Allan38103

Complaining about availability of PB properties is kinda like Yogi's comment on a particular restaurant:

"No one ever goes there any more, it's too crowded."

Concerto

Thank you very much for such a detailed review, Ikaz. I think I will stay with the HIX (rather than changing to something nearer the city) for the 3 nights I will be in Porto, even though it is a long way from the city. As I will be arriving earlier than you, I will probably try to take the bus from the airport. On the other hand, would a car rental perhaps be not such a bad idea, maybe for a trip up the Douro river? I seem to recall Porto being very manageable, as far as cities go.

SEAfarer

Quoting Yogi, perfect!

And I think the equivalent may lie in IHG's choice/recruitment of PB properties and its reimbursement policies.

As I've heard it told, if the hotel occupancy is less than a certain level, say 90 or 95%, the parent chain only reimburses a nominal "cleaning fee" for any award stay, including PBs. Something like $25-35. Anyone may correct me on this.

Above that, it's full rate paid to the property. Some of us have seen the folio of the hotel's individual transaction with the chain, and the payment amount.

So why would IHG fill the PB list with popular hotels, for which they would have to reimburse full rate, rather than try to direct us to the less popular, out of the way places? Especially in summer peak travel season.

They must maintain a spreadsheet of their projected budget for each PB, and their accounting branch gets pats on the back for keeping within that budget.

1353513636

My PB stay 2 weeks ago at Bangkok Silom seems to have attracted the full payout, it was in the high $50s. I was quite surprised since I've never seen a PB stay attract the full payout before.

EmailKid

WRT Breakfast,

in Brno right now, and while my Plat states was acknowledged, was informed in next sentence that NO breakfast on Point Stay.

Actually a good thing for me as I have a hard time passing free breakfast even though there are so many bakeries and cafes around town. And cheap too ^

MaxVO

It's actually standard for this chain, as I've learned. Occasionally individual properties may waive (or forget) the breakfast charge, but never promise so in advance.

JustinIreland

Twice in my life in IHG I have got free breakfasts as a perk.

First time was a HI where I was booked without breakfast, there was a problem with the room and nothing else was available so I was relocated to a CP with free breakfast and a free drink at the bar in additional to the welcome points and additional refreshments provided in the room compared to what you'd normally get in a CP.

Second time I was in a HI where I asked for breakfast and upon check-out I was told that it would be waived and I didn't need to pay anything else, I got an upgrade to the biggest non suite room in the hotel (corner room) as well as points on that stay, I had stayed in 4 hotels in the same country within 10 days and I suspect they may have realised that.

EmailKid

Prague Congress Center said you can have buffet breakfast.

At my age I don't eat all that much, I mostly wanted good coffee. Mission accomplished

Currently 15K points, so it is my backup if I do not find anything cheap in Prague.

Under five minutes walk to Metro - a good go to property unless there is a convention next door (points would go up no doubt).

yurtripper

HI Prague Congress is also in Vyšehrad, one of the nicest districts in Prague, with great views across the Vltava. It's particularly wonderful at night but then so is most of Prague!

fppmongo

Does this hold true for HIX as well or no? (I asking since at HIX, breakfast usually is included in the standard rate.)

Fanjet

I've stayed at this property a lot. It's actually my first choice hotel in Prague. I often walk around the Vyšehrad castle grounds (great views). And at 15K points, is a great bargain. But I think the free breakfast is for Plats (and Spires), not all guests, and is isolated to this property. It started maybe 5 or 6 years ago. Because I remember it was not the case until one time I checked in and they said the breakfast was complimentary. To which I responded with "Are you sure because it never was before?" However, almost every other HI I've stayed at in Europe has no such policy.

yurtripper

Maybe you should add HI Sofia to your Europe list? I just got back from there and I got a free breakfast without mentioning anything. Not only that, the breakfast was really decent and the serving staff were great. Definitely a notch above your typical HI (won't even mention HIX as their 'free' breakfast is usually inedible outside Asia). I've given up on IHG for a while but for Sofia I'd definitely go back to the HI.

moe8555

Wow, thanks for that tip. The hotel looks great, and I'm kind of suprised they haven't branded it a Crowne Plaza.

EmailKid

Yup, while Bratislava didn't make PointBreaks, it is 10K and less than 5 bucks from Brno by rail, so here I am

I was informed that breakfast is not included. No biggie, so many places to grab a coffee and / or sweets and / or baked goods instead

Been away for five years - can't believe how the place has changed

More expensive too ....

The_Bouncer

I was in Bratislava a few weeks ago, for the first time in around 15 years, and I agree. The changes are mind-blowing.