🏨 Buying IHG Elite Status: Is It Worth It?
Welcome to Smart With Points, the podcast where we dive into the world of travelling with miles and points. I'm your host, Jack, and today we're discussing an interesting promotion from IHG that allows members to effectively purchase elite status through elite qualifying points. As someone who's always looking for creative ways to maximise hotel benefits, this caught my attention, but the value proposition isn't quite as straightforward as it might seem. IHG has just launched this promotion, which runs until the 31st of December, two thousand and twenty-four, allowing members to buy elite qualifying points that can help them either maintain their current status or jump to a higher tier. The qualifying points you purchase will count towards status for two thousand and twenty-five. The cost structure is tiered, with better rates for larger purchases. For example, you can buy five thousand points for two hundred to two hundred and fifty pounds, which works out at four to five pence per point. Or, you can buy one hundred and twenty thousand points for six hundred and forty to eight hundred pounds, which works out at point six seven to point eight three pence per point. Now, here's where it gets intriguing - these elite qualifying points can also be used as regular redeemable points. This effectively means you're getting both status and points for your money, significantly changing the value equation. For example, if you spent eight hundred pounds for one hundred and twenty thousand points, you'd receive Diamond status for two thousand and twenty-five, and you'd get one hundred and twenty thousand redeemable points, worth roughly four hundred and eighty pounds at point four pence per point. This makes the net cost of Diamond status about three hundred and twenty pounds. But is Diamond status worth it? The key benefits of IHG Diamond status include complimentary breakfast, room upgrades subject to availability, early check-in and late checkout subject to availability, and a welcome amenity. However, there are some important considerations. Many of IHG's best elite perks come through their Milestone Rewards programme, which is based on elite nights, not elite qualifying points. This promotion won't help you earn valuable perks like confirmed suite upgrades or club lounge access. If you already have Platinum status through another means, the incremental benefits of Diamond might not justify the cost unless you have several IHG stays planned. For UK travellers, the options for earning IHG status are more limited than in some other markets. The main routes are organic stay activity, status matches, and InterContinental Ambassador. While three hundred and twenty pounds net for Diamond status might seem attractive, I'd only recommend this if you have several IHG stays planned for two thousand and twenty-five, you'll actually use the one hundred and twenty thousand points, you value breakfast benefits highly, and you stay frequently enough at IHG properties to justify the investment. For most UK travellers, this might be a steep price unless you have specific stays planned where the benefits would provide significant value. If you're primarily staying at InterContinental properties, the Ambassador programme might actually provide better value for your needs. Before making your decision, consider your travel patterns and whether you'll actually get enough value from the Diamond benefits to justify the cost. Remember, status is only valuable if you actually use it! Thanks for listening to this episode of Smart With Points. If you want to stay up to date with the latest news and tips on travelling with miles and points, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms or visit our website at smartwithpoints.co.uk.
