Back: InterContinental Ambassador 10,000 bonus points offer for joining or renewal

This morning I spotted someone sharing a leaked offer for the InterContinental Ambassador programme on Xiaohongshu. Now, a reader has already received the promotional email confirming that it is genuine, so let’s get the word out! Many thanks to reader @口亨口亨 for sharing this.

• Promotion period: 18 October to 31 December
• Open to both new members and renewals
• Complete two paid stays afterwards to earn 10,000 bonus points

The important thing to note is that both the Ambassador enrolment / renewal and the hotel stays must be completed before the end of the year.

If you are renewing, there are two options: $225 or 45,000 points. If you choose the $225 option, you pay the renewal fee and also receive the standard 15,000-point bonus.

If I have understood the terms correctly, the two paid nights do not necessarily have to be at InterContinental hotels — stays at other IHG brands should also count towards the promotion.

We have covered the InterContinental Ambassador programme before, and the benefits are actually pretty decent. The main perks include:

• A BOGO weekend-night certificate offering a complimentary second night
• A guaranteed room upgrade
• Guaranteed 4pm late check-out
• One complimentary breakfast for two at InterContinental hotels in mainland China, or a $20 dining credit elsewhere

The BOGO certificate alone can easily cover the membership fee if you use it wisely. The only downside is that the benefits only apply at InterContinental hotels. There was a period when Regent and Kimpton hotels also participated, which was particularly lucrative.

InterContinental Ambassador promotions are fairly rare, and it has been a long time since we last saw an offer like this. If you are interested in the programme, this one is definitely worth considering.

One little trick: if you already have a stay coming up, you could consider joining or renewing at the hotel. Not only can the membership fee potentially be charged to your room and therefore qualify for IHG points and credit-card promotions, but hotel sales teams often have their own targets and may throw in an extra upgrade or a small welcome gift as well. Worth a try!