Royal Ambassador Experience Thread 2022
Jul 3, 2022, 4:55 am
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,994
InterContinental Marseille Htel Dieu
What is your IHG One Rewards status?
Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
Yes, as usual.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked weekend BOGO rate, and received a King Bed room with terrace and harbour view.
How are the rooms?
Around 30sqm.
Seating area with desk and sofa. Malongo expresso machine.
Bedroom with very comfortable bed.
Lovely and large terrace with superb view over the Vieux Port (old harbour).
Wooden floor.
Nice bathroom with Boffi sink, large bathtub, separate rainforest shower/toilets.
Compagnie de Provence amenities
Flatscreen television with massive selection of French and international channels.
Elegant contemporary design
No PressReader
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Perfect location, close to Vieux Port, Mucem museum, in the heart of Panier historical district (with superb Vieille Charit), 15 minutes walk to rue Grignan with elegant boutiques. Shared bike station down the hotel (convenient for visiting the city or go by the sea).
- Very nice historical building
- Pleasant indoor pool and spa
- Superb view from the terrace
- Fast wifi
- Very good breakfast
- Marseille is a great city
Bad
- Nothing
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Points? Would you return?
Yes, for Marseille, the beach and the view
But prices are getting crazy (EUR 450 a night for cheapest rate).
Exterior
Lobby
Terrace
King terrace Harbour View
Bathroom
Welcome gift
Terrace
View from room
Minibar
Breakfast
Spa
Solarium
Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
Yes, as usual.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked weekend BOGO rate, and received a King Bed room with terrace and harbour view.
How are the rooms?
Around 30sqm.
Seating area with desk and sofa. Malongo expresso machine.
Bedroom with very comfortable bed.
Lovely and large terrace with superb view over the Vieux Port (old harbour).
Wooden floor.
Nice bathroom with Boffi sink, large bathtub, separate rainforest shower/toilets.
Compagnie de Provence amenities
Flatscreen television with massive selection of French and international channels.
Elegant contemporary design
No PressReader
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Perfect location, close to Vieux Port, Mucem museum, in the heart of Panier historical district (with superb Vieille Charit), 15 minutes walk to rue Grignan with elegant boutiques. Shared bike station down the hotel (convenient for visiting the city or go by the sea).
- Very nice historical building
- Pleasant indoor pool and spa
- Superb view from the terrace
- Fast wifi
- Very good breakfast
- Marseille is a great city
Bad
- Nothing
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Points? Would you return?
Yes, for Marseille, the beach and the view
But prices are getting crazy (EUR 450 a night for cheapest rate).
Exterior
Lobby
Terrace
King terrace Harbour View
Bathroom
Welcome gift
Terrace
View from room
Minibar
Breakfast
Spa
Solarium
Last edited by nicolas75; Jul 4, 2022 at 10:02 am
Jul 3, 2022, 11:47 am
#77
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: AMS+IAH
Programs: Lufthansa: Senator || IHG: Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle || Plutonium Status
Posts: 3,570
Ic ams july 2022
As most of FT knows, this is my usual hotel in Amsterdam to host and stay.
If you live like me in an attic home you experience staying at this hotel as a vacation.
I am a regular here and sometimes part of the furniture.
I've seen it move in identity and direction during pre/post pandemic but just like Mick, i just keep returning because i actually enjoy my stays here. For those of you who want to bump into Mick in the jacuzzi, may i refer to: https://oost-online.nl/mick-jagger-v...est-op-corona/ He should be back to perform on 7th July: https://nos.nl/artikel/2432801-rolli...m-op-7-juli-in
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Always a delight to see familiair faces who are professionals and remember and execute my wishes to satisfaction.
A lot of new and temporary faces have joined the team for this sunmer tourist season but all are friendly and greet guests at interaction.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Executive suite river view (at pandemic price) revenue stay upgraded to champagne suite but declined the upgrade as i would like to use the upgrade for my next stay in August, hotel will try to accomodate then and put this in my profile.
Booked also two extra points rooms during my stay to accomodate my guests:
- first upgraded to executive room river view
- second upgraded to executive suite river view
The hotel went above and beyond in upgrades so no complaints!
How are the rooms?
As Raffles mentioned the hotel is going to get refurbished soon.
This means the rooms and suites will be totally redone.
Maybe in the same style as IC PLG or IC Carlton Cannes i do hope.
But for now the rooms are still very comfortable but are showing some wear and tear.
Also not all rooms / suites have a hygine stick yet.
The executive room river view #206 was excellent for my guests to be impressed
The executive suite river view #402 was very cavernous spacious but furniture faces away from the window, guests were still impressed though!
* you can spot from here the infamous couple that likes to watch television in the nude across the canal
The executive suite river view #422 is my usual prefered one, furniture faces the river and city centre
How is the exec. lounge?
none here
people seems to mention the hotel has a room named the Amstel club...
this is not an executive or club lounge but just a dedicated mingle room for a club of persons like Rotary or Lion's club
EDIT: that room has been renamed to Lyppens Diamantairs
HQ and private sales at : https://www.lyppensamsterdam.com/en/
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Yes i did,
Actually in all rooms we got complimentary big bottles of still & sparkling water.
These were the RA welcome gifts:
We seems to get all the different welcome amenities this stay,
- sweet
- savoury
- fruit
- local delight for tourists
A warm touristy welcome with Stroopwafels in a Delft Blue tin = local delight
The savoury amenity : Dutch cheeses Reypenaer
The fruit amenity : a complete healthy bowl (i already ate the passion fruit before snapping this picture)
The sweet amenity : bowl of forest fruit and fresh macaroons with amazing speculaas flavour
How was the minibar?
Everything is included from drinks to snacks as part of the RA $200 allowance per stay
Minibar : drinks
Minibar : food items and adult beverages
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Service is excellent across the board, as a regular i feel my business is appreciated by all the regular frontline staff.
I have never met upper management though but i can say nothing than praise for:
- reservation : i let them know in advance my wishes and they reply prompt the possibilities
- reception : clear checkin and accurate bill upon checkout
- congierge & doormen & valet service : always providing a helping hand in meeting my demands
- housekeeping and turndown : clean rooms everytime and executing my written wishes to satisfaction
- restaurant staff :
- breakfast & lunch team : welcoming, prompt and full of interest
- dinner team : polite yet friendly hospitality, a safe bet to treat my guests to a dinner, knowing the ambiance will be perfect to host
- kitchen team : tasty creations of all meals and also accomodating in making special occasion dishes and celebration cakes
- afternoon tea : a nice balance between savoury & sweet with regular servings of extra tea
- health club : pool + gym are clean with superb riverviews, changing room doesn't feel dark and pokey at all
RA gets breakfast buffet + unlimited hot items from the la carte menu
wheras diamond only 1 hot item + buffet
They always proactively offer late checkout for the room i personally occupy
Provided i email reservations in advance,
to let them know my expected arrival time,
the hotel has never failed me in offering early checkin for my booked room or offered a hospitality room.
-Bad
Nothing actually but will look with great interest towards the refurbishment....
Will it keep the authentic Dutch heritage old money character
or
will it be turned into a modern flashy gold / marble / dark Park Hyatt new money monstrosity?
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes,
i booked pandemic rates,
they have now doubled / tripled,
i would even stay at those rates because they are not stingy on providing me upgrades and honoring the RA-bennies
Use of IHG-rewards points is excellent because you get:
1) for Amsterdam standards a large amount of space in m2.
2) You can't beat the fact the hotel has a pool with river view
3) for RA: get brekkie + all bennies even on award nights
+ all my guests are impressed by staying here in a palatial environment
+ do feel the genuine hospitality here and that is worth any amount of points if one is hosting
Would you return?
Yes because of
- room/suite sizes
- the superb RA treatment
- hospitality of staff
- bumping into Mick Jagger! Although i would swoon too if i meet Grace Jones or the Dalai Lama in the hotel
If you live like me in an attic home you experience staying at this hotel as a vacation.
I am a regular here and sometimes part of the furniture.
I've seen it move in identity and direction during pre/post pandemic but just like Mick, i just keep returning because i actually enjoy my stays here. For those of you who want to bump into Mick in the jacuzzi, may i refer to: https://oost-online.nl/mick-jagger-v...est-op-corona/ He should be back to perform on 7th July: https://nos.nl/artikel/2432801-rolli...m-op-7-juli-in
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Always a delight to see familiair faces who are professionals and remember and execute my wishes to satisfaction.
A lot of new and temporary faces have joined the team for this sunmer tourist season but all are friendly and greet guests at interaction.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Executive suite river view (at pandemic price) revenue stay upgraded to champagne suite but declined the upgrade as i would like to use the upgrade for my next stay in August, hotel will try to accomodate then and put this in my profile.
Booked also two extra points rooms during my stay to accomodate my guests:
- first upgraded to executive room river view
- second upgraded to executive suite river view
The hotel went above and beyond in upgrades so no complaints!
How are the rooms?
As Raffles mentioned the hotel is going to get refurbished soon.
This means the rooms and suites will be totally redone.
Maybe in the same style as IC PLG or IC Carlton Cannes i do hope.
But for now the rooms are still very comfortable but are showing some wear and tear.
Also not all rooms / suites have a hygine stick yet.
The executive room river view #206 was excellent for my guests to be impressed
The executive suite river view #402 was very cavernous spacious but furniture faces away from the window, guests were still impressed though!
* you can spot from here the infamous couple that likes to watch television in the nude across the canal
The executive suite river view #422 is my usual prefered one, furniture faces the river and city centre
How is the exec. lounge?
none here
people seems to mention the hotel has a room named the Amstel club...
this is not an executive or club lounge but just a dedicated mingle room for a club of persons like Rotary or Lion's club
EDIT: that room has been renamed to Lyppens Diamantairs
HQ and private sales at : https://www.lyppensamsterdam.com/en/
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Yes i did,
Actually in all rooms we got complimentary big bottles of still & sparkling water.
These were the RA welcome gifts:
We seems to get all the different welcome amenities this stay,
- sweet
- savoury
- fruit
- local delight for tourists
A warm touristy welcome with Stroopwafels in a Delft Blue tin = local delight
The savoury amenity : Dutch cheeses Reypenaer
The fruit amenity : a complete healthy bowl (i already ate the passion fruit before snapping this picture)
The sweet amenity : bowl of forest fruit and fresh macaroons with amazing speculaas flavour
How was the minibar?
Everything is included from drinks to snacks as part of the RA $200 allowance per stay
Minibar : drinks
Minibar : food items and adult beverages
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Service is excellent across the board, as a regular i feel my business is appreciated by all the regular frontline staff.
I have never met upper management though but i can say nothing than praise for:
- reservation : i let them know in advance my wishes and they reply prompt the possibilities
- reception : clear checkin and accurate bill upon checkout
- congierge & doormen & valet service : always providing a helping hand in meeting my demands
- housekeeping and turndown : clean rooms everytime and executing my written wishes to satisfaction
- restaurant staff :
- breakfast & lunch team : welcoming, prompt and full of interest
- dinner team : polite yet friendly hospitality, a safe bet to treat my guests to a dinner, knowing the ambiance will be perfect to host
- kitchen team : tasty creations of all meals and also accomodating in making special occasion dishes and celebration cakes
- afternoon tea : a nice balance between savoury & sweet with regular servings of extra tea
- health club : pool + gym are clean with superb riverviews, changing room doesn't feel dark and pokey at all
RA gets breakfast buffet + unlimited hot items from the la carte menu
wheras diamond only 1 hot item + buffet
They always proactively offer late checkout for the room i personally occupy
Provided i email reservations in advance,
to let them know my expected arrival time,
the hotel has never failed me in offering early checkin for my booked room or offered a hospitality room.
-Bad
Nothing actually but will look with great interest towards the refurbishment....
Will it keep the authentic Dutch heritage old money character
or
will it be turned into a modern flashy gold / marble / dark Park Hyatt new money monstrosity?
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes,
i booked pandemic rates,
they have now doubled / tripled,
i would even stay at those rates because they are not stingy on providing me upgrades and honoring the RA-bennies
Use of IHG-rewards points is excellent because you get:
1) for Amsterdam standards a large amount of space in m2.
2) You can't beat the fact the hotel has a pool with river view
3) for RA: get brekkie + all bennies even on award nights
+ all my guests are impressed by staying here in a palatial environment
+ do feel the genuine hospitality here and that is worth any amount of points if one is hosting
Would you return?
Yes because of
- room/suite sizes
- the superb RA treatment
- hospitality of staff
- bumping into Mick Jagger! Although i would swoon too if i meet Grace Jones or the Dalai Lama in the hotel
Last edited by HadesNL; Jul 3, 2022 at 11:51 pm
Jul 10, 2022, 7:07 am
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,994
InterContinental Genve - Geneva
What is your IHG One Rewards status?
Diamond Inner Circle Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay
Just perfect stay, as always.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest rate, and received a One King Bed One Bedroom Suite Lake view.
How are the rooms?
Around 48sqm
Warm and elegant contemporary design by Tony Chi.
Living room with sofa, desk, seating area and separate dressing area.
Bedroom with very comfortable bed. Second dressing.
Bathroom with walk-in shower.
Spa Cinq Mondes amenities.
Flat screen television set with impressive selection of international channels
Nespresso machine. Kettle
Very quiet.
Panoramic view over Geneva and lake
Free PressReader
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Very professional and attentive staff
- Elegant dcor and atmosphere
- Simply marvelous breakfast offer for variety and quality of products, very nice restaurant
- Very pleasant outdoor pool.
BAD
- Nothing
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Club? Would you return?
The hotel is indeed not cheap, but is certainly one of the very best InterContinental hotels for quality of service.
Location is not in the very centre, but in the diplomatic area: it allows the property to have a beautiful outdoor pool and a large, green, quiet terrace for lunch or breakfast.
The hotel is just next the InterContinental bus stop (so chic!) with direct access to city centre and airport (very efficient and fast public transport).
Free public transport coupon offerred by hotel (or you can rent bicyle near the main train station).
Exterior
Lobby
One King Bed One Bedroom Lake View Suite
Minibar
Welcome gift
View from the room
Breakfast
Fitness centre
Cinq Mondes Spa
Restaurants plants garden
Pool area
Business centre
Les Nations bar
Diamond Inner Circle Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay
Just perfect stay, as always.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest rate, and received a One King Bed One Bedroom Suite Lake view.
How are the rooms?
Around 48sqm
Warm and elegant contemporary design by Tony Chi.
Living room with sofa, desk, seating area and separate dressing area.
Bedroom with very comfortable bed. Second dressing.
Bathroom with walk-in shower.
Spa Cinq Mondes amenities.
Flat screen television set with impressive selection of international channels
Nespresso machine. Kettle
Very quiet.
Panoramic view over Geneva and lake
Free PressReader
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Very professional and attentive staff
- Elegant dcor and atmosphere
- Simply marvelous breakfast offer for variety and quality of products, very nice restaurant
- Very pleasant outdoor pool.
BAD
- Nothing
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Club? Would you return?
The hotel is indeed not cheap, but is certainly one of the very best InterContinental hotels for quality of service.
Location is not in the very centre, but in the diplomatic area: it allows the property to have a beautiful outdoor pool and a large, green, quiet terrace for lunch or breakfast.
The hotel is just next the InterContinental bus stop (so chic!) with direct access to city centre and airport (very efficient and fast public transport).
Free public transport coupon offerred by hotel (or you can rent bicyle near the main train station).
Exterior
Lobby
One King Bed One Bedroom Lake View Suite
Minibar
Welcome gift
View from the room
Breakfast
Fitness centre
Cinq Mondes Spa
Restaurants plants garden
Pool area
Business centre
Les Nations bar
Last edited by nicolas75; Jul 11, 2022 at 1:36 pm
Jul 16, 2022, 2:37 am
#79
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,994
InterContinental Lyon - Htel Dieu
What is your IHG One Rewards status?
Diamond Inner Circle Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay
Yes, very much.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest rate, and received a Duplex junior suite river view.
How are the rooms?
Around 56sqm
Elegant contemporary design by Jean-Philippe Nuel.
Living room with sofa, desk, seating area.
Bedroom with very comfortable bed.
Bathroom with walk-in shower.
Great ditions de Parfum - Frdric Malle amenities.
Flat screen television set with good selection of international channels. Easy connectable television with mobile.
Nespresso machine. Kettle.Organic tea.
Usb sockets next to the bed.
Fast wifi.
Very quiet.
Wooden floor.
Impressive 5m+ high ceilings.
View over Rhnes banks
Very efficient air conditioning despite high ceilings and scorching temperatures during the Bastille day long weekend
No Free PressReader
How is the exec. lounge?
Club lounge is still closed.
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Very professional and attentive staff
- Elegant dcor and atmosphere
- Very good breakfast which can be served in the lovely leafy and quiet courtyard.
- Superb Le Dme bar.
- Solid restaurant.
BAD
- Nothing
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Club? Would you return?
The hotel is indeed not cheap, but is certainly one of the very best hotels in town.
Location is in the very centre.
The hotel has unfortunately no pool, but we went to the Centre Nautique Tony Bertrand, which is on the other side of the river.
The place is very pleasant and the architecture by Alexandre Audouze-Tabourin simply gorgeous (the place had been opened within the framework of the candidature of Lyon with the 1968 Summer Olympic Games).
The swimming pool has an Olympic size pool and a fun pool of the same size with bubble benches, a "pentagliss", a counter-current river and water games. You must reserve online to secure the entrance and wear the regulation bathing suit.
Exterior
Lobby
Duplex Junior Suite River View
Bathroom
Minbar
View from the room
Welcome gift
Restaurant
Le Dme Bar
Breakfast
Courtyard
Olympic pool opposite the hotel.
Diamond Inner Circle Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay
Yes, very much.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest rate, and received a Duplex junior suite river view.
How are the rooms?
Around 56sqm
Elegant contemporary design by Jean-Philippe Nuel.
Living room with sofa, desk, seating area.
Bedroom with very comfortable bed.
Bathroom with walk-in shower.
Great ditions de Parfum - Frdric Malle amenities.
Flat screen television set with good selection of international channels. Easy connectable television with mobile.
Nespresso machine. Kettle.Organic tea.
Usb sockets next to the bed.
Fast wifi.
Very quiet.
Wooden floor.
Impressive 5m+ high ceilings.
View over Rhnes banks
Very efficient air conditioning despite high ceilings and scorching temperatures during the Bastille day long weekend
No Free PressReader
How is the exec. lounge?
Club lounge is still closed.
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Very professional and attentive staff
- Elegant dcor and atmosphere
- Very good breakfast which can be served in the lovely leafy and quiet courtyard.
- Superb Le Dme bar.
- Solid restaurant.
BAD
- Nothing
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Club? Would you return?
The hotel is indeed not cheap, but is certainly one of the very best hotels in town.
Location is in the very centre.
The hotel has unfortunately no pool, but we went to the Centre Nautique Tony Bertrand, which is on the other side of the river.
The place is very pleasant and the architecture by Alexandre Audouze-Tabourin simply gorgeous (the place had been opened within the framework of the candidature of Lyon with the 1968 Summer Olympic Games).
The swimming pool has an Olympic size pool and a fun pool of the same size with bubble benches, a "pentagliss", a counter-current river and water games. You must reserve online to secure the entrance and wear the regulation bathing suit.
Exterior
Lobby
Duplex Junior Suite River View
Bathroom
Minbar
View from the room
Welcome gift
Restaurant
Le Dme Bar
Breakfast
Courtyard
Olympic pool opposite the hotel.
Last edited by nicolas75; Jul 18, 2022 at 3:28 am
Jul 17, 2022, 3:08 pm
#80
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Paris Le Grand
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 Cosy, paid and award nights. Received Classic with terrace. The hotel was 100% sold out. As it has been for a month and is expected to continue to be through October. Although I had free access to the club, I was offered breakfast in the restaurant each day as compensation for a lack of a suite upgrade. Which was nice.
How are the rooms?
One of the better classic rooms, steps from the Club with a nice terrace. The terrace was big enough to set the desk chair out on and have a drink.
How is the exec. lounge?
Excellent as always. I was out each night so didn't get a chance to see what food they had. But we spent about an hour or so after the 4pm checkout enjoying the club.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit and some cookies.
How was the minibar?
Very nice and I was happy to see it has been restored since the pandemic. Not charged for any overages.
-Good-
Excellent hotel which has improved a lot since the pandemic.
-Bad-
While being sold out is great for business and keeps the place lively, it is clearly tough on the staff. They said there are about 200 arrivals and departures each day.
Value for or Priority Club Points?
Yes good value all around.
Would you return?
Definitely.
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Queen Cosy, paid and award nights. Received Classic with terrace. The hotel was 100% sold out. As it has been for a month and is expected to continue to be through October. Although I had free access to the club, I was offered breakfast in the restaurant each day as compensation for a lack of a suite upgrade. Which was nice.
How are the rooms?
One of the better classic rooms, steps from the Club with a nice terrace. The terrace was big enough to set the desk chair out on and have a drink.
How is the exec. lounge?
Excellent as always. I was out each night so didn't get a chance to see what food they had. But we spent about an hour or so after the 4pm checkout enjoying the club.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit and some cookies.
How was the minibar?
Very nice and I was happy to see it has been restored since the pandemic. Not charged for any overages.
-Good-
Excellent hotel which has improved a lot since the pandemic.
-Bad-
While being sold out is great for business and keeps the place lively, it is clearly tough on the staff. They said there are about 200 arrivals and departures each day.
Value for or Priority Club Points?
Yes good value all around.
Would you return?
Definitely.
Jul 18, 2022, 10:48 am
#81
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Amsterdam&Stuttgart& Edinburgh
Programs: IC Amb.,FB,Hertz,Sixt
Posts: 776
Stimpy, did they give you points as recompense?
For a recent stay in Berlin where they could only give a one category upgrade they put 10k points in my account (got offered a bottle of Champagne, vodka or anything else I might fancy , though I declined with thanks lol)
For a recent stay in Berlin where they could only give a one category upgrade they put 10k points in my account (got offered a bottle of Champagne, vodka or anything else I might fancy , though I declined with thanks lol)
Jul 19, 2022, 1:35 am
#82
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
No, and I didn't ask. They have always done their best to take care of me. This one time they simply could not.
Jul 19, 2022, 1:50 pm
#83
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Amsterdam&Stuttgart& Edinburgh
Programs: IC Amb.,FB,Hertz,Sixt
Posts: 776
Yes same in Berlin I didnt ask but as it was third time in a row I did ask what was happening, thought maybe they didnt like me anymore lol
Upshot was points and they made sure that next stay works as normal
Upshot was points and they made sure that next stay works as normal
Jul 19, 2022, 3:12 pm
#84
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 827
Excellent. Their current GM, Mr. Hans Heijligers was former CEO of IHG･ANA Hotels Group Japan. (He was also served as the Managing Director of InterContinental Osaka before CEO role). He returned to Europe, opting to return to a GM role in the field rather than a CEO position in the corporate office. I would like to visit there in the near future and see him again.
Jul 20, 2022, 12:01 am
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,994
Jul 23, 2022, 3:49 am
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,994
InterContinental Barcelona
What is your IHG One Rewards status?
Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
Yes, very much.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest advance rate and received One King One Bedroom Suite Street View.
How are the rooms?
Corner suite.
Around 55sqm
Superbly renovated in a luxury yacht style
Separate entrance.
Desk area
Seating area.
Large smart TV with good selection of international channels. Easy to connect to mobile.
Nespresso machine. Kettle.
Large comfortable bed.
Large flat screen television with large selection of international channels.
Bathroom with bathtub, separate toilets and walk-in shower. Byredo "Bal d'Afrique" amenities
Very quiet. Very efficient air conditioning system.
View over the city.
Usb and electrical sockets next to the bed and desk.
Free PressReader
How is the exec. lounge?
Seating area with television, dining area with drinks and snacks, and breakfast area.
The club lounge serves good breakfast (people having club access can also have breakfast at the one served at the main restaurant on main floor).
Evening small selection of cold and hot snacks/tapas and pastries.
Drinks served all the day long.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Very friendly and professional staff, smiling and attentive service.
Superb renovation
Superb spa with indoor pool (free for Royal Ambassadors).
Very pleasant top floor outdoor pool with terrace
Staff at club lounge, after noticing that I will be back in August, secured the same suite. Nice touch indeed!
Bad
Nothing
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Points? Would you return?
Yes, for quality of service, convenient location, pleasant outdoor pool (but which can be very quickly crowded and noisy) and superb renovation (and now club lounge).
The gastronomic restaurant has also opened (but we did not try it this time). Victor Torres is the youngest chef in Spain to win a Michelin star.
Exterior
Lobby
One King One Bedroom Suite Street View
Minibar
Welcome gift
Bathroom
View from the suite
Pool aera
Club lounge
Drinks all day long
Afternoon spread
Evening spread
Breakfast at the lounge
Spa
Breakfast at main restaurant
Quirat gastronomic restaurant by Victor Torres
Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
Yes, very much.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest advance rate and received One King One Bedroom Suite Street View.
How are the rooms?
Corner suite.
Around 55sqm
Superbly renovated in a luxury yacht style
Separate entrance.
Desk area
Seating area.
Large smart TV with good selection of international channels. Easy to connect to mobile.
Nespresso machine. Kettle.
Large comfortable bed.
Large flat screen television with large selection of international channels.
Bathroom with bathtub, separate toilets and walk-in shower. Byredo "Bal d'Afrique" amenities
Very quiet. Very efficient air conditioning system.
View over the city.
Usb and electrical sockets next to the bed and desk.
Free PressReader
How is the exec. lounge?
Seating area with television, dining area with drinks and snacks, and breakfast area.
The club lounge serves good breakfast (people having club access can also have breakfast at the one served at the main restaurant on main floor).
Evening small selection of cold and hot snacks/tapas and pastries.
Drinks served all the day long.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Very friendly and professional staff, smiling and attentive service.
Superb renovation
Superb spa with indoor pool (free for Royal Ambassadors).
Very pleasant top floor outdoor pool with terrace
Staff at club lounge, after noticing that I will be back in August, secured the same suite. Nice touch indeed!
Bad
Nothing
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Points? Would you return?
Yes, for quality of service, convenient location, pleasant outdoor pool (but which can be very quickly crowded and noisy) and superb renovation (and now club lounge).
The gastronomic restaurant has also opened (but we did not try it this time). Victor Torres is the youngest chef in Spain to win a Michelin star.
Exterior
Lobby
One King One Bedroom Suite Street View
Minibar
Welcome gift
Bathroom
View from the suite
Pool aera
Club lounge
Drinks all day long
Afternoon spread
Evening spread
Breakfast at the lounge
Spa
Breakfast at main restaurant
Quirat gastronomic restaurant by Victor Torres
Last edited by nicolas75; Jul 24, 2022 at 8:22 am
Jul 28, 2022, 6:05 am
#87
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 827
ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort
ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Diamond Inner Circle Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, some parts are improved from my last stay, but still many parts need to improve.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Premium Room, received Appi Suite.
How are the rooms?
131sqm two bedrooms suite with separated living room. Master bed room have the king bed, bathroom with hinoki wood bathtub, walk-in closet. Second bedroom (two queen beds) also have independent shower room. 2x Panasonic 55 inch 4K LCD TV with DENON audio system.
Video of the Appi Suite
How is the exec. lounge?
This hotel is “All Club products”. All guests granted complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails. Therefore, no individual Club Lounge facilities. Just Lobby lounge and restaurant covered the Club products function.
How was the mini-bar?
Crazy expensive, Champagne and wines are demi bottle but prices are full bottle class. Selection is not so attractive.
What was your welcome gift?
Louis Roederer Champagne, Coke Zero, Pear Juice, snacks, and sweets assortment. Coke Zero and snacks are replenished daily!
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes.
What was good?
++++++++++ Guest recognition (every staff very kindly care to me)
++++++++++ View
++++++++++ Onsen (Both public and private)
++++++++++ Lot of restaurant outlets in resort complex connected with InterContinental and Crowne Plaza.
What was bad?
- - - - - - - - - - Crazy slow WiFi (only 10M bps!)
- - - - - Poor product offering of evening cocktails (no warm meals)
- - - - - Still some part of the facilities are not finished the installation as of today.
- - - - - Mini-bar pricing
- - - - - Access is really inconvenient.
Value for $ or Rewards Club Points?
Improved.
Would you return?
Definitely. I will be back here to see completed figures of this hotel.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Diamond Inner Circle Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, some parts are improved from my last stay, but still many parts need to improve.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Premium Room, received Appi Suite.
How are the rooms?
131sqm two bedrooms suite with separated living room. Master bed room have the king bed, bathroom with hinoki wood bathtub, walk-in closet. Second bedroom (two queen beds) also have independent shower room. 2x Panasonic 55 inch 4K LCD TV with DENON audio system.
Video of the Appi Suite
How is the exec. lounge?
This hotel is “All Club products”. All guests granted complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails. Therefore, no individual Club Lounge facilities. Just Lobby lounge and restaurant covered the Club products function.
How was the mini-bar?
Crazy expensive, Champagne and wines are demi bottle but prices are full bottle class. Selection is not so attractive.
What was your welcome gift?
Louis Roederer Champagne, Coke Zero, Pear Juice, snacks, and sweets assortment. Coke Zero and snacks are replenished daily!
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes.
What was good?
++++++++++ Guest recognition (every staff very kindly care to me)
++++++++++ View
++++++++++ Onsen (Both public and private)
++++++++++ Lot of restaurant outlets in resort complex connected with InterContinental and Crowne Plaza.
What was bad?
- - - - - - - - - - Crazy slow WiFi (only 10M bps!)
- - - - - Poor product offering of evening cocktails (no warm meals)
- - - - - Still some part of the facilities are not finished the installation as of today.
- - - - - Mini-bar pricing
- - - - - Access is really inconvenient.
Value for $ or Rewards Club Points?
Improved.
Would you return?
Definitely. I will be back here to see completed figures of this hotel.
Last edited by Raynyan; Jul 28, 2022 at 6:14 am
Jul 30, 2022, 9:05 am
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Willard Washington DC
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
Yes, very much so.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King Premium and got my first Oval suite upgrade. To the Martin Luther King, Jr suite. Since the pandemic I've received a different type of suite each time. I love it. Much better than the same old executive suite, even if those suites were very nice. I like the variety. I think this must have been like a 7 level upgrade though. Amazing.
How are the rooms?
1446 sq ft. Large round salon, guest bathroom and kitchenette with a Nespresso machine.
The style of the salon is a bit dated, but it is quality throughout.
The bedroom is more modern, but not too modern. There is a separate entrance at the bedroom.
Large closet area.
How is the exec. lounge?
None, but I was given two drink coupons for the Round Robin bar.
What was good and what was bad?
The suite I was in was where Dr. King wrote his "I have a dream" speech in 1963. This hotel is oozing with deep history and this is one of the most special suites in the hotel.
Bad
Nothing
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Points? Would you return?
Yes this is my preferred hotel in DC.
Yes, very much so.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King Premium and got my first Oval suite upgrade. To the Martin Luther King, Jr suite. Since the pandemic I've received a different type of suite each time. I love it. Much better than the same old executive suite, even if those suites were very nice. I like the variety. I think this must have been like a 7 level upgrade though. Amazing.
How are the rooms?
1446 sq ft. Large round salon, guest bathroom and kitchenette with a Nespresso machine.
The style of the salon is a bit dated, but it is quality throughout.
The bedroom is more modern, but not too modern. There is a separate entrance at the bedroom.
Large closet area.
How is the exec. lounge?
None, but I was given two drink coupons for the Round Robin bar.
What was good and what was bad?
The suite I was in was where Dr. King wrote his "I have a dream" speech in 1963. This hotel is oozing with deep history and this is one of the most special suites in the hotel.
Bad
Nothing
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Points? Would you return?
Yes this is my preferred hotel in DC.
Jul 31, 2022, 11:51 pm
#89
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,994
InterContinental Istanbul
What is your IHG One Rewards status?
Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay
Yes, very much.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest rate, and received a City view Junior Suite.
How are the rooms?
Definitely more a proper suite than junior.
Around 65sqm large
Separate lounge area with sofa and desk. Separate guests toilets.
Large TV with good selection of international channels.
Nespresso machine. Kettle.
Large comfortable bed.
Large and elegant marble bathroom with bathtub and separate walk-in shower. Byredo Bal dAfrique amenities
Very efficient air conditioning system.
Superb view over the city and Bosphorus.
Perfectly maintained.
PressReader free online papers.
Numerous bottles of water replenished every day.
4 closets.
How is the exec. lounge?
The club lounge on high floor is now definitely closed.
The club lounge has been moved on ground floor at Veranda restaurant.
In a near future, the lounge will have a specific door entrance (currently, the lounge is open to the lobby, with staff at the entrance checking guests).
The lounge has lost its view appeal, but has gained in space, and the garden is particularly pleasant in summer.
The breakfast is of very good quality, and served until 11.30am.
In the evening, a hot dish and a variety of very good salads are offered, as well as pastries and alcoholic drinks until 7pm.
From 7pm to 11pm, lounge is still open, but be prepared to pay extortionate price for a beer (around 10 euros).
Throughout the day, snacks and soft drinks are served by very attentive staff. .
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
BAD
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Points ? Would you return?
Yes, for great service, convenient location and large suites.
Still, fares at this hotel can be high, and a renovation is more than welcome.
Exterior
Lobby
Junior Suite
Separate guests toilets
Minibar
View from the room
Welcome gift
Top floor bar and restaurant
Spa
Pool area
Fitness centre
Turkish bath
Club lounge
Breakfast
Evening spread
Tea time
la carte lunch
Unregistered guest 🐈⬛
Night concert in the garden
Diamond Royal Ambassador Inner Circle
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay
Yes, very much.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest rate, and received a City view Junior Suite.
How are the rooms?
Definitely more a proper suite than junior.
Around 65sqm large
Separate lounge area with sofa and desk. Separate guests toilets.
Large TV with good selection of international channels.
Nespresso machine. Kettle.
Large comfortable bed.
Large and elegant marble bathroom with bathtub and separate walk-in shower. Byredo Bal dAfrique amenities
Very efficient air conditioning system.
Superb view over the city and Bosphorus.
Perfectly maintained.
PressReader free online papers.
Numerous bottles of water replenished every day.
4 closets.
How is the exec. lounge?
The club lounge on high floor is now definitely closed.
The club lounge has been moved on ground floor at Veranda restaurant.
In a near future, the lounge will have a specific door entrance (currently, the lounge is open to the lobby, with staff at the entrance checking guests).
The lounge has lost its view appeal, but has gained in space, and the garden is particularly pleasant in summer.
The breakfast is of very good quality, and served until 11.30am.
In the evening, a hot dish and a variety of very good salads are offered, as well as pastries and alcoholic drinks until 7pm.
From 7pm to 11pm, lounge is still open, but be prepared to pay extortionate price for a beer (around 10 euros).
Throughout the day, snacks and soft drinks are served by very attentive staff. .
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Convenient location
- Very attentive and friendly staff (the Club lounges are just exceptional).
- Superb view from the suites
- Large and comfortable suite
- Pleasant spa, superb Turkish bath and great outdoor pool.
- Covid test room
BAD
- Interior design is somewhat pretty kitsch (still, rooms are perfectly maintained and very comfortable). But the hotel will undertake a complete renovation, starting with the lobby in October, followed by the rooms. According to the hotel's management, the property will reach the "highest standards in the city".
Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Points ? Would you return?
Yes, for great service, convenient location and large suites.
Still, fares at this hotel can be high, and a renovation is more than welcome.
Exterior
Lobby
Junior Suite
Separate guests toilets
Minibar
View from the room
Welcome gift
Top floor bar and restaurant
Spa
Pool area
Fitness centre
Turkish bath
Club lounge
Breakfast
Evening spread
Tea time
la carte lunch
Unregistered guest 🐈⬛
Night concert in the garden
Last edited by nicolas75; Aug 12, 2022 at 12:22 am
Aug 2, 2022, 10:57 am
#90
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,994
IC Istanbul
Without asking anything, Guests Relations Manager asked me if we would like to get a sea view suite, and ended up in the Galata Suite. 👍👍
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest rate, and received a Sea View Galata Suite on 17th floor.
How are the rooms?
Basically the same as Junior Suite, but with full separation between bedroom and living room.
Around 65sqm large
Separate lounge area with sofa and desk. Separate guests toilets.
2 large tlvision sets with good selection of international channels.
Nespresso machine. Kettle.
Large comfortable bed.
Large and elegant marble bathroom with walk-in shower. Byredo Bal dAfrique amenities
Jaccuzi with a view over the Bosphorus
Very efficient air conditioning system.
Superb view over sea and Bosphorus.
Perfectly maintained.
PressReader free online papers.
Numerous bottles of water replenished every day.
4 closets.
Galata Suite
Living room
Jaccuzi with a view
Bathroom
Separate guest toilets
Superb view
Welcome gift
Coffee station
Room service
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest rate, and received a Sea View Galata Suite on 17th floor.
How are the rooms?
Basically the same as Junior Suite, but with full separation between bedroom and living room.
Around 65sqm large
Separate lounge area with sofa and desk. Separate guests toilets.
2 large tlvision sets with good selection of international channels.
Nespresso machine. Kettle.
Large comfortable bed.
Large and elegant marble bathroom with walk-in shower. Byredo Bal dAfrique amenities
Jaccuzi with a view over the Bosphorus
Very efficient air conditioning system.
Superb view over sea and Bosphorus.
Perfectly maintained.
PressReader free online papers.
Numerous bottles of water replenished every day.
4 closets.
Galata Suite
Living room
Jaccuzi with a view
Bathroom
Separate guest toilets
Superb view
Welcome gift
Coffee station
Room service
Last edited by nicolas75; Aug 9, 2022 at 11:00 am