Please post your Royal Ambassador experiences 2018
Apr 30, 2018, 6:02 am
#76
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 824
ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort
ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort
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!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Premium Corner Terrace Room, Received Deluxe Corner Suite. Second Highest category room of this hotel.
How are the rooms?
This room is newly renovated in 2017. 64sqm, Hollywood style twin bed, Marble Bathroom with deep sunken tub. Famous TOTO's Washlet toilet, 2x 43inches Panasonic LCD TV, Sharp Plasma-cluster air cleaner, Nespresso, and Terrace with small dining table/daybeds. Toiletries are both L’occitane and Agraria.
Video of Deluxe Corner Suite:
How is the exec. lounge?
Yes, granted. Located on the penthouse floor, But this hotel's executive lounge cannot named Club InterContinental due to its facilities (smallness, no meeting room, and etc...) Very small lounge, but cozy place, I like it. Food and Beverage selection is also very small but nice quality. Every staff are very friendly and kind.
Moreover now new and huge Club InterContinental Lounge is under construction on lobby floor. It’s opening day will be early June 2018. After opening new Club InterContinental Lounge, current exec. lounge will be closed and will convert to the Presidential Suite.
How was the mini-bar?
Little bit improved. Added Spumante, overall quality included red/white wines are improved.
What was your welcome gift?
Book jacket made by Okinawan clothes, pen, calendar, Post-it with hotel logo, Mug with hotel design, coffee beans, Financier. Most plenty of welcome gift I‘d ever.
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes
What was good?
++++++++++ Guest recognition (room upgrade, every managements came to greet me)
++++++++ Lot of restaurant outlets selection. quality is also excellent. (My recommendation is Ishigaki Beef Shabu-Shabu at Japanese Restaurant UNKAI.)
+++++ Lot of resort activities. Scuba diving training/tour, Sea walk, Fishing, Cruising, Sea park, Private Beach, Pools, Whale watching tour, and etc...
+++++ Convenience Store and Souvenir Shop.
What was bad?
- No menu/price list of restaurant outlets on web.
Value for $ or Rewards Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Yes
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!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Premium Corner Terrace Room, Received Deluxe Corner Suite. Second Highest category room of this hotel.
How are the rooms?
This room is newly renovated in 2017. 64sqm, Hollywood style twin bed, Marble Bathroom with deep sunken tub. Famous TOTO's Washlet toilet, 2x 43inches Panasonic LCD TV, Sharp Plasma-cluster air cleaner, Nespresso, and Terrace with small dining table/daybeds. Toiletries are both L’occitane and Agraria.
Video of Deluxe Corner Suite:
How is the exec. lounge?
Yes, granted. Located on the penthouse floor, But this hotel's executive lounge cannot named Club InterContinental due to its facilities (smallness, no meeting room, and etc...) Very small lounge, but cozy place, I like it. Food and Beverage selection is also very small but nice quality. Every staff are very friendly and kind.
Moreover now new and huge Club InterContinental Lounge is under construction on lobby floor. It’s opening day will be early June 2018. After opening new Club InterContinental Lounge, current exec. lounge will be closed and will convert to the Presidential Suite.
How was the mini-bar?
Little bit improved. Added Spumante, overall quality included red/white wines are improved.
What was your welcome gift?
Book jacket made by Okinawan clothes, pen, calendar, Post-it with hotel logo, Mug with hotel design, coffee beans, Financier. Most plenty of welcome gift I‘d ever.
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes
What was good?
++++++++++ Guest recognition (room upgrade, every managements came to greet me)
++++++++ Lot of restaurant outlets selection. quality is also excellent. (My recommendation is Ishigaki Beef Shabu-Shabu at Japanese Restaurant UNKAI.)
+++++ Lot of resort activities. Scuba diving training/tour, Sea walk, Fishing, Cruising, Sea park, Private Beach, Pools, Whale watching tour, and etc...
+++++ Convenience Store and Souvenir Shop.
What was bad?
- No menu/price list of restaurant outlets on web.
Value for $ or Rewards Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Yes
Last edited by Raynyan; May 1, 2018 at 6:58 am
May 6, 2018, 11:30 am
#77
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: London
Programs: Infinity Milage Lands Gold,Star Alliance Gold, IHG Diamond RA, Kimpton Inner Circle
Posts: 372
IC Hua Hin
IC Hua Hin
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 Very Much So!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Book Premier Room received Resort Classic Suite
How are the rooms?
Large open plan 120sqm suite, Bathroom very spacious with large deep soaking tub there is also a walk in closet, balcony has a day bed, table and chairs and a Jacuzzi tub. Our room was in the centre of building 2 giving a great view over the hotel gardens then pool out to the beach and the sea.
How is the exec. lounge?
Bright and airy with a nice out door seating area, staff in lounge were great very friendly and engaging and nothing was too much trouble including off menu items during breakfast and evening cocktails. They had 2 white 2 red and 1 sparkling on offer that were not bad considering the high price of wine in Thailand not a massive spread of food like some IC's but decent for nibbles with drinks and I took quite a liking to a Goats cheese they had.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Massage oil and virgin coconut oil from the spa some Thai sweets and a plate of maceron. We were also given complimentary access to the Charity Beach Polo event that was taking place at the hotel during our stay.
How was the minibar?
The mini bar was a bit weak to be fair with only 2 beers and quite light on soft drinks also spirts are only free once however I did drink the Jack twice and was not charged for the second but that could be because in total there are 6 bottle of spirt and we only used 5. There were also half bottles of Red White and Prosecco which were replaced daily.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
The club Lounge Team
Room and its location were perfect for us (Now on file as our preferred room)
Hotel Grounds
Invite to Princess Pa's Charity Polo Event
Housekeeping
-Bad
Nothing really only slight niggle is the mini bar but we just picked up extra soft drinks in the lounge when needed.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Paid stay and we had a fantastic and very relaxing time so for me that's great value
Would you return?
Yes already booked to go back.
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 Very Much So!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Book Premier Room received Resort Classic Suite
How are the rooms?
Large open plan 120sqm suite, Bathroom very spacious with large deep soaking tub there is also a walk in closet, balcony has a day bed, table and chairs and a Jacuzzi tub. Our room was in the centre of building 2 giving a great view over the hotel gardens then pool out to the beach and the sea.
How is the exec. lounge?
Bright and airy with a nice out door seating area, staff in lounge were great very friendly and engaging and nothing was too much trouble including off menu items during breakfast and evening cocktails. They had 2 white 2 red and 1 sparkling on offer that were not bad considering the high price of wine in Thailand not a massive spread of food like some IC's but decent for nibbles with drinks and I took quite a liking to a Goats cheese they had.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Massage oil and virgin coconut oil from the spa some Thai sweets and a plate of maceron. We were also given complimentary access to the Charity Beach Polo event that was taking place at the hotel during our stay.
How was the minibar?
The mini bar was a bit weak to be fair with only 2 beers and quite light on soft drinks also spirts are only free once however I did drink the Jack twice and was not charged for the second but that could be because in total there are 6 bottle of spirt and we only used 5. There were also half bottles of Red White and Prosecco which were replaced daily.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
The club Lounge Team
Room and its location were perfect for us (Now on file as our preferred room)
Hotel Grounds
Invite to Princess Pa's Charity Polo Event
Housekeeping
-Bad
Nothing really only slight niggle is the mini bar but we just picked up extra soft drinks in the lounge when needed.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Paid stay and we had a fantastic and very relaxing time so for me that's great value
Would you return?
Yes already booked to go back.
May 7, 2018, 4:36 am
#78
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 89
New York Times Square
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
No.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked sky view corner, received sky view corner. On my past stays I always received sky view studio, even when booking superior only. Not only did they change to "2 category upgrade only" policy (which would be ok), but also they removed deluxe and sky view studio from the upgrade list totally. That is insane.
How are the rooms?
Nice, relatively new, but not the size expected with RA membership.
How is the exec. lounge?
There is none.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
No. Only after asking I received 3 green apples. So there is no "fruits + welcome gift" but the welcome gift is the fruits. Even this is actually disappointing for RA....
How was the minibar?
Nice. Some nice drinks, some champagne.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
View from the room! Location!
-Bad
-Virtually no RA benefit at all (except for minibar and early checkin). No upgrade, no real welcome gift, no lounge, no club experience, no free breakfast (which would at least be some nice gift).
-No GM at the moment, so noone feels respobsible.
-Unfriendly staff at breakfast
-no turndown service
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
not really good.
Would you return?
Only if no other hotel nearby has free rooms. They really dont care about their RAs.
No.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked sky view corner, received sky view corner. On my past stays I always received sky view studio, even when booking superior only. Not only did they change to "2 category upgrade only" policy (which would be ok), but also they removed deluxe and sky view studio from the upgrade list totally. That is insane.
How are the rooms?
Nice, relatively new, but not the size expected with RA membership.
How is the exec. lounge?
There is none.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
No. Only after asking I received 3 green apples. So there is no "fruits + welcome gift" but the welcome gift is the fruits. Even this is actually disappointing for RA....
How was the minibar?
Nice. Some nice drinks, some champagne.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
View from the room! Location!
-Bad
-Virtually no RA benefit at all (except for minibar and early checkin). No upgrade, no real welcome gift, no lounge, no club experience, no free breakfast (which would at least be some nice gift).
-No GM at the moment, so noone feels respobsible.
-Unfriendly staff at breakfast
-no turndown service
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
not really good.
Would you return?
Only if no other hotel nearby has free rooms. They really dont care about their RAs.
May 9, 2018, 11:48 pm
#79
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Korea, USA
Programs: IC Dia RA / Marriott LT Plat / WOH Globalist / Hilton Diamond / OZ Diamond Plus
Posts: 340
IC San Francisco
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 Classic, got Junior Suite
How are the rooms?
Spacious but view was limited due to the other building.
How is the exec. lounge?
Friendly and Nice. I think it's good selection of food considering it's North America.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
I don't remember..
How was the minibar?
Nicely stocked! Very good selection of hard liquors and beers.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Everything!
-Bad
Parking rate is too high.. yeah.. it's SF. But there is a parking lot building right next to the hotel and it's around $30.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Great!
Would you return?
Definitely!
Absolutely!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Classic, got Junior Suite
How are the rooms?
Spacious but view was limited due to the other building.
How is the exec. lounge?
Friendly and Nice. I think it's good selection of food considering it's North America.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
I don't remember..
How was the minibar?
Nicely stocked! Very good selection of hard liquors and beers.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Everything!
-Bad
Parking rate is too high.. yeah.. it's SF. But there is a parking lot building right next to the hotel and it's around $30.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Great!
Would you return?
Definitely!
May 9, 2018, 11:59 pm
#80
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Korea, USA
Programs: IC Dia RA / Marriott LT Plat / WOH Globalist / Hilton Diamond / OZ Diamond Plus
Posts: 340
IC Seoul COEX
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Generally, Yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked deluxe, got club deluxe.
How are the rooms?
It's same size room, on club floor. Since their suites are excluded for upgrades, IC Grand Parnas' rooms are better.
How is the exec. lounge?
Nice food offerings. Remy Martin VSOP and Don Julio Anejo were also nice.
But club staff needed more training. Some staffs were nice, but some were below average.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Bottle of Red Wine and Fruits.
How was the minibar?
Minibar is the only thing better than IC Grand Parnas. 6 miniatures, 2 half bottle wines and some beers.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Better minibar and cheaper rate than IC Grand
-Bad
Small room, club staffs service.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes only when rate is low.
Would you return?
Possibly.
Generally, Yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked deluxe, got club deluxe.
How are the rooms?
It's same size room, on club floor. Since their suites are excluded for upgrades, IC Grand Parnas' rooms are better.
How is the exec. lounge?
Nice food offerings. Remy Martin VSOP and Don Julio Anejo were also nice.
But club staff needed more training. Some staffs were nice, but some were below average.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Bottle of Red Wine and Fruits.
How was the minibar?
Minibar is the only thing better than IC Grand Parnas. 6 miniatures, 2 half bottle wines and some beers.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Better minibar and cheaper rate than IC Grand
-Bad
Small room, club staffs service.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes only when rate is low.
Would you return?
Possibly.
May 10, 2018, 12:06 am
#81
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Korea, USA
Programs: IC Dia RA / Marriott LT Plat / WOH Globalist / Hilton Diamond / OZ Diamond Plus
Posts: 340
IC Grand Parnas
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 deluxe, got Premier(previously Junior Suite)
How are the rooms?
Spacious but little dated. You can choose renovated one on regular floor or rooms on club floor. The renovated suites are only on regular floor.
I recommend renovated one even it's not on the club floor.
How is the exec. lounge?
Great staffs, very good fruit offerings. They always offer cherry or strawberry which is expensive fruit in Korea.
Steven Smith tea also very nice.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Nice fruit and small gift(changed every time).
How was the minibar?
Lame.. 3 whiskeys only, 4 beers, 2 bottles of very small cheap wines.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Room, Staff, Service, Club
-Bad
Minibar
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Sure
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked deluxe, got Premier(previously Junior Suite)
How are the rooms?
Spacious but little dated. You can choose renovated one on regular floor or rooms on club floor. The renovated suites are only on regular floor.
I recommend renovated one even it's not on the club floor.
How is the exec. lounge?
Great staffs, very good fruit offerings. They always offer cherry or strawberry which is expensive fruit in Korea.
Steven Smith tea also very nice.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Nice fruit and small gift(changed every time).
How was the minibar?
Lame.. 3 whiskeys only, 4 beers, 2 bottles of very small cheap wines.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Room, Staff, Service, Club
-Bad
Minibar
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Sure
Last edited by scienm; May 10, 2018 at 9:08 am
May 10, 2018, 3:44 am
#82
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: FRA
Programs: LH HON, Discovery Black, IHG Spire, random stuff at Accor, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Hertz, Sixt
Posts: 492
May 10, 2018, 9:10 am
#83
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Korea, USA
Programs: IC Dia RA / Marriott LT Plat / WOH Globalist / Hilton Diamond / OZ Diamond Plus
Posts: 340
May 10, 2018, 11:47 am
#84
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: in a cabin
Posts: 6,522
IC Warsaw
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 > Junior Suite Club (2 cat UG)
How are the rooms?
This a pretty large suite with two full rooms. Guest Toilet on your right, then an open sitting room with sofa + armchairs and a work desk by the oversized window.
Huge bedroom with a chaise lounger, double bed and en-suite bath with separate Shower and tub.
The hotel is undergoing its first major refurb since opening in 2004. They made a fuss about making sure I ended up in a refurb suite as over the last 6 years I've been one of ther most regular clients.
The new decor works really well, except for the carpets (sea green!) Rooms are crisp, very slick. New curtains lovely. Overall an improvement, but slightly empty feel in the sitting room.
How is the exec. lounge?
Breakfast is outstanding with full service and chef cooking made to order.
Afternoon tea same usual.
Supper has been somewhat reduced from last year in options. Tasty and of decent quality. Drinks selection still good.
Opening hours extended to 22:30 (supper stops at 20:00)
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Bottle of Red Wine and Fruits.
How was the minibar?
Still one of the better ones around. Now also with Champagne, used to be Sparkly acid stuff from Italy.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Textbook RA recognition. Greeted warmly by old staff, all the bellboys and limo drivers who are the same after all these years. New Club Manager extremely friendly and welcoming.
-Bad
Stream room out of order again
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Of course
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Standard > Junior Suite Club (2 cat UG)
How are the rooms?
This a pretty large suite with two full rooms. Guest Toilet on your right, then an open sitting room with sofa + armchairs and a work desk by the oversized window.
Huge bedroom with a chaise lounger, double bed and en-suite bath with separate Shower and tub.
The hotel is undergoing its first major refurb since opening in 2004. They made a fuss about making sure I ended up in a refurb suite as over the last 6 years I've been one of ther most regular clients.
The new decor works really well, except for the carpets (sea green!) Rooms are crisp, very slick. New curtains lovely. Overall an improvement, but slightly empty feel in the sitting room.
How is the exec. lounge?
Breakfast is outstanding with full service and chef cooking made to order.
Afternoon tea same usual.
Supper has been somewhat reduced from last year in options. Tasty and of decent quality. Drinks selection still good.
Opening hours extended to 22:30 (supper stops at 20:00)
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Bottle of Red Wine and Fruits.
How was the minibar?
Still one of the better ones around. Now also with Champagne, used to be Sparkly acid stuff from Italy.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Textbook RA recognition. Greeted warmly by old staff, all the bellboys and limo drivers who are the same after all these years. New Club Manager extremely friendly and welcoming.
-Bad
Stream room out of order again
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Of course
May 11, 2018, 2:20 am
#85
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Shanghai and Bavaria
Programs: Spire RA, 1865 Voyager, Bonvoy Titanium, FB LP, LH SEN.
Posts: 3,104
IC Warsaw
IC Warsaw
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, very much so. I second Petrus' review.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Standard, got Junior Suite Club
How are the rooms?
Large suite. I got a not yet renovated suite and thought some refurb would be nice. However, everything is in immaculate condition.
L'occitane toiletries.
How is the exec. lounge?
I thought it was an outstanding lounge with excellent service.
Dinner with two very good hot dishes. Rather standard quality wines and spirits.
Excellent and friendly service
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Staff
Upgrade
Lounge
-Bad
Nothing
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Good value, would return anytime.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, very much so. I second Petrus' review.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Standard, got Junior Suite Club
How are the rooms?
Large suite. I got a not yet renovated suite and thought some refurb would be nice. However, everything is in immaculate condition.
L'occitane toiletries.
How is the exec. lounge?
I thought it was an outstanding lounge with excellent service.
Dinner with two very good hot dishes. Rather standard quality wines and spirits.
Excellent and friendly service
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Staff
Upgrade
Lounge
-Bad
Nothing
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Good value, would return anytime.
Last edited by Chinatrvl; May 11, 2018 at 2:48 am
May 11, 2018, 2:31 am
#86
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Shanghai and Bavaria
Programs: Spire RA, 1865 Voyager, Bonvoy Titanium, FB LP, LH SEN.
Posts: 3,104
IC Berlin
IC Berlin
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Not really
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest on very short notice (flight cancellation), persuaded the excellent fo staff for an east wing junior suite.
How are the rooms?
Large, awkwardy shaped suite (x93?) at the very end of the east wing. Never stayed in one like this before.
Feels a little cramped, but overall comfortable layout.
Lots of wear and tear
Old, tiny TV
No second service
Worn mattress
How is the exec. lounge?
The "enhancements" are terrible.
Happy hour with a decent cheese buffet only.
Hors d'oeuvres were not just few but also of low quality/ taste. Was denied a second order.
Room service order to club lounge possible - got a horrible Burger (22 €!) after 30 mins that I only ate because I was hungry and had to finish work
Very good breakfast at the lounge - they obviously haven't forgotten how to run a good lounge.
Staff is excellent.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Staff at lounge and front desk
-Bad
Rooms showing wear and tear
Club lounge concept is out of line for what I expect at an IC (see Warsaw and Asian ICs)
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
No. I'm almost every week in Berlin and staying at other hotels now.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Not really
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest on very short notice (flight cancellation), persuaded the excellent fo staff for an east wing junior suite.
How are the rooms?
Large, awkwardy shaped suite (x93?) at the very end of the east wing. Never stayed in one like this before.
Feels a little cramped, but overall comfortable layout.
Lots of wear and tear
Old, tiny TV
No second service
Worn mattress
How is the exec. lounge?
The "enhancements" are terrible.
Happy hour with a decent cheese buffet only.
Hors d'oeuvres were not just few but also of low quality/ taste. Was denied a second order.
Room service order to club lounge possible - got a horrible Burger (22 €!) after 30 mins that I only ate because I was hungry and had to finish work
Very good breakfast at the lounge - they obviously haven't forgotten how to run a good lounge.
Staff is excellent.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Staff at lounge and front desk
-Bad
Rooms showing wear and tear
Club lounge concept is out of line for what I expect at an IC (see Warsaw and Asian ICs)
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
No. I'm almost every week in Berlin and staying at other hotels now.
Last edited by Chinatrvl; May 11, 2018 at 2:47 am
May 11, 2018, 2:45 am
#87
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Shanghai and Bavaria
Programs: Spire RA, 1865 Voyager, Bonvoy Titanium, FB LP, LH SEN.
Posts: 3,104
IC Hua Hin
IC Hua Hin
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, very much so. I second shoven's review.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Asked the hotel in advance what to book for a pool terrace room:
Booked classic - got pool terrace
How are the rooms?
Large room with open bathroom concept.
Warm, elegant colors
Large outdoor patio with daybed, two sunchairs and a small table with two chairs.
Direct access to a separate pool that is shared with six or seven other rooms.
Privacy can be an issue, as the other rooms' guests can directly look in to the room when swimming by.
How is the exec. lounge?
Outstanding. One of the best club concepts so far.
Excellent staff.
Breakfast/ happy hour/ afternoon tea are served at the beachfront lounge, the bar or the main restaurant; breakfast and happy hour can be served at your room.
Quality of food was very good.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Club lounge, staff, facilities
Shuttle runs to downtown Hua Hin frequently
Very nice hotel overall: Beautiful pool landscape, very nice restaurants; beach bbq every Friday in a very cool setting
Hua Hin seems to get a lot of negative remarks about the beach and sea - but I liked beach a lot: The beach is wide (during low tide), inviting for long walks, clean, uncrowded
Excellent SPA with competitive offers compared to outside shops
Overall, this is a beach resort (and an IC) how it should be. Outstanding stay.
-Bad
Nothing
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Good value, would return anytime.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, very much so. I second shoven's review.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Asked the hotel in advance what to book for a pool terrace room:
Booked classic - got pool terrace
How are the rooms?
Large room with open bathroom concept.
Warm, elegant colors
Large outdoor patio with daybed, two sunchairs and a small table with two chairs.
Direct access to a separate pool that is shared with six or seven other rooms.
Privacy can be an issue, as the other rooms' guests can directly look in to the room when swimming by.
How is the exec. lounge?
Outstanding. One of the best club concepts so far.
Excellent staff.
Breakfast/ happy hour/ afternoon tea are served at the beachfront lounge, the bar or the main restaurant; breakfast and happy hour can be served at your room.
Quality of food was very good.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Club lounge, staff, facilities
Shuttle runs to downtown Hua Hin frequently
Very nice hotel overall: Beautiful pool landscape, very nice restaurants; beach bbq every Friday in a very cool setting
Hua Hin seems to get a lot of negative remarks about the beach and sea - but I liked beach a lot: The beach is wide (during low tide), inviting for long walks, clean, uncrowded
Excellent SPA with competitive offers compared to outside shops
Overall, this is a beach resort (and an IC) how it should be. Outstanding stay.
-Bad
Nothing
Value for € or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Good value, would return anytime.
May 11, 2018, 5:32 pm
#88
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Monterey, California
IC Monterey
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Not really
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest, received Ocenfront Balcony room (price difference only around 7 %)
How are the rooms?
Nice balcony, great view, comfortable but very dusty. Room layout is strange. Lots of wasted space but not enough room to open two suitcases.
How is the exec. lounge?
None. After asking twice at check in they finally gave me a breakfast voucher (max 50 $ plus plus), which is nowhere near to what they charge for a breakfast with coffee and juice for 2 ppl. No clb experience etc
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit plate, 1/2 bottle of red, 1 chocolate bar (not sure if this was the gift), more water (there was more than enough in the room)
How was the minibar?
Above average, tiny (175 ml) bottle of Moet, 4 bier etc
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
+ Location right next to aquarium in the main tourist area
+ Balcony
+ Staff in general nice, but need training
-Bad
---- Breakfast: Some days the have a buffet which loos like in a 3 star hotel, dishes look old, minimal selection. Otherwise they have a meny with mainly egg dishes. Food was tasteless, quality was bad (cold potatoes etc.) No asian or european offerings.No fresh juices. Embarrassing for a 5 star hotel and absolutely not up to IC standards.
- no lounge, breakfast voucher does not cover breakfast and only after asking
-- Housekeeping sloppy. Did not clean minibar glasses, did not take away used plate/silverware, did not replenish coffee/tea. Room not completely clean
- Did refill minibar on all days only after calling
- Small bottles of Agraria
- Weird layout of the lobby.
- Rooms have not enough soundproofing (building shakes when a door closes fast)
-0 Tiny pool, no steam room, no sauna
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
You pay for the location. For what they offer the place is too expensive. RA recognition is bad.
Would you return?
No
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Not really
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest, received Ocenfront Balcony room (price difference only around 7 %)
How are the rooms?
Nice balcony, great view, comfortable but very dusty. Room layout is strange. Lots of wasted space but not enough room to open two suitcases.
How is the exec. lounge?
None. After asking twice at check in they finally gave me a breakfast voucher (max 50 $ plus plus), which is nowhere near to what they charge for a breakfast with coffee and juice for 2 ppl. No clb experience etc
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit plate, 1/2 bottle of red, 1 chocolate bar (not sure if this was the gift), more water (there was more than enough in the room)
How was the minibar?
Above average, tiny (175 ml) bottle of Moet, 4 bier etc
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
+ Location right next to aquarium in the main tourist area
+ Balcony
+ Staff in general nice, but need training
-Bad
---- Breakfast: Some days the have a buffet which loos like in a 3 star hotel, dishes look old, minimal selection. Otherwise they have a meny with mainly egg dishes. Food was tasteless, quality was bad (cold potatoes etc.) No asian or european offerings.No fresh juices. Embarrassing for a 5 star hotel and absolutely not up to IC standards.
- no lounge, breakfast voucher does not cover breakfast and only after asking
-- Housekeeping sloppy. Did not clean minibar glasses, did not take away used plate/silverware, did not replenish coffee/tea. Room not completely clean
- Did refill minibar on all days only after calling
- Small bottles of Agraria
- Weird layout of the lobby.
- Rooms have not enough soundproofing (building shakes when a door closes fast)
-0 Tiny pool, no steam room, no sauna
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
You pay for the location. For what they offer the place is too expensive. RA recognition is bad.
Would you return?
No
May 11, 2018, 7:05 pm
#89
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Mark Hopkins San Franzisco
IC Mark Hopkins San Franzisco
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, nice hotel
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest, got Executive Room
How are the rooms?
High floor (in the smaller part of the building). Relatively big room, nice view, good size bathroom
How is the exec. lounge?
Strange. The space is next to reception and doubles as bar, restaurant and club lounge. Breakfast is the buffet, 'paying' guest can also order from a menue. Good selection for a club lounge and good quality (much better than the regular breakfast buffet at the IC Monterey). Asian options, cheese, cold cuts and a very good selection of fruits.
All day soft drinks/coffee and a minimal selection of snacks. Happy hour is limited so self serve alcohol and a small selection of (tasty) food.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Tiny bottle of water, some fruits and two mini-chocolates (smallest I ever saw)
How was the minibar?
Ok, some white, red, beer and hard liquor.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Location in the middle of the city. Walking distance to Market Street / Chinatown (coming back is a different issue)
- Very nice and helpful service
-Bad
- Strange club lounge
- Elevator system - sometimes longer waits and one afternoon it completely broke down for around 10 min
- No pool/sauna etc
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
SF is not cheap, considering this it was ok
Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Yes
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, nice hotel
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest, got Executive Room
How are the rooms?
High floor (in the smaller part of the building). Relatively big room, nice view, good size bathroom
How is the exec. lounge?
Strange. The space is next to reception and doubles as bar, restaurant and club lounge. Breakfast is the buffet, 'paying' guest can also order from a menue. Good selection for a club lounge and good quality (much better than the regular breakfast buffet at the IC Monterey). Asian options, cheese, cold cuts and a very good selection of fruits.
All day soft drinks/coffee and a minimal selection of snacks. Happy hour is limited so self serve alcohol and a small selection of (tasty) food.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Tiny bottle of water, some fruits and two mini-chocolates (smallest I ever saw)
How was the minibar?
Ok, some white, red, beer and hard liquor.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Location in the middle of the city. Walking distance to Market Street / Chinatown (coming back is a different issue)
- Very nice and helpful service
-Bad
- Strange club lounge
- Elevator system - sometimes longer waits and one afternoon it completely broke down for around 10 min
- No pool/sauna etc
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
SF is not cheap, considering this it was ok
Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Yes
May 12, 2018, 4:16 am
#90
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
YES it's been an odd, unfortunate, change. The hotel claims it's just following orders. This my be true, but i've not met many other ICs following the same to-the-letter interpretation of service standards. It means the place is simply good for a drink before heading out - which is probably the aim.