Please post your Royal Ambassador experiences (Archive Thread 2008)
Mar 20, 2008, 9:10 am
#166
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SZG, Austria
Programs: LH(OS) HON, IC RA
Posts: 33,194
The new CP and the IC are both located in a new development close to the airport. Not much in the area except a fairly nice and big shopping center in the same complex. There is a stop of the hop on/off tourist bus close to the hotel, which takes you to all the major attractions (mainly other shopping centers). So not much to do in the area (which in my opinion is true for all of Dubai). My stay there was paid, so i am not able to answer you other questions. The IC is nice.
Actual I am stay at the IC Dubai Festival, which is now fully opened and it is a very nice hotel. It´s close to the shopping center with more then 300 shops and the view from the club lounge is great. If you like to take a taxi to Jumeirah beach, it will cost about 50 AED one way.
Mar 20, 2008, 9:16 am
#167
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SZG, Austria
Programs: LH(OS) HON, IC RA
Posts: 33,194
IC Dubai Festival City
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Club room - got a Club suite.
- How are the rooms?
Very large, with separate living and bedroom, two toilets and a bathroom.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Outstanding - beautiful view, breakfast and evening canapés are very delicious and the staff is great !!
- What was good and what was bad?
Club room includes airport transfer, but the airport is only a 7 minute car drive away from the hotel. They have a nice spa center.
The swiming pool had no water, so the IC guest had to use the swiming pool from the CP, which is at the same level outside.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes
- Would you return?
Yes.
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Club room - got a Club suite.
- How are the rooms?
Very large, with separate living and bedroom, two toilets and a bathroom.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Outstanding - beautiful view, breakfast and evening canapés are very delicious and the staff is great !!
- What was good and what was bad?
Club room includes airport transfer, but the airport is only a 7 minute car drive away from the hotel. They have a nice spa center.
The swiming pool had no water, so the IC guest had to use the swiming pool from the CP, which is at the same level outside.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes
- Would you return?
Yes.
Mar 20, 2008, 11:01 pm
#169
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Land of the Free
Programs: AA 1MM Plat, PC Plat RA, HHonors Gold, National EE
Posts: 1,440
IC Boston
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Horrible start, but they redeemed themselves for the rest of the stay.
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Deluxe room - got Deluxe Harborview. I was told upon checkin they didn't have a suite with two beds available. I was disappointed. See below for more info.
- How are the rooms?
Nice and new, with excellent bedding. Flat screen TV. The bathroom had a separate tub and shower stall. I was disappointed to learn upon checkin that I was given only free non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar (see below for more info). The minibar had premium booze -- Ten Cane rum, Grey Goose, Woodford Reserve bourbon, Belvedere vodka, etc.
By the way, the large milk-bottle building across the water (see previous reviews in this forum) is a refreshment stand outside the Children's Museum.
The gift was a small tube of chocolate-covered dried cherries. The fruit plate was pretty standard.
- How is the exec. lounge?
We were comped club access because of the poor checkin experience. The place is nice, with a small fridge with water and sodas all day, small breakfast buffet, and a la carte lunch menu during weekdays. In the evening, you get appetizers and drinks (brought out from the back when requested). You also get free wireless internet there, and you can use the password for free wireless in the rooms, as well. The club was deserted most of the time, which was not unexpected with the high price they charge for it ($100/day or $35 per entry). The staff was most excellent -- helpful, friendly and hospitable. I probably wouldn't normally pay for it, since you'd have to use it a whole heck of a lot to get your money's worth.
- What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- Waterfront location, across from the financial district. Walking distance to Faneuil Square, North End restaurants, subway station
- High-end minibar
- Still shiny new
- The upscale bar, Rumba, is still hoppin', but it is very pricey ($7 for a draft Kronenberg beer). Friendly bartenders.
Bad:
- Weak RA room upgrade.
- Only non-alcoholic drinks from minibar offered for free.
- BOGO refused on AAA rate.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Points, yes. Standard rates, probably not.
- Would you return?
Only for a points stay, or if my employer pays for it
Your BOGO may be refused for low rates, so beware.
We booked a three-night stay on an AAA rate, and on checkin, were given a one-class upgrade and free non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar. My BOGO was refused because, I was told, they cannot be used with other promotions. Since when is a AAA rate a "promotion?"
I called the Ambassador desk to inquire about whether these policies were normal for RAs, or not, and they put me on hold and called the hotel. The Amb desk told me afterwards that the mgr would offer me a suite, but that the minibar policy is subject to the T&C (i.e., the hotel can specify whether alcohol is included, or not). None of the other reviews here said anything about limited minibar access, so I was still a little "miffed."
The manager called while I was finishing with the Amb desk, and she said she could give us either a suite with one bed and one rollaway, or stay in the room we were given, with a free rollaway and free club access for the stay. We were a party of three, so we chose club access. The mgr also flip-flopped on the minibar, saying we could have all beverages for free. Last, the mgr said she'd make "an exception," to let me use the BOGO.
Thus, we had zero qualms about tagging the minibar pretty hard. We also made good use of the club. Made sure to watch our free movie, too.
After the checkin, the stay was pretty nice, overall. Charges for a coupla snack items from the minibar were removed prior to checkout, so I was happy that they went an extra step for us.
Were my expectations out of line? I don't think so, based on what I've read in this thread. Maybe they've recently cut back on their RA bennies? Maybe they didn't like three adults staying on an AAA rate? I dunno.
If you're thinking of booking this hotel, you may want to call ahead to see what sort of benefits they offer for your status, as well as to find out what rates your BOGO will be accepted for.
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Horrible start, but they redeemed themselves for the rest of the stay.
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Deluxe room - got Deluxe Harborview. I was told upon checkin they didn't have a suite with two beds available. I was disappointed. See below for more info.
- How are the rooms?
Nice and new, with excellent bedding. Flat screen TV. The bathroom had a separate tub and shower stall. I was disappointed to learn upon checkin that I was given only free non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar (see below for more info). The minibar had premium booze -- Ten Cane rum, Grey Goose, Woodford Reserve bourbon, Belvedere vodka, etc.
By the way, the large milk-bottle building across the water (see previous reviews in this forum) is a refreshment stand outside the Children's Museum.
The gift was a small tube of chocolate-covered dried cherries. The fruit plate was pretty standard.
- How is the exec. lounge?
We were comped club access because of the poor checkin experience. The place is nice, with a small fridge with water and sodas all day, small breakfast buffet, and a la carte lunch menu during weekdays. In the evening, you get appetizers and drinks (brought out from the back when requested). You also get free wireless internet there, and you can use the password for free wireless in the rooms, as well. The club was deserted most of the time, which was not unexpected with the high price they charge for it ($100/day or $35 per entry). The staff was most excellent -- helpful, friendly and hospitable. I probably wouldn't normally pay for it, since you'd have to use it a whole heck of a lot to get your money's worth.
- What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- Waterfront location, across from the financial district. Walking distance to Faneuil Square, North End restaurants, subway station
- High-end minibar
- Still shiny new
- The upscale bar, Rumba, is still hoppin', but it is very pricey ($7 for a draft Kronenberg beer). Friendly bartenders.
Bad:
- Weak RA room upgrade.
- Only non-alcoholic drinks from minibar offered for free.
- BOGO refused on AAA rate.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Points, yes. Standard rates, probably not.
- Would you return?
Only for a points stay, or if my employer pays for it
Your BOGO may be refused for low rates, so beware.We booked a three-night stay on an AAA rate, and on checkin, were given a one-class upgrade and free non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar. My BOGO was refused because, I was told, they cannot be used with other promotions. Since when is a AAA rate a "promotion?"
I called the Ambassador desk to inquire about whether these policies were normal for RAs, or not, and they put me on hold and called the hotel. The Amb desk told me afterwards that the mgr would offer me a suite, but that the minibar policy is subject to the T&C (i.e., the hotel can specify whether alcohol is included, or not). None of the other reviews here said anything about limited minibar access, so I was still a little "miffed."
The manager called while I was finishing with the Amb desk, and she said she could give us either a suite with one bed and one rollaway, or stay in the room we were given, with a free rollaway and free club access for the stay. We were a party of three, so we chose club access. The mgr also flip-flopped on the minibar, saying we could have all beverages for free. Last, the mgr said she'd make "an exception," to let me use the BOGO.
Thus, we had zero qualms about tagging the minibar pretty hard. We also made good use of the club. Made sure to watch our free movie, too.
After the checkin, the stay was pretty nice, overall. Charges for a coupla snack items from the minibar were removed prior to checkout, so I was happy that they went an extra step for us.
Were my expectations out of line? I don't think so, based on what I've read in this thread. Maybe they've recently cut back on their RA bennies? Maybe they didn't like three adults staying on an AAA rate? I dunno.
If you're thinking of booking this hotel, you may want to call ahead to see what sort of benefits they offer for your status, as well as to find out what rates your BOGO will be accepted for.
Mar 21, 2008, 2:29 am
#170
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Shanghai and Bavaria
Programs: Spire RA, 1865 Voyager, Bonvoy Titanium, FB LP, LH SEN.
Posts: 3,104
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
I was given only free non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar
We booked a three-night stay on an AAA rate, and on checkin, were given a one-class upgrade and free non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar. My BOGO was refused because, I was told, they cannot be used with other promotions. Since when is a AAA rate a "promotion?"
I called the Ambassador desk to inquire about whether these policies were normal for RAs, or not, and they put me on hold and called the hotel. The Amb desk told me afterwards that the mgr would offer me a suite, but that the minibar policy is subject to the T&C (i.e., the hotel can specify whether alcohol is included, or not). None of the other reviews here said anything about limited minibar access, so I was still a little "miffed."
The manager called while I was finishing with the Amb desk, and she said she could give us either a suite with one bed and one rollaway, or stay in the room we were given, with a free rollaway and free club access for the stay. We were a party of three, so we chose club access. The mgr also flip-flopped on the minibar, saying we could have all beverages for free. Last, the mgr said she'd make "an exception," to let me use the BOGO.
Thus, we had zero qualms about tagging the minibar pretty hard. We also made good use of the club. Made sure to watch our free movie, too.
After the checkin, the stay was pretty nice, overall. Charges for a coupla snack items from the minibar were removed prior to checkout, so I was happy that they went an extra step for us.
Were my expectations out of line? I don't think so, based on what I've read in this thread. Maybe they've recently cut back on their RA bennies? Maybe they didn't like three adults staying on an AAA rate? I dunno.
If you're thinking of booking this hotel, you may want to call ahead to see what sort of benefits they offer for your status, as well as to find out what rates your BOGO will be accepted for.
Platinum RA
I was given only free non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar
We booked a three-night stay on an AAA rate, and on checkin, were given a one-class upgrade and free non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar. My BOGO was refused because, I was told, they cannot be used with other promotions. Since when is a AAA rate a "promotion?"
I called the Ambassador desk to inquire about whether these policies were normal for RAs, or not, and they put me on hold and called the hotel. The Amb desk told me afterwards that the mgr would offer me a suite, but that the minibar policy is subject to the T&C (i.e., the hotel can specify whether alcohol is included, or not). None of the other reviews here said anything about limited minibar access, so I was still a little "miffed."
The manager called while I was finishing with the Amb desk, and she said she could give us either a suite with one bed and one rollaway, or stay in the room we were given, with a free rollaway and free club access for the stay. We were a party of three, so we chose club access. The mgr also flip-flopped on the minibar, saying we could have all beverages for free. Last, the mgr said she'd make "an exception," to let me use the BOGO.
Thus, we had zero qualms about tagging the minibar pretty hard. We also made good use of the club. Made sure to watch our free movie, too.
After the checkin, the stay was pretty nice, overall. Charges for a coupla snack items from the minibar were removed prior to checkout, so I was happy that they went an extra step for us.
Were my expectations out of line? I don't think so, based on what I've read in this thread. Maybe they've recently cut back on their RA bennies? Maybe they didn't like three adults staying on an AAA rate? I dunno.
If you're thinking of booking this hotel, you may want to call ahead to see what sort of benefits they offer for your status, as well as to find out what rates your BOGO will be accepted for.
Ugrade policy is bad too - at least they could have offered an executive or some other upgraded room.
BOGO can be combined with all rates from IHG website, maybe except insider packages. Front desk making a fuss about AAA rates is inacceptable.
After such incidents one should question his brand loyalty... (At least I would)
Mar 21, 2008, 5:06 am
#171
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,880
$7 for a draft beer "very pricey"?! I can tell you don't live in London!
Mar 21, 2008, 9:46 am
#172
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: SPG Plat, PC Plat, AA ExPlat, LT Gold
Posts: 1,900
I was able to rectify that myself by telling them I booked directly on the ICH website so therefor it should be eligible.They also gave me a problem in that I had a promo card mailed from them directly (IC Boston that is) inviting us to enjoy free upgrade to the club. At checkin they said the same thing: "They could not combine two promotions!". Since when is the BOGO a promotion. I ended up working it out the way I wanted (roughly - see post) but still a call to AMB services by the hotel was needed. Very cheeky of them IMHO.
FYI, I had no problems with the mini-bar to be sure. Not only did we empty it the first time we called room service that night to have them come and filler up again.
No problems and all beverages were removed. 
Mar 21, 2008, 10:55 am
#173
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 11,969
There is nothing either written on the Free Weekend Night cert or in the T's&C's that would entitle a property to refuse to accept it.
Mar 21, 2008, 12:39 pm
#174
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Land of the Free
Programs: AA 1MM Plat, PC Plat RA, HHonors Gold, National EE
Posts: 1,440
Yeah, I just looked up the T&C again, and it says, "Complimentary beverages from the mini bar in the Royal Ambassadors personal room only, and for in-room consumption by member only (benefit excludes non beverage items)." Doesn't say anything about being able to pick and choose what kind of beverages are free or not. I was going to double-check the T&C online when I was dealing with the checkin problems, if the manager hadn't reversed the decision.
The language on the other BOGO cert I have (I got one for buying Amb, and another for the RA upgrade) states, "This certificate is valid for accommodation only, is not transferrable and cannot be combined with any other promotion/certificate." AAA rates on their website shouldn't be any kind of special promo. How far can they take their logic with this attitude? Is an advance purchase rate a promotion, too??
Raffles, I did notice a number of Brits and other Europeans in the hotel -- presumably they were loving those "cheap" $7 brewskis. And probably also marveling at the "inexpensive" $3.50/gal gasoline around town
The language on the other BOGO cert I have (I got one for buying Amb, and another for the RA upgrade) states, "This certificate is valid for accommodation only, is not transferrable and cannot be combined with any other promotion/certificate." AAA rates on their website shouldn't be any kind of special promo. How far can they take their logic with this attitude? Is an advance purchase rate a promotion, too??
Raffles, I did notice a number of Brits and other Europeans in the hotel -- presumably they were loving those "cheap" $7 brewskis. And probably also marveling at the "inexpensive" $3.50/gal gasoline around town
Mar 21, 2008, 5:54 pm
#175
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Bangkok
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Cheapest room. Corner Suite first (usual upgrade), but when checking in in the room noticed that it did not have king bed (why did I email them arrival time and preferences again and had preferences in the reservation???). They said they had no other room of this type with a king bed and offered a club room, which I accepted. Free Breakfast, 2 drink coupons.
- How are the rooms?
Spacious, new furniture. Looks like they still have around 5 floors which are not renovated at this time.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Had no time to use this time, but remember that it is very nice from previous visits.
- What was good and what was bad?
Good: Overall a nice hotel in a good location with good service. Nice fruit basked, bottle of red wine, chocolates, but no extra gift this time.
Bad: Not having the reserved room type. Some construction noise, but not really bad.
- Would you return?
Yes.
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Cheapest room. Corner Suite first (usual upgrade), but when checking in in the room noticed that it did not have king bed (why did I email them arrival time and preferences again and had preferences in the reservation???). They said they had no other room of this type with a king bed and offered a club room, which I accepted. Free Breakfast, 2 drink coupons.
- How are the rooms?
Spacious, new furniture. Looks like they still have around 5 floors which are not renovated at this time.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Had no time to use this time, but remember that it is very nice from previous visits.
- What was good and what was bad?
Good: Overall a nice hotel in a good location with good service. Nice fruit basked, bottle of red wine, chocolates, but no extra gift this time.
Bad: Not having the reserved room type. Some construction noise, but not really bad.
- Would you return?
Yes.
Mar 21, 2008, 6:02 pm
#176
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Singapore
IC Singapore
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes (2 stays in the last week)
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Cheapest room, got the L shaped extended size room which they call junior suite)
- How are the rooms?
Spacious, old furniture but new flat screen TV.
- How is the exec. lounge?
n/a
- What was good and what was bad?
Gift (Candle first time, chopsticks second time), also Fruit Basket and Water.
Location is good (next to Bugis Shopping Mall, Subway station.
Otherwise the upgrade is not as good as in some other properties.
Their in room check in stinks. Typically it works like this: Shop up at reception., Wait in line. Finally they figure out that you are RA. They tell you that they will check you in in the room. But there is nobody to take you. Wait. Finally somebody comes, escorts you to the room, forgets to take your credity card details, calles back after 10 minutes......
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Prices seem to go up in the last year or so - not sure if it is Singapore or this hotel.
- Would you return?
Yes, but next time i will compare prices with other properties
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes (2 stays in the last week)
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Cheapest room, got the L shaped extended size room which they call junior suite)
- How are the rooms?
Spacious, old furniture but new flat screen TV.
- How is the exec. lounge?
n/a
- What was good and what was bad?
Gift (Candle first time, chopsticks second time), also Fruit Basket and Water.
Location is good (next to Bugis Shopping Mall, Subway station.
Otherwise the upgrade is not as good as in some other properties.
Their in room check in stinks. Typically it works like this: Shop up at reception., Wait in line. Finally they figure out that you are RA. They tell you that they will check you in in the room. But there is nobody to take you. Wait. Finally somebody comes, escorts you to the room, forgets to take your credity card details, calles back after 10 minutes......
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Prices seem to go up in the last year or so - not sure if it is Singapore or this hotel.
- Would you return?
Yes, but next time i will compare prices with other properties
Last edited by Unterwegs; Mar 24, 2008 at 5:43 am
Mar 21, 2008, 6:07 pm
#177
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Sydney
IC Sydney
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked standard room - got 2 room corner suite
- How are the rooms?
Spacious, but small TV in the bedroom and really big in the living room (I prefer watching TV in bed)
- How is the exec. lounge?
no upgrade to club
- What was good and what was bad?
Good: Location, good minibar selection (incl. 1/2 bottle of champagne)
Bad: Emailed the arrival time (8 am) and when there they told me that they upgrade me to a room with a view (no suite as usual) and the room is not ready. Asked for another room until my room is ready. Person was really surprised, disappeared and came back a few minutes later and told me they upgrade me to a suite.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Ok
- Would you return?
Yes.
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked standard room - got 2 room corner suite
- How are the rooms?
Spacious, but small TV in the bedroom and really big in the living room (I prefer watching TV in bed)
- How is the exec. lounge?
no upgrade to club
- What was good and what was bad?
Good: Location, good minibar selection (incl. 1/2 bottle of champagne)
Bad: Emailed the arrival time (8 am) and when there they told me that they upgrade me to a room with a view (no suite as usual) and the room is not ready. Asked for another room until my room is ready. Person was really surprised, disappeared and came back a few minutes later and told me they upgrade me to a suite.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Ok
- Would you return?
Yes.
Last edited by Unterwegs; Mar 24, 2008 at 5:44 am
Mar 21, 2008, 6:11 pm
#178
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Hong Kong
IC Hong Kong
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, very
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked standard room with Harbor view - got Junior Suite.
- How are the rooms?
Spacious
- How is the exec. lounge?
no upgrade to lounge (never got a free one) and the additional cost is not worth it unless you never leave the club during the day
- What was good and what was bad?
This is my favored IC. Great service, great view, gift, red wine, box of chocolates.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes. Expensive but worth it.
- Would you return?
Yes.
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, very
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked standard room with Harbor view - got Junior Suite.
- How are the rooms?
Spacious
- How is the exec. lounge?
no upgrade to lounge (never got a free one) and the additional cost is not worth it unless you never leave the club during the day
- What was good and what was bad?
This is my favored IC. Great service, great view, gift, red wine, box of chocolates.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes. Expensive but worth it.
- Would you return?
Yes.
Last edited by Unterwegs; Mar 24, 2008 at 5:42 am
Mar 21, 2008, 6:17 pm
#179
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Presidente Mexico City
IC Presidente Mexico City
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
No
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked standard room - Got standard room at first. When asking at check in for a upgrade they told me that they did not have a suite. Finally they agreed to an upgrade to Club. Seems that they only mean Club floor, but not access to the Club lounge. After solving this problem went to the club lounge next morning for breakfast. At the end they showed up with a check. Your room has club access, but your rate does not include breakfast.... (Solved that later)
- How are the rooms?
Ok, but furniture is a but run down
- How is the exec. lounge?
Selection was average
- What was good and what was bad?
Good: Location is walking distance to some museums and next to a subway station.
Bad: Extremely arrogant staff at the front desk (spoke to several). Lobby has the feel of a 1980 train station with underground shops and restaurants.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Not really
- Would you return?
No Way.
- What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum RA
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
No
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked standard room - Got standard room at first. When asking at check in for a upgrade they told me that they did not have a suite. Finally they agreed to an upgrade to Club. Seems that they only mean Club floor, but not access to the Club lounge. After solving this problem went to the club lounge next morning for breakfast. At the end they showed up with a check. Your room has club access, but your rate does not include breakfast.... (Solved that later)
- How are the rooms?
Ok, but furniture is a but run down
- How is the exec. lounge?
Selection was average
- What was good and what was bad?
Good: Location is walking distance to some museums and next to a subway station.
Bad: Extremely arrogant staff at the front desk (spoke to several). Lobby has the feel of a 1980 train station with underground shops and restaurants.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Not really
- Would you return?
No Way.
Last edited by Unterwegs; Mar 24, 2008 at 5:42 am
Mar 22, 2008, 1:32 pm
#180
Moderator: Mileage Run, InterContinental Hotels
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,938
IC Singapore
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Well... There was a lot amiss with this stay. NW 5 was about an hour late, so I arrived at the hotel at 3.30am. The checkin clerk didn't find my reservation, and after 10 minutes of typing, found a printout in the "no-show" folder. He typed for another 10 minutes until he finally had something printed. Unfortunately, that form quoted a walk-up rate of $370 (SGD), instead of my pre-booked $250 (SGD) rate. After that was rectified, I went to my room, which was nice enough. The real problems began at 8am, when room service came in without knocking, and despite the "do not disturb" sign being on. I went shopping for a few hours, and when I returned around noon to pick up my belongings, I found that the room had already been cleaned and prepared for the next guest (again, despite the "do not disturb" sign being on). The worst thing was that the safe, which contained all my documents, could no longer be opened with my code. I called the front desk, and it took over 1/2 hour to get someone to my room to open the safe (I was a bit antsy, since it was about two hours away from my plane's departure time). The duty manager was pretty clueless about what had happened, but my guess is that the checkin clerk had failed to communicate with housekeeping that I did not, in fact, no show. To top it all off, the bill presented on check-out charged the $370 rate.
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest, received one of the L-shaped suites on the 15th floor.
- How are the rooms?
Very nice.
- How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
- What was good and what was bad?
Bad: Incompetence of staff and management; mistakes do happen, but I did not notice any sense of urgency about rectifying the situation.
Good: Nice room, free minibar, 80-degrees and sunshine.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
I would return, especially for weekends when using a BOGO. Good value. But for short layovers, I definitely look forward to the opening of the Changi CP.
Well... There was a lot amiss with this stay. NW 5 was about an hour late, so I arrived at the hotel at 3.30am. The checkin clerk didn't find my reservation, and after 10 minutes of typing, found a printout in the "no-show" folder. He typed for another 10 minutes until he finally had something printed. Unfortunately, that form quoted a walk-up rate of $370 (SGD), instead of my pre-booked $250 (SGD) rate. After that was rectified, I went to my room, which was nice enough. The real problems began at 8am, when room service came in without knocking, and despite the "do not disturb" sign being on. I went shopping for a few hours, and when I returned around noon to pick up my belongings, I found that the room had already been cleaned and prepared for the next guest (again, despite the "do not disturb" sign being on). The worst thing was that the safe, which contained all my documents, could no longer be opened with my code. I called the front desk, and it took over 1/2 hour to get someone to my room to open the safe (I was a bit antsy, since it was about two hours away from my plane's departure time). The duty manager was pretty clueless about what had happened, but my guess is that the checkin clerk had failed to communicate with housekeeping that I did not, in fact, no show. To top it all off, the bill presented on check-out charged the $370 rate.
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest, received one of the L-shaped suites on the 15th floor.
- How are the rooms?
Very nice.
- How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
- What was good and what was bad?
Bad: Incompetence of staff and management; mistakes do happen, but I did not notice any sense of urgency about rectifying the situation.
Good: Nice room, free minibar, 80-degrees and sunshine.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
I would return, especially for weekends when using a BOGO. Good value. But for short layovers, I definitely look forward to the opening of the Changi CP.