AndyUK_101

I faced the same choice, booked a few stays at the IC during the 40k per night offer and took lounge access, given you get 2 choices at 40 nights the lounge access and suite upgrade seemed like the best bet

My personal view on the lounge was really positive, looking back through some older posts it seems like the service may be a little less personalised and some key staff have left but with no prior stays we didn't notice any of that

Breakfast is pretty good, not the biggest spread or widest choice and service can be a little slow but no real complaints

Afternoon tea was very good, a decent selection of nibbles, attentive service and an overall nice experience, we would have probably ended up paying for something similar during our stay so a genuine saving for us on our last trip

Evening drinks, again pretty good - proactive staff offering top-ups and/or new drinks, okay spread of spirits with a few premium options and a decent selection of nibbles - probably not enough to get you through the evening but definitely enough to take the edge off after a long day

pazza2000

I’m guessing the days of free flowing Moet are gone in the lounge? Will still opt for the lounge access, I think I’ll get better value out if it than the 20k or 5 x $20 F&B vouchers.

AndyUK_101

It was Pommery from memory, available to pour your own or via the lounge staff that were circulating

Quite nice to be fair, certainly didn't feel like a budget option

PTahCha

Just finished an one night stay. Similar to others, I was only offered an one level Ambassador upgrade on an award stay, and opted out of the paid upgrade. The is the beautiful view of a rooftop from a Classic room:



This is not a complaint, since they provided early check-in at 11am, and the room was functional for an one night stay. The water pressure in the room was designed for power washing of industrial equipment - it was a surprise every time I turned on the faucet. The deep tub was lovely, along with the overhead rain (or monsoon, due to the water pressure) showerhead. Turndown service was provided.

I unfortunately had to cancel my dinner reservation at Alex Webb, since my lunch at a 2 star Michelin star restaurant turned into a 3+ hour dining experience, and I did not need another rich meal. The one-touch service over the phone took care of the cancellation for me when I asked to be transferred to the restaurant, which was a nice touch.

Diamond breakfast at Theo Randall was an excellent spread, and the server told me basically order anything and everything, and everything will be comped. To use up the Ambassador F&B credit, I ordered a glass of mimosa, to which I was met with a look of confusion with the following exchange:

Me: Can I have a glass of mimosa? I know I have to pay for it.
Server: [With confused look] Mimosa?
Me: Yes, mimosa. Champagne with orange juice. Or just a glass champagne. Whichever is easier.
Server: [With concerned look] Umm... I need to get a manager approval for this. You have to pay.
Me: Yes, I know.

Eventually, a glass of mimosa was brought over. I wasn't sure if it was some type of British law that prevented serving alcohol at 10am, or the restaurant did not have the facility to provide alcohol due to the lack of a bartender, but they managed to deliver. Which, by the way, that glass of mimosa was Ł18 inclusive of service charge.

There was a hiccup at checkout, where their system was down and they can't close out the folio. I mentioned that I am expecting a charge from the restaurant from breakfast, but need to apply the Ambassador F&B credit, but they cannot see on the folio, and attributed the issue to the same problem with the computer. The front desk person then said that since it's due to their system issue, they will comp the charge....

.... which, 3 days later, I see the charge on my credit card. Attempts to reach the front desk by phone was futile, as I was disconnected every time I called. Eventually I just sent off an email to the hotel, and surprisingly they addressed it within 4 hours.
This reaffirms that best part of the property, besides its location, is the overwhelmingly positive service by its employees.

HadesNL

Thanks for the update, glad to know the Diamond breakfast at Theo Randall has not been watered down.....


I seem to lost track now that Theo Randall has become the default breakfast room.

I remember the space at the back,
After traversing the wellington bar / lobby lounge,

It was the designated breakfast place called the cookbook café
And afterwards a short stint as a Mexican restaurant.....
And news on the new incarnation or if ever that space is being used again in some way?

kodyandgracie

Alex Webb’s new venture will be moving into the space, soon, I believe.

HadesNL

Ahh i see...

So that's the space being used.....

Seems a recent addition since 6th october
https://www.luxurylifestylemag.co.uk...ane-in-london/

PTahCha

Slight correction - Alex Webb's residency is already active.

Petrus

Back in a few weeks, will report back any updates.

pazza2000

So just to confirm, those IHG members who select lounge access as their milestone bonus (at 40 nights), can access the lounge here, and at any IC lounge for that matter?

nicolas75

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inte...tml?styleid=24

AndyUK_101

Worked for me on my last stay, they added lounge access at check-in without any prompts

daruda

Booked a classic room in january for an amb stay this weekend. Upgrade shows superior room.
Diamond ambassador and only one level upgrade normal? Chance to request upgrade to mayfair at check-in?

ARR72

So did you make your request? How was it received?

turner32

Generally speaking, they will process the standard upgrade around the time of booking. Then, on the morning of the stay, they often upgrade further.