We enjoy our elite status through different hotels, particularly our Hyatt Globalist status. But did you know that there is an elite status you can buy instead of earning it? If you have ever stayed at an Intercontinental Hotel, IHG’s luxury brand, you know they are very luxurious. Think marble, elegant furniture, and chandeliers; you have an Intercontinental Hotel. I’ve stayed at several of them with credit card points and miles and enjoy this brand.

 

Cost of InterContinental Ambassador Status

You can purchase Ambassador Status for $200 or use 40,000 IHG points to buy it. This status is completely independent of the normal IHG hotel status as it is a stand-alone program linked only to InterContinental Hotels. 

I recently bought it for another year and received 15,000 IHG points with my purchase, which basically made it cost $110 if you value IHG points at about .6 cents a point. That is definitely worth the following benefits for me.

 

Benefits of Ambassador Status

The following perks come with Ambassador Status (remember these apply only to InterContinental stays, not other IHG brands):

• Guaranteed one-category room upgrade
• Guaranteed extended 4 pm check-out
• Complimentary weekend night – Complimentary weekend night on the second night of a paid stay
• Platinum Elite status in IHG^® One Rewards and the corresponding benefits—these benefits are listed here. It can make it more worthwhile if you don’t have an IHG status with this status.
• Up to USD 20 in restaurant and bar credit is available for every stay. This benefit is not applicable in Mainland China. Currency and credit vary by country and are subject to change.
• One complimentary full breakfast for each night of the stay for the member, valid only in the main restaurant. Valid only in Mainland China.
• Complimentary mineral water
• Complimentary internet
• Dedicated check-in area
• Single room rate for double occupancy

The full terms and conditions of this program can be found here.

Who Should Consider Ambassador Status

It could be worth considering if you love InterContinental Hotels or want to explore more stays at this luxury brand. I had a 4-night stay at the InterContinental Hotel Mauritius off the coast of Africa, so I renewed my previous Ambassador status. The 12-month renewal is even better, as I got 15,000 IHG points for renewal. I value these at about $100, making my purchase less costly.

Immediately after renewing, I could see the free weekend night here and could search for availability. My 15K IHG points were also immediately in my account.

 

 

Additionally, getting the 2nd night free on a weekend stay will save me approximately $300. However, this is on a purchased stay, so I have to pay for the first night. Other points to consider:

• The complimentary weekend rate isn’t the cheapest rate you can find at times.
• The status isn’t transferable; only the person with Ambassador status will get the benefits.
• You still need to pay for resort fees and taxes and fees on the free night.

Here are the results when I searched for the InterContinental Presidente Cancun. The full price is shown without the complimentary weekend night benefit applied when you book; the second night is credited to your bill at check-in.

 

 

 

 

When the free night is credited, it is still $400, but it should include a room upgrade, late check-in, and free breakfast.

Bottom Line

If you love Intercontinental Hotels or plan to stay at one in the future, buying Intercontinental Ambassador Status might be worth it. It is the only hotel status that you can buy. 

 

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• How We Use Our IHG Points
• 10 Best Uses of IHG Points in Eastern Europe