Star letter

ROYALTY FREE

My husband’s Royal Ambassador status with IHG was not renewed this year. This did not come as a surprise as he had decided to let it go and intentionally moved his allegiance to SPG [Marriott Bonvoy] and Hilton. Repeated arguments at different check-in desks spoil the experience of arriving at an Intercontinental. Arguing for upgrades is a constant, with staff insisting there is a “when available” clause.

At the Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay we were offered a choice of a room upgrade or lounge access, not both. We took the upgrade, but it was a one-level upgrade, not two as guaranteed. In December last year, the Intercontinental Prague advised at check-in that the upgraded room was not available. Our booking was made at least a month earlier – surely the upgrade should