InterContinental San Francisco Mark Hopkins Master Thread - after January 01, 2008
 

I stayed at the new IC San Francisco last weekend. Had a great time, but looked up the hill at the MH with a great sense of nostalgia. (Then again, some of our favorite staff from the MH have migrated to the ICSF).

Just wondering, has anyone stayed at the MH recently? It would be interesting to know how they are treating RA's these days. One of the past complaints from management there was the high number of RA's staying at the property and the "inability" to give the appropriate upgrades. Since the new property has diluted the RA population, are they treating us any better?

Note from Modeator:
Older post prior to this post could be found in the archive thread of this property:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inter...ve-thread.html

Thank you
FLYGVA

Bump.....

Is MH club access still typically $30 on any paid rate?

Also, do Exec Rooms (former Studio Suites) frequently have a good view, or do you need to go for the smaller business rooms if you want a view?

Thanks.

My two cents
 

I can say I will probably never be back to the Mark Hopkins IC again
Simply because of what one GM did regarding the original upgrade procedure change which prompted this OPs original thread.

My recent stay at the new IC SF made the one I took at the Mark Hopkins look like a complete waste of time and money.And quite frankly it was fully satisfactory at the MH.The problem is they are not just competing with the new IC but the Starwood Hotels and Hyatt where I am also elite among other hotel brands.And all of them offer me more except for the mini bar
That by itself is not enough of a single draw for me though it is a superb RA benefit^

Because the MH offer no complimentary lounge access their only hope is to seduce me with a great upgrade.Sorry to say it is just nice enough but no wow factor.A very nice large room

There is simply no reason to return unless one likes antiques and old buildings
And thats fine if you do.The folks I ran into while professional had old world attitude and the location while historic and significant not a place I want to be.It's on the bottom of my list.
My older family members enjoyed it but they like the old world :) T
he downgrade situation was a big mistake IMO :td:

It has been $60/night (for up to 2 adults per room) for about 2 years. It is well worth the money for two people if you like to drink. For one person, it's pretty steep IMHO.

How is the food spread? Also, where is the location...any view (I'm assuming we're not talking about the Top of the Mark.....)

view? lounge is on the ground floor off the reception area

Anyone know their standard upgrade from a business room?

The former Studio Suite has been renamed "Executive Room" to minimally comply with the T and C of the Ambassador program. This is the room normally offered to RA's. Depending on the rate paid, you might see a further upgrade to a Junior Suite or regular suite.

All up, as an RA does this mean if I book the cheapest standard king room, they'll upgrade me at minimum to an Executive Room and I can request and get at check-in, club access for an extra $60.00 per night?

If I book a Club King, would I still most likely end up with an Executive Room but with Club access?

I'm thinking that standard King plus $60.00 is a lot cheaper than King Club with the same likely outcome.

Inquiring minds want to know :)

Why would you throw money at this POS?

Of course I wouldn't if the likely outcome was the same. That's the reason for my question.

So, booking the cheapest govt. rate and preferring a good view room to an elevator shaft suite, might I score a high floor E- or N-facing standard/exec. room as RA?

Exactly....

I've stayed at the new IC in SF twice in the last month and both times was upgraded to a nice junior suite on a high floor with a good view and have been given access to the lounge and free internet (they charge but will waive it from your bill if you ask).

There were some $130 rates that I managed to reserve too. I don't recall but it was a Hot Wire Rate that I think is no longer reservable.

So have I stayed at the IC SF twice in the last couple of weeks and been treated well and enjoyed it. However, the dates I want again later in the year are currently showing as no availability. Hence my desire to find the best option at MH.

As predicted, the Mark Hopkins is up for sale.


S.F.'s historic Mark Hopkins hotel up for sale
Sellers said to seek $160M
San Francisco Business Times - by Sarah Duxbury

Turns out, you can sell an icon.

The InterContinental Mark Hopkins is being quietly marketed, and insiders are watching to see what price it fetches.

Curtis Davies, a hotel consultant, believes the property could go for between $133 million and $152 million (that's $350,000 to $400,000 per room), while other industry sources say that the owners hope to sell for $160 million or more.

Perched atop Nob Hill with a world-famous name, address and view, the 380-room hotel was built in 1926 and has not been available to investors in over four decades. It is jointly owned by the Lurie family, SFH Associates and InterContinental Hotels Group.

You sure called that one! Interesting info, in that I always thought the MH was a full corporate owned property. With the economy being in a downturn, one wonders what level of interest there would be in buying the MH. As mentioned by other posters including myself, the place is charming but shabby chic. If you take away the loyalty program benefits, the value of staying at this property (as opposed to other newer hotels) is greatly diminished.

$99/night Mark Hopkins IC, San Francisco
 

Another Travelzoo special, this time for the Mark Hopkins in SF for select dates April & May. It's $99 prepaid or $109 flexible.

Here's the link: http://hotels.travelzoo.com/california-hotels/561773

shoot..i wish it extended till june! hah

Wow thats amazing and I thought $157.00 was great for the IC Los Angeles this month
It makes the SPG property in SF I booked look sky high at 119!!! :)

How do they treat RA booked with Travel zoo rate?

The newer IC property near the Moscone treated me great on a Travel Zoo rate including club access(one time good will gesture) and an amazing suite
However the Mark Hopkins at over 219 per night (non Travel Zoo rate )
I would say just fair/barely satisfactory including attitude.
No club lounge access and only an oversized old guest room
Nothing that would bring me back except perhaps the 99 dollar rate :)
And even then I would happily pay extra for the newer IC SF property

Did you get a welcome gift, unlimited minibar and a movie? Is this a good location for tourist?

delete b/c of repetition

It's located on the top of the nob hill. you can get there with the cable car easily. (do remember to get the 3, 5 or 7 day muni pass, which covers the cable car service, as the fare for cable car is $5 one way)

If you are lucky, you may get a room with a fantastic view of SF at night time.

if comparing to the new IC @ howard street, I would say that the newer one is closer to lots of things. But, hey, it's 99 a night at IC. you can't complain with such a low price.

I personally agree with you, I like the newer property better as well, though the Mark Hopkins does have its charm, in a sort of crotchety, old-school sort of way. :)

I like the toiletries better at the Mark Hopkins. But in general, I think RAs are treated better at the new IC.

Is the travelzoo offer at IC LA century city still on?

Anybody have a lnk?

I should clarify it is on the IHG website and is not a Travelzoo rate and is non refundable in April/It is also a weeekend rate so I do not know if it is available on weekdays or all weekends.It is a great deal in a solid hotel.

Who needs Friends and Family with no points when you have such good rates?
I cancelled my booking at the Beverly Hilton when it came up.
What always makes me laugh is when hoteliers buy into the stupidity that discounting doesn't work.I have doubled my intended travel because of excellent value in a number of cities due to discounting.Its a great time to visit friends,see clients more frequently and shop for my new home

Can somebody please send me a link or promo code to this LA Century City IC Special, incidentally I am staying on a weekend in April.

Thanks

No link or promo code just go the IHG website and see if the advance purchase non refundable is available at low rates for your dates of travel.Good luck

I agree. The IC SF is much more generous with RA upgrade treatment, and there is a night and day difference between staff attitudes.

IC San Francisco
 

Hi Folks,

Here's a link to a trip report of my stay at the InterContinental San Francisco last September. I got upgraded to the Bay Suite, which had incredible views and was well decorated.

I stayed at this hotel in April, and it was really nice. I paid a cheap prepaid rate and got upgraded to a really nice corner room with a fantastic view, floor to ceiling windows and a gigantic LCD TV.
Male receptionist upon check-in: "Sir, you will get one of our nicest rooms".
Female receptionist upon check-out: "Wow, that is a very nice room".

Anyway, I stayed at this hotel only because of the 4.000 bonus points they offer (4.000 bonus points logo appear next to the hotel when you search). However, the bonus points didn't appear on my account, and when I wrote customer service, they said that my rate was not eligible for the 4.000 points.
I cannot see where any such limitations are described. When I click on the 4.000 bonus points logo, it says "Priority Club® Rewards – 4,000 Bonus Points for Any Stay". Am I missing something here???

1. Don't write - call!
2. Often the extra points deals are rate specific (not sure on this one though)

that is one of my fav hotels in SF

Mark Hopkins GM transferred to LA!!!
 

Good news (unless you're planning to stay at the IC Century City), the infamous GM at the IC Mark Hopkins in SF has been transferred to the IC Century City in LA!!

The new GM at the Mark Hopkins was transferred from his position as GM at the new IC San Francisco. Hopefully, this means Royal Ambassadors can expect to receive good treatment again at this property.

I am now willing to stay at this property again, and plan to do so later this year. I will report back with my experience.

What was so bad about the old GM?

This is ironic...I stayed at LA last Friday night, and was not impressed. Is he already down there?

I also have a stay at the MH for next Saturday night. Booked a Jr Suite. We'll see what happens!

I suggest reading the rest of this thread.

Yes, about a week, according to my sources.

I just contacted the IC LA and confirmed that the former GM of the Mark Hopkins is now at the IC in Los Angeles. :td::td:

mxm135 :)