What is your IHG One Rewards status?
Diamond Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay
Absolutely.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King Classic, upgraded to King Classic Harbour View Club Lounge Access (the latter due to me already having an Annual Lounge Pass, I believe - I reckon purely for lounge access tracking reasons).
How are the rooms?
Very smart, new and well kept. Bed very comfortable, separate cabinet with tea making facilities, coffee pod machine and carafe for water (filter tap in the corridor near the lifts). Well-appointed bathroom with separate toilet, shower, no bath.
How is the exec. lounge?
Located on 3rd floor. Quiet, relaxing space, well-run with pleasant, helpful staff. Breakfast menu differs slightly from downstairs but we were able to order from the downstairs menu as well (on politely enquiring). A la carte dishes are excellent both in the lounge and downstairs - didn't really explore the buffet much as a result, but they had smoothies - and barista coffees on demand as expected.
What was good and- what was bad?
GOOD
Most everything. Superb location. Excellent loyalty recognition - lounge/front desk staff seemed aware of the reason I was staying (not that I care about such things, but it was impressive, and might be relevant for those who do!). Was contacted ahead of time by the Assistant Club Manager, who was very helpful in providing information on purchasing lounge access for an old friend that was visiting (will add the current pricings below). On check-in I was told the breakfast was 'baked in' as a choice already, as I had Lounge access via the pass, meaning I could choose the welcome drinks as the amenity. These are chosen from a specific 'house' menu of drinks (so not as generous as IC Wellington - no cocktails here - but still fine). Welcome points also subsequently arrived, as they often do! Acknowledgement of benefits/status in the room and a welcome card from the manager. A couple of pieces of cake were also waiting as it was a special occasion. Breakfast a la carte was superb, from waffles to shakshuka to NZ breakfast to mee goreng, it provides a decent variety. Wasn't around for afternoon tea but the offering looked good from the pictures I saw. Evening drinks were four tiny canapes and a selection of items in the buffet (I didn't visit but I recall there was some cheese and biscuits). Excellent drink selection, including cocktails, and generally on-point but discreet service.
BAD
Nothing.
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Club? Would you return?
I paid NZD$1099 on the Ambassador Complimentary Weekend Night rate for a stay of two nights, so it worked out at approx £255/night on average. I felt this was very good value given the application of loyalty benefits, and the quality of service and product provided. I would return in a heartbeat.
Happy to answer any questions while my memory is fresh!
