Please post your Ambassador experiences (Archive Thread 2015)
Sep 29, 2015, 1:40 pm
#61
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 39
IC Carlton Cannes
IC Carlton Cannes
We just returned from IC Carlton Cannes few weeks ago for beginning of September '15 stay.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
Absolutely. We were there for celebrating birthday, they have our room ready with welcoming gift and cake at check in. Concierge made good recommendation for the birthday dinner too.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
We booked the Superior room with city view, was upgraded to Deluxe room with ocean view with the BOGO cert.
How are the rooms?
Deluxe room we had is in good condition, on the small side, with 50s decor. Though the restroom is very small and separated from the bathroom. The French balcony faces the La Croisette and Carlton beach.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A, there's no executive lounge. Although they still have 5th & 6th floor as 'executive' floor.
What was good and what was bad?
The building is an iconic historical landmark in French Riviera, absolutely stunning building. Service was excellent, the front desk staff walk you to your room during check in. View from Deluxe room is great, and service at Carlton beach is wonderful. Room service breakfast is amazing though pricy. Amenities was a bit limited that was the only downside and Carlton beach access incurs additional fee. Sounds insolation can use some improvement as La Croisette is a bit loud on weekend nights.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
For the use of BOGO cert I though it was decent value consider the rack rate for deluxe room with oceanview was sky high.
We just returned from IC Carlton Cannes few weeks ago for beginning of September '15 stay.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
Absolutely. We were there for celebrating birthday, they have our room ready with welcoming gift and cake at check in. Concierge made good recommendation for the birthday dinner too.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
We booked the Superior room with city view, was upgraded to Deluxe room with ocean view with the BOGO cert.
How are the rooms?
Deluxe room we had is in good condition, on the small side, with 50s decor. Though the restroom is very small and separated from the bathroom. The French balcony faces the La Croisette and Carlton beach.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A, there's no executive lounge. Although they still have 5th & 6th floor as 'executive' floor.
What was good and what was bad?
The building is an iconic historical landmark in French Riviera, absolutely stunning building. Service was excellent, the front desk staff walk you to your room during check in. View from Deluxe room is great, and service at Carlton beach is wonderful. Room service breakfast is amazing though pricy. Amenities was a bit limited that was the only downside and Carlton beach access incurs additional fee. Sounds insolation can use some improvement as La Croisette is a bit loud on weekend nights.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
For the use of BOGO cert I though it was decent value consider the rack rate for deluxe room with oceanview was sky high.
Last edited by FLYGVA; Sep 30, 2015 at 12:02 am Reason: added name of property to post instead of post title only
Sep 30, 2015, 12:10 am
#62
Moderator: InterContinental Hotels and Germany
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,552
I have moved the question "How to respond, when an Ambassador Upgrade is not honoured" to this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inter...formation.html
The question of the delivery time of an BOGO was moved to the following thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inter...t-voucher.html
FLYGVA
co-moderator IHG Forum
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inter...formation.html
The question of the delivery time of an BOGO was moved to the following thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inter...t-voucher.html
FLYGVA
co-moderator IHG Forum
Oct 5, 2015, 10:40 am
#63
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Platinum, SPG Gold
Posts: 413
IC Bali
IC Bali
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Ambassador now, Plat at the time of this stay
Were you happy with the hotel?
Yes Very Happy
Which room did you book and what upgrade did you receive?
Booked Singaraja King, Received Duplex Club (paid $60usd for club bennies)
How are the rooms?
Excellent
How is the exec. lounge?
The best IC lounge so far
What was your welcome gift?
Chocolate pralines & Wooden IC hand fan
Did you receive fruit and water in the room?
Yes
What was good?
The club benefits also included complimentary transport to nearby places via a Mercedes. I was happy with the selection on 3 venues for cocktail hour. The rooms were well maintained, infact the entire property was. The breakfast was insanely good and the service, flawless.
What was bad?
Manicure service wasn't really worth the money for the quality given.
Value for the money? Would you return?
Yes, definitely
Full review here : http://www.checkmyhacks.com/hotels/h...t-club-duplex/
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Ambassador now, Plat at the time of this stay
Were you happy with the hotel?
Yes Very Happy
Which room did you book and what upgrade did you receive?
Booked Singaraja King, Received Duplex Club (paid $60usd for club bennies)
How are the rooms?
Excellent
How is the exec. lounge?
The best IC lounge so far
What was your welcome gift?
Chocolate pralines & Wooden IC hand fan
Did you receive fruit and water in the room?
Yes
What was good?
The club benefits also included complimentary transport to nearby places via a Mercedes. I was happy with the selection on 3 venues for cocktail hour. The rooms were well maintained, infact the entire property was. The breakfast was insanely good and the service, flawless.
What was bad?
Manicure service wasn't really worth the money for the quality given.
Value for the money? Would you return?
Yes, definitely
Full review here : http://www.checkmyhacks.com/hotels/h...t-club-duplex/
Oct 17, 2015, 1:00 am
#64
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, HH Diamond
Posts: 32
Intercontinental Paris Le Grand
Intercontinental Paris Le Grand
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
I guess so
Which room did you book and what upgrade did you receive?
Booked on points for two nights, got classic room
How are the rooms?
Generally they are great. The classic room was, as expected, very small.
How is the exec. lounge?
Fantastic. Paid the 120 euro for access. It's not great value for money but the service is fantastic.
What was your welcome gift?
Can't remember receiving anything.
Did you receive fruit and water in the room?
Yes
What was good?
Location, service.
What was bad?
The lack of any upgrade.
Value for the money? Would you return?
Using points it's good value for money. This was my 2nd stay here, first was as RA. Not even getting a small upgrade was a bit of a down point. Next time I'll have to squeeze in a paid night and hope for better treatment.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
I guess so
Which room did you book and what upgrade did you receive?
Booked on points for two nights, got classic room
How are the rooms?
Generally they are great. The classic room was, as expected, very small.
How is the exec. lounge?
Fantastic. Paid the 120 euro for access. It's not great value for money but the service is fantastic.
What was your welcome gift?
Can't remember receiving anything.
Did you receive fruit and water in the room?
Yes
What was good?
Location, service.
What was bad?
The lack of any upgrade.
Value for the money? Would you return?
Using points it's good value for money. This was my 2nd stay here, first was as RA. Not even getting a small upgrade was a bit of a down point. Next time I'll have to squeeze in a paid night and hope for better treatment.
Oct 17, 2015, 1:12 am
#65
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, HH Diamond
Posts: 32
Intercontinental London Park Lane
Intercontinental London Park Lane
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
Very
Which room did you book and what upgrade did you receive?
Stayed 3 times over a three week period
3 night on points - received London Classic Room
1 paid night (booked executive), two nights on points - received London Executive Room
1 paid night (booked executive), one points night - received Studio Suite
How are the rooms?
Some of the nicest i've stayed in. I was expecting the London classic room to be very small but it was definitely manageable. Studio Suite, although the fittings weren't as modern, was really good. The view out the window was spectacular at night.
How is the exec. lounge?
Ok. Paid the 78 pounds p/night on a couple of stays. It's great to get a cooked to order breakfast option in a lounge. Found the service at evening drinks to be a bit lacking though. Took a long time to take orders and they seemed fairly bored.
What was your welcome gift?
Shortbread cookies.
Did you receive fruit and water in the room?
Yes, but had to ask for it every time. Water often wasn't replenished either.
What was good?
Location was great as a tube stop is really close by.
What was bad?
nothing really.
Value for the money? Would you return?
It's very good value for money on points. The poor conversion rate from AUD to GBP makes it very pricey on cash but it is a very good hotel. I'll definitely be back.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
Very
Which room did you book and what upgrade did you receive?
Stayed 3 times over a three week period
3 night on points - received London Classic Room
1 paid night (booked executive), two nights on points - received London Executive Room
1 paid night (booked executive), one points night - received Studio Suite
How are the rooms?
Some of the nicest i've stayed in. I was expecting the London classic room to be very small but it was definitely manageable. Studio Suite, although the fittings weren't as modern, was really good. The view out the window was spectacular at night.
How is the exec. lounge?
Ok. Paid the 78 pounds p/night on a couple of stays. It's great to get a cooked to order breakfast option in a lounge. Found the service at evening drinks to be a bit lacking though. Took a long time to take orders and they seemed fairly bored.
What was your welcome gift?
Shortbread cookies.
Did you receive fruit and water in the room?
Yes, but had to ask for it every time. Water often wasn't replenished either.
What was good?
Location was great as a tube stop is really close by.
What was bad?
nothing really.
Value for the money? Would you return?
It's very good value for money on points. The poor conversion rate from AUD to GBP makes it very pricey on cash but it is a very good hotel. I'll definitely be back.
Oct 21, 2015, 2:16 am
#66
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, HH Diamond
Posts: 32
IC Adelaide
Intercontinental Adelaide
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
Yes
Which room did you book and what upgrade did you receive?
Booked River View. Received River View with Club Access
How are the rooms?
The rooms are on the old side. I still quite like them but an upgrade wouldn't go astray. Marble bathroom looks quite dated but is still reasonable.
How is the exec. lounge?
It's ok. Again, like the rooms it could do with refurbishing. Everything is self service which is good because you don't have to wait for service. Wide variety of spirits, wines and beers. Food selection isn't so good. Although they have added some hot selections in the last 12 months i.e. dumplings, spring rolls etc.
What was your welcome gift?
Some locally made fudge.
Did you receive fruit and water in the room?
Yes.
What was good?
Good upgrade. There are only two room types here really. City View and River View. If you book a River view the next room up is either Club or a suite. They are usually happy to give me either but not both.
Location is good, close to Casino, Adelaide Oval, Rundle Mall.
Foyer is quite grand in an old school way.
What was bad?
Rooms are on the old side.
Value for the money? Would you return?
Yes, would return. Good value for money at about $200AUD with upgrade including club access. I like it much better than the Hilton and although not as new as the CP, the service and experience is much better.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
Yes
Which room did you book and what upgrade did you receive?
Booked River View. Received River View with Club Access
How are the rooms?
The rooms are on the old side. I still quite like them but an upgrade wouldn't go astray. Marble bathroom looks quite dated but is still reasonable.
How is the exec. lounge?
It's ok. Again, like the rooms it could do with refurbishing. Everything is self service which is good because you don't have to wait for service. Wide variety of spirits, wines and beers. Food selection isn't so good. Although they have added some hot selections in the last 12 months i.e. dumplings, spring rolls etc.
What was your welcome gift?
Some locally made fudge.
Did you receive fruit and water in the room?
Yes.
What was good?
Good upgrade. There are only two room types here really. City View and River View. If you book a River view the next room up is either Club or a suite. They are usually happy to give me either but not both.
Location is good, close to Casino, Adelaide Oval, Rundle Mall.
Foyer is quite grand in an old school way.
What was bad?
Rooms are on the old side.
Value for the money? Would you return?
Yes, would return. Good value for money at about $200AUD with upgrade including club access. I like it much better than the Hilton and although not as new as the CP, the service and experience is much better.
Nov 4, 2015, 8:27 am
#67
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Flyover Country
Posts: 157
IC Presidente Cancun
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
Extremely happy
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room on points, received Caribbean Suite with Club Access after a $70/night buy up.
How are the rooms?
Spacious and modern. Great balcony overlooking the beach and Caribbean sea.
How is the exec. lounge?
Fantastic. Recently remodeled. Very solid breakfast options (made to order omelettes, bacon, sausage, hash browns, plus continental options), then heavy appetizers and an open bar from 6-8pm.
What was good and what was bad?
Nothing bad at all. Service was excellent, the beach/water/swimming area was fantastic, the suite included free use of a beach bed, food and drinks were good and reasonably priced.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Excellent value. 45k points (got one night on sale) + $140 for the 1100 sq ft Caribbean Suite plus club access is tough to beat.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
Extremely happy
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room on points, received Caribbean Suite with Club Access after a $70/night buy up.
How are the rooms?
Spacious and modern. Great balcony overlooking the beach and Caribbean sea.
How is the exec. lounge?
Fantastic. Recently remodeled. Very solid breakfast options (made to order omelettes, bacon, sausage, hash browns, plus continental options), then heavy appetizers and an open bar from 6-8pm.
What was good and what was bad?
Nothing bad at all. Service was excellent, the beach/water/swimming area was fantastic, the suite included free use of a beach bed, food and drinks were good and reasonably priced.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Excellent value. 45k points (got one night on sale) + $140 for the 1100 sq ft Caribbean Suite plus club access is tough to beat.
Nov 9, 2015, 7:03 am
#68
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Platinum, SPG Gold
Posts: 413
IC Singapore
IC Singapore
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Ambassador now, Plat at the time of this stay
Were you happy with the hotel?
Yes Extremely Happy
Which room did you book and what upgrade did you receive?
Booked Shophouse King, Received Ambassador Suite (3-category upgrade)
How are the rooms?
Beyond excellent
How is the exec. lounge?
Singapore IC lounge is one of the best so far, maybe slightly under IC Bali.
What was your welcome gift?
A cute lion plushie
Did you receive fruit and water in the room?
Yes
What was good?
The service provided at the lounge and also during check-in reassured me of the care given to Ambassadors. The experience was amazing as always. Room and views were good.
What was bad?
The breakfast wasnt really great, fell short of my expectations. Rooms are dated but still well taken care of, hotel currently undergoing renovation of rooms slowly.
Value for the money? Would you return?
Yes, definitely since I used a BOGO cert and paid about 150usd/night for a 1,500usd/night room.
Full review here : http://www.checkmyhacks.com/hotels/h...assador-suite/
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Ambassador now, Plat at the time of this stay
Were you happy with the hotel?
Yes Extremely Happy
Which room did you book and what upgrade did you receive?
Booked Shophouse King, Received Ambassador Suite (3-category upgrade)
How are the rooms?
Beyond excellent
How is the exec. lounge?
Singapore IC lounge is one of the best so far, maybe slightly under IC Bali.
What was your welcome gift?
A cute lion plushie
Did you receive fruit and water in the room?
Yes
What was good?
The service provided at the lounge and also during check-in reassured me of the care given to Ambassadors. The experience was amazing as always. Room and views were good.
What was bad?
The breakfast wasnt really great, fell short of my expectations. Rooms are dated but still well taken care of, hotel currently undergoing renovation of rooms slowly.
Value for the money? Would you return?
Yes, definitely since I used a BOGO cert and paid about 150usd/night for a 1,500usd/night room.
Full review here : http://www.checkmyhacks.com/hotels/h...assador-suite/
Nov 9, 2015, 8:30 am
#69
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 112
IC Le Moana Bora Bora
IC Le Moana Bora Bora
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked beach bungalow on points. Not upgraded.
Welcoming gifts are two free drinks at bar, fruit platter in room, daily mineral water.
How are the rooms?
Very nice. They are decorated in mahogany and bamboo in a very traditional south pacific style. Very appropriate for Bora Bora.
How is the exec. lounge?
I don't think they have one.
What was good and what was bad?
I'm in Bora Bora. It's all good.
Internet is surprisingly fast for such a remote location.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
50,000 points. I'll answer the value part in my Thassalo stay in a few days.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked beach bungalow on points. Not upgraded.
Welcoming gifts are two free drinks at bar, fruit platter in room, daily mineral water.
How are the rooms?
Very nice. They are decorated in mahogany and bamboo in a very traditional south pacific style. Very appropriate for Bora Bora.
How is the exec. lounge?
I don't think they have one.
What was good and what was bad?
I'm in Bora Bora. It's all good.
Internet is surprisingly fast for such a remote location.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
50,000 points. I'll answer the value part in my Thassalo stay in a few days.
Last edited by FLYGVA; Nov 10, 2015 at 1:39 am Reason: adding name of property to post instead of post title only
Nov 9, 2015, 8:47 am
#70
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Canterbury, UK
Programs: BA Gold, IHG Diamond + Ambassador, Accor Gold, Avis President's Club, Heathrow Rewards
Posts: 2,471
Intercontinental Miami Downtown
IC Miami Downtown
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel/stay?
Fairly satisfied, no big plus or minus points
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
- King Bay View, special offer booked
- Got no room upgrade even though it was not high season; but club access given
How are the rooms?
- Bit dated in decor, but everything was in good working order
- Reasonable size, good amount of storage space
- Bay view is nice, but view onto bayfront park was at least as good
How is the exec. lounge?
- Good lounge with better than average offerings
- Staff was very attentive and helpful
- Great views on bayfront park and downtown Miami
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Amenities and hotel facilities
- Club lounge
- Front desk staff
- Location is reasonable for getting around Miami
- Generally good hotel, but have been in far more exciting ICs
Bad
- Lack of status recognition
- Valet service was not always smooth
- Bar and restaurant area were very noisy, music too loud - not the place for conversation over drinks or dinner
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
- May return, although I prefer the Z-Ocean CP in South Beach
- Average value for money
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel/stay?
Fairly satisfied, no big plus or minus points
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
- King Bay View, special offer booked
- Got no room upgrade even though it was not high season; but club access given
How are the rooms?
- Bit dated in decor, but everything was in good working order
- Reasonable size, good amount of storage space
- Bay view is nice, but view onto bayfront park was at least as good
How is the exec. lounge?
- Good lounge with better than average offerings
- Staff was very attentive and helpful
- Great views on bayfront park and downtown Miami
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Amenities and hotel facilities
- Club lounge
- Front desk staff
- Location is reasonable for getting around Miami
- Generally good hotel, but have been in far more exciting ICs
Bad
- Lack of status recognition
- Valet service was not always smooth
- Bar and restaurant area were very noisy, music too loud - not the place for conversation over drinks or dinner
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
- May return, although I prefer the Z-Ocean CP in South Beach
- Average value for money
Last edited by FLYGVA; Nov 10, 2015 at 1:39 am Reason: adding name of property to post instead of post title only
Nov 9, 2015, 11:14 am
#71
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: SPG LTP, hotels, OWE, STE+, *G, Octopus
Posts: 5,786
InterContinental Los Angeles Century City
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
Very happy
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room on Ambassador cert. The app initially indicated 1brm Executive Suite, but at check-in was "downgraded" to Studio Suite.
How are the rooms?
Nicely appointed renovated room (not all rooms are renovated). The balcony has nice, unobstrucated views - if you look hard, you can see Santa Monica and the sea
How is the exec. lounge?
No lounge.
What was good and what was bad?
X
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
In a pretty expensive city (expensive week), I found the cash value with the Ambassador cert very good. The Century City area in itself is a bit difficult, which is why I would prefer another area in terms of leisure travel.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
Very happy
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room on Ambassador cert. The app initially indicated 1brm Executive Suite, but at check-in was "downgraded" to Studio Suite.
How are the rooms?
Nicely appointed renovated room (not all rooms are renovated). The balcony has nice, unobstrucated views - if you look hard, you can see Santa Monica and the sea
How is the exec. lounge?
No lounge.
What was good and what was bad?
X
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
In a pretty expensive city (expensive week), I found the cash value with the Ambassador cert very good. The Century City area in itself is a bit difficult, which is why I would prefer another area in terms of leisure travel.
Nov 12, 2015, 10:46 am
#72
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 640
InterContinental THE WILLARD WASHINGTON D.C.
InterContinental THE WILLARD WASHINGTON D.C.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Elite Ambassador
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Deluxe Room
Upgraded to Willard Room which had a dirty bathroom, was offered an upgrade to either Junior Suite or Executive Suite
How are the rooms?
Willard room is nice, its spacious, nice bathroom but again, mine was dirty
The Executive Suite has a smaller bedroom since it has 2 rooms (bedroom + living room) + 2 bathrooms + small kitchen
But if you prefer to have 1 big bedroom, don't chose the executive suite
How is the exec. lounge?
What was good and what was bad?
Only fruits+water was provided, not the guarenteed in-room welcome gift, I had to ask 3 more times til I received it,
Also having a dirty bathroom no matter which room category it is, is a no go
On top of that, I found trash from the previous guest in the Executive Suite so seems like they are having some issues with housekeeping here.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
The location and the lobby is perfect, don't know if I want to return to an IC thou with housekeeping problems.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Elite Ambassador
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Deluxe Room
Upgraded to Willard Room which had a dirty bathroom, was offered an upgrade to either Junior Suite or Executive Suite
How are the rooms?
Willard room is nice, its spacious, nice bathroom but again, mine was dirty
The Executive Suite has a smaller bedroom since it has 2 rooms (bedroom + living room) + 2 bathrooms + small kitchen
But if you prefer to have 1 big bedroom, don't chose the executive suite
How is the exec. lounge?
What was good and what was bad?
Only fruits+water was provided, not the guarenteed in-room welcome gift, I had to ask 3 more times til I received it,
Also having a dirty bathroom no matter which room category it is, is a no go
On top of that, I found trash from the previous guest in the Executive Suite so seems like they are having some issues with housekeeping here.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
The location and the lobby is perfect, don't know if I want to return to an IC thou with housekeeping problems.
Nov 13, 2015, 9:04 pm
#73
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 112
IC Thalasso Bora Bora
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Emerald overwater villa on IHG award. Did not receive room upgrade. The only acknowledgement for Ambassador status is free bottled water. No welcome gift or fruit plate, no drink coupon. This is the least recognition I've ever seen for Ambassador members.
How are the rooms?
Fantastic. These are the nicest IC rooms I've ever seen.
How is the exec. lounge?
There is none.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: The food is way above average for an IC hotel. The resort is on a fantastic location, with a stunning view of the Bora Bora area.
Bad: The food is stunningly expensive, about 2x what it would cost at any other IC hotel. For example, the breakfast buffet is about $40 USD per person (even with a record strong dollar). It is pretty difficult to eat out since they charge $18 pp to take the shuttle boat to the main island.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Room rates start at $1000 per night on the shoulder season. Figure another $250+ per day for two people to dine here. Not a good value for money to me. On the other hand, you can stay here for 50000 IHG points, if you can find availability. It is a very good value for points. Yes, I would return for a points award. No, I would not stay here for $.
Emerald overwater villa on IHG award. Did not receive room upgrade. The only acknowledgement for Ambassador status is free bottled water. No welcome gift or fruit plate, no drink coupon. This is the least recognition I've ever seen for Ambassador members.
How are the rooms?
Fantastic. These are the nicest IC rooms I've ever seen.
How is the exec. lounge?
There is none.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: The food is way above average for an IC hotel. The resort is on a fantastic location, with a stunning view of the Bora Bora area.
Bad: The food is stunningly expensive, about 2x what it would cost at any other IC hotel. For example, the breakfast buffet is about $40 USD per person (even with a record strong dollar). It is pretty difficult to eat out since they charge $18 pp to take the shuttle boat to the main island.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Room rates start at $1000 per night on the shoulder season. Figure another $250+ per day for two people to dine here. Not a good value for money to me. On the other hand, you can stay here for 50000 IHG points, if you can find availability. It is a very good value for points. Yes, I would return for a points award. No, I would not stay here for $.
Nov 18, 2015, 4:55 pm
#74
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 102
IC Stephen F. Austin, TX
IC Austin
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
Yes, Extremely Happy
Which room did you book and what upgrade did you receive?
Booked traditional room, upgraded to one bedroom Suite
How are the rooms?
Amazing. Modern, 1.5 bathrooms, nice living room, comfortable bed. A large amount of power outlets!
How is the exec. lounge?
Not given access
What was your welcome gift?
Now that you mention it, NOTHING!
Did you receive fruit and water in the room?
Yes. Apple, trail mix, and a nice bottle of water
What was good?
Great service at check in. Given a great upgrade, allowed to check in four hours early. Nice staff at Roaring Fork Restaurant who made recommendations on a few things to do around town. Amazing Room. Best location in Austin in my opinion
What was bad?
I didn't get a welcome gift!
Value for the money? Would you return?
Absolutely. Used AMB Free Weekend, paid $220 for Friday and got the next night free which would have been $420
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel?
Yes, Extremely Happy
Which room did you book and what upgrade did you receive?
Booked traditional room, upgraded to one bedroom Suite
How are the rooms?
Amazing. Modern, 1.5 bathrooms, nice living room, comfortable bed. A large amount of power outlets!
How is the exec. lounge?
Not given access
What was your welcome gift?
Now that you mention it, NOTHING!
Did you receive fruit and water in the room?
Yes. Apple, trail mix, and a nice bottle of water
What was good?
Great service at check in. Given a great upgrade, allowed to check in four hours early. Nice staff at Roaring Fork Restaurant who made recommendations on a few things to do around town. Amazing Room. Best location in Austin in my opinion
What was bad?
I didn't get a welcome gift!
Value for the money? Would you return?
Absolutely. Used AMB Free Weekend, paid $220 for Friday and got the next night free which would have been $420
Nov 25, 2015, 12:04 am
#75
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: PHL
Programs: IHG Diamond Ambassador, AAdvantage Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 263
IC San Francisco Mark Hopkins
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a "1 King Bed View" room using a BOGO voucher. Upgraded to a "1 King Bed Executive" Room.
How are the rooms?
The executive room has a large seating area with a couch, two chairs and a desk (with office chair). The seating and sleeping areas are separated by a large dresser that houses a 2nd TV. The bathroom was more than adequate. The room had a total of 3 windows (2 in seating area, 1 by the bed), which provided a panoramic effect.
What was your welcome gift?
They automatically stock Evian water in all rooms with a $7 price tag, but the staff informs you during check-in that the Evian is free for ambassadors. The fruit, gift (a tin of dark chocolate), and additional water were delivered a few hours afterwards while I was away.
How is the exec. lounge?
We were not given free access, but the "lounge" is actually their ground-level restaurant (The Nob Hill Club) where certain items were complimentary if you have "lounge access". We visited their bar, and while we had to actually pay for the cocktails, they were very impressive.
What was good and what was bad?
The executive room on the 10th floor provided great views, but it was located next to the elevator. The elevators did make noise throughout the night, but it was not rickety (think of the sound a skeeball makes while rolling up the ramp) and not exactly loud. While the seating area was convenient, the couch's design was a bit awkward/uncomfortable.
Value for $? Would you return?
It seems that the room rates fluctuate wildly. If rates are ~$200/nt, I would consider it to be a fantastic value. If rates are high enough, I wouldn't be opposed to using points, as this is probably my favorite Intercontinental in the USA.
Platinum Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a "1 King Bed View" room using a BOGO voucher. Upgraded to a "1 King Bed Executive" Room.
How are the rooms?
The executive room has a large seating area with a couch, two chairs and a desk (with office chair). The seating and sleeping areas are separated by a large dresser that houses a 2nd TV. The bathroom was more than adequate. The room had a total of 3 windows (2 in seating area, 1 by the bed), which provided a panoramic effect.
What was your welcome gift?
They automatically stock Evian water in all rooms with a $7 price tag, but the staff informs you during check-in that the Evian is free for ambassadors. The fruit, gift (a tin of dark chocolate), and additional water were delivered a few hours afterwards while I was away.
How is the exec. lounge?
We were not given free access, but the "lounge" is actually their ground-level restaurant (The Nob Hill Club) where certain items were complimentary if you have "lounge access". We visited their bar, and while we had to actually pay for the cocktails, they were very impressive.
What was good and what was bad?
The executive room on the 10th floor provided great views, but it was located next to the elevator. The elevators did make noise throughout the night, but it was not rickety (think of the sound a skeeball makes while rolling up the ramp) and not exactly loud. While the seating area was convenient, the couch's design was a bit awkward/uncomfortable.
Value for $? Would you return?
It seems that the room rates fluctuate wildly. If rates are ~$200/nt, I would consider it to be a fantastic value. If rates are high enough, I wouldn't be opposed to using points, as this is probably my favorite Intercontinental in the USA.