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Free night certificates are among the most valuable perks in the hotel loyalty world, but they’re usually tied to top-tier elite status or heavy credit card spending. The IHG Ambassador program is different. By purchasing a membership, you not only unlock IHG Platinum Elite status but also gain access to one of the program’s most lucrative perks: the Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night certificate.
This benefit can easily save hundreds of dollars on a two-night stay, especially at upscale InterContinental properties in pricey destinations. Of course, there are rules and restrictions to keep in mind. Here’s how the certificate works, how to redeem it, and what to watch for when planning your next weekend getaway.
What is InterContinental Ambassador?
IHG offers several levels of IHG elite status for members who stay at IHG properties around the world. However, the InterContinental Ambassador program is different. In addition to offering benefits exclusively at InterContinental Hotels, IHG Ambassador status offers benefits at other IHG properties as well. That's because you're granted IHG Platinum Elite status just for buying into the program.
The benefits of being an IHG Ambassador are:
- Guaranteed one category room upgrade
- Guaranteed extended 4 pm check-out
- Complimentary weekend night
- Platinum Elite status in IHG One Rewards
- Restaurants & bars credit of up to USD20 for every stay
- Complimentary mineral water
- Complimentary internet
- Dedicated check-in area
We're going to touch on that third bullet point down, which — in my opinion — is the best perk in this list.
How Does the IHG Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night Work?
The IHG Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night is effectively a buy one get one free coupon. You'll get the second night of your two-night stay free when staying on a weekend. For purposes of this voucher, a weekend is described as a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday — unless you're booking in the Middle East, where a weekend is defined as Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.
In order to use the certificate, you'll need to book a specific cash rate. That means you won't be able to stack the IHG Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night with a stay using points. Even worse, prepaid rates or discounted member rates aren't eligible for this perk.
How to Redeem the IHG Ambassador Free Weekend Night
1. Find your reward
In order to use your free night, head over to IHG.com and log in to your account. Head to your account dashboard, where you'll see a section titled “Enjoy Your Rewards.” This will direct you over to your Rewards Wallet, where you'll find your certificate.
Once you head into your Rewards Wallet, you'll see your Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night certificate ready for use. It becomes available right away from the moment that you join the Ambassador program, so no need to qualify or wait; it'll appear in your account immediately.
2. Book through the dedicated link
Clicking on “Redeem” will take you to a special IHG Ambassador booking page. The special rate will already be loaded into the rate preference dropdown, so you just need to pick your location, destination, and go.
Remember, this is only valid for InterContinental Hotels and Resorts. For a list of locations all over the world, check out this link.
Let's say that you wanted to head to New York City for a weekend in October to take in a couple of Broadway shows, do some shopping, and eat your way through the city. Decent rooms larger than a shoebox can get pricey, so saving on one of your nights is a great use for the certificate. You'll see that your free weekend night certificate is available to use at the InterContinental New York Barclay.
3. Select your room
Click through and you'll be presented with a list of all the room types for which you can use your certificate. Bonus: it's not just available for the base room. If you're feeling like splurging a bit, you'll be able to use this on nearly every room in the property, up to and including suites. This might not be the case in all properties, so be prepared for some variance in hotels.
Also, note that the price you see may not be the final price. When you click through the first option shown is a member rate at $485 a night. Once you choose a specific hotel room, the Queen Classic Room in this example, the Ambassador Complimentary Night shows up slightly higher, at $499 a night.
4. Book and receive a credit back for a free night at check-in
Now, you're ready to book. One thing that might be confusing to some people, especially if you're used to using a free night certificate using points, is that the full cost of all booked nights will be displayed upon your reservation, but the second weekend night will be credited to your bill at check-in when a valid ID and IHG® One Rewards number are presented. In other words, if you don't show up, or you try and let someone else check in, you're going to be charged for both nights. Only when you check out is the second night fully waived.
Key Details About InterContinental Ambassador Free Nights
There are a few quirks and unique qualities to remember about these certificates.
- These certificates aren't transferable, and you must be the one who stays and checks in. You can't give them to a friend or family member.
- Not all properties are available all the time, so plan well in advance.
- It's only valid for room and tax, so if there are any resort fees or other associated charges, you'll have to pay those on the free night.
- You can only book these online, not in person or via the phone, and they must be booked in advance.
- They expire 12 months from the date of issue, and your stay must be completed by that day.
Want to stay on top of your certificate expiration date? Add your IHG One Rewards account to AwardWallet to get notifications ahead of the expiration date of any points, perks, or certificates in your account:
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Bottom Line
The Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night is a standout perk of IHG’s paid Ambassador program, potentially offering hundreds of dollars in value if you enjoy staying at InterContinental properties. While you’ll need to book through the dedicated link at a modestly higher rate, the ability to turn a two-night weekend stay into effectively a “buy one, get one free” deal is hard to beat — especially in high-cost markets like New York, London, or Paris.
For travelers who can plan ahead and take advantage of this perk each year, the savings alone can offset much (if not all) of the cost of joining Ambassador. If you enjoy IHG hotels and want a reliable way to stretch your travel budget further, this certificate is a benefit well worth using.
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