Early February, I wrote (access here) about changes that IHG Rewards Club was implementing to the “Surprise & Delight” welcome amenity program.
Gold, Platinum and Spire Elite members can choose between drink of their (sometimes limited) choice OR bonus points. Both the drink and the number of points given are dependent of one’s status with IHG.
You can access IHG Rewards Club here.
READ MORE: IHG Rewards Club Rate & Bonus Points And Miles Promotions
This was the first time I saw the updated drink voucher when checking in to the InterContinental Asiana hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Here’s the new design:
Previously, there was no distinction what beverage member would get (at least I am not aware of that there would have been).
Old design:
Here’s the response last month from the IHG Rewards Club spokesperson:
In which regions is Surprise & Delight is now valid?
IHG® Rewards Club Elite members are offered a choice of Welcome Amenity upon check-in to thank them and recognize their loyalty. The enhanced Welcome Amenity offers will take effect on February 1, 2017, in the U.S., Canada, AMEA and Europe regions. An enhanced Welcome Amenity will launch in Mexico, the Caribbean and Greater China at a later date.
The F&B amenity or points per tier: Gold, Platinum & Spire
Elite members are given a choice of points or a food & beverage option upon check-in. The specific Welcome Amenity varies by brand and region.
Wasn’t the points amount also dependent of the IHG brand?
The number of points offered as a Welcome Amenity varies by both brand and status level (i.e., Gold Elite, Platinum Elite and Spire Elite).
Conclusion
Seems that InterContinental Asiana in Saigon has implemented the changes made to the Royal Ambassador and the amenity program by the book. This is the first time that I have seen this updated drink voucher coupon (only one per room regardless number of guests).
Also, the property used to provide BOTH the suite and the club access for Royal Ambassador members. Now it is only two category upgrade with club access. These program changes don’t always work in our favor at all hotels.
I do like the updated coupon. Just weird that the drink choice is dependent of one’s program status.
so no changes for Golds. Maybe Platinums and Spires can have better drink now.
but it’s only one per room – so not so useful if you travel with someone.
So, I almost always take points.
This seems shockingly meager for an elite “gift”
Should be double/triple/quadruple in the number of points awards to be frank.
Was only offered the free drink last month at the CP Beijing Wangfujing, no mention of points. Having stayed there in the past I always received a drink voucher. As noted above, China has not yet joined the new regime. Though I did receive the old 500 bonus points even on an award stay at the HIX in Cape Town (and at the HI JNB on a revenue stay) in January.
For anyone doing a first tourist visit to Beijing or Cape Town these two properties are ideally situated to the main attractions of their respective cities and a bargain at 15K a night. Well maintained properties within their respective brands.
not at Prague, or Vienna Intercon properties in March.
Hi, I was @ the IC Prague between 11th-13th. We were both offered a drink each.
Last week at the InterContinental Bangkok, I was offered a choice of drinks voucher or points. I took the bonus points.
Just got back from a week at Intercon São Paulo. Nothing.
Not at InterContinental New York Times Square in March
Intercon park lane – offered points or drink. New voucher as shown. Odd the difference in drinks according to status.
This is the first time that I seen chain differentiating on the adult beverage type based on the status.
I agree and very odd. Not really a big deal for the hotel and a nice benefit for the member.
Last two stays as base member at HIX Dubai I got a voucher (soft drinks and beer). Chose the beer (30 cl Budweiser, usually charged at 40 AED there, that’s $12!!).
Next stay as gold elite got the voucher (apparently unlimited) AND 300 points.
Aah … this is from 2017. Old news.
I don’t mind the discrimination by status … at least Spire is worth something.
However in practice the Spire choice seems to vary. At some ICs I’ve been able to get top shelf whiskies. In others it has to be a cocktail, not “neat” (so I’ll ask for a Scotch and Soda, but where I pour my own soda).
In others, it’s capped at some dollar amount ($20 at IC Barclay).