New IHG Elite Benefits for 2014 - Discussion of benefits
Feb 19, 2014, 3:06 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Rochester, MN
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton HHonors Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,830
New IHG Elite Benefits for 2014 - Discussion of benefits
Apologize if this has already been posted, BUT.....
This is from the manager at a HI near my home, where we stayed for a couple nights last weekend. Wasn't happy with no Plat recognition, and he sent me this tidbit
"As of March 1, 2014, the Reward perks will be changed and Gold and Platinum members will have a choice of a "free drink" voucher, a "welcome treat bag" or bonus points. As a Platinum member you will get to choose two items and Gold members will get to choose one item."
"The Reward Club perks will be a change for all IHG properties effective March 1. After a period of studies and surveying Reward Club members, IHG decided to make the change and have all hotels offer the same items."
This is from the manager at a HI near my home, where we stayed for a couple nights last weekend. Wasn't happy with no Plat recognition, and he sent me this tidbit
"As of March 1, 2014, the Reward perks will be changed and Gold and Platinum members will have a choice of a "free drink" voucher, a "welcome treat bag" or bonus points. As a Platinum member you will get to choose two items and Gold members will get to choose one item."
"The Reward Club perks will be a change for all IHG properties effective March 1. After a period of studies and surveying Reward Club members, IHG decided to make the change and have all hotels offer the same items."
Feb 19, 2014, 4:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan 75K, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,374
I think I like this change. The free drinks I get at some properties usually go to waste. Getting to choose a welcome gift bag and bonus points would be way more valuable and appreciated.
Feb 19, 2014, 4:03 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Ottawa
Programs: IC/AMB - Diamond Elite, AC E50K, AA, AM-Onyx, HH-Diamond, BW, Choice - Gold
Posts: 1,736
Several hotels in the US have already been offering 500 IHG Reward points or the choice of a 'treats bag' to platinum members.
The managers were somewhat apologetic about this, as in one case, they used to offer free breakfast to gold and platinum members.
mxm135
The managers were somewhat apologetic about this, as in one case, they used to offer free breakfast to gold and platinum members.
mxm135
Feb 19, 2014, 4:46 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
I predict that the properties that currently offer Platinums only one option will need to be re-educated that we get two.
Feb 19, 2014, 7:51 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Teaneck, NJ
Programs: SPG Gold, HHonors Gold, IHG Platinum, Marriott Silver
Posts: 699
Stayed at Crown Plaza Newark Airport due to the snowstorm, and they gave 600 points or drink voucher for Platinum, plus 5,000 points if you filled out a review after staying there, and 5,000 points if IHG sent you a survey (which they did). Also get 10% back from IHG credit card. All in all the night cost 7,400 points instead of 20,000.
Feb 19, 2014, 7:55 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 43
Stayed at Crown Plaza Newark Airport due to the snowstorm, and they gave 600 points or drink voucher for Platinum, plus 5,000 points if you filled out a review after staying there, and 5,000 points if IHG sent you a survey (which they did). Also get 10% back from IHG credit card. All in all the night cost 7,400 points instead of 20,000.
Feb 19, 2014, 8:19 pm
#8
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
I had stays in Madrid and Vienna the last month and was offered my choice of 500 point vouchers or a free drink. Took the vouchers and entered the info when I got home. Points have posted.
Feb 19, 2014, 9:27 pm
#9
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Singapore
Programs: IHG Plat Amb, Accor Plat, Hilton HHonors Gold, Best Western Diamond, Club Carlson Gold, GHA Black
Posts: 278
would welcome the change too. The welcome drink varies at locations, some are any selection from the bar menu, whereas others are just juices. Welcome treat Bag and Points voucher seems good =)
Feb 19, 2014, 9:34 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
I've had a couple of these newfangled stays (although only the points, no drink, too) and the points posted prior to checkout. Clerk at LAX CP said basically, "Just don't go log on in your room now expecting to see them." I had assumed they'd post along with the stay ... if at all.
Feb 20, 2014, 4:31 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cheshire
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Diamond Am Elite, Best Western Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Gold
Posts: 1,712
Got several "Bonus Point Vouchers" last year as a platinum, always seemed to be 500 points.
Dropped to Gold and the last voucher issued was only for 300 points!
Anyone else have a similar experience?
Dropped to Gold and the last voucher issued was only for 300 points!
Anyone else have a similar experience?
Feb 20, 2014, 7:06 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Shropshire
Programs: BA Silver, IHG Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 407
It's nice to have a good coffee from a proper machine rather than the sachets in your room so would also like to see them clarify you can use it for hot drinks too as that would be a far greater benefit for me and avoid the hassle of seeking a manager to overrule the bar staff.
Feb 20, 2014, 7:13 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cheshire
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Diamond Am Elite, Best Western Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Gold
Posts: 1,712
Feb 20, 2014, 7:16 am
#15
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Somewhere in Europe
Posts: 3,362
CP & HI 400/600
HI 300/500
HIX 200/300
I'm in the UK and haven't been to an IC or SB for about a year so can't comment on those two but those are the points vouchers handed out at those four brands if that helps.