Trick to make non qualifying stay count towards promo?
 

Long story short if I have one more night at an IHG property before April 30th I get almost 40k worth of points for the current promo. I have 3 nights coming up at a Crowne Plaza but it is a group rate so I believe it will be a non qualifying stay. I cannot change the rate - it's for a company event and we have to go through them. Is there any way to get the stay to trigger as qualified? I.E. if I put a good amount of charges on the room? Any hacks?

cash and points stays are treated as reward stays, so will not count toward promotions, unless the required task actually specifies a cash and points booking.

ian. :)

Fingers crossed but unfortunately same stay last year wasn't qualifying. Worst case I try to find a cheap $70 night somewhere locally before 4/30, still would come out ahead. Oh well.

Please let us know if you were able to make this work. Doubt it though.

Suggest that you call the hotel during business hours, ask to speak to group sales, explain the situation, and see if you can be upgraded to a qualifying rate while still be considered in the group. I have done that once, but of course every hotel's policy might differ.

I just learned the hard way how poorly IHG treats its loyal members with fine print exceptions including the group rate. I stayed 7 nights back to back in two continenents for conferences, booking direct through the hotel to get the group rate and paying at the end of the stay myself. Neither were considered qualifying and 1500 room dollars of spend worth nothing in terms of points and keeping my spire status. I havent experienced this at Hilton or Marriott when I use them for conference rates. Even the hotels when I checked in indicating they were 'qualified' stays but I only got the incidentals for points and nothing towards accelerate.

Im so disappointed with IHG , treating this as if its a priceline type of deal. There is no incentive to stay at their properties and I dont know when something is going to end up being non-qualified... My business is going elsewhere! Spire benefits in general are subpar to HIlton or Marriott in my view as well, no lounge, no breakfast unless its a property that provides it to all. LAME!