Royal Ambassador

Last updated: August 19th, 2009 Leave a comment Go to comments

What is it?

  • It’s the  über elite program for Intercontinental branded hotels and resorts. Access By invitation only – although the invitation rules are fairly well known and listed below. You can look forward to a life decent upgrades and an all you can drink complimentary mini-bar!

How do I get it?

  • Technically it’s invite only – but you can either earn it or blag it!

Earn it:

(Note the published requirement is to be in the top 1% of customers and be an Ambassad0r. What follows are the unwritten rules)

  • Join as an Ambassador and pay the current fee (US$150)
  • Stay 5060-70* nights in any hotels within the Group
  • With a minimum of 3 nights in 3 different Intercontinental hotels within your Ambassador Year
  • You should then be upgraded to Royal Ambassador (sometime a prompting phone call helps)

* Updated summer 2009

Blag it:

  • Every Royal Ambassador that qualified the hard way has a referral voucher to invite someone else into the scheme
  • They sell on ebay for US$500-US$900 – ouch..

What do I get if I make it?

  • Everything an Ambassador gets and..
  • A new membership card / luggage tags
  • Instant Platinum Status
  • If you earn it (instead of blaging it) you will also receive a referral voucher

And when I stay (officially Paid Stays only)?

  • As above – Everything an Ambassador gets and..
  • 1,000 extra points on every stay (So 4,000 in total)
  • Guaranteed room upgrade at time of check-in to an Executive or Suite room (which in practice leads to a two level upgrade on what you book)
  • Welcome gift (such as chocolates or biscuits)
  • Guaranteed room availability for one room with 24-hour advance reservation (although they may offer you the presidential suite at silly prices)
  • Depending on the hotel – extra perks such as club lounge access or improved upgrades
  • 8am Check-in
  1. admin
    October 2nd, 2011 at 07:39 | #1

    @Rgeene
    Ebay! But I’ve heard of experiences of “lost post”…

    @malte53
    If you send a voucher now, your new status will only last until Dec11. Renew your status, and then send your voucher.

    @tdmobile
    I’ve heard that you need at least 3 different IC’s – and then ~60 nights anywhere in the group. Are your IC’s different or the same?

  2. Shawn
    November 10th, 2011 at 23:16 | #2

    A question: I am a newly minted RA member. Should I book the lowest possible room at the lowest possible rate in order to take greatest advantage of the program? So even if I book a room with a twin bed, will I end up with a room with a king bed, for example?

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