This post isn’t sponsored, it’s just written by someone who’s very tough to shop for…
People love to say “oh, it’s the gift that keeps on giving”, but how often do you get to mean it? When you unlock guaranteed upgrades, early check in and late checkout for an entire year, not to mention a complimentary night, you definitely do. While many (borderline crazy) travelers around the world are trying to lock in their elite travel benefits by sleeping in hotels until the new year, you can give (or receive) the perfect gift for $200. It’s not cheap, but if someones worth it, this is easily one of the most clever holiday gift choices. You can always split it…
WTF Is Intercontinental Ambassador
Intercontinental Ambassador is a paid program in conjunction with Intercontinental Hotels, the five star luxury brand of IHG. They’re really nice hotels, in case you didn’t know. Membership is $200 a year, but it’s easily justified via new benefits which kick in February 2019, like…
- Platinum guest status with IHG for the year.
- a “free” weekend night at any Intercontinental hotel, when you pay for one night.
- 10AM early check in, 4PM late check out – guaranteed.
- One category room upgrade – guaranteed or you get points.
Many (if not all) Intercontinental Hotels fetch over $200 a night. There are plenty that are almost always over $400 a night. By purchasing this Intercontinental Ambassador membership you’re getting someone a gift which could instantly be worth more than what you paid. Yep, even if a hotel is more than $200 per night, the second night is covered via your free weekend hotel night certificate from the Ambassador program. In fact, it doesn’t matter what it costs, there just needs to be a room left available and the second night is free. Not only that, but every time they get upgraded or check out late for an entire year, it’s down to you. This is actually seems like something worth asking for, rather than giving…
Gift That Actually Keeps On Giving
Naturally, $200 is a lot to spend on someone, but if you’re teaming up with a sibling, friend, work colleague or family member it could be a great way to inspire someone to travel more, while also securing a years worth of lucrative hotel benefits for them when they stay at an IHG hotel. Yep, they’re getting upgraded at the best Intercontinental Hotels around the world all year, thanks to you. And that free night, who wouldn’t be happy about getting a gift which can be worth over $500 instantly?
So will it work with employer or family and friend rates??
Ps don’t you also get access the inhotel lounges?
I believe it must be a separate rate than IHG family and friends or corporate.
Lounge access is only guaranteed for royal ambassador to the best of my knowledge, though IC ambassador often gets it.
In the headline about International Ambassador you wrote Free Breakfast. Is that correct?