IHG is now working to standardise room category names worldwide.

The basic categorisation will be as follows

[InterContinental]
Classic
Premium
Club Classic
Club Premium
Suite

[Kimpton]
Essential
Premium
Suite

[Indigo/Crowne Plaza/Holiday Inn]
Standard
Premium
Suite

However, the criteria are very confusing and not very customer-oriented, being imposed by the headquarters which does not understand the actual situation of each hotels.

The difference between Classic and Premium is simply the size of the room and not the amenities. It is not defined by the hotel but unilaterally by IHG headquarters.

As a result, the ANA InterContinental Tokyo, for example, has increased its room categories from 19 to 25. If you've stayed at this hotel before, you'll know that some of the very older Classic Rooms below 21F will also be given the “Premium” name. What’s the “Premium” ?? Crazy.

Meanwhile, the majority of rooms on the Club Floor, which was refurbished three years ago, will also be given the “Classic” name.

It makes all very confused. In my opinion, this is a stupid measure that is not customer-oriented. It comes to giving the same name to newly renovated much comfortable rooms as to old boring ones. It seems that there are a few executives at IHG headquarters who have armchair theory.

I would like to say NO to this policy. I would like to urge them to stop taking away the right of individual hotels to decide on room names and categories.