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Travel is still tricky for a lot of us these days — at least for those of us in the U.S. Since I can't plan any grand escapes right now, I'm thinking a lot about simple and cost-conscious escapes from the four walls I've been looking at.
While a lot of travel options are not on the table, options for IHG InterContinental Ambassadors just got a little better. IHG recently announced that its free weekend night certificate can now be redeemed at both InterContinental and Kimpton properties. Here is a closer look:
IHG's Loyalty Programs
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is a collection of 17 hotel and resort brands. Brands range from Six Senses Hotels and Resorts to Holiday Inn Express. IHG has over 5,600 properties in nearly 100 countries worldwide. Its global footprint makes it one of the larger global hotel groups — with a good presence here in the U.S.
The IHG loyalty program is a bit unique in that it bundles several distinct programs. First off, there is the free-to-join IHG Rewards program. Travelers that stay at InterContinental properties may want to pay for the InterContinental Ambassador program. And Kimpton has an invitation-only Inner Circle rewards program distinct for Kimpton hotels.
IHG Rewards Club
The IHG Rewards Club covers 14 of the IHG brands, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. The IHG Rewards Club is free to join and has three levels of published elite status: Gold Elite, Platinum Elite and Spire Elite.
The criteria for reaching each level has been lowered for 2020, making it easier than ever to earn higher levels of status. Of course, one can always get Platinum Elite status by simply getting the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.
InterContinental Ambassador
IHG also offers a paid membership to the InterContinental Ambassador program. For $200 each year — or 40,000 IHG Rewards points — members get the following benefits when staying at InterContinental brand hotels:
One of the key benefits of purchasing the InterContinental Ambassador membership is the complimentary weekend night certificate. It comes with some restrictions, but it effectively covers the cost of the second night of a weekend stay at an InterContinental property.
Kimpton Inner Circle
The Kimpton Inner Circle is an invitation-only rewards program. Memberships are only extended to the most loyal Kimpton customers. Customers that have IHG Rewards Club Spire Elite status and are frequent Kimpton guests are the only ones considered for invitations.
Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night
Typically, the InterContinental Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night must be used on weekend nights — as the name may imply — at InterContinental hotels. Now, IHG has announced the complimentary weekend night will be available at Kimpton properties. Also, this isn't just for weekends anymore! Ambassadors can redeem a Complimentary Weekend Night certificate at Kimpton properties any night of the week. This new policy is valid for stays before December 31, 2021.
Below is an example of what a booking might look like. You can see that the Ambassador Night Certificate works for a two-night stay at both the Kimpton Muse Hotel in New York City:
Final Thoughts
The InterContinental Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night has always been a really nice perk. The extension of the certificate to cover Kimpton stays any night of the week seems like a great new option for those with Ambassador status.
One caveat is to be sure to shop around for the best redemption value. Some properties have availability on high priced rooms and even suites. It's definitely worth some searching to see where you can get the best value for the certificate. Let us know if you find a great redemption and safe travels!
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Is the Ambassador certificate good for a calendar year, or 12 months? As in should I apply now, or not until January 1st?
Apologies for not covering this in the post! The certificate is generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue (“Each Complimentary Weekend Night is valid for 12 months from the date of issue”). So, you don’t need to wait until January 1 if you can get value out of it now!
Good move by IHG finally. Glad to see the changes when we travel next year.
Its a great way to use points before they expire.
This sounds great to the IHG Ambassadors. Good additions!
Kimpton in Seattle was a wonderful stay for us 2 years ago. Unfortunately, I have NO desire to be in Seattle these days with the uncontrolled rioting and destruction. Very sad!
As with any trip, just make sure you do your research. In the case of Seattle, the area you’re likely referring to was limited to a single neighborhood. By no means was the city as a whole a dangerous place, then or now. People did business and even vacationed without any interaction whatsoever with the protests.
Including Breakfast in the Ambassador Certificate Weekend rate would be a great benefit as breakfasts can get quite costly in such hotels and the credit may not cover it.
It sound good to me hopefully the i can use my points for more nights.
I wish they made this the top tier of their loyalty program and not have to make people pay for it.
It would be nice if the certificate covers the taxes as well.
This is nice addition for Ambassadors. Still, status with IHG is far behind other chains.
You have to choose the courtesy night very well, so that the 200 paid by the membership is really worth it.
This is great as I love Kimptons. I also have a huge number of IHG points from work. I might use points for IHG Ambassador Status — thé free night is probably worth 40 000 points and the other perks would be useful.
Kimpton Grand Cayman would be my pick
I stayed there at the Kimpton Seafire (in Grand Caymany) with my wife and kids two years ago. It was one of the most amazing vacations we have ever had. The service at that hotel was out of this world. We will definitely be going back!