In 2022, we saw IHG revamp its loyalty program, with the introduction of IHG One Rewards. I’d argue that the updated program represents a significant improvement over the old program, thanks to the new suite of benefits that have been introduced.
Continue reading: Guide To IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Hi Lucky. I had been an IHG Platinum member for more than a decade, and last year I became a Diamond member for the 1st time.
My honest opinion of this Tier and how IHG hotels have treated me so far? Nothing special. Being Platinum ( pre-pandemic ) I used to get better recognition upon check in. Hotels have been reluctant to upgrade me to any worthy rooms in most properties I have been to ( except in Dubai where customer service means everything ). So I don't really care about the Diamond Tier for next year.
I've been Diamond and I've been Platinum.
Other than the breakfast benefit, there is zero difference in treatment for the most part.
I'm not sure there's much value offered by highlighting late check-out for the Diamond Elite tier when the same 'benefit' (even the same check-out time) is available to any IHG rewards member at any level, even non-elites and people who have just signed up that day.
"Subject to availability" diminishes much of the opportunity to actually make use of this, but presumably they'd be able to follow through on it more if the option was in some way exclusive.
Thank you for providing such detailed information on the Diamond status. We traveled to Boston this past July and stayed at the Intercontinental. Armed with Platinum status we paid the $200 to upgrade to Ambassador status ready for the trip. Needless to say, we were very disappointed in the experience and felt let down upon check-in. From everything we read, we expected a dedicated area for "status" members checking in. Nope, get in line and wait until you are called. Apparently in Boston, an upgrade in your room means a different view out your window and not a bigger room or suite. At least for the Ambassador status we got a bottle of water and two bags of nuts. I didn't expect the presidential suite or a confetti parade, but I would have liked to have been treated a little better for at least paying for a next level status.
The greatest part of being an IHG diamond is that you're not tied to it, you can renew your diamond through getting an Ambassador subscription. Considering the 15K renewing bonus + BOGO, it's like a free diamond.
I've stayed at this property too as a Diamond with an Ambassador membership - had the same experience you described. They're very stingy with elite benefits.
One of the best features (unadvertised) of the Ambassador program is that once you reach IHG Diamond AND renew Ambassador status the following year, it extends Diamond (with all the breakfast benefits that entails) for the following year even if you had not qualified in the prior year. And renewing Ambassador usually requires fewer (net) IHG points or dollars if you take advantage of the renewal incentives that are generally provided as the membership year expiration approaches.
I have generally seen improved recognition and upgrades (usually internationally and occasionally domestically) based on Diamond Ambassador status, with 50%+ upgrade success.
Shhhhhh! Don’t tell anyone about that! Let’s pretend it doesn’t happen so that it doesn’t get taken away! 😉
The benefits and lever of recognition as a Diamond or Ambassador varies greatly from property to property. Some just provide the bare minimum and only if you asked, while others provide a great experience.
I have been treated very well in multiple stays at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins in San Francisco.
I guess it's not worth trying to get IHg diamond to hear you all tell it. Just spend my way to 90 elite nights at hyatt I guess.....? Usually stop at 60 but what's the point now.
No sure if the 70 night suite upgrades have changed since you wrote this but it is now 2 (TWO) upgrades at 70 nights. Thus a potential total of 4 per year
The "paid" Ambassador" status today is not what it once was, setting aside one category room upgrade the breakfast at Intercontinental properties has gone by the way of a horse drawn carriage. Royal does get you everything. Having said that we travel throughout Europe and find value in the paid version, for what it's worth.
As a Diamond Elite member, I can tell you that the first tier of every other hotel chain is better than this program. I have never been so disappointed with a status program. Not worth any effort of money. Treated like a regular customer, never get upgrades, sometimes get late checkout, and they remind you that everything is "as available". I can stand the garbage program for myself, but when travelling with family, it's not worth it. Silver tier with Hilton and Marriott both get me better, more reliable status benefits than IHG, and all of their hotels are cleaner and better than IHG.