Intercontinental San Juan, PR Master Thread
Jan 17, 2011, 8:33 pm
#136
Original Member, Ambassador: External Miles and Points Resources
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in LIMA, PERU
Posts: 58,628
A few points after a long weekend at the hotel:
1) Casino: the gaming focus is on the poker room. Even on the San Sebastian/MLK holiday weekend the craps table was never open. The poker tables were mostly locals but that didn't stop me from walking away from the place up nearly $2k. And let's face it: I'm a HORRIBLE poker player! Maybe I'm better in Spanish? There was a $5 blackjack table. But honestly the main focus of the casino is on slots. There were 3 Wheel of Fortune machines. And about 100 other machines.
2) Pool: Personally, I loved it. Wasn't Miami or LA pool scene. But it was a solid resort pool experience. A few too many kids, but whatever. We were comped a cabana and the food and alcohol were reasonable. My only complaint is that the pool was too damn cold.
3) Rooms: just fine. We had a 15th floor ocean view. European-sized but fine. Fridge and coffee maker. Saw our bridal suite which is lagoon view but really ginormous.
4) Intercontinental Club: I get the complaints about this product. It is not about elites, but only about buying up. And then apparently the club itself is only open when....the hotel feels like it. Otherwise club guests get breakfast and drink vouchers for the restaurant and bar.
Bottom line: not exactly a 5 * hotel, but go in with your expectations set properly and it's a very good time!
1) Casino: the gaming focus is on the poker room. Even on the San Sebastian/MLK holiday weekend the craps table was never open. The poker tables were mostly locals but that didn't stop me from walking away from the place up nearly $2k. And let's face it: I'm a HORRIBLE poker player! Maybe I'm better in Spanish? There was a $5 blackjack table. But honestly the main focus of the casino is on slots. There were 3 Wheel of Fortune machines. And about 100 other machines.
2) Pool: Personally, I loved it. Wasn't Miami or LA pool scene. But it was a solid resort pool experience. A few too many kids, but whatever. We were comped a cabana and the food and alcohol were reasonable. My only complaint is that the pool was too damn cold.
3) Rooms: just fine. We had a 15th floor ocean view. European-sized but fine. Fridge and coffee maker. Saw our bridal suite which is lagoon view but really ginormous.
4) Intercontinental Club: I get the complaints about this product. It is not about elites, but only about buying up. And then apparently the club itself is only open when....the hotel feels like it. Otherwise club guests get breakfast and drink vouchers for the restaurant and bar.
Bottom line: not exactly a 5 * hotel, but go in with your expectations set properly and it's a very good time!
Nov 30, 2011, 8:46 pm
#137
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 308
We just stayed here one night for a stop over on a trip to the W Vieques. We didn't expect much and that was a good thing because the hotel doesn't offer much. The rooms are old, boring, have absolutely nothing luxurious or extraordinary. We got upgraded from lagoon view to Ocean view on the 11th floor (Ambassador). The room didn't smell bad like others reported here.
+ Hotel is close to the airport, only 3 minute taxi ride. You could probably walk, hypothetically!
+ Direct beach access, beach is good to spend some time or go for a run.
+ Rooms are spacious
+ Pool looked nice and clean
- Rooms are lacking style and decoration. They look so boring and old.
- Old fumes on the "balcony"
- Balcony is too small to really do anything on them. No space for a chair.
- Hotel has several restaurants on site, but all were already closed at 10:45pm. The only option was bar or room service.
- The bathroom is tiny. But what annoyed me most is that I almost had to sit down to get water on my head (I'm 6.3) because the shower head is placed so low.
- No mini bar / refrigerator was empty.
I'd only stay again if pool and beach are really important. We first thought about staying here our entire trip but we were so happy we didn't do it after our one night.
EDIT: How can I add pictures to a post here? I got some nice fly-by photos of the property from our flight to VQS.
+ Hotel is close to the airport, only 3 minute taxi ride. You could probably walk, hypothetically!
+ Direct beach access, beach is good to spend some time or go for a run.
+ Rooms are spacious
+ Pool looked nice and clean
- Rooms are lacking style and decoration. They look so boring and old.
- Old fumes on the "balcony"
- Balcony is too small to really do anything on them. No space for a chair.
- Hotel has several restaurants on site, but all were already closed at 10:45pm. The only option was bar or room service.
- The bathroom is tiny. But what annoyed me most is that I almost had to sit down to get water on my head (I'm 6.3) because the shower head is placed so low.
- No mini bar / refrigerator was empty.
I'd only stay again if pool and beach are really important. We first thought about staying here our entire trip but we were so happy we didn't do it after our one night.
EDIT: How can I add pictures to a post here? I got some nice fly-by photos of the property from our flight to VQS.
Dec 31, 2011, 9:38 am
#138
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,691
I'm currently staying at the hotel. So far its an experience. As others reported there are issues with the room but I'll get to it...
Checked in and got upgraded to a club room. Nice! I'm here with the family (4 of us) and that was nice. The room wasn't old like the other rooms people reported.we got settled in. a few hours later the gm came and asked us to leave the room. apparently that was an unauthorized upgrade. Got a jr suite in the main tower. Then the room issues began.
No safe
No towels
No robes
Empty mini bar
No soap
And getting a rollaway is impossible. Apparently there is a law that no rollaways are allowed. But there was a sofa bed so that's good.
After all the missing room items were fixed, its fine but I think it was very rude and unprofessional to move us after a few hours from the room that I was upgraded to including that the front desk guy did go and ask the gm about the upgrade during check in.
Checked in and got upgraded to a club room. Nice! I'm here with the family (4 of us) and that was nice. The room wasn't old like the other rooms people reported.we got settled in. a few hours later the gm came and asked us to leave the room. apparently that was an unauthorized upgrade. Got a jr suite in the main tower. Then the room issues began.
No safe
No towels
No robes
Empty mini bar
No soap
And getting a rollaway is impossible. Apparently there is a law that no rollaways are allowed. But there was a sofa bed so that's good.
After all the missing room items were fixed, its fine but I think it was very rude and unprofessional to move us after a few hours from the room that I was upgraded to including that the front desk guy did go and ask the gm about the upgrade during check in.
Dec 31, 2011, 10:00 am
#139
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Greater DC
Programs: UA plus
Posts: 12,943
I'm currently staying at the hotel. So far its an experience. As others reported there are issues with the room but I'll get to it...
Checked in and got upgraded to a club room. Nice! I'm here with the family (4 of us) and that was nice. The room wasn't old like the other rooms people reported.we got settled in. a few hours later the gm came and asked us to leave the room. apparently that was an unauthorized upgrade. Got a jr suite in the main tower. Then the room issues began.
No safe
No towels
No robes
Empty mini bar
No soap
And getting a rollaway is impossible. Apparently there is a law that no rollaways are allowed. But there was a sofa bed so that's good.
After all the missing room items were fixed, its fine but I think it was very rude and unprofessional to move us after a few hours from the room that I was upgraded to including that the front desk guy did go and ask the gm about the upgrade during check in.
Checked in and got upgraded to a club room. Nice! I'm here with the family (4 of us) and that was nice. The room wasn't old like the other rooms people reported.we got settled in. a few hours later the gm came and asked us to leave the room. apparently that was an unauthorized upgrade. Got a jr suite in the main tower. Then the room issues began.
No safe
No towels
No robes
Empty mini bar
No soap
And getting a rollaway is impossible. Apparently there is a law that no rollaways are allowed. But there was a sofa bed so that's good.
After all the missing room items were fixed, its fine but I think it was very rude and unprofessional to move us after a few hours from the room that I was upgraded to including that the front desk guy did go and ask the gm about the upgrade during check in.
was he polite? Apologetic?
Dec 31, 2011, 10:23 am
#140
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,691
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He actually showed up and told you to vacate? I would've said no or what are you giving me to do so? was he polite? Apologetic?
We were all sitting in the club planning our nye dinner and she showed up. Not apologetic at all.said there was an issue. Stated that the club Ic rooms are max 2 adults and we have to move. But in the whole process she never apologized. She blamed it on the front desk.
When I asked about the breakfast as we had it included in the club room she said "absolutely not". if it was a problem on their end Legally I can understand but it was handled unprofessionally and rude. She could of said"sorry I made a mistake." Or "I wasn't to apologize on behalf of my staff for the inconvenience"
when we were packing the bellboy was there in 2 minutes but to get a safe and towels took 4 hours and 5calls and a few visits to the front desk. On my end I should of demanded to have the room ready before we move.
Though the fruit welcome bowlwas quite nice.
I should of stood my ground but we are here for 3 nights before the cruise and I'm on holiday. Been travelling from 4 am and I was just tired.
Originally Posted by GoingAway
I'm currently staying at the hotel. So far its an experience. As others reported there are issues with the room but I'll get to it...
Checked in and got upgraded to a club room. Nice! I'm here with the family (4 of us) and that was nice. The room wasn't old like the other rooms people reported.we got settled in. a few hours later the gm came and asked us to leave the room. apparently that was an unauthorized upgrade. Got a jr suite in the main tower. Then the room issues began.
No safe
No towels
No robes
Empty mini bar
No soap
And getting a rollaway is impossible. Apparently there is a law that no rollaways are allowed. But there was a sofa bed so that's good.
After all the missing room items were fixed, its fine but I think it was very rude and unprofessional to move us after a few hours from the room that I was upgraded to including that the front desk guy did go and ask the gm about the upgrade during check in.
Checked in and got upgraded to a club room. Nice! I'm here with the family (4 of us) and that was nice. The room wasn't old like the other rooms people reported.we got settled in. a few hours later the gm came and asked us to leave the room. apparently that was an unauthorized upgrade. Got a jr suite in the main tower. Then the room issues began.
No safe
No towels
No robes
Empty mini bar
No soap
And getting a rollaway is impossible. Apparently there is a law that no rollaways are allowed. But there was a sofa bed so that's good.
After all the missing room items were fixed, its fine but I think it was very rude and unprofessional to move us after a few hours from the room that I was upgraded to including that the front desk guy did go and ask the gm about the upgrade during check in.
was he polite? Apologetic?When I asked about the breakfast as we had it included in the club room she said "absolutely not". if it was a problem on their end Legally I can understand but it was handled unprofessionally and rude. She could of said"sorry I made a mistake." Or "I wasn't to apologize on behalf of my staff for the inconvenience"
when we were packing the bellboy was there in 2 minutes but to get a safe and towels took 4 hours and 5calls and a few visits to the front desk. On my end I should of demanded to have the room ready before we move.
Though the fruit welcome bowlwas quite nice.
I should of stood my ground but we are here for 3 nights before the cruise and I'm on holiday. Been travelling from 4 am and I was just tired.
Dec 31, 2011, 10:31 am
#141
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,691
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Does anyone have an email where I can send a complaint to? both the hotel and Ic corp?
Does anyone have an email where I can send a complaint to? both the hotel and Ic corp?
Dec 31, 2011, 11:31 am
#142
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Dec 31, 2011, 5:39 pm
#143
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,691
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I'll demand a talk tomorrow with the head. Last straw was that they told us we were seated in the lobby for new year when we paid for the better nye dinner.
Such a poorly ran hotel.
I'll demand a talk tomorrow with the head. Last straw was that they told us we were seated in the lobby for new year when we paid for the better nye dinner.
Such a poorly ran hotel.
Jan 1, 2012, 12:51 am
#144
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
Jan 1, 2012, 8:53 am
#146
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,691
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Yup.
Our friends who are staying here also are amb. No benefits - no fruit, no room upgrade, nothing..
The pool and beach are nice
Our friends who are staying here also are amb. No benefits - no fruit, no room upgrade, nothing..
The pool and beach are nice
Jan 3, 2012, 6:17 am
#147
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,691
so what I found out...
The lady that told us to move was the manager not the GM.
The GM was gone the entire time we were there. Guess he doesn't work on holidays Dec 30 - Jan 2
Called the PC line and they gave me some points for my trouble but I don't think it was enough points (10k for all these issues)
The lady that told us to move was the manager not the GM.
The GM was gone the entire time we were there. Guess he doesn't work on holidays Dec 30 - Jan 2
Called the PC line and they gave me some points for my trouble but I don't think it was enough points (10k for all these issues)
Feb 29, 2012, 10:05 am
#148
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Scotland & London
Programs: BA GGL, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Mucci des Salons Ouvrants
Posts: 3,036
All
I am thinking of staying here in March and I just wondered if anyone had recent experience of the room upgrades that Gold Ambassador's get.
I am currently booked into a King Club IC - any ideas what they would upgrade me to from that room category?
Also - I am trying to work out what room I would need to book to get upgraded to a King Club IC - I know some properties will not upgrade into a Club Access Level room and it the Club access I am interested in. I just don't want to pay for a room category if I would get an upgrade into anyway!
I have emailed the hotel but have had nothing back.
Regards
aks120
I am thinking of staying here in March and I just wondered if anyone had recent experience of the room upgrades that Gold Ambassador's get.
I am currently booked into a King Club IC - any ideas what they would upgrade me to from that room category?
Also - I am trying to work out what room I would need to book to get upgraded to a King Club IC - I know some properties will not upgrade into a Club Access Level room and it the Club access I am interested in. I just don't want to pay for a room category if I would get an upgrade into anyway!
I have emailed the hotel but have had nothing back.
Regards
aks120
Mar 2, 2012, 2:58 pm
#149
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Scotland & London
Programs: BA GGL, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Mucci des Salons Ouvrants
Posts: 3,036
aks120
Mar 3, 2012, 7:19 am
#150
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: AA EXP/5 MM, BA Blue Bayou, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 5,828
Well I have got a semi-answer to my own question - just logged onto he website today and it seems I have been upgrade to a 1KNG BD CLUB IC STE POOL VIEW NONSMOKING. Not totally sure what the room is like but judging by the price difference on the website it should be a nice room
aks120
aks120