfied customer looks like,
a RA since 2015, member from even the time of six continents club,
with main tenure at IC AMS, InnerCircle with main tenure at Kimpton AMS+London"
Besides thanking me for my loyalty,
He looked quite surprised,
I replied, indeed i told him, satified costumers are becoming a rarity nowadays
We had a brief chat about renovations at IC PL,
the need & urgency but also the recurring hurdle of a harem being parked unannounced which causes much ruckus and delays everything
The balance between ME and other guests
IHG lounges being guarded from turning into zoos from refraining of generating mass creditcard elites like Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt,
+ the perimiter fence of the 40/70N milestone awards to prevent lounges turning from profitcenters into costcenters
I would have want to talked more, but S/O pulled me away saying you must let the man eat as he must be constantly harassed.
But Mr. Maalouf was a good sport saying," i do get to hear complaints but it is nice to hear a compliment and to talk with a loyal guest whom has a broad objective scope and awareness"
So if any other RA are at IC PL,
he seems very approachable for a chat.
I was at a loss now both kids have flown out to college,
But ordinary eaves dropping in the club lounge provides much needed entertainment to keep me from falling in abysmally dull despair.
Besides spotting an obscene amount of Goyard bags in the IC PL lounge......
Two couples are striking a conversation in IC PL club lounge,
Especially after the news broadcast on the club's TV
The older refined couple:
"We are just Diamond without ambassador but it is very nice to have lounge access with the lounge pass"
The middle aged couple less refined with a tone of DYKWIA
" I am Diamond Ambassador and already staying 120 nights with IHG and just came back from IC LA Downtown,
the lounge there is awesome
but our favorite is IC Edinburgh,
look at the photos of our suite,
we've booked extra nights this Christmas there,
i am aiming to get Royal Ambassador,
especially with my 120 nights,
IHG should improve like Hilton that you can gift status so i can let my wife use the lounges,
The topic goes on about F16 training, RAF and US vs UK relations for Ukraine support,
A topic that is to complex for a simple geologist mind like mine, so i tuned out .....
S/O whom couldn't help but also listened to the conversation:
" is RA attainable with 120 nights" ?
Me:
" there are whole volumes of text written about it on Flyertalk,
but i think those 120 nights mean nothing this year if it is across all IHG and not pure IC,
and it depends if IHG has calculated the worthyness ¥$€£ of such a tenure over a longer period,
and if the profile meets the unpublished criteria"
S/O:
"Do not even think about sharing FT wisdom with DYKWIA,
he sounds like those whom claim to know better and will have last word than believing you as RA
and did not bother even to do homework and discover FT is in existence
Me:
"You are right, i musn't shatter the hopes of the DYKWIA, especially since we kinda know that IHG is trying to cul the RA pool and not admitting new members that easily
from VFTW's article https://viewfromthewing.com/better-u...ewards-guests/
Furthermore the Royal Ambassador and and Kimpton Inner Circle groups “have gotten very big, even apart from Covid”
and that’s made it challenging to deliver benefits.
So they’re evaluating the size and benefits of their invite-only tier
To make matters a bit like cruel irony,
I posted in the IC Parklane thread that i noticed an IHG bigwig on the guestlist....
Actually the CEO himself,
i bumped thrice into him across the hotel,
Elevator, Club Lounge, at Theo Randall
So on the fourth occasion
at Najma Lebanon restaurant ,
i just introduced myself as the face of "this is how a satisfied customer looks like,
a RA since 2015, member from even the time of six continents club,
with main tenure at IC AMS, InnerCircle with main tenure at Kimpton AMS+London"
Besides thanking me for my loyalty,
He looked quite surprised,
I replied, indeed i told him, satified costumers are becoming a rarity nowadays
We had a brief chat about renovations at IC PL,
the need & urgency but also the recurring hurdle of a harem being parked unannounced which causes much ruckus and delays everything
The balance between ME and other guests
IHG lounges being guarded from turning into zoos from refraining of generating mass creditcard elites like Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt,
+ the perimiter fence of the 40/70N milestone awards to prevent lounges turning from profitcenters into costcenters
I would have want to talked more, but S/O pulled me away saying you must let the man eat as he must be constantly harassed.
But Mr. Maalouf was a good sport saying," i do get to hear complaints but it is nice to hear a compliment and to talk with a loyal guest whom has a broad objective scope and awareness"
So if any other RA are at IC PL,
he seems very approachable for a chat.
Last edited by HadesNL; Sep 6, 2023 at 2:52 pm
Sep 8, 2023, 5:23 am
#4755
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the air
Programs: Occasional RTW club
Posts: 6,924
