What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Diamond Inner Circle Royal Ambassador

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, but had a poor arrival experience (explained further down)

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King Premium. Initially no upgrade at all, but then received 1 King Premium and the Presential Suite living area.

How are the rooms?
- This room was stunning. It was a standard King room with bathroom with the connecting door opened to the presidential suite (listed as Presidential Suite Parlor Room as a separate reservation in the IHG app)
- Seating for 12
- dining table for around 6.
- fireplace and chandelier.
- Separate shower room, albeit it small
- Two toilets
- Two entrances

How is the exec. lounge?
As many have commented before, this lounge is not what it used to be pre refurb. That said, we were very happy indeed with our experience.

Staff were excellent, attentive and friendly, and remembered us by name.

Breakfast was of good quality with a good selection and nice choice of cooked to order items.

Alcohol was available all day

Evening spread is definitely canapes rather than a meal replacement. Though you could just eat lots of the same thing to fill you up. Food stops at 8pm but drinks continue until closing at 9pm.

Our 12 year old was welcomed free of charge too which was very kind.

What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- club lounge staff
- room we ended up with was extremely plush and very large
- good location


BAD
Checking in was an odd experience. We had loads of luggage so checked in at reception.

Was told no upgrade was available as it was subject to availability and they had nothing available. When queried she told it says guaranteed but actually they don't have to upgrade if they don't have rooms. It was 1345 in the afternoon and was then told the room wasn't ready. Check in agent said 10am check in was also subject to availability. After having a long flight, we decided to accept that and go to the lounge. Enquired with staff in the lounge, who was profusely apologetic and had us in the suite within about 5 mins. When we returned later that day he apologised once again for the mix up at check in.

I know they weren't full as rooms were still available on the app. I also suspect the issue we had resulted in the amazing room we did end up with.

I put it down to the original check in agent not being aware of RA.

Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Definitely.

We've stayed here before and service has always been excellent. Service recovery here was excellent anyway. As with most places in Western Europe capitals, pricing is going a little over the top.