Please post your Royal Ambassador experiences (Archive Thread 2011)
Jan 31, 2011, 1:11 pm
#106
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 347
IC New York Times Square
Intercontinental New York Times Square
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What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum Royal Ambassador
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 first night with sweet dilemma freebie night and second/third nights with a BOGO on cheapest rate. Received their "standard" upgrade for Royal Ambassadors to a studio suite
How are the rooms?
Rooms are very large for NYC standards and have wonderful views. The room is nicely decorated and fairly quiet. The sofa in the livingroom is not very comfortable and the hallway does waste a bit of space.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was your welcome gift?
Some fruit and water. Also, internet was free.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
location
room was spacious
housekeeping was great
friendly front desk staff
free internet
decent minibar
excellent rate
Bad
space could have been better used given that even "suites" in nyc are small
room keys stopped working halfway through my stay even though the front desk specifically said they would make sure the keys worked through both reservations.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
only paid for 1 of 3 nights and the paid night was cheap, so yes!
Would you return?
Yes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum Royal Ambassador
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 first night with sweet dilemma freebie night and second/third nights with a BOGO on cheapest rate. Received their "standard" upgrade for Royal Ambassadors to a studio suite
How are the rooms?
Rooms are very large for NYC standards and have wonderful views. The room is nicely decorated and fairly quiet. The sofa in the livingroom is not very comfortable and the hallway does waste a bit of space.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was your welcome gift?
Some fruit and water. Also, internet was free.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
location
room was spacious
housekeeping was great
friendly front desk staff
free internet
decent minibar
excellent rate
Bad
space could have been better used given that even "suites" in nyc are small
room keys stopped working halfway through my stay even though the front desk specifically said they would make sure the keys worked through both reservations.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
only paid for 1 of 3 nights and the paid night was cheap, so yes!
Would you return?
Yes
Feb 1, 2011, 9:33 pm
#107
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Princeton, NJ; Lviv Ukraine
Programs: UA 3.6MM, AF/KL Lifetime Plat, BA Gold, AA 1MM, IC Spire RA, Kimpton IC, Marriott Plat, et alia
Posts: 2,732
IC Houston
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Standard room; got a "Baron's Suite"
Plus RAs get Club Access.
- How are the rooms?
Quite nice. Almost 700 square feet; Jacuzzi and second toilet off the living room so you can have a business meeting. Minibar for some reason is in the bedroom.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Decent. Open all day. Breakfast (continental, plus cold cuts, hardboiled eggs, salmon, cereals, bagels) and evening snacks/cocktails. They make you sign a chit that puts values on the breakfast ($19) and cocktails ($26) which seem overpriced, but on the chits it has a checkbox for "Purchased buy-up" and "Royal Ambassador, Complimentary."
- What was good and what was bad?
- Parking is $27 for Valet and $16 for self-park. Which is ridiculous for a suburban hotel; heck you could park at the Galleria Mall for free and walk over (not that you'd do that in Houston). This is ridiculous.
- Ambassador desk wasn't manned, at 2 pm. Had to contend with a dozen arrivals from various international flights.
+ Friendly staff.
+ RA gift; bottle of Stone Cellars wine; a sachet of granola and two oranges (a bit stingy on the fruit).
+ Nice bar.
+ Nice restaurant.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
$129 rate. Pretty good except for the parking. Yeah, probably would return. Four separate taxes ... state, city and county and something called a "Sports Authority Tax" -- which seems like taxation without representation. WHy should I as a visitor pay for local stadiums (for that matter, why should ANY taxpayers pay for a stadium that benefits private enterprise).
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Standard room; got a "Baron's Suite"
Plus RAs get Club Access.
- How are the rooms?
Quite nice. Almost 700 square feet; Jacuzzi and second toilet off the living room so you can have a business meeting. Minibar for some reason is in the bedroom.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Decent. Open all day. Breakfast (continental, plus cold cuts, hardboiled eggs, salmon, cereals, bagels) and evening snacks/cocktails. They make you sign a chit that puts values on the breakfast ($19) and cocktails ($26) which seem overpriced, but on the chits it has a checkbox for "Purchased buy-up" and "Royal Ambassador, Complimentary."
- What was good and what was bad?
- Parking is $27 for Valet and $16 for self-park. Which is ridiculous for a suburban hotel; heck you could park at the Galleria Mall for free and walk over (not that you'd do that in Houston). This is ridiculous.
- Ambassador desk wasn't manned, at 2 pm. Had to contend with a dozen arrivals from various international flights.
+ Friendly staff.
+ RA gift; bottle of Stone Cellars wine; a sachet of granola and two oranges (a bit stingy on the fruit).
+ Nice bar.
+ Nice restaurant.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
$129 rate. Pretty good except for the parking. Yeah, probably would return. Four separate taxes ... state, city and county and something called a "Sports Authority Tax" -- which seems like taxation without representation. WHy should I as a visitor pay for local stadiums (for that matter, why should ANY taxpayers pay for a stadium that benefits private enterprise).
Feb 2, 2011, 4:11 am
#108
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
IC London
What is your Priority Club status?
Royal Ambassador
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 Superior, received Exec Suite with informal Club access
How are the rooms?
Very nice with a balcony looking at the Park on the right, and the FS on the left.
How is the exec. lounge?
Very nice hard product and service, but relatively poor F&B.
What was your welcome gift?
Don't recall
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes
What was good and what was bad?
Good
location
upgrade
decent mini-bar
Bad
Relatively poor health club options. Nice treadmills, but no steam or sauna other than in the spa which I don't think is free.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Super value for a luxury suite on Park Lane.
Would you return?
Yes, but I'm going to try the just reopened Four Seasons first.
Royal Ambassador
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 Superior, received Exec Suite with informal Club access
How are the rooms?
Very nice with a balcony looking at the Park on the right, and the FS on the left.
How is the exec. lounge?
Very nice hard product and service, but relatively poor F&B.
What was your welcome gift?
Don't recall
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes
What was good and what was bad?
Good
location
upgrade
decent mini-bar
Bad
Relatively poor health club options. Nice treadmills, but no steam or sauna other than in the spa which I don't think is free.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Super value for a luxury suite on Park Lane.
Would you return?
Yes, but I'm going to try the just reopened Four Seasons first.
Feb 2, 2011, 4:32 am
#109
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 11,030
Feb 2, 2011, 6:23 am
#110
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Manchester
Programs: Hertz Gold / Hilton Diamond / Hyatt Plat / Marriott Gold / IC RA / SPG Plat
Posts: 707
[QUOTE=stimpy;15785483with informal Club access[/QUOTE]
i also wondered what this meant??....Does this mean you technically didn't have it but sneaked in under the radar so to speak??
i also wondered what this meant??....Does this mean you technically didn't have it but sneaked in under the radar so to speak??
Feb 2, 2011, 7:44 am
#111
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Sorry, informal club access means I did not officially get Club access. But they let me in anyways. Put it down to my dashing good looks. 
Feb 2, 2011, 3:42 pm
#112
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,357
Feb 2, 2011, 4:04 pm
#113
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: OHIO
Programs: AA GOLD,DELTA DM, IC RA , HILTON GOLD, NAT. EE
Posts: 182
Feb 3, 2011, 1:13 am
#114
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 202
IC Rialto - Melobourne February 2011
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive? booked least expensive, upgraded to King Suite?
- How are the rooms? the room was cool with extra high ceilings, a Bose sound system that actually worked without the assistance of an electrical engineer, jacuzzi type bath...
- How is the exec. lounge? the Club lounge is quite decent, was a nice perk to get Club access without requesting it + checking in at 8AM, breakfast is not bad, snacks in the evening were relatively meager but drinks from 5:30 to 8PM
RA gift; bottle of wine, chocolates and they brought a fruit plate + water
- What was good and what was bad? Mostly good thus far as I am writing from the deserted Club lounge
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Great value
Would you return? definitely would stay here again
- How are the rooms? the room was cool with extra high ceilings, a Bose sound system that actually worked without the assistance of an electrical engineer, jacuzzi type bath...
- How is the exec. lounge? the Club lounge is quite decent, was a nice perk to get Club access without requesting it + checking in at 8AM, breakfast is not bad, snacks in the evening were relatively meager but drinks from 5:30 to 8PM
RA gift; bottle of wine, chocolates and they brought a fruit plate + water
- What was good and what was bad? Mostly good thus far as I am writing from the deserted Club lounge
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Great value
Would you return? definitely would stay here again
Last edited by saint77; Feb 3, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Feb 3, 2011, 7:15 am
#115
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: AS 100K, AA Gold, IC Diamond AMB, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,842
Feb 3, 2011, 10:02 am
#116
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: UA 1K, Hertz 5*, IHG RA, Hyatt Diamond, Amex Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 717
Intercontinental San Francisco
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Standard room - Sweet Dilemma promotion
How are the rooms?
Upgraded to a very nice 1bdrm suite.
How is the exec. lounge?
Excellent - one of the best in the US. Stayed on a weekday before Macworld and I was probably the only one in the lounge with a few going in and out. Personalized attention and the full spread despite few guests.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: All RA benefits honored on award stay without asking.
Bad: Nothing.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Excellent value
Standard room - Sweet Dilemma promotion
How are the rooms?
Upgraded to a very nice 1bdrm suite.
How is the exec. lounge?
Excellent - one of the best in the US. Stayed on a weekday before Macworld and I was probably the only one in the lounge with a few going in and out. Personalized attention and the full spread despite few guests.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: All RA benefits honored on award stay without asking.
Bad: Nothing.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Excellent value
Feb 3, 2011, 10:48 am
#117
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Berlin
Programs: SPG Platinum, IC Amb, PC Spire, Turkish Elite, Lufthansa FTL, Amex Plat
Posts: 53
IC Berlin
IC Berlin
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, as always.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Superior room and received Senior Suite in the West Wing (usually it's always the Junior Suite but hotel was rather "empty"...:-)
How are the rooms?
Great Suite with stylish dining table for four. Three Tvs (living room, bed room, bath room).
I like those YAMAHA I-Pod Radios and bought one for myself. Nice sound!!
How is the exec. lounge?
You all should know...right?:-) It's really nice and great personnel!
What was good and what was bad?
Great stay!! Only thing: I did not understand the thing about the RA gift: a potatoe...well, I could have asked but I didn't.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Excellent...paid around 130 EUR for the senior suite and lounge access!
I just hope IC Berlin remains IC Berlin for longer than 31st of March...next stay in a few days:-)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, as always.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Superior room and received Senior Suite in the West Wing (usually it's always the Junior Suite but hotel was rather "empty"...:-)
How are the rooms?
Great Suite with stylish dining table for four. Three Tvs (living room, bed room, bath room).
I like those YAMAHA I-Pod Radios and bought one for myself. Nice sound!!
How is the exec. lounge?
You all should know...right?:-) It's really nice and great personnel!
What was good and what was bad?
Great stay!! Only thing: I did not understand the thing about the RA gift: a potatoe...well, I could have asked but I didn't.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Excellent...paid around 130 EUR for the senior suite and lounge access!
I just hope IC Berlin remains IC Berlin for longer than 31st of March...next stay in a few days:-)
Feb 3, 2011, 3:25 pm
#118
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: SPG Plat,MR Plat Spire Plat/IC Amb, Choice Plat, BW Plat
Posts: 1,320
InterContinental Toronto Centre
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Standard King room @ CAA/AAA $155 for end of January - Used old style BOGO no problem.
How are the rooms?
Originally upgraded to 2 room suite on 16th flr. At check-in was recommended a better 2-room on the 9th w/lake-CN Tower view w/ Club access #925 Premier Suite. Terrific room with separate entrance-connected business lounge w/ 1/2 bath, large King bedroom/bathroom, lots of windows, Bose sound + LCD TV's in both. Comfortable, Clean, well stocked. No issues getting mini-bar refilled. Accurate billing, mini-bar & internet wiped w/o asking.
How is the exec. lounge?
Excellent - one of the best I've used. Stayed on a weekend. Personalized attention from great staff with lots of selection despite few guests.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: First stay here and all RA benefits honored on paid stay w/BOGO without asking. All contact with staff were friendly and helpful. Seemed to try extra for RA. Excellent Spa facility (except pool) and clean. Great restaurant w/ live Jazz band although short on waiter staff at nights. RA welcome gift a bottle of Canadian Maple Syrup.
Bad: Small pool/hot tub area (still lg compared IC Yorkville). Easily overwhelmed and really need a separate area for paying Spa guests.
Value for $ ? Would you return?
Excellent value. Absolutely return. Normally use IC Yorkville but after my first stay at IC Centre I'll switch in future
Standard King room @ CAA/AAA $155 for end of January - Used old style BOGO no problem.
How are the rooms?
Originally upgraded to 2 room suite on 16th flr. At check-in was recommended a better 2-room on the 9th w/lake-CN Tower view w/ Club access #925 Premier Suite. Terrific room with separate entrance-connected business lounge w/ 1/2 bath, large King bedroom/bathroom, lots of windows, Bose sound + LCD TV's in both. Comfortable, Clean, well stocked. No issues getting mini-bar refilled. Accurate billing, mini-bar & internet wiped w/o asking.
How is the exec. lounge?
Excellent - one of the best I've used. Stayed on a weekend. Personalized attention from great staff with lots of selection despite few guests.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: First stay here and all RA benefits honored on paid stay w/BOGO without asking. All contact with staff were friendly and helpful. Seemed to try extra for RA. Excellent Spa facility (except pool) and clean. Great restaurant w/ live Jazz band although short on waiter staff at nights. RA welcome gift a bottle of Canadian Maple Syrup.
Bad: Small pool/hot tub area (still lg compared IC Yorkville). Easily overwhelmed and really need a separate area for paying Spa guests.
Value for $ ? Would you return?
Excellent value. Absolutely return. Normally use IC Yorkville but after my first stay at IC Centre I'll switch in future
Last edited by Points Surfer; Feb 3, 2011 at 3:28 pm Reason: .
Feb 3, 2011, 3:38 pm
#119
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: UK
Programs: IHG
Posts: 1,316
Great stay!! Only thing: I did not understand the thing about the RA gift: a potatoe...well, I could have asked but I didn't.
Perhaps IC Berlin is gradually trying to disappoint us with awful RA gifts. Last weekend, I got a small hessian sack with some kind of lentils or something in it?! Very odd..
Perhaps IC Berlin is gradually trying to disappoint us with awful RA gifts. Last weekend, I got a small hessian sack with some kind of lentils or something in it?! Very odd..
Feb 3, 2011, 3:48 pm
#120
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 11,030