IHG refreshed its guest loyalty program this spring and renamed it IHG One Rewards, with several new program features.
They introduced new elements into the program in addition to the normal tier levels based on the number of nights or base points earned during a calendar year. IHG One Rewards members could earn Milestone Rewards starting at 20 nights for every 10 through 100.
You can access IHG One Rewards here.
READ MORE: IHG One Rewards Rate & Bonus Points Offers
IHG One Rewards Program Refresh:
Confirmable Suite Upgrade: Case InterContinental Le Grand
I have an upcoming paid reservation for InterContinental Paris Le Grand, and I decided to test how these Confirmable Suite Upgrades work (one of the Milestone Rewards options).
I decided to pull up all the room and suite categories first to get an idea, as I have not stayed at this hotel for a few years, and it went through a renovation recently.
My first problem was that I could not call the number shown on the Confirmable Suite Upgrade awards, as I was in Brazil and the number in the US was not reachable.
I decided to place a call to the Ambassador service center that worked.
I had to wait 30 minutes to get someone in the Philippines to answer the call (IHG now has another contact center in the country – not only Manila), and the service was excellent.
IC Paris Le Grand upgrade eligible “suites”:
1. Junior Suite
2. Junior Suite with Balcony
3. Premium Room with Lounge Access
The person quoted the following three options, but the system didn’t ask her to disclose that Lounge Access is NOT available on room/suite upgrades using these certificates.
Remember!
IHG One Rewards Upgrade Benefit Clarification
I chose the Junior Suite with Balcony, and she modified the reservation, withdrew the suite upgrade certificate, and sent me an updated confirmation.
It took less than six minutes to complete the upgrade process, and it would have been a relatively short call without the 30-minute wait.
Conclusion
The upgrade process was rather painless, and I will get to use my Annual Lounge Membership for the first time, too (I chose it as a 40-night option).
I hope there are reasonable room/suite categories and inventory available at each hotel for these Confirmable Suite Upgrades. I would assume that we will know later if hotels start to play games with designations and availability.
Have you used any of these certificates yet? If yes, where and what was the suite type assigned?
I’ll report about my Lounge Access Award experience later.
