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IHG’s InterContinental brand can be frustrating for those of us who chase elite status. Having IHG Rewards top-tier Spire status doesn’t usually get you very much, even if you’ve also paid $200 for InterContinental Ambassador status on top! The chances of you getting the sort of benefits that most people really value – free breakfast and Club Lounge access – are very small.

However, there is currently a simple way to guarantee receiving those benefits for free! In fact, you might even be able to save money. All you need to do is book through a Virtuoso affiliated agent.

When you book via Virtuoso, you pay exactly the same amount as the standard flexible rate, but get some very valuable perks on top. For 2021, the following hotels are all offering lounge access as part of those perks:

InterContinental London Park Lane

“Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
Full English Breakfast daily in Club InterContinental for two guests per bedroom
Complimentary internet access/Wi-Fi
Complimentary access to Club InterContinental exclusive lounge, including: breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks and canapés
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability”

InterContinental Paris Le Grand

“Upgrade at time of booking from Classic to Superior room. Upgrade on arrival subject to availability for other categories.
Daily Buffet breakfast for two guests per bedroom, in private dining room of Club Lounge, or guests may breakfast at Café de la Paix for a discounted rate of 37€ per person, per day
Guaranteed free access to the private Club Lounge with complimentary use of all its services: (normal cost of access is 150€ per night)
VIP welcome amenities and letter
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
25% discount on rack rate suite from Ambassador Suite upon availability
Voucher for 20% discount at spa on any treatment
Complimentary internet access”

InterContinental New York Barclay

“Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
Complimentary daily continental breakfast for two per bedroom, served in Club InterContinental Lounge
Complimentary access for two to Club InterContinental Lounge ($100 value)
Designated VIP arrival reception
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi”

InterContinental Madrid

“Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Buffet breakfast for two guests per bedroom (in Club Lounge)
Club Lounge access, with all exclusive Club services ($100 value)
Private check in
Late check out until 4:00pm
A buffet with a wide range of snacks and drinks from 7:00am to 11:00pm
10% discount at El Jardin Restaurant & Brunch
2 hour meeting room at Moncloa Club Lounge meeting room
Two pressing service at the laundry
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi”

InterContinental Davos

“Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Buffet breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
Complimentary access to Club Lounge
$100 USD equivalent Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi”

InterContinental Ljubljana

“Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary Buffet Breakfast daily for two per bedroom
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Access to Club InterContinental
Complimentary Wi-FI”

You can take a look at what other Intercontinental hotels are offering here.

Any downsides?

By paying the equivalent of the standard flexible rate, you won’t be able to benefit from things like lower rates for nonrefundable bookings etc. However, you will still earn IHG Rewards Points.

You will also miss out on any potential rebates from sites like TopCashback.

Good deal?

If you want to stay at any of the InterContinental hotels listed above this year, booking via a Virtuoso agent is likely to be an excellent deal.

Let’s take the InterContinental Park Lane London as a quick example:

A 3-night weekend in June for 2 people in a cheapest “classic room” booked directly with IHG would set you back £1,047. That’s the lowest possible price currently available and you have to be an IHG Rewards member to access it.

The same booking, but with the following perks via Virtuoso, would cost £1,102:

• Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
• Full English Breakfast daily in Club InterContinental for two guests per bedroom
• Complimentary internet access/Wi-Fi
• Complimentary access to Club InterContinental exclusive lounge, including: breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks and canapés
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

The rate is slightly higher because you can’t access the IHG Rewards member rate through Virtuoso. Essentially, you would be paying £55 more in order to get an upgrade, breakfast, lounge access and early check in/late checkout. That is an amazing deal.

Things could actually be even better though…

Until 30th June 2021, Virtuoso is running a ‘3rd night free’ promotion at the hotel:

That would bring the price for the 3 nights down to about £750.

So, you could get all the great perks and save ~£300 compared to booking directly with IHG.

I should point out that the Club Lounge at the InterContinental Park Lane is currently closed, but once hotel stays are allowed for non-essential purposes again in May, I’m sure it will reopen soon after.

Bottom line

Virtuoso (and similar programmes like Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts) aren’t always your best option. But, if you like to stay at luxury hotels and value the perks, it’s definitely worth having a quick look!

Hat-tip: YHBU