Please post your Rewards Club Experiences 2018
Jan 7, 2018, 11:55 am
#16
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Shanghai and Bavaria
Programs: Spire RA, 1865 Voyager, Bonvoy Titanium, FB LP, LH SEN.
Posts: 3,104
CP Sapporo Chitose
CP Chitose
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
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 executive room, got executive corner room
How are the rooms?
Spacious room with twin beds
Located in new annex building, contemporary design
Floor-to-ceiling windows (very bright room), small balcony
Large bathroom
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Nicely designed annex building with bar and all-day-restaurant
Friendly staff
Free parking
Bad
Windows provide poor insulation, although it's a new building
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Anytime
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
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 executive room, got executive corner room
How are the rooms?
Spacious room with twin beds
Located in new annex building, contemporary design
Floor-to-ceiling windows (very bright room), small balcony
Large bathroom
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Nicely designed annex building with bar and all-day-restaurant
Friendly staff
Free parking
Bad
Windows provide poor insulation, although it's a new building
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Anytime
Jan 9, 2018, 9:54 am
#17
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 824
Holiday Inn Osaka Namba
Holiday Inn Osaka Namba
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel/stay?
Nooooooooooooo!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked One Double Bed Standard Room, Received same category relatively high floor corner room. This hotel has higher categories rooms like Superior, Grande, and Deluxe, but no upgrade.
How are the rooms?
20sqm. Nothing special. No views. The Handy cellular phone loan service, small LCD TV, small bathroom. Just a Japanese Business Hotel level.
Video of One Double Bed Standard Room:
How is the exec. lounge?
This hotel doesn't have Club Lounge.
How was the mini-bar?
None. Just a small empty refrigerator only.
What was your welcome gift?
None
Did you receive fruit in the room?
None
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Location for sightseeing (Just in front of Dohtonbori Entertainment/Night Life area)
In house convenience store (Seven Eleven)
Bad
No guest recognitions
No upgrade
No view
No special feature/facilities
Not followed brand standards
Value for $ or Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
I don’t understand why this hotel could join the IHG system. Just a pricey hotel. Everything are below average of Holiday Inn.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel/stay?
Nooooooooooooo!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked One Double Bed Standard Room, Received same category relatively high floor corner room. This hotel has higher categories rooms like Superior, Grande, and Deluxe, but no upgrade.
How are the rooms?
20sqm. Nothing special. No views. The Handy cellular phone loan service, small LCD TV, small bathroom. Just a Japanese Business Hotel level.
Video of One Double Bed Standard Room:
How is the exec. lounge?
This hotel doesn't have Club Lounge.
How was the mini-bar?
None. Just a small empty refrigerator only.
What was your welcome gift?
None
Did you receive fruit in the room?
None
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Location for sightseeing (Just in front of Dohtonbori Entertainment/Night Life area)
In house convenience store (Seven Eleven)
Bad
No guest recognitions
No upgrade
No view
No special feature/facilities
Not followed brand standards
Value for $ or Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
I don’t understand why this hotel could join the IHG system. Just a pricey hotel. Everything are below average of Holiday Inn.
Jan 13, 2018, 8:01 am
#18
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Shanghai and Bavaria
Programs: Spire RA, 1865 Voyager, Bonvoy Titanium, FB LP, LH SEN.
Posts: 3,104
HI Berlin City Center Alexanderplatz
HI Berlin City Centre Alexanderplatz
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
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 executive room, got a suite
How are the rooms?
Not really a suite, but a largish (40sqm?) room on the 10th floor
Floor to ceiling windows - very bright and spacious room
Large terrace with views over Alexanderplatz
Medium sized bathroom with shower only
Comfortable bed, but two mattressed pushed together
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Nice rooms
Very friendly and cheery staff
Connected to Indigo hotel with a very nice albeit expensive bar
Personal welcome letter with profiteroles and a small bottle of wine in the room
Bad
Bathroom could be bigger
Bar prices are really steep
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Would return anytime when I need to be in that area. Much better value than the penny pinching IC.
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
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 executive room, got a suite
How are the rooms?
Not really a suite, but a largish (40sqm?) room on the 10th floor
Floor to ceiling windows - very bright and spacious room
Large terrace with views over Alexanderplatz
Medium sized bathroom with shower only
Comfortable bed, but two mattressed pushed together
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Nice rooms
Very friendly and cheery staff
Connected to Indigo hotel with a very nice albeit expensive bar
Personal welcome letter with profiteroles and a small bottle of wine in the room
Bad
Bathroom could be bigger
Bar prices are really steep
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Would return anytime when I need to be in that area. Much better value than the penny pinching IC.
Jan 14, 2018, 7:29 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: RDU
Programs: AA LT Gold, DL SM, HY Disc, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 12,507
Holiday Inn Milwaukee Riverfront
Holiday Inn Milwaukee Riverfront
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire Inner Circle
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yeah.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a room with two beds, must have accidentally hit the two double accessible by mistake, so that's what we got. Front desk person mumbled something about 500 bonus points but didn't acknowledge status any more than that.
How are the rooms?
Older but somewhat refurbished. Beds were comfortable, TV had a lot of channels, Internet was reasonable speed.
How is the exec. lounge?
Nonexistent
What was good and what was bad?
Good fitness room at the back of the property, with windows both outside and into the pool room. Can't miss the property coming north on I-43, it's literally at the bottom of the exit ramp. Good access to the Bradley Center and west part of downtown Milwaukee. Plentiful free parking.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Base rate was $87+tax for AARP. I bought up to get 5k bonus, paid $119+tax. They were about $15 cheaper than the comparable airport properties (HI/CP/HIX, where the HIX is actually the nicest and newest of the three). The Intercontinental was a better value at $99, but we had two cars to park which blew the total cost up too high.
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire Inner Circle
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yeah.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a room with two beds, must have accidentally hit the two double accessible by mistake, so that's what we got. Front desk person mumbled something about 500 bonus points but didn't acknowledge status any more than that.
How are the rooms?
Older but somewhat refurbished. Beds were comfortable, TV had a lot of channels, Internet was reasonable speed.
How is the exec. lounge?
Nonexistent
What was good and what was bad?
Good fitness room at the back of the property, with windows both outside and into the pool room. Can't miss the property coming north on I-43, it's literally at the bottom of the exit ramp. Good access to the Bradley Center and west part of downtown Milwaukee. Plentiful free parking.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Base rate was $87+tax for AARP. I bought up to get 5k bonus, paid $119+tax. They were about $15 cheaper than the comparable airport properties (HI/CP/HIX, where the HIX is actually the nicest and newest of the three). The Intercontinental was a better value at $99, but we had two cars to park which blew the total cost up too high.
Jan 22, 2018, 7:06 am
#20
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Manila Philippines
Programs: IHG Spire Royal Ambassador, Le Club Accor Gold, Shangrila Golden Circles Diamond
Posts: 24
Holiday Inn Medyan - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Just OK
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
King Bed - No Upgrade Received (Despite website showing lot of available next category rooms)
How are the rooms?
New but small.
Standard Amenities
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good Location / Ample Parking
No recognition at all for Spire members (aside from the "Thank you for loyalty" at Check-In)
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Won't return on paid stay, but 20,000 Points is good value
Spire
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Just OK
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
King Bed - No Upgrade Received (Despite website showing lot of available next category rooms)
How are the rooms?
New but small.
Standard Amenities
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good Location / Ample Parking
No recognition at all for Spire members (aside from the "Thank you for loyalty" at Check-In)
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Won't return on paid stay, but 20,000 Points is good value
Jan 23, 2018, 1:36 am
#21
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: FRA
Programs: MileagePlus Premier Silver, IHG Spire Elite, HHonors Silver, RapidRewards
Posts: 382
CP Dulles Airport
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
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?
Bx King Tower, Rx same.
How are the rooms?
Spacious. AC worked fine. Furniture could stand to be updated; had a very 90s look. Bathroom was quite small and cramped, but I rather liked the Bluetooth mirror.
How is the exec. lounge?
Way too small. Huge TV. Crappy "breakfast" consisting of orange juice and danishes. Crappy "Manager's Reception" consisting of some kind of Asian ginger chicken wings and 2-3 beers/wine. Standard selection of regular and diet soda and water available 24/7.
What was good and what was bad?
Hotel was pretty easy to navigate. Elevators were quick. Front desk staff were friendly and helpful.
Absolutely no offered benefits for being Spire. Had to ask for lounge access (which was given without any protest, but still).
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Paid rate, guess the value was ok. Plenty of similarly-classed hotels in the same area. I would return on business, but I'd never voluntarily choose to stay here.
Spire
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?
Bx King Tower, Rx same.
How are the rooms?
Spacious. AC worked fine. Furniture could stand to be updated; had a very 90s look. Bathroom was quite small and cramped, but I rather liked the Bluetooth mirror.
How is the exec. lounge?
Way too small. Huge TV. Crappy "breakfast" consisting of orange juice and danishes. Crappy "Manager's Reception" consisting of some kind of Asian ginger chicken wings and 2-3 beers/wine. Standard selection of regular and diet soda and water available 24/7.
What was good and what was bad?
Hotel was pretty easy to navigate. Elevators were quick. Front desk staff were friendly and helpful.
Absolutely no offered benefits for being Spire. Had to ask for lounge access (which was given without any protest, but still).
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Paid rate, guess the value was ok. Plenty of similarly-classed hotels in the same area. I would return on business, but I'd never voluntarily choose to stay here.
Last edited by FonzieBone; Jan 23, 2018 at 1:36 am Reason: adding property name
Jan 30, 2018, 9:39 am
#22
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 13
Crowne Plaza : Beijing Lido
Crowne Plaza : Beijing Lido
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire 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?
Reserved standard room and upgraded to a suite (shown as Crowne Plaza Superior Suite at APP but do think is that type of suite, they have different types of suites)
How are the rooms?
The room is Spacious and new, very comfy
How is the exec. lounge?
Offered one person lounge access but did not visit
What was good and what was bad?
The breakfast was awesome, I can say it can beat many IC. But the location is a bit far to the downtown and not close to metro station.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Certainly will come back. Great value, about USD100 per night and get a suite
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire 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?
Reserved standard room and upgraded to a suite (shown as Crowne Plaza Superior Suite at APP but do think is that type of suite, they have different types of suites)
How are the rooms?
The room is Spacious and new, very comfy
How is the exec. lounge?
Offered one person lounge access but did not visit
What was good and what was bad?
The breakfast was awesome, I can say it can beat many IC. But the location is a bit far to the downtown and not close to metro station.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Certainly will come back. Great value, about USD100 per night and get a suite
Jan 30, 2018, 2:25 pm
#23
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 140
Staybridge Suites London, ON
Staybridge Suites London, ON
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Fine.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Studio Suite Queen, received same.
How are the rooms?
Spacious room, tilting 37” HD TV with solid channel selection.
Full kitchen with large fridge, two burners, sink, dishwasher etc.
Fold-out sofa.
Sink area next to bed, separate toilet/bath.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Property in good shape.
Close to 401 highway in a quiet area next to several other hotels.
While below average for the Staybridge brand, rooms have a nice apartment-style setup.
Large mall and many restaurants within a 5-minute drive.
Bad
-No Platinum upgrade.
-Rooms a bit smaller than other SS, not as wide.
-Breakfast is a zoo, and not as strong as other SS. Potato offering only 1 of 5 mornings. Fruit cocktail empty by 7am. Only skim milk in fridge, etc.
-No DVD player in room, unlike other SS.
-Nothing within walking distance, and they don’t plow sidewalks around hotel.
-Thus you need a car (or prepare for $20+ taxi each way to downtown London).
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Cash rates around $140 CDN in winter is OK, certainly not the greatest value
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Fine.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Studio Suite Queen, received same.
How are the rooms?
Spacious room, tilting 37” HD TV with solid channel selection.
Full kitchen with large fridge, two burners, sink, dishwasher etc.
Fold-out sofa.
Sink area next to bed, separate toilet/bath.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Property in good shape.
Close to 401 highway in a quiet area next to several other hotels.
While below average for the Staybridge brand, rooms have a nice apartment-style setup.
Large mall and many restaurants within a 5-minute drive.
Bad
-No Platinum upgrade.
-Rooms a bit smaller than other SS, not as wide.
-Breakfast is a zoo, and not as strong as other SS. Potato offering only 1 of 5 mornings. Fruit cocktail empty by 7am. Only skim milk in fridge, etc.
-No DVD player in room, unlike other SS.
-Nothing within walking distance, and they don’t plow sidewalks around hotel.
-Thus you need a car (or prepare for $20+ taxi each way to downtown London).
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Cash rates around $140 CDN in winter is OK, certainly not the greatest value
Last edited by FLYGVA; Feb 1, 2018 at 10:42 am Reason: repaired pos
Jan 30, 2018, 2:33 pm
#24
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 140
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Oshawa Downtown
Holiday inn Express & Suites - Oshawa Downtown
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, my go-to hotel in Oshawa.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Two Queens, received same.
How are the rooms?
Modern, deeper rooms than most HIX properties. Tilting 37” HD TV with solid channel selection. Mini fridge & microwave. Good bathroom size.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
+New hotel, opened in 2015, in good shape.
+Friendly staff, always eager to help.
+Rooms are high-end for an HIX.
+Many restaurants nearby.
+Close to 401 highway.
Bad
-No Platinum upgrade this time (suddenly 0-for-2 in 2018, despite a 75% upgrade rate as a Platinum in past years).
-Rough area around hotel, would avoid at night.
-Hate the power-saving dimming TVs after 5 seconds, but can be switched off by going through menu screens.
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Cash rates around $120 CDN in winter is fine. Easily the best option in Oshawa.
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, my go-to hotel in Oshawa.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Two Queens, received same.
How are the rooms?
Modern, deeper rooms than most HIX properties. Tilting 37” HD TV with solid channel selection. Mini fridge & microwave. Good bathroom size.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
+New hotel, opened in 2015, in good shape.
+Friendly staff, always eager to help.
+Rooms are high-end for an HIX.
+Many restaurants nearby.
+Close to 401 highway.
Bad
-No Platinum upgrade this time (suddenly 0-for-2 in 2018, despite a 75% upgrade rate as a Platinum in past years).
-Rough area around hotel, would avoid at night.
-Hate the power-saving dimming TVs after 5 seconds, but can be switched off by going through menu screens.
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Cash rates around $120 CDN in winter is fine. Easily the best option in Oshawa.
Feb 2, 2018, 2:50 pm
#25
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,347
Crowne Plaza Athens
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
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 on points. Received junior suite.
How are the rooms?
How is the exec. lounge?
See my photos from the linked thread.
What was good and what was bad?
Efficient check-in
Lounge access granted - lounge well-stocked
Insufficient lighting in room
Near to Megaro Moussikis metro station - but the immediate area is not very pedestrian friendly with poorly paved sidewalks and crazy drivers on the major road Michalakopoulou - we were carrying backpacks only and would not recommend walking there with wheeled luggage.
Good toiletries
The pool was closed for the winter
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
25000 points was reasonably good value. Despite it being winter and the hotel probably only being half full, the paid rate was quite high.
The experience may be very different in summer when it is crowded.
I would stay here again, but if I stop being Spire and no longer receive lounge access, I would probably choose the airport Holiday Inn instead (I've finished most of the sights in Athens so would only be in transit to elsewhere in Greece).
Spire
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 on points. Received junior suite.
How are the rooms?
How is the exec. lounge?
See my photos from the linked thread.
What was good and what was bad?
Efficient check-in
Lounge access granted - lounge well-stocked
Insufficient lighting in room
Near to Megaro Moussikis metro station - but the immediate area is not very pedestrian friendly with poorly paved sidewalks and crazy drivers on the major road Michalakopoulou - we were carrying backpacks only and would not recommend walking there with wheeled luggage.
Good toiletries
The pool was closed for the winter
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
25000 points was reasonably good value. Despite it being winter and the hotel probably only being half full, the paid rate was quite high.
The experience may be very different in summer when it is crowded.
I would stay here again, but if I stop being Spire and no longer receive lounge access, I would probably choose the airport Holiday Inn instead (I've finished most of the sights in Athens so would only be in transit to elsewhere in Greece).
Feb 2, 2018, 3:27 pm
#26
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,347
Holiday Inn Express London - Heathrow T5
Holiday Inn Express London - Heathrow T5 (Slough)
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
OK for a semi-mattress run
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Only room remaining was a twin, wanted a double bed as was by myself, but not available
How are the rooms?
Bog standard UK HIX, dirty sink, shower falling apart, unable to maintain constant water temperature
Poor lighting - only reading lights and table lamp in the main area of the room
Power sockets only at the far side of one bed, and none by the other bed
Heating thermostat didn't really work but at least the room was well-insulated.
What was good and what was bad?
Greeted as Gold elite instead of Spire
Welcome points never posted
Not enough seating for everyone at breakfast - people were sitting in the bar and the lobby and some people just gave up
Food was disgusting (not that HIX breakfast in the UK is particularly good, but this was bad)
Parking charge is £10, but I parked on a residential street (not outside anybody's house!) opposite the hotel for free, 30 seconds walk from the lobby.
Convenient to drive to from my client's house, but not particularly convenient for getting to Heathrow!
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Paid £39 and received 26000 points (Accelerate), so great value in that respect.
No chance I would ever stay here for real.
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
OK for a semi-mattress run
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Only room remaining was a twin, wanted a double bed as was by myself, but not available
How are the rooms?
Bog standard UK HIX, dirty sink, shower falling apart, unable to maintain constant water temperature
Poor lighting - only reading lights and table lamp in the main area of the room
Power sockets only at the far side of one bed, and none by the other bed
Heating thermostat didn't really work but at least the room was well-insulated.
What was good and what was bad?
Greeted as Gold elite instead of Spire
Welcome points never posted
Not enough seating for everyone at breakfast - people were sitting in the bar and the lobby and some people just gave up
Food was disgusting (not that HIX breakfast in the UK is particularly good, but this was bad)
Parking charge is £10, but I parked on a residential street (not outside anybody's house!) opposite the hotel for free, 30 seconds walk from the lobby.
Convenient to drive to from my client's house, but not particularly convenient for getting to Heathrow!
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Paid £39 and received 26000 points (Accelerate), so great value in that respect.
No chance I would ever stay here for real.
Feb 2, 2018, 3:56 pm
#27
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,347
Holiday Inn Rotorua
Holiday Inn Rotorua (New Zealand)
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
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?
Standard award room, told I was upgraded to a "deluxe" room, not sure if it is really different
Room had a view of the car park. This was good because it meant I was able to see when a parking space near to reception became free.
How are the rooms?
Nothing special
A very wide area to lay out your baggage if needed, lots of shelves to store things, big table
Shower needs to be refurbished
Coin laundry available at $2 per load
There is a bicycle storage room with a huge wall poster of bike trails in the area
What was good and what was bad?
Received welcome points quickly
Free parking.
No other benefits given except a free water bottle.
Good tourist magazine in the room in case you didn't plan what you wanted to do before coming.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Have been trying to burn off my points so 20000 points per night was good.
Paid rates were kind of ridiculous and I wouldn't stay here if I wanted to spend that much. But I planned the trip based on where I could use points.
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
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?
Standard award room, told I was upgraded to a "deluxe" room, not sure if it is really different
Room had a view of the car park. This was good because it meant I was able to see when a parking space near to reception became free.
How are the rooms?
Nothing special
A very wide area to lay out your baggage if needed, lots of shelves to store things, big table
Shower needs to be refurbished
Coin laundry available at $2 per load
There is a bicycle storage room with a huge wall poster of bike trails in the area
What was good and what was bad?
Received welcome points quickly
Free parking.
No other benefits given except a free water bottle.
Good tourist magazine in the room in case you didn't plan what you wanted to do before coming.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Have been trying to burn off my points so 20000 points per night was good.
Paid rates were kind of ridiculous and I wouldn't stay here if I wanted to spend that much. But I planned the trip based on where I could use points.
Feb 2, 2018, 4:36 pm
#28
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,347
Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park
Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park (Australia)
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
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?
Standard award room, upgraded to Queen Superior Corner room
How are the rooms?
The hotel is new and has a bright and colourful modern design, and is very clean
Plenty of plug sockets.
Spacious bathroom and good water pressure
Interesting bathroom amenities in individual bottles rather than a dispenser
Fast wifi
What was good and what was bad?
Received welcome amenity points quickly
Slightly odd that one person was actually asking for room numbers and ticking them off a list at breakfast - never had this in an HIX before
Good quality hot and cold food with some Asian items, interesting juices and smoothies.
Shopping centre opposite
Far from city centre but convenient access to train station and buses. Station is uphill from hotel, and is closing for some time while the railway line is converted to Sydney Metro.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
A$217, kind of expensive for an HIX, but this hotel doesn't really suit the HIX brand, would fit Hotel Indigo better.
But booked last minute, and got lots of points back from Accelerate.
Don't really want to pay more than $150 for this sort of place, which is never going to happen, so probably won't stay again unless there is a good promotion or someone else is paying.
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
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?
Standard award room, upgraded to Queen Superior Corner room
How are the rooms?
The hotel is new and has a bright and colourful modern design, and is very clean
Plenty of plug sockets.
Spacious bathroom and good water pressure
Interesting bathroom amenities in individual bottles rather than a dispenser
Fast wifi
What was good and what was bad?
Received welcome amenity points quickly
Slightly odd that one person was actually asking for room numbers and ticking them off a list at breakfast - never had this in an HIX before
Good quality hot and cold food with some Asian items, interesting juices and smoothies.
Shopping centre opposite
Far from city centre but convenient access to train station and buses. Station is uphill from hotel, and is closing for some time while the railway line is converted to Sydney Metro.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
A$217, kind of expensive for an HIX, but this hotel doesn't really suit the HIX brand, would fit Hotel Indigo better.
But booked last minute, and got lots of points back from Accelerate.
Don't really want to pay more than $150 for this sort of place, which is never going to happen, so probably won't stay again unless there is a good promotion or someone else is paying.
Feb 5, 2018, 3:54 pm
#29
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,347
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
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?
Standard points room, upgraded to King Executive Suite
How are the rooms?
See photos in linked master thread
How is the exec. lounge?
None
What was good and what was bad?
Very slow check-in. Receptionist was friendly, but imparted no useful information about the hotel.
Welcome points posted promptly.
Free parking - but car park is a long walk from front desk.
No lifts to upper floor.
Wifi worked well.
Shuttle to airport not free.
Restaurant resembles a school canteen (though it may be temporary due to renovation).
The garden and pool are quite nice, but the whole area around the airport as well as the hotel is a big construction site.
Nothing much in the immediate area but a short drive to the Airport Shopping Centre or Mangere (too far to walk).
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Spent 25K points but this felt more like a 15-20K property. Then again, points are constantly devaluing.
The paid rate for my date was a ridiculous NZ$450, but I didn't even bother checking rates at other hotels as I wanted to use points.
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire
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?
Standard points room, upgraded to King Executive Suite
How are the rooms?
See photos in linked master thread
How is the exec. lounge?
None
What was good and what was bad?
Very slow check-in. Receptionist was friendly, but imparted no useful information about the hotel.
Welcome points posted promptly.
Free parking - but car park is a long walk from front desk.
No lifts to upper floor.
Wifi worked well.
Shuttle to airport not free.
Restaurant resembles a school canteen (though it may be temporary due to renovation).
The garden and pool are quite nice, but the whole area around the airport as well as the hotel is a big construction site.
Nothing much in the immediate area but a short drive to the Airport Shopping Centre or Mangere (too far to walk).
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Spent 25K points but this felt more like a 15-20K property. Then again, points are constantly devaluing.
The paid rate for my date was a ridiculous NZ$450, but I didn't even bother checking rates at other hotels as I wanted to use points.
Feb 6, 2018, 3:22 pm
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: RDU
Programs: AA LT Gold, DL SM, HY Disc, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 12,507
HIX Austin Arboretum
HIX Austin Arboretum
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire Inner Circle
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?
Reserved standard room and upgraded to a large room with a kitchenette and full refrigerator.
How are the rooms?
Fantastic and feel brand now
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
The room was comfortable and the refrigerator and kitchenette were great for bringing leftovers on a two-night stay. Exercise room looked good but I was a little too busy to use it. Costco next door for filling the gas tank before heading out.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
I've stayed at probably 8 properties in the 183/35 region north of Highway 360, and this was the nicest for the price paid. Will definitely return.
What is your Priority Club status?
Spire Inner Circle
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?
Reserved standard room and upgraded to a large room with a kitchenette and full refrigerator.
How are the rooms?
Fantastic and feel brand now
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
The room was comfortable and the refrigerator and kitchenette were great for bringing leftovers on a two-night stay. Exercise room looked good but I was a little too busy to use it. Costco next door for filling the gas tank before heading out.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
I've stayed at probably 8 properties in the 183/35 region north of Highway 360, and this was the nicest for the price paid. Will definitely return.