I stayed at InterContinental Mexico City Presidente as part of a mattress run to compare with similar hotels from Marriott, Accor, and Hyatt chains.  While I found the IC hotel to be quite nice, unfortunately as is usually the case the IHG Spire Ambassador loyalty benefits originally offered were not competitive at this property and it required some haggling at check-in to end up with competitive value for the money compared to other hotels.

Check In

I received free breakfast at all six other hotels in Mexico City during my trip, a suite upgrade at all but one, and lounge access at those which have one and if not closed because of covid.  In contrast, the IHG loyalty benefits did not impress: at check-in I was informed that I was upgraded to a view room (no suite), and that as per the rules of the program, as Spire Ambassador I would not get free breakfast or lounge access.  The only little extra over the standard rules was that they would allow the 20 USD credit to be used for in-room dining rather than limit it to the restaurant only. 

I pointed out to them that while they are following the rules of the program for suites, breakfast, and lounge, that was entirely their decision to do the bare minimum – nobody prevents them from offering more.  At first they tried to upsell lounge access for 30 USD per person per day and/or a suite upgrade for 80 USD per night.  I declined by saying I am getting all those perks for free at other hotel chains due to top tier status.  The receptionist then called the guest service relations manager and after the conversation their offer improved to 30 USD per night for suite+lounge+breakfast.  I accepted it because it was good value, but it did require some negotiation which is normally not necessary at other hotel chains.

Room

The suite was quite nice with great views of the park in front of the hotel, it had the convenient extra half bathroom near the entrance, and overall spacious everywhere (living, bedroom, main bathroom).  There was a stand-alone shower in addition to a bathtub, everything was in good condition as per the recent renovations, and they had L’Occitane bathroom amenities.  I wish there was no carpet in the room but overall that might be the only blemish I could find.  There were even some tech features such as the TV in the bathroom mirror and the electric controls for blinds.  

Dining

The lounge looked nice and felt quite posh.  All food was served by staff - the buffet was discontinued.  The breakfast a la carte menu was decent, although perhaps just a small notch below the offerings of other comparable hotels in the city but not a big difference.  For happy hour 6-9pm they served some snacks (set menu), three food trays in total including the last one which was desserts.  From 6-8pm it was possible to have alcoholic drinks.  Overall since this lounge is pay-for-access it could have been superior to other hotels where elites have free access, but other than the décor which was attractive, in some ways the offerings were a tad inferior for example at Hyatt Regency the hors d’oeuvres were served 4 hours and drinks 3 hours plus guests have a choice from the a la carte menu rather than the set menu at IC.  

Wifi

Wifi had subpar speeds of around 5 Mbps.

Overall

Overall my stay was good but it required a conversation at check-in to end up with a similar value proposition than what I had at similar hotels in this price range.  For example at Sofitel and Hyatt Regency I had a suite upgrade, lounge access, and breakfast without having to ask for anything.  At IC for a solo traveler 30 USD per day for the lounge is ok, however for a couple then at 60 USD per day the alternative hotels which provide lounge access start looking more attractive than IC especially if room rates are in the neighborhood of 200 USD per night.