Title: A Detailed Guide to the InterContinental Ambassador Program: Is It Worth Purchasing, How to Join, and the Membership Benefits
Introduction
Hello everyone! Today, let’s talk about the InterContinental Ambassador Program. You may have heard of it or perhaps you’re considering whether to join. Don’t worry; this article will help you clarify your thoughts, explain what the InterContinental Ambassador is, its benefits, and whether it’s worth paying for.
Table of Contents
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What is InterContinental Ambassador?
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How to Purchase the InterContinental Ambassador Membership
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InterContinental Ambassador Benefits
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Is the InterContinental Ambassador Program Worth Purchasing?
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Conclusion
1. What is InterContinental Ambassador?
The InterContinental Ambassador Program is a paid membership plan designed specifically for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, which is a high-end brand under the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) umbrella. Upon joining, you will enjoy exclusive privileges at InterContinental hotels worldwide.
At the same time, IHG also offers a free loyalty program—IHG Rewards Club—which includes all IHG brands, including InterContinental Hotels. Members can upgrade to different levels (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond) through stays or spending.
So, what distinguishes InterContinental Ambassador from IHG Rewards Club?
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IHG Rewards Club: Free to join, with benefits available at different levels after accumulating stays or spending.
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InterContinental Ambassador: Requires a paid membership and annual renewal. It offers additional benefits specifically for InterContinental hotels and automatically provides you with Platinum status in the IHG Rewards Club.
In simple terms, InterContinental Ambassador is like a VIP pass for InterContinental hotels, tailored for loyal customers, while also offering Platinum benefits across other IHG brands.
2. How to Purchase the InterContinental Ambassador Membership
Purchasing InterContinental Ambassador is quite simple. You can do it through the official IHG link (credit card required), by calling the Ambassador service center, or by visiting the front desk of any InterContinental hotel. However, note that if you purchase at the front desk, the weekend night certificate cannot be used for that stay.
The cost of the InterContinental Ambassador membership is $225 USD or 45,000 IHG points, whether it’s for a new membership or renewal. The membership is valid for 12 months from the date of activation, not tied to the calendar year.
If you want to buy over the phone, here are the contact numbers:
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USA and Canada: 1-888-211-7996
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UK: 01950 499034
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Other regions: +44 1950 499034
3. InterContinental Ambassador Benefits
As an InterContinental Ambassador member, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits, not only at InterContinental Hotels but also at certain participating Six Senses Hotels (IHG’s ultra-luxury brand).
1. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
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Free Weekend Night: This is the standout feature of the InterContinental Ambassador program. Upon joining or renewing, you will receive a weekend night certificate. When booking a paid two-night weekend stay (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, excluding the Middle East), you can use this certificate to waive the cost of the second night. This is a great value if used wisely.
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Guaranteed Room Upgrade: Each time you stay at an InterContinental hotel, you’ll receive a guaranteed one-level room upgrade. If the hotel cannot provide the upgrade, you will receive a $50 dining or spa credit, or 10,000 IHG points as compensation. Note that this benefit does not apply to reward stays or free nights.
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Late Check-Out at 4:00 PM: If the hotel cannot accommodate, you’ll get a $50 dining or spa credit, or 10,000 IHG points as compensation.
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$20 Dining Credit: You’ll receive a $20 dining credit per stay, which can be used in the hotel’s restaurants, bars, and mini-bar (not including in-room dining).
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Automatic IHG Rewards Club Platinum Status: This means you can enjoy Platinum benefits at all IHG brands, not just InterContinental.
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Free Bottled Water Daily
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Free High-Speed Internet
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Dedicated Check-In Area
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Double Occupancy with Single Room Rate (available for two guests)
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Exclusive Breakfast in Mainland China: A complimentary breakfast is provided daily.
2. Participating Six Senses Hotels
Six Senses Hotels are IHG’s ultra-luxury brand, and members of the InterContinental Ambassador program can enjoy benefits at participating Six Senses properties (note that not all Six Senses hotels participate in the program, so it’s best to check with the hotel beforehand):
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Free Breakfast for Two: Daily breakfast at the main restaurant.
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Special Service: Choose between a 50-minute couples’ spa treatment or a local experience (once per stay).
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Room Upgrade (subject to availability)
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Early Check-In at 10:00 AM (subject to availability)
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Late Check-Out at 4:00 PM (subject to availability)
Exceptions: Ambassador benefits may not apply during New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year (10 days), or Ramadan/Hajj season in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
4. Is the InterContinental Ambassador Program Worth Purchasing?
The value of the InterContinental Ambassador program largely depends on how much you can make use of the weekend night certificate and your travel habits. Let’s break down the primary benefits to assess their value.
1. Weekend Night Certificate
Many members find that the weekend night certificate alone is worth the price of the membership. In major cities or resort destinations, the room rate at InterContinental hotels can be quite high. If you plan to stay over the weekend, using the certificate to waive one night’s room fee can quickly pay for the membership. So, as long as you stay at least once during the year and use the certificate, it’s a smart financial decision.
To use the weekend night certificate, you must book at the “InterContinental Ambassador Free Weekend Night” rate, which is typically similar to the “Best Available Rate” with a flexible cancellation policy.
Example: InterContinental ANA Tokyo
If you plan to stay for 2 nights:
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Best Available Rate: $364 per night × 2 = $728
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Member Rate: $310 per night × 2 = $620
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Ambassador Package: $383 (one night) + $225 (membership fee) = $608
In this case, purchasing the Ambassador membership could actually save you money, especially at higher-priced hotels.
2. Room Upgrades and Dining Credit
In addition to the weekend night certificate, the guaranteed room upgrade and $20 dining credit can also offer significant value, especially if you stay at InterContinental hotels multiple times a year. Room upgrades mean better views, larger spaces, or even suites, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars. The dining credit, while modest per stay, adds up over several visits.
3. IHG Rewards Club Platinum Status
If you don’t already have IHG Platinum status, this benefit is useful. The Platinum status provides room upgrades, late check-out, and additional points for stays across all IHG properties.
4. Six Senses Hotel Benefits
If you’re planning to stay at a Six Senses Hotel, the benefits provided (spa treatments, room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out) can be worth hundreds of dollars, making the program a great deal.
5. Summary
The weekend night certificate is the core value of the InterContinental Ambassador program. If you stay at high-priced hotels, the certificate alone will usually cover the cost of the membership. Other benefits like room upgrades and dining credits enhance the overall value.
However, if you rarely stay at InterContinental hotels, don’t have weekend travel plans, or already hold IHG Diamond status, the Ambassador program may not be as worthwhile.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Ambassador benefits for reward stays?
Yes, most benefits apply to reward stays, but two key benefits—the weekend night certificate and guaranteed room upgrade—do not apply.
Do I need to purchase Ambassador if I already have IHG Diamond status?
If you’re already a Diamond member, you may not find the Ambassador program necessary, as many benefits overlap.
Can I use the weekend night certificate for stays longer than two nights?
The weekend night certificate is valid for a two-night stay (Friday-Sunday).
Can I transfer or gift my weekend night certificate to someone else?
No, the weekend night certificate is non-transferable.
How do I renew my Ambassador membership?
You can renew by following the same process you used to purchase the membership.
Can I get a refund if I no longer want the Ambassador membership?
Refund policies may vary, but it’s best to inquire with IHG customer service.
6. Conclusion
The InterContinental Ambassador program is a paid membership plan designed for frequent guests of InterContinental hotels. The membership costs $225 USD or 45,000 IHG points and is valid for 12 months. Key benefits include the free weekend night certificate, guaranteed room upgrades, dining credits, IHG Rewards Club Platinum status, and special privileges at Six Senses Hotels.
The weekend night certificate is the program’s standout feature and can easily cover the cost of membership when used at high-priced hotels. Other benefits like room upgrades and dining credits add extra value. Whether the program is worth it depends on your travel needs and how well you can utilize the weekend night certificate. If you frequently stay at InterContinental hotels or have a weekend stay planned, purchasing the Ambassador program is usually a smart decision.
