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How To Get Platinum IHG Status For $200 — InterContinental Ambassador

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Tom Goward | 11/09/2022

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is one of the largest hotel chains in the world. Their loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, is free to join and offers some great perks as you make your way towards elite hotel status. 



In this article, we share how for just US$200 you can gain IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, plus other benefits, thanks to the InterContinental Ambassador Program.

Exploring The InterContinental Ambassador Program

The InterContinental Ambassador program is an annual paid membership that comes packed with benefits specific to InterContinental’s abundance of luxury hotels around the globe. Once you have paid the US$200 annual membership fee, status is gained instantly.

The best perks include a free weekend night stay every membership year, plus instant IHG One Rewards Platinum Status which grants access to premium perks when staying with any IHG hotel worldwide. As an InterContinental Ambassador, you’ll enjoy an array of elevated benefits:

  • Complimentary Weekend Night benefit that immediately offsets the annual membership fee. You’ll need to book 1 night at the more expensive Ambassador Weekend Rate to get the second night “free”. Typically these flexible rates are more expensive than the cheapest prepaid rate, but in most cases, you can score a saving on the two-night price.
  • Guaranteed Upgrade that can be used to guarantee a suite upon check-in. At booking, select the room type below a suite to receive a guaranteed stylish stay. For points redemptions, members are not entitled to an upgrade, but most InterContinental hotels do still honour the upgrade if they have availability.
  • 4 PM Guaranteed Late Checkout is always a blessing when travelling on an afternoon flight. Best of all, and unlike other hotel programs, members can expect a guaranteed late checkout.
  • Complimentary Welcome Gifts including “a choice of refreshments on arrival”, in-room welcome gift and fresh mineral water. 
  • Complimentary in-room benefits including pay-per-view movies and TV shows plus a daily delivered newspaper.
  • IHG Platinum Status offers perks when staying at any IHG hotel worldwide. As part of the InterContinental Ambassador program, members receive a welcome pack that contains a membership card and a complimentary weekend night certificate (remember to present this when checking in for your free night). You’ll also receive a shiny golden luggage tag to show everyone just how special you are.

To join the InterContinental Ambassador Program, click here.

Ambassador Free Weekend Night Certificate

Before joining, it’s important to note that there are some restrictions on the use of free weekend night certificates. First off, members must purchase their first night at the Ambassador Weekend Rate (same as the IHG flexible rate), which is more expensive than the cheapest non-flexible rate. Think of this like Jetstar’s regular “return for free” sales where the airline will increase the cost of the departing flight. 

But considering you must book a two-night weekend stay, most of the time a Free Weekend Night Certificate will end up cheaper than booking the lowest available rate. Note that weekend nights are defined as Friday, Saturday and Sunday, except in the Middle East where some hotels may define it as Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Ambassador Room Upgrades

Room upgrades are valid on any paid cash rate, and allow for at least a one-category upgrade free of charge. The best way to maximise your upgrade benefit is to book one class below the room type you want to stay in. If you want a suite, be sure to book one category below suites. 

Some InterContinental hotels will upgrade your booking in advance, but at the least expect a one-category upgrade when checking in. 

Tip: Learn  how you can gain IHG Club Lounge access.

Complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Status

Usually IHG One Rewards Platinum status will require members to achieve at least 40 qualified nights or 60,000 Elite Qualifying Points. But as part of the InterContinental Ambassador Program, you’ll gain access to Platinum benefits with zero nights!

The IHG One Rewards program tiers start at the base Club tier, which is unlocked free of charge when joining. Members can then work their way up to Gold Elite, Platinum Elite and Spire Elite with benefits increasing at each tier.

InterContinental Ambassador membership is independent to IHG Rewards, but automatically grants free access to all the perks included with IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status. Members enjoy a range of benefits such as: 

  • Discounted member rates
  • Reward Night discounts
  • 60% more One Rewards Points
  • Complimentary upgrades (subject to availability)
  • 2 pm late check-out (subject to availability)
  • Early check-in (subject to availability)
  • Welcome amenity of points, a drink or a snack
  • No expiry date on One Rewards Points
  • Elite rollover nights for next year’s status
  • Guaranteed room availability if booked 72 hours ahead

InterContinental Ambassador FAQs

What is InterContinental Ambassador?

InterContinental Ambassador is an annual membership that delivers exclusive benefits at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide.

How do I join InterContinental Ambassador?

The best way to become a member of InterContinental Ambassador is to join online here.

You can also call the Ambassador Service Centre at +44 870 400 9099.

How much does InterContinental Ambassador membership cost?

InterContinental Ambassador membership costs US$200 per year. 

How long after joining does it take to receive the benefits of InterContinental Ambassador?

You will enjoy the benefits of InterContinental Ambassador membership immediately after joining.

Is my guaranteed room upgrade provided upon booking?

Your room upgrade is provided upon check-in at the hotel, although in some cases the upgrade may be shown on your reservation prior to arrival.

Summing Up: My Take

If you plan to spend at least 2 nights at an InterContinental hotel in the coming 12 months, becoming an Ambassador is an absolute must. If booked strategically, the Complimentary Weekend Night alone can recover the US$200 joining fee. Add IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, late checkout and complimentary upgrades and you’re ready to travel the world in style at a fraction of the normal cost!

Want to know more about IHG One Rewards? Check out our in-depth guide to IHG One Rewards here



Full disclosure: this guide was produced in partnership with IHG Australia.

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Tom Goward

Chief Operating Officer & Aviation Nerd at Flight Hacks

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