As per the IHG Ambassador site, there is change coming to IHG Ambassador rewards. I have explained about IHG Ambassador here.
NEW EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS STARTING IN EARLY 2019:
• Platinum Elite status in IHG® Rewards Club
• Up to USD20 restaurants & bars credit for every stay***
• Ambassador Benefits Guarantee to ensure you make the most out of every stay
• E-delivery of complimentary weekend night certificate
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR STAYS IN GREATER CHINA ONLY:
• One complimentary breakfast every night you stay
• 15% discount on restaurants and bars
Benefits
This helps me so much as earlier, I was required to physically carry the certificate. However, that is not required anymore. I can just e-redeem my certificate directly at the property. No physical paper required.
Instead of getting Gold Elite which basically is no benefit when staying at other properties that aren’t Intercontinental hotel like Holiday Inn or Kimpton. You don’t even get upgraded to better room at times. Now, with Platinum Elite you get following benefits.
Basically, you are entitled to Room Upgrade. You get 50% bonus earning on base points vs 10% earlier. If you spent more than 50 nights in a year but less than 75, it gets added to tally for next year. At 75, you get top tier named Spire Elite.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter what tier you are on at IHG, you still don’t get free breakfast benefit. I am not sure when they will treat their frequent guest without making them feel like they are fighting for pocket change.
Some properties may offer you lounge access as compared to earlier a drink or 400 points benefit. I have used my points for buying water at some properties which
I am not sure about $20 food credit. I believe it is limited to very few properties across the world. I would have to see it in action.
Conclusion
I can see IHG is working hard to get more business from people by throwing out
