IHG Offering Fast-Track to Diamond Status - But Is It Worth It?

HG has just launched an interesting promotion allowing members to effectively purchase elite status through elite qualifying points. As someone who's always looking for creative ways to maximise hotel benefits, this caught my attention - but the value proposition isn't quite as straightforward as it might seem.

Let's dive into what's on offer and whether it makes sense for UK travellers.

The Promotion Details

IHG has just launched an interesting promotion allowing members to effectively purchase elite status through elite qualifying points. As someone who's always looking for creative ways to maximise hotel benefits, this caught my attention - but the value proposition isn't quite as straightforward as it might seem.

Let's dive into what's on offer and whether it makes sense for UK travellers.

The Promotion Details

IHG is selling elite qualifying points until December 31st, 2024, which can help you either maintain your current status or jump to a higher tier. The qualifying points you purchase will count towards status for 2025.

The cost structure is tiered, with better rates for larger purchases:

• 5,000 points for £200-250 (4-5p per point)

• 120,000 points for £640-800 (0.67-0.83p per point)

Those with a US IHG credit card get a 20% discount on these rates, though this unfortunately isn't relevant for UK members since IHG doesn't currently offer credit cards in the UK market.

The Interesting Twist

Here's where it gets intriguing - these elite qualifying points can also be used as regular redeemable points. This effectively means you're getting both status and points for your money, significantly changing the value equation.

For example, if you spent £800 for 120,000 points:

• You'd receive Diamond status for 2025

• You'd get 120,000 redeemable points (worth roughly £480 at 0.4p per point)

• This makes the net cost of Diamond status about £320

But Is Diamond Status Worth It?

The key benefits of IHG Diamond status include:

• Complimentary breakfast

• Room upgrades (subject to availability)

• Early check-in/late checkout (subject to availability)

• Welcome amenity

However, there are some important considerations:

1. Many of IHG's best elite perks come through their Milestone Rewards programme, which is based on elite nights, not elite qualifying points. This promotion won't help you earn valuable perks like confirmed suite upgrades or club lounge access.

2. If you already have Platinum status through another means, the incremental benefits of Diamond might not justify the cost unless you have several IHG stays planned.

Alternative Routes to Status

For UK travellers, the options for earning IHG status are more limited than in some other markets. The main routes are:

1. Organic Stay Activity: The traditional route of earning through actual stays (120,000 qualifying points for Diamond).

2. Status Matches: Keep an eye out for status match opportunities from other hotel programmes, which can sometimes offer an easier path to higher status.

3. InterContinental Ambassador: While this paid membership only provides Platinum status, it comes with additional valuable benefits specific to InterContinental properties.

My Take

While £320 (net) for Diamond status might seem attractive, I'd only recommend this if:

• You have several IHG stays planned for 2025

• You'll actually use the 120,000 points

• You value breakfast benefits highly

• You stay frequently enough at IHG properties to justify the investment

For most UK travellers, this might be a steep price unless you have specific stays planned where the benefits would provide significant value. If you're primarily staying at InterContinental properties, the Ambassador programme might actually provide better value for your needs.

Before making your decision, consider your travel patterns and whether you'll actually get enough value from the Diamond benefits to justify the cost. Remember, status is only valuable if you actually use it!

What do you think about this promotion? Are you considering purchasing IHG elite status? Let me know in the comments below!

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