Reader Wayne reports receiving an interesting postcard in the mail from IHG. The postcard indicates that as an IHG credit card holder and therefore IHG Platinum member, he is entitled to lounge access “where available”. Our first reaction on this is that it must be a mistake — lounge access is not a listed benefit even for top-tier Spire elite members on the IHG website. However, the card is not ambiguous and Wayne is not the only person to have received it. See this Flyertalk thread for more discussion.
While I would be very surprised if this turns out to be correct, I would not be totally shocked. Last fall, I stayed at the Intercontinental New York Barclay. At check in, I was told that I had an automatic 4pm late checkout due to my status (without having asked for anything). My key was automatically coded for it. At the time, I assumed this was property-specific, but I think IHG has long been behind in elite benefits and in need of an overhaul. Again, this seems like a mistake, but I am cautiously optimistic that there could be changes ahead. While you can get breakfast and/or lounge access at Hilton, Marriott, and Sheraton hotels just by holding the right credit card, IHG has long been lacking a breakfast benefit for any tier. Could this be it?
Have you received the post card? Anyone tried to use it yet?
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Got the card and was surprised but I don’t expect to get lounge access just by having IHG CC.
Will test CP in Seattle in May.
I am a Spire Ambassador and have only been given access at one such hotel. It was CP in Monterrey, Mexico. The lounge was disappointing and my key only worked for 1 day of 3. I never received a card that was mentioned.
[…] Lounge access for IHG Platinums? by Frequent Miler. A comment from Gary Leff of View From The Wing states that this was sent out in error and he has an official comment from IHG stating as much. Fingers crossed for some type of compensation for the mistake. […]
At the Crowne Plaza in Singapore/Changi, Platinum did not mean anything. No lounge, no upgrade. I politely asked and mentioned that I had received access at prior hotels but they did not budge.
I was in manila crown plaza in January and they did gave me free lounge access for being platinum
Hi all! I am Platinum Ambassador member qnd was given lounge access at IHG Abu Dhabi during the last 2 trips I had this last February.
After getting the IHG MasterCard, I’ve stayed three or four paid stays a year at IHG hotels, so my Platinum status is due to the card. A few years ago, I was at Crowne Plaza LAX and was given vouchers for free coffee (drinks) and free breakfast in the restaurant. Similarly, last year at the Crowne Plaza London-The City, they coded my hotel cards for free access to the lounge, and I was staying on points. The Crowne Plaza London-The City had a hip, sophisticated lobby bar, and I would recommend it as a great choice for London. I’ve also had good experiences at the Crowne Plazas in Brugge and Lyon, and perceive the Crowne Plazas to be generous with IHG Platinum members.
I am a Royal Ambassador Member and I just received my benefit letter and Club access at the Intercontinental hotels have been added, which they were not last year.
So what does that mean for us who received mailer?
We should all ask for 5,000 miles for our trouble. 🙂
The mailer is a mistake I have official comment on that from IHG
Damn… Knew it was too good to be true.
I received the mailer. I’m a lowly Platinum but my Wife who is a Spire Ambassador did not received the mailer. We stay @ the Intercontinental Presidente Cancun @ least 3 times per year. We always get lounge which offers breakfast & enough food in the evening to be considered dinner. We also get unlimited free drinks between 6 – 8pm and the liquor is top shelf. Just returned from there on 2/26/17. We always book the 50% off point stays in May/June & September. The Wife gets a double upgrade for Spire & Ambassador. Wonder if she will get the mailer?
I also got that card that stated the lounge benefits. I just assumed it was a mistake. I only got complimentary access to the lounge once with more than 15 award stays with my platinum status.
I am platinum and have stayed at 3 properties in the last month – the only one to give me lounge access was a CP. I know that at least one other property had a lounge but didnt give me access (even after asking)
oh, and anecdotally, I “manage” 3 IHG CC accounts, and all three got that card that lists the benefits including lounge access.
I’m an IHG CC Plat and also Intercontinental Plat Amb, for reference.
I’ve had a few places with free lounge benefit, but very few (AMS CP and MIA Doral IC come to mind). We’ve been charged an upcharge for lounge access at SIN IC, SIN CP, SYD IC, AKL CP, BUD IC. Some were very ($50-100+) pricey. Better luck at US HIs with free restaurant breakfast.
This would be a great change, but boy will it pack the lounges. Who wouldn’t pay $49/yr for not only a free night, but unlimited lounge access….