Fast Track To IHG Platinum status

IHG has recently announced a new promotion to fast track to IHG Platinum status after just 5 nights or IHG Gold status after two nights. Whilst this at face value seems very generous, remember that most of the ‘good’ benefits aren’t guaranteed. That means when it comes down to key benefits such as Room Upgrades & Extended Check-Out it’s pot luck if you get them or not! That being said if you have some upcoming IHG stays you may find the fast track useful…

How does the fast track work?

You can register at any point until 31st August 2021 for the promotion. Once registered you have 90 days to hit the targets below…

You will get IHG Gold Status until December 2022 when you stay 2 nights

You will get IHG Platinum Status until December 2022 when you stay 5 nights

As your 90 days start when you register there is little point registering now when all hotels are closed! Register just before a stay or as close to the 31st August as you can to give you the best chance of hitting your target! Stays booked before registration count towards your target but reward nights do not.

You can view full details on IHG’s website here – https://www.ihg.com/content/gb/en/deals/b2b/fasttracktoplatinum?promoCode=36851

Is IHG Platinum Status or IHG Gold Status worth having?

The key thing here to note, as we mentioned earlier, is that the best benefits aren’t guaranteed! You are down to the mercy of each hotel. What you will typically get however is a points bonus, 10% for Gold & 50% for Platinum & a Welcome Amenity. Although the Welcome Amenity isn’t officially defined in the T&Cs typically in Europe you will be typically offered points or a drink/snack. Our advice is to take the drink/snack because you normally end up with the points anyway! Even if you don’t the value exceeds that of the points you are offered.

Perhaps the biggest difference between Gold & Platinum is that with Platinum you are eligible for a room upgrade but it’s not guaranteed.

You can read about the benefits IHG Platinum Status and IHG Gold Status have here – https://www.ihg.com/rewardsclub/content/gb/en/enjoy-rewards

Conclusion

Whilst it wouldn’t be worth your while going out your way to achieving IHG status due to the lack of guaranteed benefits, if you have some hotel stays coming up where an IHG hotel is suitable you may consider registering. You may find the elite status tips the balance of where to stay. Particularly if there is an IHG hotel but not any others that you hold status with.