What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Very much so
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a points room at short notice with the disclaimer from the booking that bed preference and non-smoking preference will be based on availability on check-in. Or words to that effect.
However, on check-in received a generous upgrade to one of the recently renovated rooms on the 08th (top) floor which includes access to the 'salon' (small lounge) on the 08th floor. Various vouchers, offering small discounts on breakfast and dinner as well as free access to the gym/pool were also offered. Parking was free.
How are the rooms?
Very nicely renovated, lots of clean light wood and a real spruce up from the generally dowdy look of the rooms when I had last stayed here a few years ago. In room Nespresso, Bathroom was nice too, Toto toilet with the shower in the bath though the shower panel didn't do much of a job of keeping the room dry.
How is the exec. lounge?
This was a nice bonus. It is not a lounge in the sense of an alternative place for breakfast and some canapes in the evening. It was more like a library with an open bar. Ten chairs in a line around 5 small tables. Staff at a desk to help with enquiries. Salon describes it better than lounge.
What was good and what was bad?
The upgrade on points is, obviously, the good. But it was a pleasant surprise to see how well they've renovated the rooms and the general upgrade in amenities. Service was always polite and professional.
The 'bad' might be that the upgrades are still ongoing, the 6th floor for instance is closed off and there was noticeable noise, drilling and so on, on a Saturday afternoon. Renewal has not come to the lobby or any of the public spaces, though they have their own charm as they are
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Very much so. It was on points, but prices are reasonable especially in a city where the newer Western hotels are way way up the other end of the scale. If you are getting the renewed rooms it's a bargain.