The InterContinental Ambassador program is a paid membership that promises to elevate your stays at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. With a cost of $225 or 45,000 IHG points per year, it’s natural to wonder if the benefits justify the price. This guide breaks down what the program offers, how it works, and whether it’s a good fit for your travel habits.
What is the InterContinental Ambassador Program?
Before we dive into the details, let’s clarify what the InterContinental Ambassador program actually is. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is one of the premium brands under the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), which also includes well-known names like Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Kimpton. While IHG has its own loyalty program—IHG One Rewards—that covers all its brands, the Ambassador program is a separate, paid membership specifically designed for guests who frequently stay at InterContinental properties.
Here’s the key distinction:
- IHG One Rewards is free to join and offers status tiers like Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite, earned through stays or spending.
- InterContinental Ambassador costs $225 (or 45,000 IHG points) per year and provides additional perks exclusively at InterContinental hotels, plus automatic IHG Platinum Elite status.
In other words, Ambassador is like a VIP pass for InterContinental stays, but it also gives you mid-tier status across all IHG brands. It’s designed for travelers who want consistent perks at InterContinental hotels without needing to rack up dozens of stays to earn them.
How to Enroll in InterContinental Ambassador
Enrolling is straightforward. You can sign up online through the IHG website, by calling the Ambassador Service Centre[1], or visit the front desk at any InterContinental property. The membership lasts 12 months, and it doesn’t have to line up with the calendar year—you pick when it starts. You can renew it yearly for the same price. If you’re an IHG One Rewards member, you also have the option to redeem 45,000 points instead of paying cash.
Benefits of InterContinental Ambassador
The real question is: what do you get for that $225? Let’s break down the benefits, which vary depending on where you stay.
At InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
- Complimentary Weekend Night: This is the crown jewel of the program. When you join or renew, you get a certificate for a free night on the second night of a paid weekend stay (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in most regions). It’s valid at InterContinental properties worldwide and works for rooms that could easily cost way more than $225. Check out this post for a deeper dive into this awesome perk.
- Guaranteed One-Category Room Upgrade: Every time you stay at an InterContinental, you’re guaranteed an upgrade to the next room category, though it doesn’t include club intercontinental experience or lounge access. If the hotel can’t deliver, you get a $50 credit or 10,000 IHG points as compensation. (Not available on award stays or free nights.)
- Late Check-Out (4 p.m.): Perfect for leisurely departures or late flights. If the hotel can’t deliver, you get a $50 credit or 10,000 IHG points as compensation.
- $20 Dining Credit Per Stay: This can be used at the hotel’s restaurants, bars, or even the minibar (excluding in-room dining).
- Automatic IHG Platinum Elite Status: This extends benefits like room upgrades and late check-out to other IHG brands.
- Complimentary mineral water.
- Complimentary internet.
- Dedicated check-in area.
- Single room rate for double occupancy.
- Mainland China Only: Complimentary breakfast for one each night you stay.
At Participating Six Senses Properties
Six Senses is IHG’s ultra-luxury brand, and Ambassador members get some enviable perks here too (Not all Six Senses locations participate, so check before booking):
- Complimentary Breakfast for Two: Enjoy a daily breakfast in the main restaurant.
- Signature Amenity: Choose between a 50-minute spa massage for two or a local experience (once per stay).
- Complimentary one category room upgrade (Subject to Availability).
- Early check-in (10 a.m., Subject to Availability).
- Late Check-Out (4 p.m., Subject to Availability).
At Other IHG Brands
While the Ambassador program is focused on InterContinental, the automatic IHG Platinum Elite status unlocks benefits at other IHG properties, including:
- Complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability)
- Early Check-In (subject to availability)
- Earn 60% bonus points on stays
- Guaranteed room availability
Exceptions: Ambassador benefits might not apply during New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year (10 days in Greater China), or Ramadan/Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The Cost Breakdown: Cash vs. Points
- Cash Option: $225 per year, recently up from $200 as of October 2024. It’s a straightforward investment, and you can lock it in up to 90 days before your current membership expires to dodge the hike.
- Points Option: 45,000 IHG points. At an average redemption value of 0.5 cents per point, that’s about $225—same as cash. But if you’d get more than 0.5 cents per point redeeming elsewhere (say, at a high-end property), cash is the smarter play.
Paying cash usually makes sense unless you’re swimming in IHG points you can’t otherwise use.
Is the $225 Fee Worth It?
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: does the value of these benefits justify the cost? The answer depends on your travel habits, but for many, the math works out favorably.
The Complimentary Weekend Night Certificate
This is where most members recoup their investment. If you use the certificate at an InterContinental where room rates exceed $225 per night (which is common, especially in major cities or resort destinations), you’ve already covered the membership fee. For example, a weekend stay at the InterContinental New York Barclay could easily cost $300+ per night. By using the certificate, you’d pay for one night and get the second night free, saving you $300—far more than the $225 fee.
However, there are a few caveats:
- You must book a two-night weekend stay using the specific “Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night Rate.”
- Availability can be limited, especially at popular properties.
- The certificate is only valid for 12 months, so you need to plan accordingly.
Room Upgrades and Dining Credits
Beyond the certificate, the guaranteed room upgrades and $20 dining credits can add significant value, especially if you stay at InterContinental hotels multiple times a year. A one-category upgrade might mean a better view, more space, or even a suite, which can enhance your experience and potentially save you money if you were considering paying for an upgrade.
The $20 dining credit per stay isn’t huge, but it’s a nice perk for a meal or drinks. Over several stays, it adds up.
Automatic IHG Platinum Elite Status
If you don’t already have IHG elite status, the automatic Platinum Elite tier is a valuable bonus. It offers perks like room upgrades and late check-out at all IHG brands, not just InterContinental. However, if you already hold Platinum status (perhaps through the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card), this benefit is less impactful.
Speaking of which, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers Platinum Elite status for a $99 annual fee, plus an annual free night certificate. If you primarily stay at non-InterContinental IHG properties, the credit card might be a better value. But if you’re a frequent InterContinental guest, the Ambassador program’s additional perks make it worthwhile.
Six Senses Perks
For luxury travelers, the benefits at Six Senses properties can be a game-changer. A complimentary 50-minute spa massage for two or a local experience can easily be worth hundreds of dollars, making the membership fee seem like a steal if you have a Six Senses stay planned.
The certificate is the heavy hitter here. If you can use it at a hotel with rates above $225, the membership often pays for itself. The other perks—like upgrades and late checkout—sweeten the deal, especially if you value comfort and flexibility. But if you rarely stay at InterContinental hotels or don’t travel on weekends, the math might not work.
How to Maximize Your InterContinental Ambassador Membership
If you decide to join, here are some tips to get the most out of your membership:
- Plan Your Weekend Stay Wisely: Use the complimentary weekend night certificate at a high-end InterContinental where room rates are steep. Check availability at intercontinental.com/ambweekend before joining—some hotels limit certificate bookings.
- Book Early: Availability for the certificate can be limited, so book your weekend stay as soon as you know your travel dates.
- Combine with IHG Promotions: Keep an eye out for IHG One Rewards promotions that offer bonus points or discounts, and stack them with your Ambassador benefits.
- Leverage Your Platinum Elite Status: Even when staying at non-InterContinental IHG hotels, remember to enjoy your Platinum perks like potential upgrades and bonus points.
How It Stacks Up to Other Programs
Most hotel loyalty programs—like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors—require you to earn status through stays or spending. Ambassador is different: you pay upfront for guaranteed perks at InterContinental hotels. It’s ideal if you love this brand but don’t stay often enough to earn elite status naturally.
Compared to free programs, it’s a trade-off. IHG One Rewards offers Platinum or Diamond status through stays or points, with benefits across all IHG brands. Ambassador, though, locks in specific InterContinental perks no matter how often you travel. If you’re already a high-tier IHG member, it might not add much unless you’re an InterContinental regular.
Who Should Join—and Who Should Skip?
Join If:
- You stay at InterContinental hotels at least once or twice a year.
- You can use the weekend certificate at a property with rates over $225.
- You value guaranteed upgrades and late checkout for a more comfortable stay.
- You book one stay at a Six Senses and enjoy the massage perk to offset the cost—think Maldives or Thailand for unbeatable luxury.
Skip If:
- You mostly stay at other IHG brands (like Holiday Inn or Crowne Plaza).
- Weekend travel isn’t your thing, limiting the certificate’s use.
- You’re already earning top-tier IHG status through stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The InterContinental Ambassador program shines for travelers who enjoy InterContinental hotels and can use the weekend night certificate at least once a year. At $200, it’s a low-risk investment that often pays off with one well-planned stay—especially when you factor in upgrades, dining credits, and late checkout. For me, it’s been a no-brainer, turning routine trips into something a little more special.
If that sounds like your kind of travel, it’s worth a shot. Just plan ahead to make sure you’re getting the full value.
- Ambassador Service Centre:
US & Canada: 1 888 211 7996
UK: 01950 499034
Rest of World: +44 1950 499034 ↩︎