InterContinental Hotels Priority Club Rewards members need not worry themselves about actually “staying” in a “hotel” anymore. They may now purchase Gold Elite status for $50.

Gold status includes a 10-percent bonus on earned points for hotel stays, priority check-in on guaranteed reservations, and access to a dedicated Gold Elite customer service center number.

It’s a reasonably low-tech process: Download and complete the PDF version of the Gold Elite status membership purchase request form, and fax it to (800) 725-8232. Status will be upgraded within 48 hours of purchase.