Nov 2, 2015, 8:31 am
Last edit by: Suite Disposition
ALL THE URLS AND LINKS IN YOUR EMAILS ARE THE SAME. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO "REPLAY" A GIVEN EMAIL.
Plays are linked to your IHG account number and your IHG link you receive in the email. The links contained are unique to each IHG account number and cannot be "shared".
If you didn't receive all your plays and think that HW might have gotten your email address incorrect, then simply click the link again in your email.
Their email is [email protected].
Quantity of emails received does not always equal quantity of plays available. Emails received does imply that you have plays available.
If you click on your email links and receive a screen with the below message then you do not have plays available.
We love your enthusiasm!
However, you do not have any instant win chances to use.
Complete a qualified stay before February 15 to earn another chance to win.
Prizes:
Chances of winning:
500 pts 1:1.18 or 84.75% (This does not mean you will be guaranteed 500 pts per play)
1000 Pts 1:14.29 or 6.7%
2000 Pts 1:28.57 or 3.5%
5000 Pts 1:42.86 or 2.33%
Other prizes or no prizes: depends on number of entries
5B Prizes= 1,000, 2000, 5,000, $50 GC & Free night
BE SURE TO REGISTER BEFORE SENDING IN ENTRIES!
Leave Surprises here:
500 points (x1098)
1000 points (x42)
2000 points (x26)
5000 points (x17)
$50 Prepaid MasterCard (x13)
1 free night at any IHG hotel (x6)
$2500 Gilt.com GC (x1)
Sony Package (x1)
No Win (x7)
Official Rules
Logistics of the Mail-In Option:
Index Cards Okay? YES (I used 3x5 blank index cards and they were accepted)
Lined Index Cards Okay? Yes, of course, enough with the index cards!
OK to mail cards not inside an envelope? Not according to the rules, which state they must be inside envelopes, one card per envelope
Need to write title before each line? NO
Need second phone number? NO
Middle name required? NO (Left mine out, still got emails. If it's part of your account info, maybe leave it.)
Printed Destination Address Okay? YES (I used printed a bunch of sticker labels and put them on envelopes, accepted)
Printed Return Address Okay? YES (I used an ink stamp)
No Return Address Okay? Yes
Envelope size? Doesn't seem to matter
Non-IHG MasterCard Okay? YES
Debit MasterCard Okay? YES (I used an Ally Bank issued Debit MasterCard)
Use somebody else's MasterCard first 6 digits? YES
There have been reports of mail-in entry emails being sent out on 12/4 and 12/11, and the emails came in rapid succession. This is indicative of HelloWorld batching these out.
Initially batches of emails sent out was on Fridays but as of of 1/6/16 appears to be Wednesdays
#1 Batch=12/4
#2 Batch= 12/11
#3 Batch= 12/18
#4 Batch(xmas)= 12/23
#5 Batch(New Years Day)=12/30
#6 Batch= 1/6
#7 Batch= 1/13
#8 Batch= 1/18-1/24 (emails appear to be arriving daily)
#9 Batch= 2/3-2/5
As of 1/5, points have been posting within a week(ish) of playing and getting confirmation that you've won points.
Points will be paid out without additional email
Some points have been distributed (probably in batches on either Monday or Tuesday)
Points Payout Batches:
#1 12/28 & 12/29--500 pts, 1000pts, 2,000 & 5,000pts (plays before 12/25)
#2 1/4 & 1/5 (plays 12/25-12/30?)
#3 1/11(free nights & pts) & 1/12 (plays from 12/31-1/8)
#4 1/15 (limited due to MLK holiday on 1/18) (for plays from until 1/14)
#5 1/19 (plays from 1/15 til?)
#6 1/29 (plays until 1/24)
#7 2/3 (plays until 1/29)
#8 2/5 (plays until 1/31?)
Has anyone received email with instructions on how to redeem prize? YES ($50 MC redemption instructions received 12/28)
STATUS:
--As of 1/19/16 10:00 am et(estimated) all plays were showing up as no wins. . The play site seems to be undergoing maintenance. Best not to use up the majority of your plays until things smooth out.
--As of 2:45 pm ET on 1/19 play site appears to be back up.
--as of 4:17pm ET on 1/19 500 point plays seems to be working again. No 5B prizes seem to be won at this time
--As of 6pm ET on 1/19 emails being received for wins during the morning hours of 1/19 where it stated no win after select elevator.
--As of 2:30pm EST on 1/20 still reports of nearly 100% 500 pt wins only. Best not to play alot of plays unless you only want 500 pt wins
--As of 8:00 pm EST on 1/20 multiple reports of 5B prizes being won again. Seems to be back to normal.
--As of 2:00 pm EST on 1/21 reports of $50, 2k, 5k, 1k pt wins (unsure of free night wins)
--As of 6:00 pm est on 1/22 everything seems to be working as usual(although very few mentions of free night)
--As of 2:00 pm EST on 1/25 seems like daily emails have been sent out since 1/18 until now.
--As of 6pm EST on 1/29 reports of emails being received from mailed in entries from around mid January. So turnaround for new mailings appear to be about 1 week.
--As of 5pm EST on 2/2 appears that emails have stopped arriving daily with many reporting last email received on 1/29.
Plays are linked to your IHG account number and your IHG link you receive in the email. The links contained are unique to each IHG account number and cannot be "shared".
If you didn't receive all your plays and think that HW might have gotten your email address incorrect, then simply click the link again in your email.
Their email is [email protected].
Quantity of emails received does not always equal quantity of plays available. Emails received does imply that you have plays available.
If you click on your email links and receive a screen with the below message then you do not have plays available.
We love your enthusiasm!
However, you do not have any instant win chances to use.
Complete a qualified stay before February 15 to earn another chance to win.
Prizes:
Chances of winning:
500 pts 1:1.18 or 84.75% (This does not mean you will be guaranteed 500 pts per play)
1000 Pts 1:14.29 or 6.7%
2000 Pts 1:28.57 or 3.5%
5000 Pts 1:42.86 or 2.33%
Other prizes or no prizes: depends on number of entries
5B Prizes= 1,000, 2000, 5,000, $50 GC & Free night
BE SURE TO REGISTER BEFORE SENDING IN ENTRIES!
Leave Surprises here:
500 points (x1098)
1000 points (x42)
2000 points (x26)
5000 points (x17)
$50 Prepaid MasterCard (x13)
1 free night at any IHG hotel (x6)
$2500 Gilt.com GC (x1)
Sony Package (x1)
No Win (x7)
Official Rules
Logistics of the Mail-In Option:
Index Cards Okay? YES (I used 3x5 blank index cards and they were accepted)
Lined Index Cards Okay? Yes, of course, enough with the index cards!
OK to mail cards not inside an envelope? Not according to the rules, which state they must be inside envelopes, one card per envelope
Need to write title before each line? NO
Need second phone number? NO
Middle name required? NO (Left mine out, still got emails. If it's part of your account info, maybe leave it.)
Printed Destination Address Okay? YES (I used printed a bunch of sticker labels and put them on envelopes, accepted)
Printed Return Address Okay? YES (I used an ink stamp)
No Return Address Okay? Yes
Envelope size? Doesn't seem to matter
Non-IHG MasterCard Okay? YES
Debit MasterCard Okay? YES (I used an Ally Bank issued Debit MasterCard)
Use somebody else's MasterCard first 6 digits? YES
There have been reports of mail-in entry emails being sent out on 12/4 and 12/11, and the emails came in rapid succession. This is indicative of HelloWorld batching these out.
Initially batches of emails sent out was on Fridays but as of of 1/6/16 appears to be Wednesdays
#1 Batch=12/4
#2 Batch= 12/11
#3 Batch= 12/18
#4 Batch(xmas)= 12/23
#5 Batch(New Years Day)=12/30
#6 Batch= 1/6
#7 Batch= 1/13
#8 Batch= 1/18-1/24 (emails appear to be arriving daily)
#9 Batch= 2/3-2/5
As of 1/5, points have been posting within a week(ish) of playing and getting confirmation that you've won points.
Points will be paid out without additional email
Some points have been distributed (probably in batches on either Monday or Tuesday)
Points Payout Batches:
#1 12/28 & 12/29--500 pts, 1000pts, 2,000 & 5,000pts (plays before 12/25)
#2 1/4 & 1/5 (plays 12/25-12/30?)
#3 1/11(free nights & pts) & 1/12 (plays from 12/31-1/8)
#4 1/15 (limited due to MLK holiday on 1/18) (for plays from until 1/14)
#5 1/19 (plays from 1/15 til?)
#6 1/29 (plays until 1/24)
#7 2/3 (plays until 1/29)
#8 2/5 (plays until 1/31?)
Has anyone received email with instructions on how to redeem prize? YES ($50 MC redemption instructions received 12/28)
STATUS:
--As of 1/19/16 10:00 am et(estimated) all plays were showing up as no wins. . The play site seems to be undergoing maintenance. Best not to use up the majority of your plays until things smooth out.
--As of 2:45 pm ET on 1/19 play site appears to be back up.
--as of 4:17pm ET on 1/19 500 point plays seems to be working again. No 5B prizes seem to be won at this time
--As of 6pm ET on 1/19 emails being received for wins during the morning hours of 1/19 where it stated no win after select elevator.
--As of 2:30pm EST on 1/20 still reports of nearly 100% 500 pt wins only. Best not to play alot of plays unless you only want 500 pt wins
--As of 8:00 pm EST on 1/20 multiple reports of 5B prizes being won again. Seems to be back to normal.
--As of 2:00 pm EST on 1/21 reports of $50, 2k, 5k, 1k pt wins (unsure of free night wins)
--As of 6:00 pm est on 1/22 everything seems to be working as usual(although very few mentions of free night)
--As of 2:00 pm EST on 1/25 seems like daily emails have been sent out since 1/18 until now.
--As of 6pm EST on 1/29 reports of emails being received from mailed in entries from around mid January. So turnaround for new mailings appear to be about 1 week.
--As of 5pm EST on 2/2 appears that emails have stopped arriving daily with many reporting last email received on 1/29.
Priceless Surprises Promotion
Nov 7, 2015, 4:19 pm
#61
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Premier Silver, AA, DL, IHG Diamond Amb, Marriott Silver, Hilton Silver, National
Posts: 1,530
Technical Difficulty=1,000 bonus points
Received the following email from IHG yesterday:
I clicked on the registration link contained in the email and successfully registered for the promotion. The 1000 points have not yet posted, nor would I expect them to post that quickly. I guess I can consider this my first Priceless Surprise!
It appears you may have encountered a technical difficulty while registering for Priceless Surprises. We want to make that up to you.
The problem has been fixed and 1,000 bonus points are waiting for you. Please register by November 30th to earn your reward.
And of course, you’ll still earn 1,000 bonus points for the first time you book and stay* with your MasterCard anytime between November 15th & February 15th.
Thank you for your loyalty. We hope to see you soon.
The problem has been fixed and 1,000 bonus points are waiting for you. Please register by November 30th to earn your reward.
And of course, you’ll still earn 1,000 bonus points for the first time you book and stay* with your MasterCard anytime between November 15th & February 15th.
Thank you for your loyalty. We hope to see you soon.
Nov 7, 2015, 5:34 pm
#62
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: Delta Gold, Alaska Gold 75K, LATAM Black
Posts: 3,393
Priceless Surprises Promotion
I think the USPS is the real winner here 
Nov 7, 2015, 11:01 pm
#63
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ Diamond/*G, IHG Diamond Amb, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,239
Nov 8, 2015, 10:14 am
#64
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 4
Mastercard requirements
From the T&C
2. Eligibility: The Promotion is open only to MasterCard® individual and small business cardholders whose account was opened by a MasterCard customer financial institution before November 15, 2015 and is still active
However, when speaking with IHG Rewards, I asked if the IHG branded MC was required to be used for this promotion and they stated yes.
I don't have a IHG branded MC, but was allowed to sign up for the promotion, and it shows as an offer I signed up for, even though I heard that the emails for signup only went to IHG branded MC holders..
Thoughts ?
2. Eligibility: The Promotion is open only to MasterCard® individual and small business cardholders whose account was opened by a MasterCard customer financial institution before November 15, 2015 and is still active
However, when speaking with IHG Rewards, I asked if the IHG branded MC was required to be used for this promotion and they stated yes.
I don't have a IHG branded MC, but was allowed to sign up for the promotion, and it shows as an offer I signed up for, even though I heard that the emails for signup only went to IHG branded MC holders..
Thoughts ?
Nov 8, 2015, 11:16 am
#65
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: MN, USA
Posts: 246
From the T&C
2. Eligibility: The Promotion is open only to MasterCard® individual and small business cardholders whose account was opened by a MasterCard customer financial institution before November 15, 2015 and is still active
However, when speaking with IHG Rewards, I asked if the IHG branded MC was required to be used for this promotion and they stated yes.
I don't have a IHG branded MC, but was allowed to sign up for the promotion, and it shows as an offer I signed up for, even though I heard that the emails for signup only went to IHG branded MC holders..
Thoughts ?
2. Eligibility: The Promotion is open only to MasterCard® individual and small business cardholders whose account was opened by a MasterCard customer financial institution before November 15, 2015 and is still active
However, when speaking with IHG Rewards, I asked if the IHG branded MC was required to be used for this promotion and they stated yes.
I don't have a IHG branded MC, but was allowed to sign up for the promotion, and it shows as an offer I signed up for, even though I heard that the emails for signup only went to IHG branded MC holders..
Thoughts ?
Nov 8, 2015, 12:29 pm
#66
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: Delta Gold, Alaska Gold 75K, LATAM Black
Posts: 3,393
From the T&C
2. Eligibility: The Promotion is open only to MasterCard® individual and small business cardholders whose account was opened by a MasterCard customer financial institution before November 15, 2015 and is still active
However, when speaking with IHG Rewards, I asked if the IHG branded MC was required to be used for this promotion and they stated yes.
I don't have a IHG branded MC, but was allowed to sign up for the promotion, and it shows as an offer I signed up for, even though I heard that the emails for signup only went to IHG branded MC holders..
Thoughts ?
2. Eligibility: The Promotion is open only to MasterCard® individual and small business cardholders whose account was opened by a MasterCard customer financial institution before November 15, 2015 and is still active
However, when speaking with IHG Rewards, I asked if the IHG branded MC was required to be used for this promotion and they stated yes.
I don't have a IHG branded MC, but was allowed to sign up for the promotion, and it shows as an offer I signed up for, even though I heard that the emails for signup only went to IHG branded MC holders..
Thoughts ?
Nov 8, 2015, 5:33 pm
#67
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 4
Mail in entries
I'm seeing a lot of posts regarding mailing in the 94 entries in addition to staying, and the amount of points everyone is counting on getting from the mail in entries............47,000 (500 x 94 entries)...
Those eggs wont hatch my friends.....
If you read the T&C,
You can only get the prizes from Group A only once during the promotion period
And you can only get from Group B (which includes the 500 points) only 5 times during the promotion period
For those of you who have already spent $ 50 (+) on stamps and envelopes
sorry about that !
Those eggs wont hatch my friends.....
If you read the T&C,
You can only get the prizes from Group A only once during the promotion period
And you can only get from Group B (which includes the 500 points) only 5 times during the promotion period
For those of you who have already spent $ 50 (+) on stamps and envelopes
sorry about that !
Nov 8, 2015, 6:05 pm
#68
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: AA Plat Pto, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,536
I'm seeing a lot of posts regarding mailing in the 94 entries in addition to staying, and the amount of points everyone is counting on getting from the mail in entries............47,000 (500 x 94 entries)...
Those eggs wont hatch my friends.....
If you read the T&C,
You can only get the prizes from Group A only once during the promotion period
And you can only get from Group B (which includes the 500 points) only 5 times during the promotion period
For those of you who have already spent $ 50 (+) on stamps and envelopes
sorry about that !
Those eggs wont hatch my friends.....
If you read the T&C,
You can only get the prizes from Group A only once during the promotion period
And you can only get from Group B (which includes the 500 points) only 5 times during the promotion period
For those of you who have already spent $ 50 (+) on stamps and envelopes
sorry about that !
Nov 8, 2015, 9:37 pm
#69
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: ORD (formerly SAN)
Programs: Hilton Diamond; IHG Platinum; Bonvoy Gold; AA Platinum Pro and United Premier Silver (DH = AA EXP)
Posts: 1,928
Received the following email from IHG yesterday:
I clicked on the registration link contained in the email and successfully registered for the promotion. The 1000 points have not yet posted, nor would I expect them to post that quickly. I guess I can consider this my first Priceless Surprise!
I clicked on the registration link contained in the email and successfully registered for the promotion. The 1000 points have not yet posted, nor would I expect them to post that quickly. I guess I can consider this my first Priceless Surprise!
Nov 9, 2015, 7:42 pm
#70
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: VA
Posts: 147
Does anybody know how strict they can be with things like this? One of the blog comments lists this link to sweepstakes "tips" and it says they can disqualify based on petty stuff like a 3x5 "piece of paper" is different than a 3x5 index card. Also, if I only have one phone#, do I need to list it separately as a day and evening phone # since they ask for both?
I guess I'm curious if anyone has done something like this before who may have had experience with how picky they can be. Here is the sweepstakes "tips" link:
http://sweetiessweeps.com/2009/04/ma...es-basics.html
I guess I'm curious if anyone has done something like this before who may have had experience with how picky they can be. Here is the sweepstakes "tips" link:
http://sweetiessweeps.com/2009/04/ma...es-basics.html
Nov 9, 2015, 8:06 pm
#71
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Bonvoy Platinum, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,811
Anyone else going to print out the addresses on the envelopes?
Nov 9, 2015, 9:26 pm
#72
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Premier Silver, AA, DL, IHG Diamond Amb, Marriott Silver, Hilton Silver, National
Posts: 1,530
Nov 9, 2015, 11:32 pm
#73
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Virgin Atlantic Silver, IHG Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, AA Platinum Pro
Posts: 1,386
Does anybody know how strict they can be with things like this? One of the blog comments lists this link to sweepstakes "tips" and it says they can disqualify based on petty stuff like a 3x5 "piece of paper" is different than a 3x5 index card. Also, if I only have one phone#, do I need to list it separately as a day and evening phone # since they ask for both?
I guess I'm curious if anyone has done something like this before who may have had experience with how picky they can be. Here is the sweepstakes "tips" link:
http://sweetiessweeps.com/2009/04/ma...es-basics.html
I guess I'm curious if anyone has done something like this before who may have had experience with how picky they can be. Here is the sweepstakes "tips" link:
http://sweetiessweeps.com/2009/04/ma...es-basics.html
Also, I'm not sure what the big deal is about index card vs. paper. Do it on paper and be sure. I found a stack of 3x5 pieces of paper at an office supply store made by 3M no problem whatsoever. Why take the chance?
Nov 10, 2015, 12:43 pm
#75
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: IHG, RC, HH, AA, QF, UA, Aeroplan
Posts: 2,690