"New" RA qualifiying limits as of June 1st, 2009
Jul 1, 2009, 12:29 pm
#76
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 7,323
I'm surprised that a hotel chain would give up on a customer that has stayed 56 nights and 38 of them at IC hotels . They don't deserve you as a customer.
Jul 1, 2009, 1:42 pm
#77
Formerly known as fsa_ea
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS/1MM,AS 75k,NK GLD,AA 2MM,DL 2MM,LH FT,AY PLT,IC RA,FMT LT PLT,HYT GLB,HLT DIA,MRT GLD,HRTZ PC
Posts: 2,229
In the last 365 days, I've had 63 qualifying ICHG nights, including 53 nights at 22 different IC's on 4 continents. My expiration is September 30. My renewals posted on the first Saturday of July in both 2008 and 2007, so I expect to be renewed this Saturday July 4, 2009.
I'll let you know the outcome.
I'll let you know the outcome.
Jul 1, 2009, 3:19 pm
#78
Moderator: Flying Blue (Air France & KLM), France and TravelBuzz!
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Paris, France, AF F+ Rouge pour toujours, Flying Blue whatever, LH FTL, HHonors Gold, formerly proud SCC Executive, now IC Ambassador, BA down to nobody, Grand Voyageur Le Club
Posts: 12,404
Probably because he was disgusted with staying 56 nights in a year and being downgraded and having to play these silly little games like counting nights and numbers. I would take my business elsewhere if I had to screw around with them over being downgraded after 56 nights with 32 being in an IC also. The benefits are not THAT great, yet they treat it like this big secret, and especially given the economy now, it is surprising that they are being so stingy to good customers.
) succeeds in my keeping RA for another year 
.
Jul 1, 2009, 3:42 pm
#79
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 7,323
Well, I am also HHonors Diamond and SPG Plat. It is not easy for me to keep top tier status with these three programs, and it involves a lot of personal discretionary spending, some of which I have moved away from FFPs, but they each have their own flavor and key benefits. IC RA is probably the one I value the most for upscale properties with a good geographical coverage. HHonors has the best geographical coverage, although with less impressive properties on average. SPG has outstanding properties in a limited number of locations. Bottom line, I will be happy if some coaxing (read grovelling and begging ) succeeds in my keeping RA for another year .
) succeeds in my keeping RA for another year .
Jul 1, 2009, 5:43 pm
#80
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LAX
Programs: Airline Free Agent/MR Gold/ HH Diamond/National/MGM/Amex
Posts: 662
Well, I am also HHonors Diamond and SPG Plat. It is not easy for me to keep top tier status with these three programs, and it involves a lot of personal discretionary spending, some of which I have moved away from FFPs, but they each have their own flavor and key benefits. IC RA is probably the one I value the most for upscale properties with a good geographical coverage. HHonors has the best geographical coverage, although with less impressive properties on average. SPG has outstanding properties in a limited number of locations. Bottom line, I will be happy if some coaxing (read grovelling and begging ) succeeds in my keeping RA for another year .
) succeeds in my keeping RA for another year .
Jul 2, 2009, 4:33 am
#81
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: All over
Programs: Most
Posts: 10,839
The benefits of the RA are better than those of the Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond, or Marriott Platinum. SPG Platinum comes to closest.
Jul 2, 2009, 4:43 am
#82
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: All over
Programs: Most
Posts: 10,839
Doesn't really make sense that someone that spends three nights at three different IC's and rest at dumpy HI's gets RA compared to someone that spend close to 50 nights at IC's.
Jul 2, 2009, 6:51 am
#83
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: SPG Plat, PC Plat, AA ExPlat, LT Gold
Posts: 1,899
Funny thing is if it weren't for RA I'd be redeeming them at ICs instead of paying there to help maintain RA...now isn't that interesting.
Jul 2, 2009, 8:03 am
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I can see online that I have been renewed for another year of RA, but it will probably take a while for my new card to arrive. I don't know how many nights I have done, but I would guess at least 50 over the last year, maybe 60-40 HI to IC ratio with many different IC's.
Jul 2, 2009, 8:37 am
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DCA
Programs: AMC MovieWatcher, Giant BonusCard, Petco PALS Card, Silver Diner Blue Plate Club
Posts: 22,298
IC RA
Hyatt Diamond (with new confirmed suite upgrades, free internet, matching SPG on the redemption side)
SPG Plat
Marriott Plat
Hilton Diamond
Sadly Marriott and Hilton, two at the bottom of the pack, are most uniquitous in terms of properties -- so whether you can take advantage of the better programs really depends on your travel patterns.
The things that really make IC RA shine are delivering on suites, minibar, and early checkin.
Hyatt now is getting better about suites. SPG plat is good, but is so darn property dependent on whether or not they deliver.
Marriott and Hilton may occasionally deliver a suite, but the programs themselves specifically say suites are not part of the upgrade benefit
Jul 2, 2009, 11:00 am
#86
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: IC.Spire Amb. Turkish Elite
Posts: 222
Calculating One Year stay/nights.
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As a relatively new FT I am still unable to find how to calculate my one year stay. I used all the links provided in related threads and posts. I need more help. Thanks.
As a relatively new FT I am still unable to find how to calculate my one year stay. I used all the links provided in related threads and posts. I need more help. Thanks.
Jul 2, 2009, 12:16 pm
#87
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I know of only two ways. Hack the IHG website or call Ambassador Services. Guess which one is easier?
Jul 2, 2009, 1:13 pm
#88
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Plat Hilton Gold, SPG Gold, Club Carl Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,002
If you go to the general information sticky and click on the "full year say info" link, it will take you to a link within another thread with instructions.
Jul 2, 2009, 1:17 pm
#89
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 6,359
https://secure.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d...ansaction=1100
Log into your PC account first and then click the above link. @:-)
Jul 2, 2009, 1:24 pm
#90
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 6,359
Probably not a popular view here but they should only count nights at the IC's for RA upgrade/renewal.
Doesn't really make sense that someone that spends three nights at three different IC's and rest at dumpy HI's gets RA compared to someone that spend close to 50 nights at IC's.
Doesn't really make sense that someone that spends three nights at three different IC's and rest at dumpy HI's gets RA compared to someone that spend close to 50 nights at IC's.
If they want to base it fully on IC stays (which I agree, they probably should), then fine. If they want to base it on total IHG stays with a minimum number of IC stays, then fine too. If they want to base it on the top 1% of something, then that is also fine. If they want to even base it on a certain minimum reveneue, FINE. But publish the freaking requirements (or at least what got people qualified the previous year if they go the top 1% route) so that we know what we need to do to requalify!!!!