Get VIP Treatment with Interсontinental Ambassador: Key Benefits and Details to Know
PointsCrowd is a community-supported platform. When you apply for a credit card, make an order, or otherwise interact with the advertisers through the links on this page we may earn an affiliate commission. This helps us maintain and develop the platform further at no cost to you.
If you frequently stay at InterContinental Hotels or other luxury IHG properties, the InterContinental Ambassador program may be your shortcut to consistent upgrades, late check-out, and elite-style benefits without needing to rack up dozens of nights. But what exactly does the program offer, how much does it cost, and when is it worth joining? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the IHG Ambassador program?
First, let’s talk about how the Intercontinental Ambassador program relates to the IHG Rewards One program.
IHG One Rewards members have the unique opportunity to elevate their travel experiences by purchasing an InterContinental Ambassador membership. This membership not only enriches your stays at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts but also integrates with your existing IHG One Rewards status, offering a comprehensive range of benefits.
Purchasing Interсontinental Ambassador Membership
As an IHG One Rewards member, you can purchase InterContinental Ambassador membership to enjoy enhanced recognition and benefits at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.
The fee for a 12-month membership is $225 (the last price change was on October 2, 2024). IHG One Rewards members can also purchase a membership for 45,000 points.
Automatic Enrollment for New Members
If you’re not already an IHG One Rewards member, purchasing the InterContinental Ambassador membership automatically enrolls you in IHG One Rewards.
Membership
It is available to anyone, and you do not need elite status to join. Once enrolled, you receive automatic Platinum Elite status with IHG One Rewards (unless you’re already Diamond).
Earning Higher Tiers
As a member of the InterContinental Ambassador program, you may also receive an invitation to become a member of the Royal Ambassador program, more on that later.
How to join the Intercontinental Ambassadors membership
So, how can you become a member of the Intercontinental Ambassador program? The membership is available to individuals aged 18 years and above, and there is a cost associated with the membership. The fee for 12 months of membership is USD225 or 45,000 IHG points. To become a member, you can visit the IHG website and sign up for the program here or by calling the Ambassador Service Centre at:
US & Canada: 1 888 211 7996
UK: 01950 499034
Rest of World: +44 1950 499034
You can also join at any InterContinental Hotels & Resorts location.
Renewal Process
Members can renew their InterContinental Ambassador membership 92 days before expiration. The renewal requires a fee of USD 225 or 45,000 IHG One Rewards points.
IHG Ambassador Benefits
Now, let’s dive into the benefits of the IHG Ambassador program.
IHG Ambassador benefits include:
- Guaranteed one-category room upgrade
One of the flagship benefits of the IHG Ambassador program is the guaranteed room upgrade. Members are assured of an one-category upgrade to a superior room at the time of booking, subject to availability. This perk embodies the program’s commitment to providing an elevated stay experience, ensuring that members enjoy enhanced comfort and luxury.
Note: it does not include Club access unless you book a Club room.
- Late Check-Out Privilege
Understanding the need for flexibility in travel, the Ambassador program offers a late check-out privilege. This benefit allows members to extend their stay and enjoy their room until 4 PM. This isn’t just extra time; it’s the luxury of leisure, enabling members to savor their final hours without the rush.
- Ambassador complimentary weekend night
The Ambassador program rewards its members with a complimentary weekend night certificate.
When booking a minimum 2-night stay under the special Ambassador Weekend Rate, your second night is free. It can easily offset the membership fee if used well.
- Platinum Elite status in IHG One Rewards, and the corresponding benefits.
This unlocks perks across Kimpton, Regent, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and more. It includes bonus earning, welcome benefits, and late checkout where available.
- Restaurants & bars credit of up to USD20 for every stay*
- Complimentary mineral water
- Complimentary internet
- Dedicated check-in area
Members of the IHG Ambassador program benefit from a dedicated check-in area at participating hotels. This exclusive feature is more than just a convenience; it’s a statement of recognition and respect, ensuring members feel valued from the moment they step into the hotel.
- Priority Waitlist Status
High-demand periods at hotels can often lead to unavailability. However, as an Ambassador member, one enjoys priority waitlist status. This benefit is a testament to the program’s commitment to member satisfaction, striving to accommodate their preferences even during peak times.
- Exclusive Offers and Rewards
The IHG Ambassador program periodically introduces exclusive offers and rewards that transcend typical loyalty program promotions. These offers are curated to align with member preferences, ensuring that each reward feels personal and valuable.
- Single room rate for double occupancy
- Mainland China Only: Complimentary breakfast for one each night you stay
IHG Ambassador Benefits at Six Senses
When staying at participating Six Senses Hotels & Resorts, you will receive:
- Daily breakfast for two (excluding residences)
- One room upgrade, subject to availability
- Late check-out (4:00 p.m.) — not guaranteed, but often available
- Early check-in — subject to availability
- Signature amenities (once per stay): choice of a 50-minute couples massage or a local excursion
- Wellness welcome kit (subject to availability)
- Complimentary internet
- Where benefits are not fully applicable
IHG Ambassador Benefits at Kimpton and Regent hotels:
Ambassador program benefits will not be provided.
At InterContinental Alliance resorts:
InterContinental Alliance resorts is a collection of high-end luxury hotels that are part of IHG, such as The Venetian, The Palazzo, and InterContinental Lisboa.
- Only fruit is provided as a welcome gift in the room
- Cannot use certificate for weekend stays
- Water provided only on day of arrival
- Club/lounge access not available for Royal Ambassador members
- Dining credits and upgrades are limited or not applicable
But what if the “guaranteed benefits” aren’t available?
In this case, you’ll receive a credit depending on which service wasn’t provided. This is a great way to ensure that you’re always getting the best value for your membership.
There are some limitations and exceptions to the Intercontinental Ambassador program, however. For example, the benefits are only available when booking directly with IHG, and they may not be available at all IHG properties.
To avail of the benefits, the member must be present for the entire duration of the booking.
Royal Ambassador
Finally, let’s talk about IHG Royal Ambassador status. This is an invitation-only status that is offered to top-tier Intercontinental Ambassador members.
Royal Ambassador Benefits
Royal Ambassador benefits include:
- Enrollment and Eligibility: Attainment of Royal Ambassador status is by invitation only, typically extended to the most frequent and highest-spending guests.
- Enhanced Room Upgrade: Offers a guaranteed two-category room upgrade, which often includes the best available room or suite.
- Complimentary free night at any IHG hotel (up to 70k points value), except IHG Army and Six Senses hotels.
- Complimentary Minibar: Access to a complimentary minibar in the room, with certain limitations.
- Guaranteed Room Availability: Provides guaranteed room availability with 24-hour notice, subject to terms and conditions.
- Club InterContinental lounge access, where available, and complimentary breakfast for two per night at properties without a Club InterContinental lounge
- Early Check-In: Offers early check-in from 10 AM, subject to availability.
- Diamond Elite status (granting additional benefits at brands like Regent, Six Senses, Kimpton, and Crowne Plaza)
- Kimpton Inner Circle member status. (All Inner Circle benefits apply to stays at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants only.
- Exclusive Offers: Access to exclusive offers and experiences not available to regular Ambassador members.
- Additional Reward Earnings: Higher point earnings for stays, accelerating the accumulation of reward points.
- Special Amenities and Services: Includes premium internet, a welcome gift, and other personalized services.
Kimpton Inner Circle
Granted to select Royal Ambassadors and top Kimpton loyalists, Kimpton Inner Circle offers personalized, boutique-style perks including:
- Complimentary Chef’s Taste or amenity at check-in
- Guaranteed one-category upgrades
- Priority on sold-out nights
- Free night certificate after a set number of stays
- Early check-in / late checkout when available
Inner Circle is also invitation-only and is tightly linked to frequent, high-revenue stays, specifically at Kimpton Hotels.
Intercontinental Ambassador vs Royal Ambassador vs Inner Circle
| Feature | InterContinental Ambassador | Royal Ambassador | Kimpton Inner Circle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to Join | $225 or 45,000 points | Invitation-only | Invitation-only |
| Upgrade Benefit | 1-category at IC hotels | 2-category incl. suites | 1-category at Kimpton |
| Late Check-Out | Guaranteed 4 p.m. | Guaranteed 4 p.m. | When available |
| Early Check-In | Not guaranteed | Guaranteed 10 a.m. | When available |
| Weekend Night Certificate | Yes | Yes | No |
| Restaurant Credit | $20 per stay | Up to $100 (if lounge N/A) | Chef’s Taste welcome gift |
| Club Lounge Access | No | Yes | No |
| IHG Elite Status Granted | Platinum Elite | Diamond Elite | Diamond Elite |
| Welcome Amenities | Bottled water | Snacks + water + minibar | Chef-curated amenity |
| Special Invitation Gift | No | Free night + F&B rewards | Annual free night |
| Brands Where Benefits Apply | InterContinental only | InterContinental + select Six Senses + Kimpton + IHG brands via Diamond Elite | Kimpton only |
Limitations and Exceptions
It is important to know that there are certain exceptions to the programs; see the list below:
- Airline crew, delayed passengers, negotiated long stays, airline/travel/hotel industry rates, complimentary rooms, and employee rates are not eligible for InterContinental Ambassador or Royal Ambassador benefits or invitation.
- Ambassador and Royal Ambassador guaranteed benefits are suspended during special events periods, including:
- New Year’s Eve (December 31) – Global
- Chinese New Year (first 10 days of the lunar year) – Greater China
- Ramadan (entire month) – Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Hajj (20th of Dhu al-Qidah to 20th of Dhu al-Hijjah) – Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Guaranteed suite upgrades are not available at InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping until early 2025.
- No benefits apply at IHG Residence properties.
- At InterContinental Hotels in French Polynesia (Le Moana Bora Bora, Bora Bora Thalasso, Resort Tahiti), upgrades and 4 p.m. late checkout are not guaranteed for bookings made via third-party websites or tour operators.
- Benefits don’t apply to bookings via third-party sites.
- Ambassador upgrade doesn’t guarantee Club lounge access.
- Weekend Night must be booked via the Ambassador rate, and only one certificate can be active at a time.
What is the difference between an Ambassador and a Royal Ambassador?
- Eligibility: Ambassador is open to all for a fee, while Royal Ambassador is by invitation.
- Room Upgrades: Royal Ambassadors receive more significant upgrades.
- Additional Perks: Royal Ambassadors enjoy more luxurious perks like a complimentary minibar, guaranteed availability, Club InterContinental lounge access, and early check-in.
- Exclusivity: Royal Ambassador status offers more exclusive and personalized services, reflecting its status as a more elite tier.
In essence, while both tiers offer enhanced experiences, the Royal Ambassador status is designed for the most elite and frequent travelers, providing a more bespoke and luxurious experience compared to the standard Ambassador program.
How to get Royal Ambassador IHG?
Becoming a Royal Ambassador with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) involves a combination of frequent stays, high spending, and by invitation only. Here's a breakdown of how you might achieve this prestigious status:
-
Frequent and High-Spending Guest: Royal Ambassador status is typically offered to the most frequent and highest-spending guests at IHG hotels, particularly at InterContinental properties. While exact spending requirements aren't publicly disclosed, it generally involves significant expenditure and frequent stays.
-
InterContinental Ambassador Membership: To be considered for Royal Ambassador status, you first need to be an InterContinental Ambassador. You can purchase this membership, which then puts you on the radar for potential upgrade to Royal Ambassador.
-
High Usage of IHG Services: Utilize various services offered by IHG hotels during your stays. This includes dining at hotel restaurants, using hotel spas, and other chargeable services. The more revenue you generate for the hotel, the more likely you are to be noticed.
-
Exclusive Invitation: Royal Ambassador status is granted by invitation only. IHG reviews the profiles of its top-tier guests and extends invitations based on their internal criteria, which, as mentioned, are not publicly disclosed.
-
Maintain Your Status: Once you achieve Royal Ambassador status, maintain it by continuing your frequent stays and high spending at IHG properties. Remember, this status is reviewed annually, so consistent patronage is key to retaining it.
-
Network and Personalized Service: Build relationships with hotel staff and management during your stays. Personalized service and a good rapport with hotel teams can sometimes influence your consideration for the Royal Ambassador status.
-
IHG One Rewards Engagement: Be actively engaged with IHG One Rewards program. This includes not just staying at hotels, but also participating in promotions, using IHG credit cards if available, and demonstrating loyalty to the IHG brand.
-
Feedback and Reviews: Provide constructive feedback and reviews of your stays. Being engaged and providing valuable feedback can sometimes aid in being recognized for higher-tier status.
-
Patience and Consistency: Achieving Royal Ambassador status is a long-term commitment and requires consistent patronage of IHG hotels. Patience and a continued focus on staying and spending within the IHG network are crucial.
Remember, because the exact criteria for Royal Ambassador status are not publicly shared by IHG, these steps are guidelines based on common trends observed among those who have attained this level. The invitation to Royal Ambassador status ultimately depends on IHG's internal review and selection process.
How to Join or Renew Intercontinental Ambassadors
-
Join via ihg.com/ambassador
-
Cost: $225 or 45,000 points
-
Valid for 12 months from date of purchase
-
You can renew starting 92 days before expiration
Conclusion: Is It Worth the $225 Fee?
It depends on your travel plans. A single well-used Weekend Night certificate in a luxury city (e.g. Paris, Tokyo, NYC) can save $300–500 or more.
The guaranteed late checkout and upgrades also add comfort and convenience, especially for business travelers.
| It’s Worth It | It’s Not Worth It |
| You plan at least 1-2 InterContinental stays per year. You can use the Weekend Night for a high-rate hotel. You want Platinum Elite status perks across IHGю | You mainly stay at Holiday Inns or lower-tier brands. You don’t travel enough to use the weekend certificate. You prefer booking through third parties (benefits require direct booking). |
