Please post your Royal Ambassador experiences (Archive Thread 2015)
Jul 25, 2015, 3:38 am
#181
Moderator: InterContinental Hotels and Germany
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,552
You might check out the Ambassador Experience Thread (sticky at top of the first page) or have a look at the master thread of the IC Le Grand , if you are going to stay at the IC Le Grand (there are two IC in Paris).
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inter...ad-merged.html
Jul 26, 2015, 2:11 am
#182
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 89
Intercontinental Bali
What is your IHG Reward Club Status?
Spire Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Absolutely
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Singaraja room. Updated to singaraja duplex suite after booking. Upgraded to club room the day before arrival, and club duplex suite given on arrival. Eventually moved to Bukit suite after some problem.
How are the rooms?
Club duplex suite: showing a bit of age but quite nice and spacious. Nothing to complain about.
Bukit suite: grandiose and a bit better maintained.
Both well equipped, nothing missing.
How is the exec. lounge?
Just fantastic. Great staff, some of the best benefits I've seen so far including airport transfer, separate pool, several breakfast options, etc. Happy hour in three venues was the one we enjoyed the most: get a few drinks at the lounge or near the pool, then move to the bar near the beach to catch the sunset
The only thing where it could be improved is the relative lack of hot canapés during happy hour. Piano player is a nice touch.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
A folding fan (quite nice) and a box of chocolate.
Did you receive fruits in the room?
Yes
How was the minibar?
Not fantastic (no champagne) but decent choice of everything incl. soft drinks, beers, hard liquor, wine. The Bukit suite had Grey Goose instead of Absolut which is a nice touch.
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
Club staff is lovely, overall service is top notch. They even refilled the minibar at 4PM on the last day before we left, just in case we wanted something more...
Any request is dealt with impressively fast.
Beach in front is above average for Bali standards.
Bad:
The toilet in our first suite was in a disgusting condition when we arrived. I was more amazed than mad that they could even let it pass, but they upgraded us to the Bukit suite before I could even complain, which was absolutely fantastic. So, overall, a bad turned good as the compensation was very good.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
This is not a cheap place for Balia. As an RA, and as long as club access is given, then I think it's great value and I would not hesitate to go back. Without it, I'd have more mixed feelings.
Spire Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Absolutely
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Singaraja room. Updated to singaraja duplex suite after booking. Upgraded to club room the day before arrival, and club duplex suite given on arrival. Eventually moved to Bukit suite after some problem.
How are the rooms?
Club duplex suite: showing a bit of age but quite nice and spacious. Nothing to complain about.
Bukit suite: grandiose and a bit better maintained.
Both well equipped, nothing missing.
How is the exec. lounge?
Just fantastic. Great staff, some of the best benefits I've seen so far including airport transfer, separate pool, several breakfast options, etc. Happy hour in three venues was the one we enjoyed the most: get a few drinks at the lounge or near the pool, then move to the bar near the beach to catch the sunset
The only thing where it could be improved is the relative lack of hot canapés during happy hour. Piano player is a nice touch.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
A folding fan (quite nice) and a box of chocolate.
Did you receive fruits in the room?
Yes
How was the minibar?
Not fantastic (no champagne) but decent choice of everything incl. soft drinks, beers, hard liquor, wine. The Bukit suite had Grey Goose instead of Absolut which is a nice touch.
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
Club staff is lovely, overall service is top notch. They even refilled the minibar at 4PM on the last day before we left, just in case we wanted something more...
Any request is dealt with impressively fast.
Beach in front is above average for Bali standards.
Bad:
The toilet in our first suite was in a disgusting condition when we arrived. I was more amazed than mad that they could even let it pass, but they upgraded us to the Bukit suite before I could even complain, which was absolutely fantastic. So, overall, a bad turned good as the compensation was very good.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
This is not a cheap place for Balia. As an RA, and as long as club access is given, then I think it's great value and I would not hesitate to go back. Without it, I'd have more mixed feelings.
Last edited by Romain_; Jul 26, 2015 at 2:24 am Reason: Fruits
Aug 2, 2015, 3:49 pm
#183
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
IC at Doral Miami
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
No
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked paid club room.On check in was told no upgrade possible.Asked if the room was going to be repriced,told no.Handed a copy of the ambassador program to the check in clerk.After much tapping of computer and phone calls given a suite,but advised I would not recieve any fruit or amenity as they were in the previous room.
- How are the rooms?
Eventualy a small but pleasant suite.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Closed in the evening but ok for breakfast.
- What was good and what was bad?
Good eventually a suite and breakfast was ok.
Bad,no recognition for Spire RA.Seemed to not want to follow the program.Despite ordering evening room service,which was delivered,it was impossible to deliver our fruit and welcome amminty.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
A fairly expensive club room booked,poor value.I would not return.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
No
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked paid club room.On check in was told no upgrade possible.Asked if the room was going to be repriced,told no.Handed a copy of the ambassador program to the check in clerk.After much tapping of computer and phone calls given a suite,but advised I would not recieve any fruit or amenity as they were in the previous room.
- How are the rooms?
Eventualy a small but pleasant suite.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Closed in the evening but ok for breakfast.
- What was good and what was bad?
Good eventually a suite and breakfast was ok.
Bad,no recognition for Spire RA.Seemed to not want to follow the program.Despite ordering evening room service,which was delivered,it was impossible to deliver our fruit and welcome amminty.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
A fairly expensive club room booked,poor value.I would not return.
Aug 7, 2015, 12:14 pm
#184
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Beijing Financial Street
IC Beijing Financial Street
What is your Priority Club status?
Sparrow Elite Royal Ambassador (at least it sounded like that when they were thanking me at check in)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Mixed
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room (paid), received Club room
How are the rooms?
Relatively spacious, showing some wear.
How is the club?
Nice setting, many choices of food during the day and in the evening, but unfortunately taste/quality was inferior and they did not refill empty plates in the evening
What was your welcome gift?
Not sure if this was the gift but a huge plate with three small chocolate cakes
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes, reasonable quantity
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Price
- one out of the three concierges we communicated with was absolutely excellent, the two other were pretty useless, one barely spoke english
Bad
- Breakfast in the restaurant. First impression: tiny paper napkins. Second impression: waitress standing next to the table cleaning her nose with her fingers not interested in providing any service.
- Hotel showing wear. Carpet in front of room had big stains etc
- Compared to a few years back (last visit) this place has deteriorated. They need better management and better training.
- location is ok for using Taxis, but not good for public transportation
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
It was ok
Would you return?
If I need to be in that area and the price is lower than other places it is possible
What is your Priority Club status?
Sparrow Elite Royal Ambassador (at least it sounded like that when they were thanking me at check in)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Mixed
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room (paid), received Club room
How are the rooms?
Relatively spacious, showing some wear.
How is the club?
Nice setting, many choices of food during the day and in the evening, but unfortunately taste/quality was inferior and they did not refill empty plates in the evening
What was your welcome gift?
Not sure if this was the gift but a huge plate with three small chocolate cakes
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes, reasonable quantity
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Price
- one out of the three concierges we communicated with was absolutely excellent, the two other were pretty useless, one barely spoke english
Bad
- Breakfast in the restaurant. First impression: tiny paper napkins. Second impression: waitress standing next to the table cleaning her nose with her fingers not interested in providing any service.
- Hotel showing wear. Carpet in front of room had big stains etc
- Compared to a few years back (last visit) this place has deteriorated. They need better management and better training.
- location is ok for using Taxis, but not good for public transportation
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
It was ok
Would you return?
If I need to be in that area and the price is lower than other places it is possible
Aug 7, 2015, 12:20 pm
#185
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Shanghai Pudong
IC Shanghai Pudong
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire Elite Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room (paid), received Club room
How are the rooms?
Well kept, but very small
How is the club?
Nice setting, very nice and personal service. Selection of food/drinks is relatively good
What was your welcome gift?
Some tea at reception and the some coasters in the room
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes, reasonable quantity
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Price
- Location. Lost of good restaurants in walking distance
- Major subway station 5 min away
- Concierge was great (several requests)
Bad
- rooms are too small
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Good value
Would you return?
Possibly, but I like the IC Puxi much better (better upgrades, nicer rooms, more modern but worse location). I wish they would upgrade to some of their bigger rooms.
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire Elite Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room (paid), received Club room
How are the rooms?
Well kept, but very small
How is the club?
Nice setting, very nice and personal service. Selection of food/drinks is relatively good
What was your welcome gift?
Some tea at reception and the some coasters in the room
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes, reasonable quantity
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Price
- Location. Lost of good restaurants in walking distance
- Major subway station 5 min away
- Concierge was great (several requests)
Bad
- rooms are too small
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Good value
Would you return?
Possibly, but I like the IC Puxi much better (better upgrades, nicer rooms, more modern but worse location). I wish they would upgrade to some of their bigger rooms.
Aug 7, 2015, 12:22 pm
#186
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Nha Trang
IC Nha Trang
Just a quick update: Nothing has changed from my previous reports. Nice hotel, good upgrade as usual. Club lounge has improved but they still have some more work to do there.
Otherwise same upgrade etc.
Just a quick update: Nothing has changed from my previous reports. Nice hotel, good upgrade as usual. Club lounge has improved but they still have some more work to do there.
Otherwise same upgrade etc.
Aug 7, 2015, 12:32 pm
#188
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Dubai Festival City
IC Dubai Festival City
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire Elite Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Absolutely
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room (paid), got upgrade to a suite at check in. Asked if I can have club instead. Got club and the suite (since the hotel was not full during ramadan)
How are the rooms?
Very spacious. 2 bedroom suite with a small kitchen, huge living room and a good size bedroom.
How is the club?
They divided a part off from the front area and served food there during the day. Selection was limited but still ok, service was a bit slow and not proactive.
It was nowhere near as as bad as I was expecting from some other reports, but I remember much better selection and service from previous visits.
What was your welcome gift?
rosary beads
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes, nice basket
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Price during Ramadan
- upgrade to a huge suite plus club (but that is an exception)
- staff was nice and helpful (outside the club)
Bad
- Club was ok, but not great like before
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Yes
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire Elite Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Absolutely
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room (paid), got upgrade to a suite at check in. Asked if I can have club instead. Got club and the suite (since the hotel was not full during ramadan)
How are the rooms?
Very spacious. 2 bedroom suite with a small kitchen, huge living room and a good size bedroom.
How is the club?
They divided a part off from the front area and served food there during the day. Selection was limited but still ok, service was a bit slow and not proactive.
It was nowhere near as as bad as I was expecting from some other reports, but I remember much better selection and service from previous visits.
What was your welcome gift?
rosary beads
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes, nice basket
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Price during Ramadan
- upgrade to a huge suite plus club (but that is an exception)
- staff was nice and helpful (outside the club)
Bad
- Club was ok, but not great like before
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Yes
Aug 9, 2015, 3:38 pm
#189
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 824
InterContinental Tokyo Bay
InterContinental Tokyo Bay
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Standard Room by points. Received Superior Club InterContinental Tokyo Tower View Room as temporary.
3hours later, moved to Deluxe Club InterContinental Tokyo Skytree View w/Viewbath Room.
How are the rooms?
[Superior Club InterContinental Tokyo Tower View Room]
38SQM both Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge/Tokyo Bay View.
This room equipped Panasonic high-tech massage chair and face care steamer beauty machine.
Others are totally same to Bay View Room.
Tokyo Tower View Room Video:
[Deluxe Club InterContinental Tokyo Skytree View w/Viewbath Room]
52SQM Tokyo Skytree and Sumidagawa River/Tokyo Bay View.
Specious Tokyo Bay Viewbath Room
Tokyo Skytree View w/Viewbath Room Video:
How is the Club Lounge?
Yes, granted. They provide club access for regular RA guests.
Great view and they are offering alcoholic beverage in all day long.
But F&B qualities are quite poor.
What was your welcome gift?
Bottle of red wine and chocolate (as always)
How was the mini-bar?
Great selections of local soft drinks. Alcoholic beverages are quite standard. Snacks are also free.
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
+++++ ALL benefit with point stay included Club Access
++++ Room
++++ Great View
+++ Great BBQ restaurant
+++ Stable and fast WiFi
BAD
- Air conditioner does not have enough power in Tokyo Tower View Room
Value for $ or Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Yes
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Standard Room by points. Received Superior Club InterContinental Tokyo Tower View Room as temporary.
3hours later, moved to Deluxe Club InterContinental Tokyo Skytree View w/Viewbath Room.
How are the rooms?
[Superior Club InterContinental Tokyo Tower View Room]
38SQM both Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge/Tokyo Bay View.
This room equipped Panasonic high-tech massage chair and face care steamer beauty machine.
Others are totally same to Bay View Room.
Tokyo Tower View Room Video:
[Deluxe Club InterContinental Tokyo Skytree View w/Viewbath Room]
52SQM Tokyo Skytree and Sumidagawa River/Tokyo Bay View.
Specious Tokyo Bay Viewbath Room
Tokyo Skytree View w/Viewbath Room Video:
How is the Club Lounge?
Yes, granted. They provide club access for regular RA guests.
Great view and they are offering alcoholic beverage in all day long.
But F&B qualities are quite poor.
What was your welcome gift?
Bottle of red wine and chocolate (as always)
How was the mini-bar?
Great selections of local soft drinks. Alcoholic beverages are quite standard. Snacks are also free.
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
+++++ ALL benefit with point stay included Club Access
++++ Room
++++ Great View
+++ Great BBQ restaurant
+++ Stable and fast WiFi
BAD
- Air conditioner does not have enough power in Tokyo Tower View Room
Value for $ or Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Yes
Aug 9, 2015, 4:10 pm
#190
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Just as an add on to the Tokyo Bay post, I booked an award weekend there for some friends recently, and my friends got club access along with a nice room. So maybe the policy has changed.
Aug 10, 2015, 5:22 am
#191
Moderator: InterContinental Hotels and Germany
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,552
A reminder, that general discussion about the (Royal) Ambassador Programm should be posted in this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inter...formation.html
I have therefore moved a post to the above mentioned thread.
Thank your for your cooperation.
FLYGVA
co-moderator IHG Forum
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inter...formation.html
I have therefore moved a post to the above mentioned thread.
Thank your for your cooperation.
FLYGVA
co-moderator IHG Forum
Aug 18, 2015, 6:18 am
#192
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Saudi Arabia
Programs: IHG Spire RA
Posts: 128
Intercontinental Istanbul
Intercontinental Istanbul - July 2015
What is your priority club status?
Spire RA
Which room did you book and received?
Booked standard room (paid) for 10 nights and got upgraded to executive suite (1515) plus club access.
How is the room?
Very spacious (105sqm), 2 wide windows over looking the Bosporus, with main bathroom and guest toilet.
How is the club?
Nice view and service, used it for breakfast mainly.
What was your welcome gift?
Turkish delight, and few drink vouchers for the looby coffeeshop.
Fruit in the room?
Yes
Good and bad?
Good
- upgrade
- breakfast
- guest relations
- location and view
Bad
- I always had to adjust my credited points with ambassador line due to currency issue.
Value for cash or points?
Cash usually better here.
Would you return?
Yes
What is your priority club status?
Spire RA
Which room did you book and received?
Booked standard room (paid) for 10 nights and got upgraded to executive suite (1515) plus club access.
How is the room?
Very spacious (105sqm), 2 wide windows over looking the Bosporus, with main bathroom and guest toilet.
How is the club?
Nice view and service, used it for breakfast mainly.
What was your welcome gift?
Turkish delight, and few drink vouchers for the looby coffeeshop.
Fruit in the room?
Yes
Good and bad?
Good
- upgrade
- breakfast
- guest relations
- location and view
Bad
- I always had to adjust my credited points with ambassador line due to currency issue.
Value for cash or points?
Cash usually better here.
Would you return?
Yes
Aug 18, 2015, 4:22 pm
#193
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,963
InterContinental Estoril
IC Estoril
What is your IHG Reward Club Status?
Spire Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, definitely
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked lowest room category with points , and received an Ocean View Suite with club access.
How are the rooms?
Around 80 sqm.
Superb contemporary design with Danish touch
Living room with sofa, large flat screen television with massive selection of channels, dining table, separate toilets, dressing
Delta expresso machine, kettle
Bedroom with flat screen television, very comfortable bed (love the soft linens!), separate dressing
Free minibar with only soft drinks (everything on the minbar list to be ordered will be charged)
Superb bathroom (with large circle bathtub, walk-in multi-jet shower).
Large bottle of Agraria products. Colour of light in the shower can be changed
Very quiet (but you cannot sleep the window open, as you will hear the train passing-by on the track between the beach and the hotel)
Large balcony with sea-view
Very convenient phone with multi Charger Cable USB for smartphones.
Pictures of the hotel and the suite
Pictures of Estoril
Pictures of Cascais
How is the exec. lounge?
Not huge, but with terrace
Elegant design
Small selection of evening canapés. Drinks
EUR 90/night seems quite expensive for what you get
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- Excellent and smiling service
- Superb suite and hotel
- Very pleasant outdoor and indoor pool
- Very nice region
- Easy access from Lisbon airport (less than 30 minutes by taxi)
- Bikes can be rented at Europcar station downtown (less than 10 minutes walk from the hotel)
- Hertz rent a car station just next to the hotel
Bad:
- Nothing
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes.
Excellent value, Royal Ambassador recognition and service
What is your IHG Reward Club Status?
Spire Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, definitely
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked lowest room category with points , and received an Ocean View Suite with club access.
How are the rooms?
Around 80 sqm.
Superb contemporary design with Danish touch
Living room with sofa, large flat screen television with massive selection of channels, dining table, separate toilets, dressing
Delta expresso machine, kettle
Bedroom with flat screen television, very comfortable bed (love the soft linens!), separate dressing
Free minibar with only soft drinks (everything on the minbar list to be ordered will be charged)
Superb bathroom (with large circle bathtub, walk-in multi-jet shower).
Large bottle of Agraria products. Colour of light in the shower can be changed
Very quiet (but you cannot sleep the window open, as you will hear the train passing-by on the track between the beach and the hotel)
Large balcony with sea-view
Very convenient phone with multi Charger Cable USB for smartphones.
Pictures of the hotel and the suite
Pictures of Estoril
Pictures of Cascais
How is the exec. lounge?
Not huge, but with terrace
Elegant design
Small selection of evening canapés. Drinks
EUR 90/night seems quite expensive for what you get
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- Excellent and smiling service
- Superb suite and hotel
- Very pleasant outdoor and indoor pool
- Very nice region
- Easy access from Lisbon airport (less than 30 minutes by taxi)
- Bikes can be rented at Europcar station downtown (less than 10 minutes walk from the hotel)
- Hertz rent a car station just next to the hotel
Bad:
- Nothing
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes.
Excellent value, Royal Ambassador recognition and service
Last edited by FLYGVA; Aug 19, 2015 at 7:21 am Reason: adding name of property to post instead of post title only
Aug 18, 2015, 5:21 pm
#194
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,963
InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas
IC Porto - Palacio das Cardosas
What is your IHG Reward Club Status?
Spire Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room with breakfast, and received a Duplex Suite. As I am not a big fan of it (kitsch design and no view), I declined it and asked for s suite. I received a junior suite with square view.
How are the rooms?
Around 28 sqm. More a room than a junior suite
Classic elegant design
Recently renovated. Lovely colour palette (but the sofa is too big for the room).
Large flat screen television with massive selection of channels
Nespresso machine (pods are charged), kettle (nice selection of teas)
Marble bathroom with bathtub, separate walk-in shower and toilets.
Castebel amenities
Small balcony with square view
No convenient plugs close to the bed. No iPhone dock.
Pictures of the hotel and the junior suite
Pictures of Porto
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- Central location, with easy access from the central station
- Pleasant junior suite
- Nice chat with Hotel manager, who makes a great job to improve the interior design and the service at the hotel
- Quite pleasant lunch (was offerred by hotel): very good cold carrot soup and fish (but over-cooked pasta), good pastries, but the restaurant has no atmosphere
- Great concierge team
Bad:
- Breakfast could be better in terms of service (very chaotic) and food (no local food like at InterContinental Lisbon, pastries are very disappointing)
- Staff can have a not so smiling attitude
- Maintenance issues (bathroom flooded because the shower was not draining well; poor soudproofed windows). Issues were quickly solved after calling instant service
- Design of the hotel is very faux and nouveau riche (even if things are being improved)
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, even if there are better option in town (love the new Vincci hotel, and the NH Collection is pretty nice too). Pensão Favorita is also a very good option if you like design and intimate atmosphere.
What is your IHG Reward Club Status?
Spire Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room with breakfast, and received a Duplex Suite. As I am not a big fan of it (kitsch design and no view), I declined it and asked for s suite. I received a junior suite with square view.
How are the rooms?
Around 28 sqm. More a room than a junior suite
Classic elegant design
Recently renovated. Lovely colour palette (but the sofa is too big for the room).
Large flat screen television with massive selection of channels
Nespresso machine (pods are charged), kettle (nice selection of teas)
Marble bathroom with bathtub, separate walk-in shower and toilets.
Castebel amenities
Small balcony with square view
No convenient plugs close to the bed. No iPhone dock.
Pictures of the hotel and the junior suite
Pictures of Porto
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- Central location, with easy access from the central station
- Pleasant junior suite
- Nice chat with Hotel manager, who makes a great job to improve the interior design and the service at the hotel
- Quite pleasant lunch (was offerred by hotel): very good cold carrot soup and fish (but over-cooked pasta), good pastries, but the restaurant has no atmosphere
- Great concierge team
Bad:
- Breakfast could be better in terms of service (very chaotic) and food (no local food like at InterContinental Lisbon, pastries are very disappointing)
- Staff can have a not so smiling attitude
- Maintenance issues (bathroom flooded because the shower was not draining well; poor soudproofed windows). Issues were quickly solved after calling instant service
- Design of the hotel is very faux and nouveau riche (even if things are being improved)
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, even if there are better option in town (love the new Vincci hotel, and the NH Collection is pretty nice too). Pensão Favorita is also a very good option if you like design and intimate atmosphere.
Last edited by FLYGVA; Aug 19, 2015 at 7:22 am Reason: adding name of property to post instead of post title only
Aug 19, 2015, 4:48 am
#195
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Amsterdam, Asia, UK
Programs: IHG RA (Spire), HH Diamond, MR Platinum, SQ Gold, KLM Gold, BAEC Gold
Posts: 5,072
IC Budapest
IC Budapest
Status
Spire RA
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, mostly
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked: 5x Paid nights company rate of lowest Classic Room (only choice I get)
Received: x10 end of corridor Exec Suite (without lounge access)
How are the rooms?
o Sitting room with double length wall window facing Danube/Palace but parallel to river and not angled like Junior Suite
o A big bedroom window view of Sofitel across the steet
o Tiny bathroom, same as a normal room with a shower come bath
o large flatscreen TVs both rooms but new cable package from 6weeks ago now no English language channel at all other than news eg CNN , BBC World News
(Before just had 2x CBS channels)
How is the exec. lounge?
o Excellent. Great views and good food offerings breakfast, lunch and dinner plus spirits and sparkling Hungarian wine in evenings.
o my issue as solo stay is since Jan2014 no discounts
o checked in at Lounge as both RA and Suite with hopefully Lounge access
BUT next morning asked to pay for previous first nights lounge and remaining 4nights at 70 and no discount
** Stimpy , confirming you just got lucky on your paid night escaping the 70euro fee **
o as solo visit I declined as breakfast is just 29euro if wanted and I decided to eat out anyway
o Seems like lounge desk persons are all new the experienced ladies of 18months ago have departed for new pastures
What was your welcome gift?
Half Bottle Hungarian Red Wine (same as minibar bottle !) + fruit plate
How was the mini-bar?
o 1x bottle Heinekin , 1x bottle Hungarian lager beer
o 3x water, 3x small-cola bottles, 2x fruit juice, 1x red bull
o half bottle Hungarian white wine & half similar red wine
Note
Asked front desk for RA Alcohol Pack, card shows : 4x spirit miniatures plus piccolo of sparkling wine (same as lounge wine). Finally received some only on 3rd day despite repeatedly asking
What was good and what was bad?
Good
+ Lounge access allows restaurant breakfast too, else 29euro per person
+ full suite upgrade
Bad
- retrospectively required to pay for lounge on first night (suite description now says not included with upgrade !)
- no discount on a high for non Western Europe 70euro lounge fee
- lack of English language TV channels
Neutral
o minibar contents and stuggle to get RA alcohol pack delivered
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
o With gbp/euro rate great rate for an IC night, not worth using 35k points unless 200euro late booking rates as often less than 150euro
o Paid nights good value, seems company rate at all usual suspects of IC/Marriott/both Hilton's are all similar 79-81 plus 22%tax plus I get lounge for free at Hilton's . May swap to a Hilton next visit
Would you return?
Location is a YES, Room upgrade is a YES , but 70euro lounge is a NO, thus will choose IC or Hilton depending on my RA/HHD elite status re qualification needs at time of any Budapest visit
Status
Spire RA
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, mostly
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked: 5x Paid nights company rate of lowest Classic Room (only choice I get)
Received: x10 end of corridor Exec Suite (without lounge access)
How are the rooms?
o Sitting room with double length wall window facing Danube/Palace but parallel to river and not angled like Junior Suite
o A big bedroom window view of Sofitel across the steet
o Tiny bathroom, same as a normal room with a shower come bath
o large flatscreen TVs both rooms but new cable package from 6weeks ago now no English language channel at all other than news eg CNN , BBC World News
(Before just had 2x CBS channels)
How is the exec. lounge?
o Excellent. Great views and good food offerings breakfast, lunch and dinner plus spirits and sparkling Hungarian wine in evenings.
o my issue as solo stay is since Jan2014 no discounts
o checked in at Lounge as both RA and Suite with hopefully Lounge access
BUT next morning asked to pay for previous first nights lounge and remaining 4nights at 70 and no discount
** Stimpy , confirming you just got lucky on your paid night escaping the 70euro fee **
o as solo visit I declined as breakfast is just 29euro if wanted and I decided to eat out anyway
o Seems like lounge desk persons are all new the experienced ladies of 18months ago have departed for new pastures
What was your welcome gift?
Half Bottle Hungarian Red Wine (same as minibar bottle !) + fruit plate
How was the mini-bar?
o 1x bottle Heinekin , 1x bottle Hungarian lager beer
o 3x water, 3x small-cola bottles, 2x fruit juice, 1x red bull
o half bottle Hungarian white wine & half similar red wine
Note
Asked front desk for RA Alcohol Pack, card shows : 4x spirit miniatures plus piccolo of sparkling wine (same as lounge wine). Finally received some only on 3rd day despite repeatedly asking
What was good and what was bad?
Good
+ Lounge access allows restaurant breakfast too, else 29euro per person
+ full suite upgrade
Bad
- retrospectively required to pay for lounge on first night (suite description now says not included with upgrade !)
- no discount on a high for non Western Europe 70euro lounge fee
- lack of English language TV channels
Neutral
o minibar contents and stuggle to get RA alcohol pack delivered
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
o With gbp/euro rate great rate for an IC night, not worth using 35k points unless 200euro late booking rates as often less than 150euro
o Paid nights good value, seems company rate at all usual suspects of IC/Marriott/both Hilton's are all similar 79-81 plus 22%tax plus I get lounge for free at Hilton's . May swap to a Hilton next visit
Would you return?
Location is a YES, Room upgrade is a YES , but 70euro lounge is a NO, thus will choose IC or Hilton depending on my RA/HHD elite status re qualification needs at time of any Budapest visit
Last edited by scubaccr; Aug 19, 2015 at 4:58 am