You can get a complimentary weekend night through InterContinental Ambassador: Here’s how
Editor's Note
The InterContinental Ambassador program effectively lets you buy IHG elite status and get additional perks when you stay at select IHG One Rewards brands. InterContinental Ambassador members get many perks, but one of the most valuable is a complimentary weekend night at an InterContinental hotel or resort each membership year.
In this guide, we'll start with an overview of the InterContinental Ambassador program before discussing its complimentary weekend night benefit.
What is InterContinental Ambassador?
For $200 or 40,000 IHG points — which are worth $200 based on TPG's July 2024 valuations — you can purchase a 12-month InterContinental Ambassador membership. This membership provides perks when staying at InterContinental hotels and resorts, including:
- A one-category room upgrade
- 4 p.m. late checkout
- A $20 food and beverage credit per stay
InterContinental Ambassador perks generally aren't applicable when you stay at other IHG brands. However, when you book through eligible methods, InterContinental Ambassador members get a few extra perks at participating Six Senses and InterContinental Alliance Resorts properties.
InterContinental Ambassador membership also includes Platinum Elite status in the IHG One Rewards program. However, you likely won't want to pay for InterContinental Ambassador membership just for Platinum Elite status if you are eligible for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees) or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees). After all, these IHG credit cards provide Platinum Elite status and access to the fourth reward night free benefit when redeeming IHG points for a lower annual fee than an InterContinental Ambassador membership.
Related: What credit card should you use for IHG stays?
InterContinental Ambassador weekend night
You get an InterContinental Ambassador weekend night each time you purchase or renew your membership. However, this complimentary weekend night works differently than the anniversary nights you can earn with some IHG credit cards. Instead of being worth up to a set number of points, the InterContinental Ambassador weekend night covers the room and tax on the second night of an eligible paid booking.
You may redeem the InterContinental Ambassador weekend night once before your 12-month membership expires. To use the complimentary weekend night, you must book a stay of two nights or longer using the Ambassador complimentary weekend night rate.
In most regions, this special rate is only available at InterContinental hotels and resorts for weekend stays, defined as Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. So, you'd need to check in on a Friday or Saturday in most regions to book this rate and get a complimentary weekend night.
Before we look at the booking process, here are a few other things you should know about the InterContinental Ambassador complimentary weekend night:
- You can't use a complimentary weekend night in conjunction with reward nights or other IHG promotions. You must book online using the Ambassador complimentary weekend night rate.
- Only InterContinental Ambassador members can use the complimentary weekend night (proper identification is required at check-in).
- You must make an advance reservation, and you can only use one complimentary weekend night per stay. You can only have one reservation booked using the Ambassador complimentary weekend night rate; your bookings may be canceled if you have multiple reservations using this rate.
- When you check in to the hotel, you must have an unredeemed and valid complimentary weekend night in your account. If you don't, you'll need to pay the hotel's best flexible rate for all nights of your stay.
Related: The top InterContinental hotels across the world
How to book your complimentary weekend night
To book your InterContinental Ambassador complimentary weekend night, go to your IHG One Rewards account homepage, scroll down to the "Enjoy your rewards" section, find the "Ambassador weekend nights" tile and click the "Book your nights" link.
Then, under "Free Nights and booking rewards," find the "Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night" tile and click "Redeem."
Alternatively, you can shorten this process by searching through this specific link. This link is useful to bookmark, as you can check the Ambassador complimentary weekend night rate from this page even if you don't currently have an eligible complimentary weekend night in your account.
As you look at your search results, pay attention to the Ambassador complimentary weekend night rate. Unfortunately, this rate is often not the least expensive flexible rate.
For example, here are the rates at both the Ambassador complimentary weekend level and the least expensive flexible level for a two-night stay on May 9-11, 2025, at the InterContinental New York Times Square:
| Rates for the 2-night stay, including taxes and fees | Classic low floor | Premium midtown view | Classic corner | Premium skyline view | Junior suite midtown view |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ambassador complimentary weekend night rate | $957.22, with $438.44 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $518.78 | $1,071.98, with $495.82 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $576.16 | $1,083.46, with $501.56 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $581.9 | $1,117.88, with $518.77 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $599.11 | $1,645.78, with $782.72 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $863.06 |
Cheapest flexible rate | $931.12 | $1,042.44 | $1,053.58 | $1,086.96 | $1,599.02 |
Savings | $412.34 | $466.28 | $471.68 | $487.85 | $735.96 |
And here are the rates at both the Ambassador complimentary weekend level and the least expensive flexible level for a two-night stay on May 9-11, 2025, at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa:
| Rates for the 2-night stay, including taxes and fees | Garden view | Pool view balcony | Lagoon view balcony | Beachfront balcony | Suite with club lounge access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ambassador complimentary weekend night rate | $978.72, with $430.33 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $548.39 | $1,024.48, with $452.65 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $571.83 | $1,161.74, with $519.60 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $642.14 | $1,344.77, with $608.89 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $735.88 | $1,527.79, with $698.16 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $829.63 |
Cheapest flexible rate | $929.79 | $973.25 | $1,103.66 | $1,277.53 | $1,451.40 |
Savings | $381.40 | $401.42 | $461.52 | $541.65 | $621.77 |
The above charts demonstrate the nightly premium you'll need to pay to use your complimentary weekend night. But since the room rate and taxes are covered on your second night when you use your Ambassador complimentary weekend night, this perk could more than pay for a year of Ambassador membership.
However, since the Ambassador complimentary weekend night rate before the second night credit is usually higher than the cheapest flexible rate, you'll usually get the best value when you make your complimentary weekend night stay just two nights long.
Finally, you'll see more savings when you use your Ambassador complimentary weekend night at more expensive properties. For example, here are the rates at both the Ambassador complimentary weekend level and the least expensive flexible level for a two-night stay on May 9-11, 2025, at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur:
| Rates for the 2-night stay, including taxes and fees | Classic | Classic high floor | Super classic | Classic club access | Executive suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ambassador complimentary weekend night rate | $265.17, with $131.96 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $133.21 | $290.36, with $144.54 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $145.82 | $315.54, with $157.14 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $158.40 | $416.27, with $207.51 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $208.76 | $693.28, with $346.02 credited at check-in, for a net cost of $347.26 |
Cheapest flexible rate | $257.22 | $281.65 | $306.07 | $403.78 | $672.48 |
Savings | $124.01 | $135.83 | $147.67 | $195.02 | $325.22 |
As you can see, the savings wouldn't completely cover your InterContinental Ambassador membership fee (unless you booked an executive suite) if you used your complimentary weekend night at the InterContinential Kuala Lumpur. But, even at one of the least expensive InterContinental hotels in the world, you'll still cover more than half of your annual membership fee on most weekend dates when you use your complimentary weekend night.
Related: The 19 best IHG hotels in the world
Bottom line
The InterContinental Ambassador weekend night perk has the potential to save you more than the program's membership fee each year. For example, we saved around $286 compared to the cheapest available rate during our two-night stay at the InterContinental Fiji in 2019. In addition, we knew going in that we'd get a room upgrade, 4 p.m. late checkout and a $20 food and beverage credit due to our InterContinental Ambassador membership. All of that adds up to $200 well invested in the InterContinental Ambassador program.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.