Get IHG Platinum Elite Status For FREE + Status Challenge To Keep

IHG One Rewards has launched a generous status challenge to celebrate the launch of its new loyalty program. If you have any upcoming stays in an IHG hotel (Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, HI Express, InterContinental, Hotel Indigo, etc) over the next 4 months make sure you sign-up for the status challenge. Why? Without needing status in another program you will get IHG Platinum Elite status for 120 days…

What benefits does IHG Platinum Elite Status have?

You can view the benefits of IHG Platinum Elite Status in the picture below…

The ones that are of potential interest are…

Early Check-in

Whilst it’s subject to availability the ability to be able to check-in early if you have an early flight or an early finish is a welcome benefit.

Late Check-out

Whilst this is offered to all members (and subject to availability) you would assume that Platinum/Diamond Elite members have priority over members at a lower status level.

Welcome Amenity at Check-in

Gold members no longer receive this as a benefit. If you were previously a gold member taking the status challenge is an easy way of keeping your 600 points or a drink and a KitKat per stay.

Complimentary Upgrades

Whilst subject to availability IHG has made a point of improving its upgrade policy. Now an upgrade may include select suites.

You can read our overview of the new IHG One loyalty scheme here – https://pointsuncovered.com/ihg/the-new-improved-ihg-one-rewards-program-is-here/

How do I sign-up for the IHG Platinum Elite Status Challenge?

1. Register on the IHG website here. (you obviously need to register for an IHG account if you don’t have one already.) You are required to be a member of another majority hotel loyalty scheme to take part. Status isn’t required so you could just set up a free account with Marriott or Hilton before registering for example.
   
2. Typically with 24 hours (it was pretty much instant for us), you will be upgraded to IHG Platinum Elite Status. This will last for 120 days.
   
3. If you complete 5 PAID NIGHTS within those 120 days you will keep your Platinum Status until 31st December 2023.
   
4. If you complete 15 PAID NIGHTS within those 120 days your Platinum Status will be upgraded to Diamond Elite Status until 31st December 2023.

You have until 31st July 2022 to register for this offer. You can read more details/sign-up on the IHG website here – https://www.ihg.com/content/us/en/deals/member-offers/statuschallenge

Conclusion

If you have any IHG stays coming up over the next 120 days you should sign up for this offer. Even if you aren’t intending to complete the nights to extend your status you will get Platinum Elite benefits on your stays during this period. If you are able to divert 15 nights to IHG in this period you may also be swayed by the free breakfast that Diamond Elite offers. Don’t forget you may also be able to utilise the Platinum/Diamond Elite status to do a status match with another hotel loyalty scheme too…