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Apparently someone has pointed out to IHG that it needs to up its game because, all of a sudden, the InterContinental Ambassador program is looking a lot more interesting than it has for a while. First, we get the news that the InterContinetal Ambassador free night benefit can be used at Kimpton properties (and midweek) and now we’re seeing the program expanded (albeit on a trial basis) to select Regent properties too.
IC Ambassador Benefits At Regent Properties
LoyaltyLobby appears to have been the first to break the news that InterContinental Ambassador members will be able to use their benefits at select Regent properties worldwide and that, like with Kimpton properties, the annual free night will be useable at Regent properties during the week as well as on weekends. Confirmation of this can already be seen on some InterContinental Ambassador information pages (the US page is awaiting update at the time of writing)…
…and a statement from IHG given to Loyalty Lobby reads:
InterContinental Ambassador is pleased to announce that from 30th July 2020, Ambassador will be extended to Regent Hotels & Resorts on a trial basis until 31 December 2021, excluding Greater China. The Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night was recently extended to Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and as of 30 July 2020 will be further expanded to include Regent Hotels & Resorts valid any day, excluding Greater China. IHG® Rewards Club and InterContinental Ambassador information pages are currently being updated to reflect these changes along with member communication.
This is good news for fans of the former InterContinental Hong Kong which, following the current renovations, will be reopening as a Regent property.
Here’s the list of open and upcoming Regent properties outside of mainland China:
- Bali (expected 2021)*
- Berlin
- Hong Kong (expected 2022)*
- Jakarta (expected 2021)*
- Kuala Lumpur (expected 2023)*
- Phu Quoc (expected 2020)*
- Porto Montenegro
- Singapore
- Taipei
*Expected opening dates may slip due to the disruption caused by Covid-19
As things stand, there are only four Regent properties open outside of mainland China but, current pandemic notwithstanding, the Phu Quoc property should open this year, a further two properties should be added next year and, as long as this trial gets extended (I see no reason it shouldn’t), InterContinental Ambassador members will have at least nine Regent properties to enjoy by 2023…and there’s even a chance that we’ll see yet more Regent properties added before then if IHG chooses to reflag some existing properties to boost the brand (as has been rumored).
Get A Free Night Certificate With New Ambassador Membership Or Renewal
BaldThoughts has reported that IHG is about to launch a new promotion with the aim of getting more Ambassador members to renew their memberships and with the aim of persuading more people to join the program.
Between 30 July and 15 November 2020, travelers joining the InterContinental Ambassador program or travelers renewing their membership will be offered a free night certificate (for properties costing up to 40,000 points/night) when they also make a paid qualifying stay at an InterContinental, Kimpton, or Regent property by 31 January 2021. The free night will be valid for stays through 30 April 2021.
The InterContinental Ambassador program costs $200/40,000 points to join/renew and members can renew their membership up to 60 days before the membership is set to expire (or though to the end of the month in which the membership expires) – if your Ambassador membership expires on or before 14 January 2021 you should be able to make the most of this promotion.
My membership expires in November but, if the information we’re getting right now is correct (we’ll find out in a few days), I’ll probably renew my membership as soon as I possibly can (i.e as soon as I’m within the 60-day window) to give me as much time as possible to earn and burn the free night. The one thing that’s giving me pause for thought is the restriction that says the free night can only be earned with a qualifying paid stay at an InterContinental, Kimpton, or Regent property.
All three of these brands usually charge a hefty premium for their hotel rooms so unless I have a legitimate reason to book a stay at one of those brands (something other than the fact that it will earn me a free night certificate), paying the going room rate just to earn a 40,000 point free night certificate (that expires in April 2021) may not be very sensible. If the current crisis is still in full flow come the end of the year (I suspect it will be), room rates may well be suppressed enough to make a stay worthwhile…but I’ll have to wait and see.
Bottom Line
From 30 July 2020 InterContinental Ambassador members will be able to enjoy their benefits at Regent properties outside of mainland China and anyone joining the program (or renewing their membership) will have the chance to earn a free night certificate valid at properties charging up 40,000 points/night.
Click for more information on the InterContinental Ambassador program
Currently, successful new applicants for the 
