Originally Posted by
barracuda93
Actually difference in points is just 5k, so if IC GS is MUCH nicer, it will be a better value. I don't like TST area however, and harbor views are, according to reports, a) very narrow there and b) unlikely to be given even to Ambassadors on points bookings.
It's mostly city views from the Indigo. The high-floor corner rooms give you a city view... but lower floors look at the sides of buildings. The city views of IC GS are probably less as it is a much shorter building. The Indigo has a roof-top bar with a corner outdoor balcony that has some view. The IC GS... not much to offer. The interior of the IC GS is more traditional elegance, while the Indigo is more contemporary. The Indigo has some interesting local flavor; walk down the street next to it and you are almost immediately in the middle of one of the local street markets. Also fun to wander through the WanChai (food) market. The IC GS is near the harbor promenade, and there are some good bar streets / restaurants nearby.
Originally Posted by
barracuda93
I just expect to get a room upgrade and a pleasing view from the window. I won't get complimentary Club access – it's not a benefit of Amb status, forget Gold. And HK is a place with typically average to crappy service, so I don't expect any hotel to go beyond of what they have to.
I've found that with the points, you only get their lowest room, and I don't know if there is an official room upgrade policy when booking with points.
Another thought: Look into the Crowne Plaza at Causeway Bay. I think the rooms there are pretty nice. They have a roof-top bar with a nice view. Very near to Times Square and a lot of upscale shopping. Some of the rooms with the "Racecourse View" are nice, but I'm not sure how to get them using points. They are certainly a few levels above the basic room you get with points.