IC O2

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive? We booked a King Classic and were upgraded to a King Classic. Seemed like a joke to me. The receptionist insisted it was an upgrade since we had a view of Canary Wharf. As I didn’t recall booking a windowless room, this felt rather hollow.

How are the rooms? Nice. Clean, modern and well maintained. I am pleased to say that the 2 ply toilet paper has been reinstated.





How is the exec. lounge? We were recognised from a previous visit and greeted like old buddies. Still no champagne. Self pour drinks, with plenty of choice. My son went to the restaurant for breakfast as he likes variety, I ate in the lounge as I prefer a quiet environment. Eggs to order breakfast arrived quickly. The first morning I chose egg benedict which took 15 minutes and the second morning I ordered an omelette which took 17 minutes. Evening hot canapés were substantial. The first night it was mini burgers, fish and chips and falafel. The second night we were offered mini shepherds pies, king prawn skewers and veggie spring rolls.

What was good and what was bad? Good, there was a welcome tray of assorted macaroons, chocolate and fruit jellies along with a personalised letter in the room when we arrived. We received two Diamond welcome amenities, a drinks voucher and the points. The selection of spirits in the lounge had increased in number since our last visit. The pool was lovely.
Bad, the welcome drinks voucher can no longer be used for cocktails. The barman told me it was for a beer, a 125ml thimble of wine or a single measure of spirits and a mixer. Our joke upgrade. Worst of all, we were not given a keycard for our room for the first 24 hours. The electronic system had failed and they were unable to program new cards. We therefore couldn’t use the lift unaccompanied so each time we wanted to go back to the room we had to join the back of a queue in reception and wait for an escort with a master key. When asked about my stay at check out, I said the keycard fiasco was challenging and was immediately promised a suite upgrade plus extra gifts in the room when we booked our next stay.





Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return? We used our Ambassador weekend voucher and paid £269 for the two nights.