InterContinental will be increasing the cost of its paid Ambassador program in the coming days. As far as price increases go, this is hardly unreasonable, though I wanted to post a reminder, for anyone who may want to renew before these changes kick in.
InterContinental Ambassador will be more expensive
InterContinental Ambassador is a paid rewards program that offers extra perks at InterContinental properties, separate from the IHG One Rewards program. For years, a membership has cost either $200 or 40,000 IHG One Rewards points annually. That will be changing.
As of Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the annual cost of an InterContinental Ambassador membership will increase to either $225 or 45,000 IHG One Rewards points. So regardless of whether you pay in cash or points, the cost is increasing by 12.5%.
It has been many years since the cost of an InterContinental Ambassador membership has increased, so I’d hardly consider a 12.5% price increase after all these years to be unreasonable. Keep in mind that you can renew your Ambassador membership up to 90 days in advance, so you could always lock in your membership now, to get the lower price.
Is InterContinental Ambassador status worth it?
For those not familiar with the InterContinental Ambassador program, it offers the following perks every time you stay at an InterContinental:
- A guaranteed one category upgrade
- A $20 credit to use toward the hotel’s restaurant, bar, or minibar
- Guaranteed 4PM late check-out
- Complimentary internet and mineral water
- Complimentary weekend night reward
- A dedicated check-in area
- Single room rate for double occupancy
- IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status
I’d say the program could be well worth it if you stay at InterContinental properties at least a few times per year. Alternatively, the membership pays for itself if you can use the weekend night certificate on even a single stay. For those curious about the weekend night certificate, here’s how that works:
- It’s valid for 12 months from the date of issue, and it’s issued as soon as you sign up for the program (or renew)
- It’s valid for a minimum of a two night paid weekend stay, using the Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night Rate at any InterContinental property (this will show as “AMB Certificate” when booking)
- Weekend nights are defined as Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, except in the Middle East, where hotels may define the weekend as Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
- The weekend night certificate can be used for most room types, including many suites and club rooms
- If you’re curious to see what rates are like using this benefit but don’t yet have a certificate, you can search the rates at this link; as you’ll see, this rate is sometimes a bit higher than the regular best available rate, but not by much
Bottom line
As of October 2, 2024, the cost of an InterContinental Ambassador membership is increasing by 12.5%, whether paying with cash or points. The new cost will be $225 or 45,000 IHG One Rewards points. While no one likes a price increase, this one doesn’t even keep up with inflation, so it’s hardly that bad.
The program continues to be valuable, but only if you frequently stay at InterContinentals, or can use the weekend night certificate.
Where do you stand on the value of InterContinental Ambassador?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.