Please post your Royal Ambassador experiences (Archive Thread 2016)
Jul 31, 2016, 9:12 am
#196
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Jul 31, 2016, 9:28 am
#197
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Programs: BA GGL, NH SFC, IHG Diamond, Radisson VIP, HH Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 838
Sorry if I wasn't clear. I arrived late for a one-night stay, just as the lounge was closing. They kindly gave me a tour, but that was it. Oh, and they showed me the photos of breakfast and that's when I asked about the eggs. I knew I was going out late and would not be eating breakfast at the hotel.
Aug 2, 2016, 7:14 am
#198
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Frankfurt
IC Fankfurt
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 cheapest, got a room which looked like a regular room with view of the river plus club access
How are the rooms?
Good, average size, seemed to be renovated not too long ago. Bathroom with tub, Agragria small bottles
How is the exec. lounge?
They still had beer and wine at 21:45 when I arrived. Breakfast had limited selection, but good enough for me. Nice setting on top fllor with good view and outside terrace
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Yes, a small jar of something (did not even check).
Small plate with one apple, one skewer with three small pieces and a few cherries
1 bottle of water
How was the minibar?
Somewhat sanitized. 3 beer, a few waters, softdrinks, red and white, applewine, 2 small bottles of spirits.
What was good and what was bad?
Service was good, check in/out was quick
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
They often have a very good rate for Frankfurt (but then they are also not the most luxurious IC)
Would you return?
Yes
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 cheapest, got a room which looked like a regular room with view of the river plus club access
How are the rooms?
Good, average size, seemed to be renovated not too long ago. Bathroom with tub, Agragria small bottles
How is the exec. lounge?
They still had beer and wine at 21:45 when I arrived. Breakfast had limited selection, but good enough for me. Nice setting on top fllor with good view and outside terrace
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Yes, a small jar of something (did not even check).
Small plate with one apple, one skewer with three small pieces and a few cherries
1 bottle of water
How was the minibar?
Somewhat sanitized. 3 beer, a few waters, softdrinks, red and white, applewine, 2 small bottles of spirits.
What was good and what was bad?
Service was good, check in/out was quick
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
They often have a very good rate for Frankfurt (but then they are also not the most luxurious IC)
Would you return?
Yes
Aug 2, 2016, 3:36 pm
#199
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Tokyo Bay
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 cheapest, which was less than half the price of Strings, and was upgraded to a nice Club room.
How are the rooms?
Excellent with the beautiful view over the bay. The renovation here was done very well. I got a note saying there are still some renovations going on, but I didn't see nor hear anything.
In addition to the usual Agraria, they had large bottles of Mikimoto in the shower.
How is the exec. lounge?
Very good with plenty of space, excellent service and food. There is an egg chef in the morning and you can actually have a full dinner in the evening. They even call it Club Dinner.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
A nice bottle of red Burgundy, however it was a 2014! It's just not right to drink a red Burgundy that young, so I left it. Also a fruit bowl was placed in the mini-bar so it would stay fresh.
How was the minibar?
Pretty good with all the usual products plus some unique Japanese items. I love the labeling. One can was called "Premium Highball".
There was also a bottle of a very nice Japanese single malt whiskey.
What was good and what was bad?
I arrived at 5am, expecting to have to pay a 30% supplement. But as a one-time courtesy they let me check in at 5am. ^
This might be bad for some people, but they are doing away with the Pay TV channels, yet adding more free channels.
Value for ¥ or Priority Club Points?
At ¥14,900 it was an exceptional deal.
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest, which was less than half the price of Strings, and was upgraded to a nice Club room.
How are the rooms?
Excellent with the beautiful view over the bay. The renovation here was done very well. I got a note saying there are still some renovations going on, but I didn't see nor hear anything.
In addition to the usual Agraria, they had large bottles of Mikimoto in the shower.
How is the exec. lounge?
Very good with plenty of space, excellent service and food. There is an egg chef in the morning and you can actually have a full dinner in the evening. They even call it Club Dinner.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
A nice bottle of red Burgundy, however it was a 2014! It's just not right to drink a red Burgundy that young, so I left it. Also a fruit bowl was placed in the mini-bar so it would stay fresh.
How was the minibar?
Pretty good with all the usual products plus some unique Japanese items. I love the labeling. One can was called "Premium Highball".
There was also a bottle of a very nice Japanese single malt whiskey. What was good and what was bad?
I arrived at 5am, expecting to have to pay a 30% supplement. But as a one-time courtesy they let me check in at 5am. ^
This might be bad for some people, but they are doing away with the Pay TV channels, yet adding more free channels.
Value for ¥ or Priority Club Points?
At ¥14,900 it was an exceptional deal.
Last edited by stimpy; Aug 3, 2016 at 4:15 pm
Aug 2, 2016, 5:38 pm
#200
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 824
Aug 3, 2016, 12:32 am
#201
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Aug 3, 2016, 4:45 am
#202
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 824
JPY149,000 for one night is crazy expensive for this hotel. Indeed almost Suite rate. If it was JPY14,900, it's a good deal.
Aug 3, 2016, 6:01 am
#203
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Aug 3, 2016, 10:04 am
#204
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: 10,964
InterContinental Madrid
- What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
- 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 cheapest advance rate and was upgraded to a Club Junior suite with balcony (I specifically asked for a room with balcony and sun, which means the room at the end of the corridor, avenue side).
- How are the rooms?
Around 45 sqm
Classic and elegant design.
Seating area with desk
Flat screen television set, with large selection of international channels
Bedroom with very comfortable bed
Marble bathroom with separate walk in shower. Agraria amenities
Very quiet.
Large terrace balcony.
View over the city
Fast wifi
No iPhone dock
No plugs close to the bed
- How is the exec. lounge?
- What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
BAD
Nothing
- Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, indeed
Pictures of the city
Pictures of the hotel
Spire Royal Ambassador
- 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 cheapest advance rate and was upgraded to a Club Junior suite with balcony (I specifically asked for a room with balcony and sun, which means the room at the end of the corridor, avenue side).
- How are the rooms?
Around 45 sqm
Classic and elegant design.
Seating area with desk
Flat screen television set, with large selection of international channels
Bedroom with very comfortable bed
Marble bathroom with separate walk in shower. Agraria amenities
Very quiet.
Large terrace balcony.
View over the city
Fast wifi
No iPhone dock
No plugs close to the bed
- How is the exec. lounge?
- Warm classic design
- Very friendly staff
- Very good breakfast with hot and cold option
- 2 free PC with Internet and printer
- Evening food has been massively improved: selection of two hot dishes,
- Nice selection of sweet and salted canapés during the day
- What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- The staff is really nice at IC Madrid
- Luxurious atmosphere in public places
- Nice courtyard garden
- Location is very convenient from airport (metro station 80 meters from the hotel) and shopping: the Salamenca district is one of the most elegant for luxury boutiques and concept stores (Isolée, Gallery Madrid, ...) and "secret" museums (Fundación Juan March, Residencia des estudiantes, Museo Cerralbo, etc.)
- Pretty nice fitness centre
BAD
Nothing
- Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, indeed
Pictures of the city
Pictures of the hotel
Aug 3, 2016, 10:10 am
#205
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Singapore
Programs: SIA Solitaire PPS, IHG Royal Amb, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Hhonor Gold
Posts: 2,208
Aug 3, 2016, 10:13 am
#206
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: 10,964
InterContinental Marseille - Hôtel Dieu
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
Yes, as usual.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest flexible rate, and received a superb Prestige Suite with harbour view. Breakfast was offered
How are the rooms?
Around 110sqm
Large dining room with seating area. Very elegant design.
Separate toilets.
Bedroom with comfortable bed (but which is strangely the addition of two single beds)
Superb panoramic view over the Vieux Port (old harbour) and the city.
Great bathroom with Boffi sink, large elegant bathtub, separate rainforest shower (I loved it)/toilets.
Very nice Clarins Eau Dynamisante amenities
Flatscreen television with massive selection of French and international channels.
Malango Coffee machine. Kettle
Very quiet
Fast wifi
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Perfect location
- Very nice historical building
- Great staff
- Very good breakfast
- Pleasant indoor pool and spa (with now and outdoor terrace)
- Coupon for free drinks at the pleasant bar
- Fast wifi
- Superb weather
- Delicious "Calissons" and chocolate as welcome gift
Bad
- Nothing
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, definitely. A superb and very relaxing day
Pictures of the city
Pictures of the hotel
Yes, as usual.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest flexible rate, and received a superb Prestige Suite with harbour view. Breakfast was offered
How are the rooms?
Around 110sqm
Large dining room with seating area. Very elegant design.
Separate toilets.
Bedroom with comfortable bed (but which is strangely the addition of two single beds)
Superb panoramic view over the Vieux Port (old harbour) and the city.
Great bathroom with Boffi sink, large elegant bathtub, separate rainforest shower (I loved it)/toilets.
Very nice Clarins Eau Dynamisante amenities
Flatscreen television with massive selection of French and international channels.
Malango Coffee machine. Kettle
Very quiet
Fast wifi
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Perfect location
- Very nice historical building
- Great staff
- Very good breakfast
- Pleasant indoor pool and spa (with now and outdoor terrace)
- Coupon for free drinks at the pleasant bar
- Fast wifi
- Superb weather
- Delicious "Calissons" and chocolate as welcome gift
Bad
- Nothing
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, definitely. A superb and very relaxing day
Pictures of the city
Pictures of the hotel
Aug 3, 2016, 4:16 pm
#207
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
It seems that rates are cheap for Tuesday night stays. I just looked now and it's expensive tomorrow, the next day, etc., until we get to next Tuesday when it goes cheap again. So I was lucky to stay on a Tuesday I guess.
Aug 6, 2016, 9:28 pm
#208
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Hong Kong
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, very much so
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked harbor view, upgraded to deluxe JS, and did a relatively cheap upsell to an Exec Suite on the top floor.
- How are the rooms?
Very large with a 10+ meter window directly over the harbor. Huge bathroom which was larger than most HKG hotel rooms. The marble shower was also a steam room which was very nice. They had a Android loaner phone on the desk with unlimited data and free local and international calls. The suite came with butler service with a call button.
- How was the mini-bar?
Pretty nice with a decent white Burgundy and a 2011 Bordeaux. No Champagne, but there was plenty of that in the lounge.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Probably the best IC lounge in the world, service wise. Perrier-Jouët Champagne and good red and white wine and excellent food throughout the day, including tea-time.
- What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
Huge value for the money getting that suite on the exclusive 17th floor.
Free mobile phone to use
I splurged on the limo back to the airport and there was the same free phone in the Mercedes. And there was a guy who met us at the airport and helped us through check in and all the way to security.
BAD
Nothing
- Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Definitely
Yes, very much so
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked harbor view, upgraded to deluxe JS, and did a relatively cheap upsell to an Exec Suite on the top floor.
- How are the rooms?
Very large with a 10+ meter window directly over the harbor. Huge bathroom which was larger than most HKG hotel rooms. The marble shower was also a steam room which was very nice. They had a Android loaner phone on the desk with unlimited data and free local and international calls. The suite came with butler service with a call button.
- How was the mini-bar?
Pretty nice with a decent white Burgundy and a 2011 Bordeaux. No Champagne, but there was plenty of that in the lounge.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Probably the best IC lounge in the world, service wise. Perrier-Jouët Champagne and good red and white wine and excellent food throughout the day, including tea-time.
- What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
Huge value for the money getting that suite on the exclusive 17th floor.
Free mobile phone to use
I splurged on the limo back to the airport and there was the same free phone in the Mercedes. And there was a guy who met us at the airport and helped us through check in and all the way to security.
BAD
Nothing
- Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Definitely
Aug 10, 2016, 4:22 am
#209
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Bangkok
- 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, given Club. Tried to buy up to a suite, but the hotel was entirely sold out.
- How are the rooms?
Nothing new from past stays. Nice, large and comfortable.
- How was the mini-bar?
Large bottles of booze, and the typical set of beer and soft drinks.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Excellent. Breakfast is a la carte for the most part. Great service day and night.
- What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
Very nice city hotel with a fun roof-top pool, good gym with mesmeric views from the 36th floor.
BAD
It is at the heart of Bangkok traffic hell.
- Value for bhat or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, but only as an RA.
Yes
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked standard, given Club. Tried to buy up to a suite, but the hotel was entirely sold out.
- How are the rooms?
Nothing new from past stays. Nice, large and comfortable.
- How was the mini-bar?
Large bottles of booze, and the typical set of beer and soft drinks.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Excellent. Breakfast is a la carte for the most part. Great service day and night.
- What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
Very nice city hotel with a fun roof-top pool, good gym with mesmeric views from the 36th floor.
BAD
It is at the heart of Bangkok traffic hell.
- Value for bhat or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, but only as an RA.
Aug 14, 2016, 1:56 pm
#210
Join Date: Aug 2016
Programs: M&M SEN, EY GOLD, HH DIAMOND, IHG SPIRE RA
Posts: 1
IC Al Jubail, KSA
Intercontinental Al Jubail
Tareeq 101, Al Jubail Al Sinaiyah Al Huwaylat District Al Jubail, SA 31961
RecommendedLiked: LocationServiceFoodAmenitiesRoom
IC Al Jubail, KSA (0 Photo)
Intercontinental Al Jubail
- What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, pretty much
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest advance rate and was upgraded to a Club Room (never got a suite upgrade so far)
- How are the rooms?
Club rooms are newly renovated (never stayed in another room here in 5 stays this year)
Ok, but not quite the 'luxury' feeling as in other IC's
No view, most of the renovated rooms are near or facing backside of hotel
Seating area with desk
Flat screen television set, very large channel selection, including premium sports BEIN
Bed is good, but not the best I had at IC
Bathroom with separate walk in shower, but nearly impossible to shower without flooding the bathroom floor
- How is the exec. lounge?
- Small lounge with dated interior
- Very friendly staff
- 1 free PC with Internet and printer
- Evening food selection has been massively diminished (see comments below)
- What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Beach club... but very very dated
- Very good breakfast buffet at main restaurant. LOVE the fresh waffles
BAD
- Since last stay in June (during Ramadan) IHG seems to have a new 'policy' regarding club lounge food selection. This property used to have by far the best food and selection and with a matter of 2 months, it went straight from top to bottom of the pile!
Since it is Saudi Arabia, of course no alcoholic beverages are served and the location has no surrounding neighborhood of other restaurants and shops (at least not within walking distance), so the exceptional food selection used to make up for this... not anymore!
Shame on the IHG execs thinking conforming every lounge to the same limited menu is a good idea.
If you're not an RA, do NOT book a club room here anymore, it is not worth it. - Still ongoing renovation of rooms (very much needed). Work hours are limited to daytime to keep noise disturbance limited
- Renovated club rooms mostly directly next to loading dock with plenty of noise at different hours, even middle of nightoise from loadi
- Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Not the best value compared to other IC's, but lack of any decent hotel alternative in the area.