js1993

What's left to cut from the lower tiers that could be reallocated to Diamond?

sfozrhfco

Each stay Diamond members will get one of the factory produced cinnamon rolls served for breakfast at HIX properties and it will be called a Diamond "sweet" upgrade

FlyerBeek

Same. Last year I don't think the choice benefit (for 2020 qualification) was available for me to select until Feb 2021. Assuming I requalify for Spire again in 2022 (before the March transition to the new program), I imagine I should be able to select 2 choice benefits (one for 2021 and another for 2022), correct?

-FlyerBeek

FlyerBeek

Miles to Memories (https://milestomemories.com/ihg-rewards-credit-card/) is reporting that under the new IHG program it will be possible to add additional points to the annual 40k free night certs to stay at a more expensive property. Some other IHG credit card related changes discussed there as well.

If accurate, that's definitely positive enhancement in my opinion.

-FlyerBeek

stimpy

Well IHG still has the best program in the entire industry for people who stay at nicer hotels. It's called the Ambassador program and with RA/Inner Circle status there is nothing out there that comes close.

This shake up for the lower level properties doesn't amount to much for me. When I stay at an HI or CP my expectations are already lower if I don't know the hotel. There are some excellent HI's and CP's out there that go above and beyond. I hope they aren't forced to dumb down their elite recognition.

dw

I received a mailing from Chase today detailing the changes we've already read about that are taking place in March.

Unfortunately it does contain this downgrade in benefits that was not previously reported:

"You will earn IHG Rewards Diamond Elite status after you spend $40,000 in purchases and make one additional purchase each calendar year with your card, instead of receiving Elite Qualifying Points (EQPs) on purchases made with your card."

darthbimmer

That would be a bummer if you can't combine credit card use with BIB nights to reach Diamond. Doing it all via BIB, with 70 nights or 120k points, is a lot. A credit card benefit that stacks with hotel activity is powerful for elites stretching to hit the top tier. I remember when I was on the status treadmill with Marriott years go it was nice that their credit card would grant Elite Qualifying Nights (EQNs) toward the program's lofty 75 night requirement for Platinum (the highest published tier at the time). A few years I reached 75+ strictly on BIB nights and didn't need it; but many I logged ~60 nights BIB and really appreciated those CC EQNs pushing me over the top.

UKDegsy

I requalified for Spire around October 2021 too and nothing showing other than a spire choice benefit I redeemed earlier in May 2021 which I genuinely don't know whether that was from requalifying in 2020 or the status maintenance due to covid from IHG

IHG haven't made it easy to follow status for members

Kiwi Flyer

My choice benefit from requalifying on Jan 2022 stays was only visible on the website, not the app. It may pay to check both places.

stimpy

Well that doesn't take effect til March, right? I seem to be earning EQP's from my Chase spend. Just spend a lot on the card til March and maybe you get enough to requal or qualify this year.

dw

Yes, and since it’s a change in benefits I’d think Chase would have to give advance notice (which I guess we’re getting now)

sfozrhfco

Why would anybody put a big amount of spend on an IHG card now? You can get much better rewards on most any other card and you would need to spend a lot to get Spire and potentially end up with a negligible amount of benefits over those for Platinum--which requires you to just hold the card and pay the annual fee with no spend at all.

There is a targeted bonus on my card through March but the January statement did not post any of the bonus points as status points--which they did last year with the same bonus. Thus if you buy something from Amazon you still earn 1 point per dollar towards status and then get 4 bonus points. Last year all 5 points counted towards status.

In the new system you either charge $40,000 or get nothing. Fine if you are only after free nights and don't care about status---but frankly further incentive not to bother trying to get status with IHG.

They should really disband Ambassador and Inner Circle and just create a unified program which encourages stays and spend in all brands or just officially make it a rebate program and give no benefits at all on property.

stimpy

Good god no! I am so happy that IHG decided to not enhance the AMB/RA program. RA is the best status in the entire loyalty industry. Hands off!

Keefy-boy

That’s a lot better than for those of us in the UK who are ‘lucky’ to still have the Creation premier card which earns 2 points per £ spent domestically, which translates to an equivalent spend of $80,000 to attain Diamond.

Fims

Once upon a time in the past, it was the best. When RAs got suite, not 2-level upgrades and often good treatment alos at other brands than just ICs.

Now it is not making to the top and is weaker than Hyatt/Hilton/Marriott/Radisson/Accor, where suite upgrades and free breakfast are happening also beyond just one brand within the portfolio.