IHG has finally published more details about its new program, which is called One Rewards. Your new membership tier should show up in the account by April 17, however all benefits (excluding tier earning bonus) will only come into effect in June.
You could read more about the benefits here.
[Membership Tiers]
One Rewards has the following four elite tiers:
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond
Silver is the newly-added tier. Existing Gold, Platinum and Spire elites will be ported over to the parallel status level in the upcoming days.
Diamond members no longer receive the choice benefits (25,000 points or gifting Platinum status to a friend). Diamond and Platinum members should, in theory, receive more proactive suite upgrades, although it’s still subject to availability and at the discretion of the hotel.
[New Benefits]
One of the most impressive change is the introduction of free breakfast for Diamond elites. In terms of welcome amenity, Diamond elites could choose free breakfast for two in lieu of points or snacks, at most properties including Six Senses and InterContinental hotels.
Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, InterContinental Alliance hotels, Mr & Mrs Smith hotels and select Kimpton hotels are excluded, which is understandable. Note that unlike Marriott and Hilton, hot breakfast is specified so the hotel can’t just fob you off with a simple continental breakfast, which is critical in North America.
There’s a dedicated support line for Diamond elites.
Diamond and Platinum elites enjoy special redemption discounts, which is presumably similar to the two 20%-off offers that IHG has run this year.
Gold elites and above will also benefit from rollover night credits.
[Milestone Rewards]
IHG has finally implemented Milestone Rewards like its competitors, and in a even more aggressive way. Starting at 20 nights you’ll have a milestone reward choice, which may include:
- Bonus points
- F&B voucher
- Suite upgrade voucher
- Annual lounge membership
Bonus points vary from 5,000 to 10,000 points, which is probably the least attractive option.
Each F&B voucher is worth $20, and you can redeem one or more vouchers per transaction. They are valid for 12 months.
You can choose the suite upgrade voucher at 20 nights already, which can be used on a stay of up to five nights. It’s a great way to secure a (standard) suite upgrade and probably club benefits, however also quite restricted as you can only use it on non-prepaid rates (not reward nights).
Annual lounge membership is the most interesting reward, which can be chosen once after either 40 or 70 nights. The membership allows you plus one guest (who doesn’t need to be a staying guest) into the club lounge for the current and next calendar year. It doesn’t mention any brand exclusions, which means Regent and InterContinental hotels are included, however Mr & Mrs Smiths is probably an exception.
Note that all benefits, barring the suite upgrade voucher, are applicable on redemption stays.
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