Hello toejamusa.

First welcome to PCC. Since you already replied to the A/RA luggage tag thread I guess that you are at least Ambassador.

The qualification for RA is kind of nebulous, but once you've achieved it you do like it. I prefer the RA status at ICs over the Diamond status Hilton because you get the 2 category upgrade and the free minibar. HH Dia gives you also status at the lower end of the Hilton hotels and you get your upgrade and free breakfast at any of the Hilton hotels.

If you stay enough nights that you can achieve bot Dia and RA status I would go for both. The perks that you get as an RA definitely are worth it. As of now it looks like you need to be closer to 60 nights with at least 3 stays at an IC. If you have more stays at ICs you might even get the status with less nights.

The decission is yours which program you think is the best for you I would go with.

JBa

Toejamusa,

What are the perks/benefits of being a Hilton Diamond member?

Thanks,

Amanda Kehoe

ToeJam,

Thanks for including a little insight about the Diamond program. I like to hear from members themselves about their opinions or experiences with other programs or non-related Priority Club stuff.

Thanks for the Info,

Amanda Kehoe

In my opinion, it kind of adds to the enjoyment once one earns Royal Ambassador status. It's all about the recognition and status. When IHG invites an Ambassador member to the Royal Ambassador program, the member may get an ego boost & feel special knowing that they are one of the few in the "somewhat elusive secret club."

Secret benefits/memberships in the travel industry are not uncommon. Long long ago, the American Express Platinum card was invitation only--well now people have the Platinum card that shouldn't and if you are willing to pay the almost $500 yearly card fee then you are in!  So now the Centurion/Black card is the cool one.

So it goes back to the saying: "If one has to ask, then one probably doesn't qualify."

Just My Thoughts,

Amanda Kehoe

I paid into Ambasador in Hong Kong recently, and was immediately upgraded to Royal, having been platinum PC for about 6 months or so with around 65 eligible nights this year.... Naively didnt consider Ambassador previously as I thought Priority Priviledge (which I joined last year) had similar benefits. Silly me...They did all they could not to laugh at me for having the temerity to request an upgrade!

cheers

Peter

Being invited to become a Royal Ambassador is something that would make any member feel recognized and appreciated...The invitation is the ultimate reward and  "Thank You" from InterContinental. Leaving the Royal Ambassador "qualifications" vague and "under the radar" achieves that. In my opinion, I don't know why any member would necessarily change his or her pattern of hotel choice to possibly achieve the status. The member is already loyal & a frequent guest in IHG hotels.

The additional benefits happen to be the "reward" of a loyal & very frequent traveler, not necessarily what a member purposely "seeks."

Just My Thoughts,

Amanda Kehoe

Just remember, and I'm not sure everybody knows that, 2 months before your ambassador / royal ambassador status expires, they look at your account and assess the nights you've stayed. Many of the RAs that I know didn't consider this and did not get their status renewed. But what do I know, only been an RA for a couple of years

Message was edited by: JBa Correct spelling of assess

It is truly another IHG mystery, I have an impression that the consideration is not only the number of nights but borderline cases may have their number of IC nights considered as well as future bookings. There may also be a consideration as to  the number of nights stayed after your year ends but not your status end.

Congratulation. I guess it only intensifies the mystery.