Originally Posted by
Land-of-Miles
I think you can call out examples of MO, SR, 4S and Waldorf Astoria properties which are far from luxurious. To me IC seems on a par with Starwoods SR and/or Luxury Collection chains, with WA, 4S and similar to with Starwood for Marriott some sort if hybrid of JW and RC.
I think the individual IC's are far more variable than perhaps their near cousins in other chains which makes direct comparison somewhat variable. Looking at the IC London Park Lane I would happily put it on a par with almost all other Mayfair luxury hotels. The IC Westminster in the same city Is less luxurious and could equally be a JW Marriott or Conrad.
IC does however tend to offer more relevant luxury to my needs with more emphasis on discreet attentive service and less on pointless "butler" services.
No,from exclusivity point, I would say Conrad > IC. There are handful Conrad in the world, every each one is one of the best in their location. there are also only 75 JW in the world, however 180 IC hotels.
Even the most exclusivity IC properties such as Hong Kong as you mentioned, is still a hustle and bustle big hotel like Grand hyatt, IC never reaches to the Four Seasons/ St regis tier. However there are some JW is very top-notch ranked as 5 star in US,such as Miami, Houston downtown one which competes with MO /FS in those locations.
The whole IHG group like Accord, is aimed at lower price market, so I don't put IHG with SPG, Marriott, Hyatt even Hilton in the same segment.
My rank would be, generally, Conrad>JW Marriott>= IC