There are a bunch of rates that are non qualifying. You still get credit for the night counting towards status if you stay at a non qualifying rate but you may not get points. Generally, a non qualifying rate is 30% or more below the published unrestricted rate that the hotel has. The hotel can still award points if they choose to.

i second that

i have never had a NQS that added to my stayed nights tally.

It is certainly not my experience that all rates on the IHG site all qualify. Indeed, I have had a "Best Flexible Rate" stay, booked on the IHG site, rejected as being deeply discounted.

It is an area that should be more transparent than it is at the present. It seems somewhat random at the moment.

Agree with you that Best Flex qualifies for both points and nights toward elite status. I did call the Pc hotline in reference to Marky's comment and I stand corrected.......stays at non qualifying rates do qualify towards elite status. I can understand when we stay at a deeply discounted rate that we don't get points but the stay should count towards elite status. If the hotel is making available a deeply discounted rate or like me, with a company that has deep discounts, the least they can do is let my stay count toward elite status. Our rates at certain hotels qualify but at other hotels may not. I would assume IHG wants my business either way and would prefer, despite the discounted rate, that I stay at their brands as opposed to other brands where I can get some benefit. My stay, no matter what rate, should at a minimum count towards elite status.

I guess the online travel agent is the one we need to avoid. My experience is the biggest online travel agent Ctrip rates are all non Qualfying rates. Personal guess is that hotel paid comission for the stay that booked through those agent and that's why they won't pay extra "points" to us.

After having had a discussion with PC about this before they claim it is based on being more than 30% of the rack rate, which is not always the same as the best flex rate. It is also not something that is stated in the T&C's, despite agents citing the T&C's when the reject a claim.

Personally, I would prefer if they could write the rules more clearly, and have a better indication on the website as to eligibilty.

As I have stated before, I have had a Best-Flex stay rejected by PC based on it being a deeply discounted rate. If that is possible, then Best-Flex is not what they are calculating the discount from.

The Best Flexible Rate is on all Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express websites and is also quoted by the reservation agents. My understanding is that it is the base unrestricted rate that a hotel will sell. There are other rates that are usually cheaper but carry restrictions such as penalties for cancellation or non refundability.

I guess for most of us including myself, reviewing the terms and conditions of a reward program can be tedious and confusing. I present "My Translations", to include a tone of humor & sarcasm written in parenthesis:

A "Stay" is defined as one night or consecutive nights at the same hotel, regardless of frequency of check-in/check-out. A "Stay" is QUALIFIED when paying Qualifying Room Rates, which include most business and leisure rates.   (Translation: when you make a reservation, 99% of the time your stay will be deemed QUALIFIED)

Eligible Charges Worldwide include the following Qualifying Room Rates paid for hotel room nights:

• advanced purchase rate,
• best flexible rate,
• standard corporate rate, (Priority Club Meeting)
• worldwide sales negotiated rate,
• national/regional/local government rate,
• specified leisure rates as confirmed by IHG's HOLIDEX^® Plus reservation systems,  
• charges billed to member's room: food, drinks, telephone, laundry, in-room movies.

(Translation: discounted rates DO apply in certain circumstances and corporate rates are often well below the 30% advertised rate so that theory does not always apply!)

Points will be also be awarded for these Qualifying Room Rates:

• booked through IHG central reservation offices,
• IHG web sites,
• travel agents,
• directly at the hotel.

(Translation: No blaming your travel agent at the first sign of no points and DO NOT use sites like Hotwire, Priceline, etc to book your room if earning points is important to you!) However, one may be able to negotiate points for a particular stay.

These areas have additional Terms and Conditions :

North, South and Central America, and Caribbean

• Points may be collected on locally negotiated rates if these rates are discounted less than 30%.

Asia Pacific

• Qualifying Room Rates also include all locally negotiated rates.

Points Are NOT Issued for Stays at the Following Reduced Room Rates:

• net wholesale individual and group rate
• certain package rates
• friends and family rate
• employee discount rate
• crew rate
• seasonal worker rate
• 50% travel club discount rate
• industry discount rate
• distressed passenger rate
• Priority Club Reward Nights Hotel Rate
• most rates booked through most third party web sites
• complimentary hotel stays
• charges not billed to your room
• gift shop purchases
• or any other rates not defined as a Qualifying Room Rate

Important Facts to Remember:

• Hotels may choose to award points for other charges at their discretion. (Translation: Ask and you may receive; no complaining when you get a "No.")
• No shows are not awarded points even if room is paid in full. (Bummer)
• Technically, to receive points, you have to be the one who checks in.
• Do your homework and remember to record your PCR # on your reservation in any capacity to get it done. (Translation: It's your responsibility to do the first step and record your PCR number on your reservation)
• Final thoughts, it is a privilage to earn points NOT a right or guarantee even if you claim to stay 200 nights a year! (My opinion)

As Ronald said, "One of IHG's Mysteries." Well stated Ronald.

Respectfully,

Amanda Kehoe

Post is currently updated reflecting a change in Terms and Conditions as of January 2010.

Amanda,

Thanks very much for the "extensive" explanation on what qualifying rates are. It shows that PC needs to do their homework and clarify what rates do receive points. I never had any issues with not receiving points for my stays, probably because we always book the best flexible rate. This ensures that I receive the points and also gives me the flexibility to cancel my reservation if necessary. Unfortunately most of the hotels now do allow you only to cancel until one day before the book date.

I hope you were sarcastic when you stated that " ... it is a privilege to earn points ......". I don't see it this way. It's an incentive to stay with a hotel chain and if the stays are not honored with points PC will see their members dwindle and move to other hotel chains. I've stayed at a lot of IHG hotels just because of getting the points and rather would have moved on to better hotels that offered more. But I stayed because of the amount of points I've received.

You make a very good point!

I don't stay a 100+ because thats not what my job requires, but Tom is right with regards to the fact a loyalty program is that, and it does work both ways.

I checked out of an IC yesterday.  Did I choose it for its location - no - i chose it for the fact its part of the chain I use most presently.  The price was higher but tolerable than similar properties in the area.  At the IC level of hotel had the service not been "execptional" the front desk would have know, as at IC level for me thats a given, so lets rule that as a consideration.. bluntly lets say if i choose to look I can find the same facilities at other hotels

All things considered I chose the hotel based on the loyalty scheme.  I don't stay 100+ nights, but I "re-achived" the equivalent of platinum last time in 6 nights at HI level - due to total spend at the hotel - and if IHG want to lose my spend level ......  well let them start to use the word privilege - my bar and restaurant tab for 12-18 people I choose to entertain in the properties blows away the room rate - despite my infrequent stays!

Presently its their money to lose... so far I'd go back, but in the present climate anything is possible...

Marky,

It appears the change in wording is for the better since it definitely does not exclude the 'Advance Purchase Rate.'  Your thoughts?

The 'Advance Purchase Rate' has never been excluded on my end in the past. Thank you for updating the thread! I also updated my post to reflect the changes.

Respectfully,

Amanda Kehoe

Ronald,

How did you book the add on nights? Through the website or directly with the hotel. If you just extended your stay with the hotel, remember ICs only give you xx points per stay. Stay still should add to the qualifying nights.

Other travellers have posted similar issues with IC stays, because the stay wasn't split. Best is normally to check out and then re-check back in.

I beg to differ. But you need to work with the front desk.

True words my friend.

good point Marky!

Its a mystery all right

given various factors relating to what I do and the cost difference, in most cases I never book below "breakfast flex".  Package deals tend to a) be more expensive than best flex (well ok i'm getting a package - so thats more than B&B) but also tend to be the ones I get NQR on more!

A chat to a customer service rep solves it - but please IHG - upfront and honest (and thats pre "your confirmation is") is a better way of doing business.

nuff said?

Ronald,

What is the difference between breakfast flex & regular breakfast bookings besides an additonal ticket for a traveling companion?  I must scan over that option when booking online..

Amanda

Ronald, you are exactly correct on the bed and breakfast package. Often times hotels will price the package less than what it would cost you for breakfast, especially for 2 people, so if you are a breakfast eater this can be a real value. I will say that if you pay retail for breakfast and charge it to your room you will probably end up with more points as you are paying more but that amount is probably not significant. If you are an online booker, hotels often have other value packages in addition to bed and breakfast and pc points. Sometimes you have to search a bit harder and even look on the hotel's private web site, if they have one.

Not necessarily better deals but more offerings. The IHG sites seem to be limited on the different rate packages that can be offered so sometimes, if the hotel has their own individual site they may have some different packages that might include area attractions, staycations, etc. When you click through to book one of those packages it goes to a separate rate code that is set up on the IHG site. Check it out on some of your favorite hotels and see what you come up with. For example, check out www.himspairport.com. Lots of offerings that don't appear on the IHG site. Might not interest everybody but certainly some things to consider.

I might be wrong, but if a hotel is part of IHG I don't think it can show different rates on the internet. This is different when you call the hotel directly and negotiate your room rate. But beware that you might not get points or stays credited.

Rick,

If you check the link that the poster provided you will see that Ronalds statement is correct. These "specials" you normally find under "offers" on the reservation page.

Just to prove how mysterious this all is.

Here's the relevant Terms and Conditions of a recent stay (Winter sale rates in Australia that were advertised back in July):

Fairly clear, unambiguous even, you may have thought.

But you would be wrong.

Here's what PC said when I lodged a discrepancy:

...but in the end they came through with

So I got an exemption to get points for a rate that qualified for points, but was ineligible for credit.

Doesn't get more mysterious than that

I would suggest, if possible, that you get a statement in writing from them that it is a qualifying rate.

In my experience, Priority Club, will by default, apply the rule

to all stays anywhere in the world, regardless of the fact that this rule is specific to particular regions, and to the exclusion of all other rules, and to the exclusion of whatever there own marketing material may have said.

Chris,

$50-60 at an IC??  Wow, that's amazing.

I doubt that it will count as qualifying nights. Pllease let us know either way,

Chris,

Priceline?

Amanda

Chris,

I  wondered about the same thing. I hope a staff member comes up with the answer.  There is nothing in the Widget info that clarifies whenther Widget  rates are qualifying.  I'm glad you asked and  I, too will look for the answer. .

Booking via Widget is a QUALIFYING RATE

may be booked not more than 45 days in advance

the offered discount is only available on the following days

SUN      THU      FRI      and      SAT

For Marlene and others regarding the Priority Club Widget,

Bonus Nights and Bonus Rates:

• Subject to Availability
• Offers are valid Thursday-Sunday Nights
• Offers only valid for 45 days
• Cancellation policy is what the individual hotel sets

Terms and Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Widget

Hope that Helps,

Amanda Kehoe

While booking through the official channels (priorityclub.com and igh.com) increase the chances that you will get your points, they still provide no guarantee that points will be awarded. Any implication that you will always get points booking through the official channels is false and misleading.

I have found a couple of blog posts of other peoples issues, that may be of interest:

The original where a 'best flexible rate' was denied:

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/onemileatatime/2009/03/19/priority-club-playing-po ints-games/

and some analysis against the T&C's

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/viewfromthewing/2009/03/20/priority-clubs-annoying -habit-of-improperly-denying-points-credit-for-stays/

(NB: This was written before the T&C's were changes to specifically stated Best Flexible was an earning rate)

Ronald,

Thanks for confirming. Advance Purchase Rate users should have no issues.

Amanda

Tossing another variation into the mix:  how about those "points + cash" reservations?

My instinct screams NQ!!, but I'd be happy to be proven wrong.

/.

Fairly simple to answer this question. Since you book them as reward nights, they will be none qualifying. With the cash you buy the additional points you need for the reward night.

Actually, for the last couple of years, all my business travelling has to be booked by administration department. They always booked using internet travel booking site and only a few time use travel agent. I sometime specifically asked they to book at Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express or Crowne Plaze, when I know these are the best locations for me. However, I NEVER gotton any points for staying in these hotels. Same goes for Marriott Hotels.

However, for all my business travel for these same period stays at Sheraton, Hyatt and Ramada, I received frequency travel award points for these hotels. So, to be reasonable, I obviously prefer to stay at those that I can get points, given everything else are equal.

This is definitely something that leaves me wondering as well. I do undertstand that with some deeply discounted rates the hotels are not generating much revenue, however....

At all IHG brands except InterContinental Hotels, aren't your points based on your Revenue (room rate, F&B, etc)?

For example at Holiday Inn, we get 10 points per $. How does is hurt IHG to award points on a $50 rate (500 points) vs. a $100 rate (1000 points). I would understand no points at IC since they award a flat 2K per stay, but other brands should award points on all rates.

And TPI bookings are a bit more understanding too. I'm sure IHG pays a 'commission' to these sites for bookings that come through.This in turn makes an already deeply discounted rate bring in less rev. after the hotel (or brand) pays the fee to the site.

Oh well, this definitely leaves something to hope for in the future....

PCMAN,

Thank you for your contributions.  Your hospitality background is an asset to the community. Another IHG team member, orhancoskun recently posted a couple of threads that would benefit from your opinion.

Thanks In Advance,

Amanda Kehoe

Points are rewarded based upon the money spent including food and beverage. You could be in the Presidential Suite but will only be rewarded based on the money you have spent.

It takes a lot to rattle my cage but I'm annoyed that I can't get an answer as to why my stay at one particular holiday Inn on the 6th and 7th February, booked under the 2 nights for 1 promotion, is suddenly a Non Qualifying Rate on my Prioirty Club Account Status.

This is after using the same rate at the same hotel on 24th and 25th January, a Holiday Inn Express on the 9th and 10th January, a different Holiday Inn on the 2nd and 3rd January, a third Holiday Inn on the 7th and 8th November, a fourth Holiday Inn on 19th and 20th September and receiving points for these stays.

One day it will all be simplified as the rules are just SO in a mess.

marky,

Glad to see you don't have any more problems after your complaint was logged with the Priority Privilege Program from IHG.  By the way, thank you for commenting on my blog about the Privilege Program and other blog topics.

Respectfully,

Amanda Kehoe

young707

See  my post about this issue in your original thread.

Paul,

Good to hear!

Amanda

Something I have noticed about peoples experience with non-qualifying rates compared to mine. It seems that people report the stay as initially posting as non-qualifying. My experience is that nothing posts at all, at which time I put in a discrepancy. This will result in a non-qualifying entry appearing, with an email about the deeply discounted excuse (and sometimes a few points are there for incidentals). Then a few emails are exchanged and finally an adjusted stay appears.

The main deviation seems to be that mine simply don't post at all to begin with, while others say it initially posts as non-qualifying.

I have wondered exactly that same question.

pcampisi,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

A few points:

• I agree that it is a fact that third party sites are not usually considered 'Qualified'. And, Platinum members are usually aware of this fact.  But, if a member questions a third party rate as not being 'Qualified' at a later time, a friendly statement reminding the member that this rate does not qualify, is appropriate.  However, as you stated, it is up to an individual hotel, and the members unique situation. In this case, use your best judgement.

• Personally, I don't agree with the fact that .."It reflects bad on all of us when some decide to okay it after the fact and some do not." If other hotels in your area are choosing to make exceptions, and the customer brings this fact up in conversation; Would it not be in the best interest of all, to avoid a disagreement with the guest by politely doing the best you can to please the customer?

• I agree, "Lack of consistency within the brand on pclub program has been a problem for a long time."  This one issue definitely is an area that consistency should be established and enforced, along with many other issues. With regards to 'Qualifying Rates', members are most confused when a 'Qualifying Rate' is booked per the Terms & Conditions, but then points never show up.  Another hot issue: when a frequent visitor to the same hotel has had points issued on a 'Qualifying Rate', but 'out of the blue' the next visit is not a 'Qualifying Rate.'

• You mentioned calling the 800-HOLIDAY to confirm if a rate is 'Qualifying'; Unfortunately, a team member may confirm that it is, but after check-out, the points didn't qualify. 

• As most properties are independently owned or operated, the operating management group has the responsibility to follow standards, quotas, etc.. set by IHG. These properties also use discretion on many issues, which is a product/result of being "independently owned and operated."

Respectfully,

Amanda Kehoe

this is a sore subject for me. but let me tell you how i got around this nonsense of qualifying and non-qualifying. i travel about 280 days a year give or take and usually my stay is 30-90 days each time. obviously im going to get a better rate because of my length of stay. so is that to say that just because someone who stayed one night and paid 90 dollars and i stayed 60 nights and paid 60 that im not to get credit for my stay and points as well? you better believe im going to get credit and points as well. here is the key. "CALL the sales department or the general manager prior to your arrival and negotiate all that before you go and in all my years of traveling and staying with the holiday inn group "staybridge suites" i have never failed to get my points and my stays, becuase at the end of the day when you check out the hotel has the say if your stay is qualifying or not because they are paying for your points/miles.

i will say that when i stay with marriott brands i dont have to do anything but sit back and collect my points/miles because they have a much better policy that the ihg group could take a few lessons from. if you book through marriott or with their website or negotiate a rate from any of their staff then your stay is 100% always qualifying. and thats how it should be.

There is some truth to your statement. All the bookings I've made over the last years were done via the PC website and all stays were credited. There are some exceptions where I think it is advisable to contact the hotel directly to assure that your stay is credited. Several years ago we stayed at a HIX in MD and had a negotiated rate. It was confirmed by the hotel that they will honor the rate and credit the stays. Everyone in our group got the points and the stay credit. So as stated before, when you are in doubt check with the hotel before you stay there