Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
For our final night in our 5-weeks Iberian whirlwind, booked two King rooms (the only one available on points) for two adults and two children (ages 11 & 14) and the 2nd King was upgraded to a Double beds. Our needs are to have 2 rooms, connected, adjacent, or in front of each other. And this is what we got on the 15th floor. Originally, they had us on the top 19th floor, but we had to ask for downgrade (in floors) due to our needs. Asked for a suite and was told none were available! Checked in on July 26th - checked out the next day.
How are the rooms?
Rooms were large for Europe - same size as the ones at the San Diego Intercontinental but smaller than the ones in Bangkok. Cookie cutter room with nothing to write home about. Partial city/river view and facing the Four Seasons high-rise next door. Turn down service was provided and a plate of 3 sweet items was placed in the room. Beds were comfortable and water pressure was good in the shower. No issues encountered.
How is the exec. lounge?
Good size IC Club on the ground floor but with no Wow factor. I was invited but it was too late (6:55PM) as the happy hour ends at 7PM. Instead, I was given 4 drink vouchers to partake at the
Uptown Bar at the lobby. Kids and wife had soda & juices and I had a Negroni which was good. Peanuts were offered and the kids enjoyed them.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: the comped breakfast for 4 as a welcome amenity for being IHG Diamond. The breakfast buffet at
Akla Restaurant on the lobby floor was substantial - cappuccino and juices included. I even saw a champagne bottle on ice at the buffet but because we were heading to the airport after breakfast, I didn't partake.
The staff was very pleasant and accommodating, especially Ms. Silva at the front desk.
The 15 Euros Ambassador amenity was not used. Should had another Negroni …
Bad: Nothing really bad or maybe the bathroom toiletries are these stuck to the wall pump bottles of bodywash, shampoo, and conditioner that are not impressive!
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Due to the uncertainty in air travel nowadays, we did not use cash - we needed the cash for the arduous journey home (we don't use credit cards). So 2 rooms at 53K IHG points each which is little less than the amount if we paid cash. Final tab was 6 euros for some city daily occupancy tax, I guess the 11 year old is free - paid in cash. Good value I would say when you consider buffet breakfast for 4.
Yes, I'd definitely return!