InterContinental Dubai Marina
What is your Priority Club status?
Diamond Ambassador

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Located next to the Tram Stop Dubai Residences I and one block from the beach, the hotel offers easy access to public transportation. It is however not a beach resort, which was fine for me. I was contacted by the hotel two days prior to arrival and asked for my expecting arrival time and asked for any help and preferences. I told them that I would arrive around 14:00 and prefer a room on a higher floor.
I arrived at the hotel at 14:15 by a careem ride. There were longer lines and I had to wait a couple of minutes. The agent retrieved the reservation from the system. He thank me for being a Diamond Ambassador Member and confirmed that I was using my Ambassador night for the second night. He mentioned that he selected breakfast as my Diamond Amenity. I was a bit surprised, as I am used to get at least asked. Since I had a lounge pass, I brought this to the attention of the agent. He looked a bit confused and typed something in the system. He than confirmed that I indeed hat lounge access and that I could have breakfast in the lounge, but not in the restaurant. He also changed his welcome speech and now highlighted the club benefits, but did not mention any times.
The App showed that I was upgraded to a Junior Suite. But the assigned Junior Suite was not yet available, so he offered me one on the third floor. As this was quite low and also next to the pool, I declined and asked, if a regular room was available. He then assigned me a room on the 14th floor, which was the top floor.
He mentioned that I got 70 AED to spend, including minibar. He also highlighted that to reach the lounge I had to go downstairs and take another elevator up to the 39th floor. Later I discovered, that there was also the possibility to take the elevator from the 12th floor. I had to inquire about gym and pool. Gym and pool are open from 08:00 to 22:00 and located on the second floor.
I did not receive any welcome letter explaining the features.
My room was located on the 14th floor. There was a small entrance area with the a place to store luggage. The hallway was a bit dark and the lights above the luggage area could only turned on / off using the Master switch. Closets were also located in the hallway. Large enough for a longer stay. Safe, iron and ironing board were also placed there.
The room was large.
The bed was facing the large window. Two nightstands with reading lamps were placed at each side of the bed. One had a phone while an alarm clock (idock) was placed on the other. To the left side of the bed was a vanity mirror, minibar and tea-coffee-facilities (kettle and Capsule machine).The desk was facing the room but angled, which was helpful in regard to reflexion on a laptop screen. Plugs-In for LAN, HDMI, USB were available next to the desk. The flat TV was in front of the window, which I personally disliked. An chaise lounge and a small table were placed on the right side.
The bathroom was divided by a large window from the main room. An electrically operated shade was available to block the view from the room. The bathroom featured two small sinks with a large mirror and a small place to store things between them. There was also a bathtub and a shower with both wall mounted rainforest shower head and hand shower. Water pressure was okay, though the door did not close properly, thus water was leaking on the bathroom floor. Towels were provided for three persons in small, medium and large size. But after the first night only one medium sized towels was provided. And the waste basket in the bathroom was not emptied. Minor detail.
Shampoo, bath foam, conditioner and lotion were wall mounted larger bottles. Two bathrobes were available, but only one pair of slippers. Bathroom mirror was not heated.
A medium sized fitness centre is available on the 2nd floor. During my visit in the afternoon of my first day, it was very busy. On the same time on my second day, I was the only guest. The equipment by in good condition, but have some scratches and begin to show the use. The number and variety of machines is good and there are weights in addition to a rowing machine, treadmills, bikes etc.
The pool area is okay, if it is empty. There are many lounge chairs and relaxing chairs. There is also a bar. If it becomes busy quickly and then you difficulties to get a lounge chair. The pool is even then not that busy, as most people seem to lie on the lounge chairs rather than swim in the pool.
Internet is slow and I had problems to set up a stable VPN connection. I had to rely on my mobile router to get work done. It is okay for smartphone use, but not if you rely on a stable and secure connection.

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Classic Room and was upgraded to a Junior Suite on the 6th floor prior to arriving. As this was not ready yet and after declining the suite on the 3rd floor I went with a Classic Club Floor Room. It was round about 127 EUR including taxes per night.

How are the rooms?
Room was in good condition. Contemporary styled with a some minor wear and tear. Mattress was okay.
The number of sockets to plug in laptop and chargers were good. There was however only one international plug outlet next to the desk. And USB charging options were lacking.
Water pressure was okay.
The room was a bit on the darker side in the hallway. The light switches were not really arranged logically. Some lights could only be turned on / off via Master Button. But there were sufficient lights and spots. The curtain had to be operated manually, but kept the light out. You also either need to lower the curtain in the bathroom or the curtain between bathroom and room; otherwise light comes through the window between bathroom and room.
Two writing pads and biros were available in the room, but even the fully used pad was not replaced. Will never understand why the leave a pad with only one sheet of paper in the room.
Housekeeping was average, towels were changed, but not all of them restocked. Also trash was not cleared.
Air Condition was good. The room cooled down without drought.

How is the exec. lounge?
The lounge is located on the top floor and one needs to change elevators to get there. It is open all day from 07:00 to 22:00. Breakfast would be served from 07:00 to 10:30 while Afternoon tea is available between 15:30 and 17:00. The evening reception is held from 18:00 to 20:00.

The lounge is not very large with a desk which is staffed during the opening hours of the lounge. In addition there are at least one other agent serving guests. There is a restaurant style area with tables and chairs arranged for two to four person closer to the buffet. There are also armchairs, sofas and tables further in the lounge. An outdoor seating area is available but not used during my visit, which took place during the hot summer. An small business area is also available.
The design is contemporary and international.
Breakfast is served in the morning as buffet. Egg dishes are available on request I was told. Tee and coffee is served by staff. Bread and rolls as well as pastries are available. Salami and Cheese are also available. Yoghurt, Bircher Müsli and fresh fruit are prepared in small portions. Juices and water is also available. Only had a coffee and croissant.

Tea in the afternoon is served in the classic style with an étagère. The selection consist of a scone, clotted cream and strawberry jam, sandwiches, quiches and small cakes. Very delicious and a nice change from the buffet. I prefer it this way, as it not only has more style but is usually a quieter affair.

In the evening there is a wide selection of salads, humus, cheese, salami and warm dishes. Different types of salad, canapés and quiches (also part of the afternoon tea) and rotating hot dishes like spring rolls, skewers, falafel. They also served a choice of two warm dishes (you can have both if you ask nicely). The choice changes as do some of the offerings.

Three white, three red and a sparkling wine were also available. Beer was also served and a number of spirits (e.g. Campari, Cinzano, Absolut Wodka, Johnny Walker Red Label, Bacardi) and a number of cocktails. Alcoholic drinks are served by staff. They offered refills and usually remembered what you had. Soft drinks were available all day from the fridge.
The lounge agents at the desk were very attentive. Guests were recognized, not always by name but one did not have to identify oneself everytime entering the lounge. The lounge was during my stay busy, but not overcrowded.

What was good and what was bad?
Good
location is well connected to public transportation and roads.
Club Lounge is really good, but a little bit of the small side if the hotel is full.
Classic Room is good sized and in (more or less) good condition with some minor quirks like switches for room lights.
Room rates are low (during summer)

Neutral
Housekeeping
Status recognition
Window between room and bathroom is too large.

Bad
Gym not open 24 hours
Slow and not very reliable internet connection

Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
The location is good. The rooms are of a good size, though the window between bathroom and room is from my point of view a bit too large. Room is in good condition and offers a real desk.
The lounge offerings are good. If you expecting a real dinner, you will not be disappointed. Service is attentive.
Status recognition is only average and they did not research if I had lounge access (me thinks, a Diamond will most likely have it). It is nice to be contacted ahead of the arrival at the hotel, but then the assigned suite is not ready. In their favour, they offered a substitute suite next to the pool, but it would have been better simply not to put it in the reservation if they cannot confirm it. As a huge fan of a 24 hour gym, I was disappointed only to find it open from 08:00 to 22:00. Internet is slow.
In so far, I would return, if the rates are affordable and as low as during the summer and if I have access to the club lounge.


Classic Club Room / IC Dubai Marina

Classic Club Room / IC Dubai Marina

Classic Club Room / IC Dubai Marina

Classic Club Room / IC Dubai Marina

Map of floors / IC Dubai Marina

Minibar Classic Club Room / IC Dubai Marina

Bathroom of Classic Club Room / IC Dubai Marina

Bathroom of Classic Club Room / IC Dubai Marina

Bathroom of Classic Club Room / IC Dubai Marina

Club Lounge / IC Dubai Marina

More pictures could be in my post in the Master Thread