Please post your Rewards Club Experiences 2018
Jul 20, 2018, 11:15 pm
#91
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: CYYC/CYYZ
Programs: UA 1K, IHG Spire, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz P.C., GE/NEXUS
Posts: 140
CP Hong Kong Kowloon East (TKO)
CP Hong Kong Kowloon East (TKO)
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Decent for the price paid.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked lowest double for 5 nights, upgraded to Corner King on 30th floor.
How are the rooms?
Starting to age but still clean and tidy. Very comfortable for a solo guy, closet space might be a bit tight for 2.
Given a banana, grapes and an apple as Platinum welcome gift.
Free basic mini-bar for first round (2 beers, 2 cokes), bottled water replenished daily.
Toiletries still the cheap stuff, but at least bathroom didn't flood this time like 3 years ago!
How is the exec. lounge?
Was not offered access. However given 2 free drinks in lobby lounge.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: Room, view, lobby lounge staff, Elites recognition. Location - on top of MTR, easy to get into town and stay out of the heat outside.
Bad: Bell staff was not able to get me a taxi to Repulse Bay to attend a wedding due to 'shift change', had to Uber instead. I had cash and wanted to use cash on taxi.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?Good value at HKD $1200 ish per night in May. But not happy with IHG in general after Singapore debacle above. Would recommend this property if you're still loyal to IHG though.
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Decent for the price paid.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked lowest double for 5 nights, upgraded to Corner King on 30th floor.
How are the rooms?
Starting to age but still clean and tidy. Very comfortable for a solo guy, closet space might be a bit tight for 2.
Given a banana, grapes and an apple as Platinum welcome gift.
Free basic mini-bar for first round (2 beers, 2 cokes), bottled water replenished daily.
Toiletries still the cheap stuff, but at least bathroom didn't flood this time like 3 years ago!
How is the exec. lounge?
Was not offered access. However given 2 free drinks in lobby lounge.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: Room, view, lobby lounge staff, Elites recognition. Location - on top of MTR, easy to get into town and stay out of the heat outside.
Bad: Bell staff was not able to get me a taxi to Repulse Bay to attend a wedding due to 'shift change', had to Uber instead. I had cash and wanted to use cash on taxi.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?Good value at HKD $1200 ish per night in May. But not happy with IHG in general after Singapore debacle above. Would recommend this property if you're still loyal to IHG though.
Jul 21, 2018, 12:26 am
#92
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: SAS EBS, IHG Spire Elite, Hertz Five Star and Sixt Gold
Posts: 49
Just had some fantastic service for a platinum member. I get in to LAX early in the morning, wife and I want to see some of the city before we head up the coast to stay in Santa Barbara (we have an IHG booking up there from 3pm). I called ahead and the Crowne Plaza at LAX will give us a room to shower and change in before we go for a day in LA at no cost.
Thanks !
Jul 23, 2018, 1:58 am
#93
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Lowly CX & IHG
Posts: 382
Holiday Inn Express Taichung Park
Holiday Inn Express Taichung Park
What is your Priority Club status?
Club (aka none, still)
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 2 Single Beds (Standard), as I ended up alone, was offered Queen Bed Park View on 5/F.
How are the rooms?
33sqm, spacious and tidy, electric outlet at bedside, just slightly higher than the trees so not much actual park view. (Since I booked standard and there're rooms that face inside the building I really cannot complain)
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- Received a pack of drinks of choice at check-in
- Breakfast is generous with western and local options like braised pork with rice, congee and pickles, (non-deep-fried) fish fillet, bacon and miso soup.
- Lift lobby is spacious and some sitting areas at the corridor next to windows
- Laundry, water dispenser and ice-maker at common area
- Staff is very polite and kind, I waited for check-in for a while behind a few persons who don't even know what they had been booked, which was handled well, and the staff were very apologetic at my turn.
- Good location near Taichung station and long-distance buses
Bad:
- I have not used the gym but there's just 3 pieces of equipment inside
- Could have been more elevators
- Breakfast gets crowded by 10am and I see families needed to wait to get in.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Cash better value at weekdays and points at weekends. Likely will if I need a decent place to stay in Taichung city.
What is your Priority Club status?
Club (aka none, still)
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 2 Single Beds (Standard), as I ended up alone, was offered Queen Bed Park View on 5/F.
How are the rooms?
33sqm, spacious and tidy, electric outlet at bedside, just slightly higher than the trees so not much actual park view. (Since I booked standard and there're rooms that face inside the building I really cannot complain)
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- Received a pack of drinks of choice at check-in
- Breakfast is generous with western and local options like braised pork with rice, congee and pickles, (non-deep-fried) fish fillet, bacon and miso soup.
- Lift lobby is spacious and some sitting areas at the corridor next to windows
- Laundry, water dispenser and ice-maker at common area
- Staff is very polite and kind, I waited for check-in for a while behind a few persons who don't even know what they had been booked, which was handled well, and the staff were very apologetic at my turn.
- Good location near Taichung station and long-distance buses
Bad:
- I have not used the gym but there's just 3 pieces of equipment inside
- Could have been more elevators
- Breakfast gets crowded by 10am and I see families needed to wait to get in.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Cash better value at weekdays and points at weekends. Likely will if I need a decent place to stay in Taichung city.
Jul 24, 2018, 4:45 am
#94
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,295
CP Lyon France Cite International
Crowne Plaza Lyon France Cite International
What is your Priority Club status?
Plat
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, received executive room on 1st floor w/ lounge access.
How are the rooms?
Nicely appointed, newly condition, with robes, espresso machine, separate shower and bath, and 2 chairs in addition to desk. The yellow color scheme a bit weird but everything was comfortably.
How is the exec. lounge?
Poor. Only open in evening 630p-1030p. When I went there were 3 wines (white, red, rose) on offer, all very poor quality. A shame for France! There is a nice coffee and tea selection and a fridge of soft drinks. Food very limited: pretty gross looking plate of bacon wrapped melon that had been out for hours and 1 place of small cakes. Certainly not enough for a meal of any sort.
What was good and what was bad?
The hotel is in very nice shape but inconsistently tries to treat Plats well. For example, I was upgraded to an executive room, but on the 1st floor (1 floor up from ground), with a direct view from the courtyard where many were into my room (no privacy) and with the bars outdoor part right outside my window). When I asked to move they said there were no other exec rooms available and only 1 non exec room. The hotel didn't seem full at all so this surprised me. Apparently the 7th floor with most of the exec rooms are under construction.
Welcome is 600 points or a drink, and I went for the drink because there was nothing else around the hotel. Only to learn at the bar the voucher is only good for beer and a few base wines (probably same as the poor offerings in the club). No cocktails or choice from their broader wine selection (again... this is France!)
They are unapologetic about the club lounge not being open for breakfast. Only when I asked did they offer me breakfast in the restaurant, but they did so without hesitating. Breakfast was a nice spread.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
I went out of the way for this property to meet an Accelerate requirement. At ~100 Euro, it was a good value, but its pretty far out of the city. If I needed to be at Cite International for a reason (Cite International is a big new complex that one might call a conference center. There is a Marriott, CP, a casino, conference center, and they all look exactly the same from the architecture) I would definitely book again. But without a compelling reason to stay in that location I probably would stay somewhere much more centrally in Lyon.
A bus that runs every 20 min can get you to one of the main train stations (Gare Part Dieu) in about 15 min, but its still another hop to more touristy things. Uber would have been about 15-20 euro per ride. There is nothing to do near the hotel except the casino. I did go for a bit and won enough to pay for the room
What is your Priority Club status?
Plat
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, received executive room on 1st floor w/ lounge access.
How are the rooms?
Nicely appointed, newly condition, with robes, espresso machine, separate shower and bath, and 2 chairs in addition to desk. The yellow color scheme a bit weird but everything was comfortably.
How is the exec. lounge?
Poor. Only open in evening 630p-1030p. When I went there were 3 wines (white, red, rose) on offer, all very poor quality. A shame for France! There is a nice coffee and tea selection and a fridge of soft drinks. Food very limited: pretty gross looking plate of bacon wrapped melon that had been out for hours and 1 place of small cakes. Certainly not enough for a meal of any sort.
What was good and what was bad?
The hotel is in very nice shape but inconsistently tries to treat Plats well. For example, I was upgraded to an executive room, but on the 1st floor (1 floor up from ground), with a direct view from the courtyard where many were into my room (no privacy) and with the bars outdoor part right outside my window). When I asked to move they said there were no other exec rooms available and only 1 non exec room. The hotel didn't seem full at all so this surprised me. Apparently the 7th floor with most of the exec rooms are under construction.
Welcome is 600 points or a drink, and I went for the drink because there was nothing else around the hotel. Only to learn at the bar the voucher is only good for beer and a few base wines (probably same as the poor offerings in the club). No cocktails or choice from their broader wine selection (again... this is France!)
They are unapologetic about the club lounge not being open for breakfast. Only when I asked did they offer me breakfast in the restaurant, but they did so without hesitating. Breakfast was a nice spread.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
I went out of the way for this property to meet an Accelerate requirement. At ~100 Euro, it was a good value, but its pretty far out of the city. If I needed to be at Cite International for a reason (Cite International is a big new complex that one might call a conference center. There is a Marriott, CP, a casino, conference center, and they all look exactly the same from the architecture) I would definitely book again. But without a compelling reason to stay in that location I probably would stay somewhere much more centrally in Lyon.
A bus that runs every 20 min can get you to one of the main train stations (Gare Part Dieu) in about 15 min, but its still another hop to more touristy things. Uber would have been about 15-20 euro per ride. There is nothing to do near the hotel except the casino. I did go for a bit and won enough to pay for the room
Jul 26, 2018, 5:25 am
#95
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: M&S, Radisson
Posts: 758
review deleted
review deleted
Last edited by 1flyer; Dec 11, 2018 at 1:22 am
Jul 26, 2018, 11:27 am
#96
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 123
HI Portsmouth
Holiday Inn Portsmouth
What is your Priority Club status? Spire Elite
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay? Absolutely Not.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive? Booked 2x Double Room, Received 1x Double and 1x Executive Double Room.
How are the rooms? Filthy. You wouldn't tell that they employed a cleaner. I presume they do employ a cleaner? The beds were made and so housekeeping do exist. No surfaces were wiped - TV absolutely smeared with white ?toothpaste, blood marks on the walls, stains on the bed, dust in all the corners. There's no point upgrading to an Executive Room unless you want working air con or a mini-fridge in the room. You get complimentary water & ginger nut biscuits in an executive room as well. Apart from those differences, the rooms are absolutely identical; including the toiletries.
How is the exec. lounge? N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
+Given welcome amenity (But See Bad....)
+Given room upgrade in one of the rooms
+Granted late check-out (But See Bad....)
Bad:
---Told at the bar I could only use the free Spire Drink for a 'House' Spirit when I was trying to order a Bacardi and Coke. Took several minutes back and forth until they let me use it for Barcardi! Highly confrontational to me.
----Hygiene non-existent within the rooms
-----The term 'executive' is completely inappropriate to describe their 'executive' room.
---------Air con broken in the 1x Double Room - during the current heatwave in the U.K. Notified housekeeping on Saturday morning (with check-out on Sunday afternoon) and told nothing could be done except bring a fan to the room. No room swap or further compensation offered
---------------------------------------Despite being granted late check-out of 2pm, they would give me a Ł100 fine if I did not move my car before 1pm out of their car-park. I was told to use the on-road parking and pay a high hourly rate despite them having parking vouchers for the road at reception. They didn't even tell me I had to move my car when I was granted late check-out; I only found out on the morning of check-out when trying to get the second of the two rooms a check-out of 2pm as well (They insisted only 1 room could check-out at 2pm, the other was 11am - despite them initially offering both rooms at midday). They were not in the least bit apologetic and said any fine is my problem to sort out and they don't get involved "with the 3rd party parking company".
--- Refused to even ask for feedback on check-out as they knew how poorly we rated the stay. I gave my room number and they said nothing to pay, Bye.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return? The room rate for the weekend was Ł250/night (usually circa Ł90-Ł100/night) due to university graduations in the area. I paid 25,000 points/night/room for 2 nights. Not value for money. I will never return to this hotel.
What is your Priority Club status? Spire Elite
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay? Absolutely Not.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive? Booked 2x Double Room, Received 1x Double and 1x Executive Double Room.
How are the rooms? Filthy. You wouldn't tell that they employed a cleaner. I presume they do employ a cleaner? The beds were made and so housekeeping do exist. No surfaces were wiped - TV absolutely smeared with white ?toothpaste, blood marks on the walls, stains on the bed, dust in all the corners. There's no point upgrading to an Executive Room unless you want working air con or a mini-fridge in the room. You get complimentary water & ginger nut biscuits in an executive room as well. Apart from those differences, the rooms are absolutely identical; including the toiletries.
How is the exec. lounge? N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
+Given welcome amenity (But See Bad....)
+Given room upgrade in one of the rooms
+Granted late check-out (But See Bad....)
Bad:
---Told at the bar I could only use the free Spire Drink for a 'House' Spirit when I was trying to order a Bacardi and Coke. Took several minutes back and forth until they let me use it for Barcardi! Highly confrontational to me.
----Hygiene non-existent within the rooms
-----The term 'executive' is completely inappropriate to describe their 'executive' room.
---------Air con broken in the 1x Double Room - during the current heatwave in the U.K. Notified housekeeping on Saturday morning (with check-out on Sunday afternoon) and told nothing could be done except bring a fan to the room. No room swap or further compensation offered
---------------------------------------Despite being granted late check-out of 2pm, they would give me a Ł100 fine if I did not move my car before 1pm out of their car-park. I was told to use the on-road parking and pay a high hourly rate despite them having parking vouchers for the road at reception. They didn't even tell me I had to move my car when I was granted late check-out; I only found out on the morning of check-out when trying to get the second of the two rooms a check-out of 2pm as well (They insisted only 1 room could check-out at 2pm, the other was 11am - despite them initially offering both rooms at midday). They were not in the least bit apologetic and said any fine is my problem to sort out and they don't get involved "with the 3rd party parking company".
--- Refused to even ask for feedback on check-out as they knew how poorly we rated the stay. I gave my room number and they said nothing to pay, Bye.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return? The room rate for the weekend was Ł250/night (usually circa Ł90-Ł100/night) due to university graduations in the area. I paid 25,000 points/night/room for 2 nights. Not value for money. I will never return to this hotel.
Jul 26, 2018, 11:38 am
#97
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 123
HI Rotorua (NZ)
Holiday Inn Rotorua
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 1 Queen 1 Single Balcony Room; Received 2x Queen without Balcony (later upgraded to 2x Queen with Balcony).
How are the rooms? Very clean and well maintained.
How is the exec. lounge? N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
+Given welcome amenity
++Good levels of cleanliness
++Ice Cold Water in lobby
+++They did upgrade us to 2x Queen Bed with Balcony after the first 2 nights which had an amazing view of the Geothermal Springs. Definitely worth paying for this upgrade if you have lower status / not offered it as complimentary. It's amazing.
++++Best Hotel Pool i've swam in. It's really small but I love that it's geothermally heated and so it's really warm - and outside.
Bad:
-HI Breakfast wasn't as good as the U.K ones IMHO but maybe that's just my personal preference. Everything was cooked alright, just lacked flavour.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return? Yes I'd be more than happy to return here if I was in New Zealand again.
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 1 Queen 1 Single Balcony Room; Received 2x Queen without Balcony (later upgraded to 2x Queen with Balcony).
How are the rooms? Very clean and well maintained.
How is the exec. lounge? N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
+Given welcome amenity
++Good levels of cleanliness
++Ice Cold Water in lobby
+++They did upgrade us to 2x Queen Bed with Balcony after the first 2 nights which had an amazing view of the Geothermal Springs. Definitely worth paying for this upgrade if you have lower status / not offered it as complimentary. It's amazing.
++++Best Hotel Pool i've swam in. It's really small but I love that it's geothermally heated and so it's really warm - and outside.
Bad:
-HI Breakfast wasn't as good as the U.K ones IMHO but maybe that's just my personal preference. Everything was cooked alright, just lacked flavour.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return? Yes I'd be more than happy to return here if I was in New Zealand again.
Jul 29, 2018, 5:43 pm
#98
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Motown
Programs: DL, WN, AA, IHG Diamond, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,409
Holiday Inn Express Convention Center - Seaside OR
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum
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 King Suite with spa tub - given same
How are the rooms?
This was a true suite with separate bedroom, Furnishings seemed a bit sparse, but I have seen that in a number of newer HIX locations. Bathroom is by the room entrance, and not attached to the bedroom. Not the most well thought out design.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
,
What was good and what was bad?
Good location near the town commercial area, and near to but not adjacent to the convention center. Just a short walk over the river to restaurants and shops. Very nice patio area overlooking the river with fire pits for colder weather. Standard breakfast items on the buffet except they served Cinnabons and not the signature HIX cinnamon rolls. Small parking lot.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Price paid seemed about right for summer high tourist season in an oceanside resort, but more than I would normally pay for a HIX. I would definitely go back.
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum
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 King Suite with spa tub - given same
How are the rooms?
This was a true suite with separate bedroom, Furnishings seemed a bit sparse, but I have seen that in a number of newer HIX locations. Bathroom is by the room entrance, and not attached to the bedroom. Not the most well thought out design.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
,
What was good and what was bad?
Good location near the town commercial area, and near to but not adjacent to the convention center. Just a short walk over the river to restaurants and shops. Very nice patio area overlooking the river with fire pits for colder weather. Standard breakfast items on the buffet except they served Cinnabons and not the signature HIX cinnamon rolls. Small parking lot.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Price paid seemed about right for summer high tourist season in an oceanside resort, but more than I would normally pay for a HIX. I would definitely go back.
Jul 31, 2018, 12:13 pm
#99
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Lynbrook, NY
Programs: Delta Ham Sandwich, IHG Spire, HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 83
HIX Boise University Area
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum (at the time)
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?
King Superior, received King Corner Superior
How are the rooms?
Clean and modern. Everything functioned perfectly. Bed was very comfortable. AC was excellent considering it was hot in Boise.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good: Room and staff. Airport shuttle drivers were very informative about area. Checkin desk was thrilled to have someone from NYC. Made me feel welcome
Bad: Nothing really. Airport shuttle is not guaranteed to be operating. Check in advance.
Standard HIX breakfast
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
At $95 a good value, especially considering the price has almost always been higher since. Yes I would return.
Platinum (at the time)
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?
King Superior, received King Corner Superior
How are the rooms?
Clean and modern. Everything functioned perfectly. Bed was very comfortable. AC was excellent considering it was hot in Boise.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good: Room and staff. Airport shuttle drivers were very informative about area. Checkin desk was thrilled to have someone from NYC. Made me feel welcome
Bad: Nothing really. Airport shuttle is not guaranteed to be operating. Check in advance.
Standard HIX breakfast
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
At $95 a good value, especially considering the price has almost always been higher since. Yes I would return.
Aug 2, 2018, 7:35 am
#100
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: KNO, ID
Programs: KF Gold, QF Gold, MR Platinum, Accor Platinum, IHG Platinum
Posts: 613
Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg (Russia)
Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg (Russia)aWhat is your Priority Club status?
Platinum
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 2 Bedroom Suites, got the same as it is the highest category
How are the rooms?
It's Staybridge Suites so more apartment like. The rooms are spacious; still new and fresh. There's also microwave in the room.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good: 2 BR Suites is really spacious; the location is great since it is only within 3-4 minutes walking distance to the nearest metro
Bad : The hotel seems understaffed; only 1 person on the receptions.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Since I was redeeming using points, this was really good value; 25,000 pts per night for 2 Bedrooms Suites (you could also book 1 BR Suite or Studio room for the same points) !
Platinum
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 2 Bedroom Suites, got the same as it is the highest category
How are the rooms?
It's Staybridge Suites so more apartment like. The rooms are spacious; still new and fresh. There's also microwave in the room.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good: 2 BR Suites is really spacious; the location is great since it is only within 3-4 minutes walking distance to the nearest metro
Bad : The hotel seems understaffed; only 1 person on the receptions.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Since I was redeeming using points, this was really good value; 25,000 pts per night for 2 Bedrooms Suites (you could also book 1 BR Suite or Studio room for the same points) !
Aug 4, 2018, 12:52 pm
#101
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 140
Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conference Centre
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Average.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King Business, upgraded to Executive King.
How are the rooms?
Decent room size, 9M deep x 3.5M wide. Furniture & bed are up to HI standards, rest of room in dire need of an upgrade, especially the bathroom, carpeting & walls. Hallways dated, 1960s-inspired.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
+ Room well-equipped with fridge, microwave, large HDTV, ottoman
+ Awesome pillows, wish all IHG hotels used these
+ Fun holidome concept for kids with indoor pool and arcades.
+ In-house Apollo restaurant very good, also Keg, Jack Astor’s & Boston Pizza in large lot across the street
+ Right off QEW 403, exactly halfway between Toronto & Niagara Falls
- Severely outdated bathroom & decor
- No hot water all week
- Only two available outlets in room
- Alarm clock unplugged, nowhere to plug it in
- Child-sized toilet
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Rates normally $120 - $150, or half the price of a comparable in downtown Toronto. Point requirement of 15K one of the few remaining values in GTA.
Platinum.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Average.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King Business, upgraded to Executive King.
How are the rooms?
Decent room size, 9M deep x 3.5M wide. Furniture & bed are up to HI standards, rest of room in dire need of an upgrade, especially the bathroom, carpeting & walls. Hallways dated, 1960s-inspired.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
+ Room well-equipped with fridge, microwave, large HDTV, ottoman
+ Awesome pillows, wish all IHG hotels used these
+ Fun holidome concept for kids with indoor pool and arcades.
+ In-house Apollo restaurant very good, also Keg, Jack Astor’s & Boston Pizza in large lot across the street
+ Right off QEW 403, exactly halfway between Toronto & Niagara Falls
- Severely outdated bathroom & decor
- No hot water all week
- Only two available outlets in room
- Alarm clock unplugged, nowhere to plug it in
- Child-sized toilet
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Rates normally $120 - $150, or half the price of a comparable in downtown Toronto. Point requirement of 15K one of the few remaining values in GTA.
Aug 4, 2018, 1:02 pm
#102
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 140
Holiday Inn Express Barrie
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Absolutely!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked 2Q, upgraded to 2Q Suite.
How are the rooms?
Large main room, 10M deep x 3.5M wide. New HIX furniture & décor.
Small 3M x 3M kitchen area with full fridge, 4-burner stove, microwave, sink and stocked cupboards a nice bonus.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
+ People are really friendly here, vastly different from the cold indifference of Toronto
+ Room well-equipped with a full kitchenette, large HDTV, ottoman
+ Tons of restaurants in walking distance including Jack Astor’s, Swiss Chalet, East Side Mario's & Boston Pizza
+ Small pool and spa were terrific, nice power to the jets, perfect temperature
- Bathroom is tight, door clears the toilet by the thickness of a credit card!
- Painfully slow lone elevator
- Door to room sticky. Need to push down much too hard to open
- Traffic in the area is VERY congested even during non-rush hour ... the suburban planning lacks vision
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Rates normally $110 - $150, or half the price of a comparable in downtown Toronto for twice the size … and you won’t get a new IHG hotel there!
Platinum.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Absolutely!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked 2Q, upgraded to 2Q Suite.
How are the rooms?
Large main room, 10M deep x 3.5M wide. New HIX furniture & décor.
Small 3M x 3M kitchen area with full fridge, 4-burner stove, microwave, sink and stocked cupboards a nice bonus.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
+ People are really friendly here, vastly different from the cold indifference of Toronto
+ Room well-equipped with a full kitchenette, large HDTV, ottoman
+ Tons of restaurants in walking distance including Jack Astor’s, Swiss Chalet, East Side Mario's & Boston Pizza
+ Small pool and spa were terrific, nice power to the jets, perfect temperature
- Bathroom is tight, door clears the toilet by the thickness of a credit card!
- Painfully slow lone elevator
- Door to room sticky. Need to push down much too hard to open
- Traffic in the area is VERY congested even during non-rush hour ... the suburban planning lacks vision
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Rates normally $110 - $150, or half the price of a comparable in downtown Toronto for twice the size … and you won’t get a new IHG hotel there!
Last edited by stigs; Aug 8, 2018 at 10:28 am
Aug 4, 2018, 1:12 pm
#103
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 140
Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum.
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 Queen, upgraded to Queen Executive with breakfast, which is fantastic.
How are the rooms?
Large main living room upon entry, 8M deep x 4M wide.
4M x 3M bedroom in behind with spacious, outdated bathroom.
Tired furnishings and décor; beds and massive HDTVs fantastic.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
+ Pleasant staff, nice status recognition and useful platinum upgrades ... why can't other IHG properties follow suit?
+ Two massive HDTVs in suites
+ Good shower pressure
+ Right off HWY 401 if driving; a 15-minute shuttle ride from YYZ airport
+ If going downtown, take the shuttle to the airport, then UP express "train to city" 25-minute train to Union station. Beats driving there, trust me!
+ Wonderful hot breakfast buffet served until 10:30am daily
- No microwave, shabby room, furnishings dated. Other than lobby, beds & HDTVs, hotel is in dire need of a major reno
- One can hear heavy walking/thumping from room above. At points, sounded like a family of gorillas training on a trampoline!
- Current summer 2018 construction to exterior and a letter on desk indicating workers may appear outside your window at any time
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Rates vary significantly, but are typically 1/2 - 2/3 the price of a comparable hotel in downtown Toronto.
***Useful tips if arriving via the Pearson YYZ airport:
Pickup is at ground level, stop S5 of Terminal 1.
Buses run by the airport at :15 and :45 past the hour 24 hours a day, no need to call.
At the Crowne Plaza, buses run at :00 and :30 past the hour.
Shuttles were generally on time.
Platinum.
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 Queen, upgraded to Queen Executive with breakfast, which is fantastic.
How are the rooms?
Large main living room upon entry, 8M deep x 4M wide.
4M x 3M bedroom in behind with spacious, outdated bathroom.
Tired furnishings and décor; beds and massive HDTVs fantastic.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
+ Pleasant staff, nice status recognition and useful platinum upgrades ... why can't other IHG properties follow suit?
+ Two massive HDTVs in suites
+ Good shower pressure
+ Right off HWY 401 if driving; a 15-minute shuttle ride from YYZ airport
+ If going downtown, take the shuttle to the airport, then UP express "train to city" 25-minute train to Union station. Beats driving there, trust me!
+ Wonderful hot breakfast buffet served until 10:30am daily
- No microwave, shabby room, furnishings dated. Other than lobby, beds & HDTVs, hotel is in dire need of a major reno
- One can hear heavy walking/thumping from room above. At points, sounded like a family of gorillas training on a trampoline!
- Current summer 2018 construction to exterior and a letter on desk indicating workers may appear outside your window at any time
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Rates vary significantly, but are typically 1/2 - 2/3 the price of a comparable hotel in downtown Toronto.
***Useful tips if arriving via the Pearson YYZ airport:
Pickup is at ground level, stop S5 of Terminal 1.
Buses run by the airport at :15 and :45 past the hour 24 hours a day, no need to call.
At the Crowne Plaza, buses run at :00 and :30 past the hour.
Shuttles were generally on time.
Aug 7, 2018, 12:55 pm
#104
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown
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 rate pre-assigned to a suite
How are the rooms?
Overall nice, though couch not all that comfortable.
Almost no outside noise or light, bed and bathroom were fine.
Coffee setup and refrigerator, no microwave
How is the exec. lounge?
There had been one last I stayed here a few years back. However, when I asked about access, clerk responded "There hasn't been one since I've been here" seeming surprised to learn one previously existed.
Amenity choice: Points, drink(s) at bar, or full breakfast in restaurant.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: Elite recognition, bar and restaurant staff very attentive (18% service charge might be a factor), central location. Great happy hour prices!
Bad: mediocre breakfast, would do points and in-room coffee if I return. (Flatbread and beer evening before had been great)
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
35K + $80 for a suite vs. several hundred dollars cash had I wanted to book it specifically online was a no-brainer!
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 rate pre-assigned to a suite
How are the rooms?
Overall nice, though couch not all that comfortable.
Almost no outside noise or light, bed and bathroom were fine.
Coffee setup and refrigerator, no microwave
How is the exec. lounge?
There had been one last I stayed here a few years back. However, when I asked about access, clerk responded "There hasn't been one since I've been here" seeming surprised to learn one previously existed.
Amenity choice: Points, drink(s) at bar, or full breakfast in restaurant.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: Elite recognition, bar and restaurant staff very attentive (18% service charge might be a factor), central location. Great happy hour prices!
Bad: mediocre breakfast, would do points and in-room coffee if I return. (Flatbread and beer evening before had been great)
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
35K + $80 for a suite vs. several hundred dollars cash had I wanted to book it specifically online was a no-brainer!
Aug 9, 2018, 10:25 am
#105
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 Manchester Oxford Road (UK)
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?
All rooms seem to be the same price
How are the rooms?
Normally HIX rooms are exactly the same in every UK property, with a few exceptions. This is one of the exceptions. Bathroom was actually quite pleasant unlike in many HIXs. Shower was powerful with well-controlled thermostat, sink was not blocked, taps worked properly, etc. Proper hair dryer.
Also, they have recently installed an air con unit in every room, and they leave it on all day (with a fixed card in the electricity slot by the door). This should please Americans who can't sleep unless it's freezing even in winter.
What was good and what was bad?
Good - mainly the location, also a nice view from the room.
Received the welcome 300 points promptly.
Breakfast was the usual low-quality rubbish found in every other UK HIX.
This was a prepaid rate booked 1 day in advance, but I was not charged nor asked for any deposit on check-in. I therefore had to waste time checking out, which was rather slow as I used a different card from the one in the reservation and they insisted on changing number in the reservation too. (Yes I could have just left and let them charge me later, but prefer to make sure things are settled)
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
A cheap option in the city centre - best if travelling by train, though I found free roadside parking 10 minutes walk away.
If booking a bit longer in advance, better properties will be available at the same price.
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?
All rooms seem to be the same price
How are the rooms?
Normally HIX rooms are exactly the same in every UK property, with a few exceptions. This is one of the exceptions. Bathroom was actually quite pleasant unlike in many HIXs. Shower was powerful with well-controlled thermostat, sink was not blocked, taps worked properly, etc. Proper hair dryer.
Also, they have recently installed an air con unit in every room, and they leave it on all day (with a fixed card in the electricity slot by the door). This should please Americans who can't sleep unless it's freezing even in winter.
What was good and what was bad?
Good - mainly the location, also a nice view from the room.
Received the welcome 300 points promptly.
Breakfast was the usual low-quality rubbish found in every other UK HIX.
This was a prepaid rate booked 1 day in advance, but I was not charged nor asked for any deposit on check-in. I therefore had to waste time checking out, which was rather slow as I used a different card from the one in the reservation and they insisted on changing number in the reservation too. (Yes I could have just left and let them charge me later, but prefer to make sure things are settled)
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
A cheap option in the city centre - best if travelling by train, though I found free roadside parking 10 minutes walk away.
If booking a bit longer in advance, better properties will be available at the same price.