The InterContinental Hotel Group recently launched the IHG Dining Rewards in Australia. The programme offers a range of F&B benefits as well as hotel specific benefits that travellers may find attractive. The IHG Dining Rewards programme has been available in the US for US$395 per annum.

Residents of Australia and New Zealand and now enrol into the IHG Dining Rewards programme for AU$319 and NZ$295 respectively. Evidently, the latter option offers a better rate (from a consumer standpoint) and therefore superior value.

You will receive the following benefits as a member of the IHG Dining Rewards programme:

One Free Night Stay at a Participating Hotel
Instant Status Upgrade in IHG Rewards Club
25% off dining and beverages (ongoing)
25% off Best Available Rate (BAR)
10% off Best Flexible, Advance Purchase & Advance Booking Rates
Dining e-Voucher (worth AU$50 or NZ$55 respectively)

If you do not have any IHG Rewards Club status, joining the IHG Dining Rewards programme will give you an instant Gold Elite status. However, if you do have a Gold Elite status already, joining this program will give you a Platinum Elite status. If you join the IHG Ambassador program at US$200, you will receive instant Gold Elite status.

How to get Instant Platinum Status for approximately US$450

IHG Ambassador - US$200
IHG Dining Rewards - AU$319/NZ$295

The reason why I did not list the US$395 option is because if you do live in the US, you're better off with a credit card that gives you instant Platinum Elite status. This route is only for people living outside of the US.

IHG has a couple of outstanding property and the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport in Singapore (click HERE to read my review of the Deluxe Club Room in this property) is a fine example of that. It may be worth buying the Platinum status if you have travel plans ahead.