InterContinental Bangkok Master Thread [merged]
Sep 4, 2016, 1:53 pm
#1051
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Amsterdam, Asia, UK
Programs: IHG RA (Spire), HH Diamond, MR Platinum, SQ Gold, KLM Gold, BAEC Gold
Posts: 5,072
It helps to know if you can use other brands economically due to eg top hyatt/spg/marriott elite status giving you free lounge.
Myself with only IHG and HH status for upgrades + foc lounge access, I find paying for lounge at renaissance/marriotts/hyatts (I looked into it) makes booking those other brands, ie Club Room and zero upgrade, a poor value option.
After a bad experience at Hilton Sukhumvit, and Hilton Millennium in wrong location, I am left with just IC, Conrad, CP and HI Silom for Lounge Access hotels. (sticking with IHG and HH )
Myself with only IHG and HH status for upgrades + foc lounge access, I find paying for lounge at renaissance/marriotts/hyatts (I looked into it) makes booking those other brands, ie Club Room and zero upgrade, a poor value option.
After a bad experience at Hilton Sukhumvit, and Hilton Millennium in wrong location, I am left with just IC, Conrad, CP and HI Silom for Lounge Access hotels. (sticking with IHG and HH )
Dec 4, 2016, 8:49 pm
#1052
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP/OW Emerald, IHG Spire AMB
Posts: 37
Maybe I have been unlucky however the two times I stayed at IC BKK this year the service was very average. I got attitude when checking in, no one around to take my luggage (all bell persons were busy), and also major attitude when attending the lounge (the girl supposed to welcome you was too busy texting on her phone to look at me when I asked about opening times).
For the price they charge and receiving no service as a lowly Spire Ambassador I'd much rather stay next door at HI and spend my cash elsewhere.
For the price they charge and receiving no service as a lowly Spire Ambassador I'd much rather stay next door at HI and spend my cash elsewhere.
Dec 5, 2016, 10:21 am
#1053
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,773
I have had a corner suite once in 4 stays, Executive Suite once (when I paid for a Corner Suite) and standard/club room twice.
Better value in BKK, if you are a SPG Plat (which I am) are the Plaza Athenee, SGS, SR and even Westin GS (have had suites in them all, all have club or something similar.
If you are a Hilton Diamond (which I am) the Conrad (even if you have to pay for a suite which is 50:50 in my experience, the supplement isn't that much at check in) or Millenium Hilton. Again lounge and the like on a par with the IC BKK I think although I dislike the Hilton Location.
They would be my standard comparators given my status elsewhere and I think the IC comes up short against each of them. Certainly the rooms and lounge options compare poorly with the SR and SGS at a similar price point. Other hotels in BKK typically have 1 corkscrew per room too not 1 per hotel.
Dec 6, 2016, 12:30 pm
#1055
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: Hertz PC, Hilton DMD, IHG Spire Amb, Bonvoy Titanium Elite & WoH Globalist
Posts: 8,076
You don't always get a corner suite it depends whether they have sold out, or if you are on a short stay want to wait until 6pm for your suite to be available.
I have had a corner suite once in 4 stays, Executive Suite once (when I paid for a Corner Suite) and standard/club room twice.
Better value in BKK, if you are a SPG Plat (which I am) are the Plaza Athenee, SGS, SR and even Westin GS (have had suites in them all, all have club or something similar.
If you are a Hilton Diamond (which I am) the Conrad (even if you have to pay for a suite which is 50:50 in my experience, the supplement isn't that much at check in) or Millenium Hilton. Again lounge and the like on a par with the IC BKK I think although I dislike the Hilton Location.
They would be my standard comparators given my status elsewhere and I think the IC comes up short against each of them. Certainly the rooms and lounge options compare poorly with the SR and SGS at a similar price point. Other hotels in BKK typically have 1 corkscrew per room too not 1 per hotel.
I have had a corner suite once in 4 stays, Executive Suite once (when I paid for a Corner Suite) and standard/club room twice.
Better value in BKK, if you are a SPG Plat (which I am) are the Plaza Athenee, SGS, SR and even Westin GS (have had suites in them all, all have club or something similar.
If you are a Hilton Diamond (which I am) the Conrad (even if you have to pay for a suite which is 50:50 in my experience, the supplement isn't that much at check in) or Millenium Hilton. Again lounge and the like on a par with the IC BKK I think although I dislike the Hilton Location.
They would be my standard comparators given my status elsewhere and I think the IC comes up short against each of them. Certainly the rooms and lounge options compare poorly with the SR and SGS at a similar price point. Other hotels in BKK typically have 1 corkscrew per room too not 1 per hotel.
Nowadays, you can get suites for less than that amount (6K Baht) at many comparable properties in Bangkok. Too many layers of and hurdles to benefits at the ICH Bangkok, which is not a 5-star trait as they claim to be.
Dec 26, 2016, 4:07 am
#1056
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: UK
Programs: EK Gold, EY Gold, Bonvoy LT Titanium, IHG Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 330
I just did a serch for the IC BKK using cash and points.
a 4th option is available now
30,000 Points + $40.00 USD
25,000 Points + $70.00 USD
20,000 Points + $99.00 USD
15,000 Points + $125.00 USD
If anyone needs 20000 points book and cancel.. slightly better rate now at 125USD
a 4th option is available now
30,000 Points + $40.00 USD
25,000 Points + $70.00 USD
20,000 Points + $99.00 USD
15,000 Points + $125.00 USD
If anyone needs 20000 points book and cancel.. slightly better rate now at 125USD
Jan 8, 2017, 1:10 pm
#1057
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,372
Stimpy, weirdly I've never stayed at IC BKK but have a month there shortly. Just on the subject of minibar, what does it tend to include...wines & champagne? Heard it has a lot of spirits which don't float my boat so much. Just curious. I've been offered what seems be the fairly standard corner club suite.
Jan 8, 2017, 1:19 pm
#1058
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,372
Hmmn, ages since Thann toiletries last experienced in IC BKK Clubroom/Corner Suite for me .. must be 3years or more ago. IC Pattaya is using Thann toiletries though in Deluxe Pavillion Suites. I do like Thann better than Agraria though, bring back Elemis for IC's please.
I am not enjoying the IC BKK Lounge experience as much these days, I am just about decided to jump ship and choose Conrad as first option/choice in future unless I do not need an early checkin, and forgo the free minibar.
1. Lounge Breakfast - recent change, No longer the heated dishes to help ones self from, still the menu on table with same choices. So can no longer grab extra hash-browns with b/f menu order etc.
Still excellent poached eggs everytime in lounge though.
2. Lounge Afternoon Tea - year ago change, nothing out, staff bring out a platter to you. Not the same and a downgrade, plus miss the afternoon chocs
3. Lounge Evening nibbles - The multiple heated dishes dissapeared, becoming one heated dish, AND now nothing hot out. Cold meats and things only.
Belatedly (after 60mins) offered something on a tiny platter with 3things on it by staff, but I'd eaten simple cheese and bread instead.. there were no crackers either
4. Lounge evening drinks - still as good as ever, reasonably pleasant sparkling wine and the staff make a nice mojito
5. Lounge staff - still an excellent experience on that front.
6. Restaurant b/f - Finding this a lesser experience fod wise than a year ago too.
My pet hate is the really annoying and disturbing habit of restaurant waiting staff inserting hand right in your face between cup I am drinking coffee from to try and take any plate/dish that you are half-likely to have finished with. ..After twice in 90seconds this morning, I gave up and went to the lounge for b/f instead.
Note - As IC BKK reservation was only pre-booked 1night my flight arrival 11am early checkin date (Tues 2nd Aug), I have to change hotel anyway as IC BKK is sold out from Wednesday through the coming weekend.
Guess to where? Yes you are right the Conrad although I would not normally swap for a just a single night like today.
I am not enjoying the IC BKK Lounge experience as much these days, I am just about decided to jump ship and choose Conrad as first option/choice in future unless I do not need an early checkin, and forgo the free minibar.
1. Lounge Breakfast - recent change, No longer the heated dishes to help ones self from, still the menu on table with same choices. So can no longer grab extra hash-browns with b/f menu order etc.
Still excellent poached eggs everytime in lounge though.
2. Lounge Afternoon Tea - year ago change, nothing out, staff bring out a platter to you. Not the same and a downgrade, plus miss the afternoon chocs
3. Lounge Evening nibbles - The multiple heated dishes dissapeared, becoming one heated dish, AND now nothing hot out. Cold meats and things only.
Belatedly (after 60mins) offered something on a tiny platter with 3things on it by staff, but I'd eaten simple cheese and bread instead.. there were no crackers either
4. Lounge evening drinks - still as good as ever, reasonably pleasant sparkling wine and the staff make a nice mojito
5. Lounge staff - still an excellent experience on that front.
6. Restaurant b/f - Finding this a lesser experience fod wise than a year ago too.
My pet hate is the really annoying and disturbing habit of restaurant waiting staff inserting hand right in your face between cup I am drinking coffee from to try and take any plate/dish that you are half-likely to have finished with. ..After twice in 90seconds this morning, I gave up and went to the lounge for b/f instead.
Note - As IC BKK reservation was only pre-booked 1night my flight arrival 11am early checkin date (Tues 2nd Aug), I have to change hotel anyway as IC BKK is sold out from Wednesday through the coming weekend.
Guess to where? Yes you are right the Conrad although I would not normally swap for a just a single night like today.
Also any opinions or advice on health club / pool / spa / in-house restaurants etc.
Also how much is the hotel car and what are the concierge guys any good?
Any comments / recommendations to get the best out of my 30 day term very much appreciated. Many thanks
Jan 8, 2017, 1:31 pm
#1059
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,372
Sorry back again.....just read about an option called 'Preferred Dining' at IC BKK .... anyone know anything about that? Useful...waste of time....etc.
Also is this a bought option? Interested if it's worthwhile or fluff. Appreciate any advice. Thanks
http://bangkok.intercontinental.com/...red-dining#top
Also is this a bought option? Interested if it's worthwhile or fluff. Appreciate any advice. Thanks
http://bangkok.intercontinental.com/...red-dining#top
Jan 8, 2017, 1:40 pm
#1060
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Stimpy, weirdly I've never stayed at IC BKK but have a month there shortly. Just on the subject of minibar, what does it tend to include...wines & champagne? Heard it has a lot of spirits which don't float my boat so much. Just curious. I've been offered what seems be the fairly standard corner club suite.
The club has wines and Aussie sparkling as I recall, but it is stuff that would cost less than 5 quid in a normal shop in Europe or Oz.
Jan 8, 2017, 1:42 pm
#1061
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I think it is a waste of time. Bangkok is a treasure of local tiny restaurants and the best street food in the world. It's best to be out and about.
Jan 8, 2017, 1:56 pm
#1062
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,372
And is lounge service fairly forthcoming? And drinks window...is it the normal Asian 17.30 19.30 happy hour thing or does it stretch longer?
Thanks for the feedback
Jan 8, 2017, 3:14 pm
#1063
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,773
Lounge service is OK but can be patchy, I have certainly struggled hard to get attention sometimes though.
The Theo Randall place downstairs is OK, the Sunday brunch is also pretty decent but the other in property dining options are a tad meh. There are some much better options within a short walk/cab ride.
The IC minibar wouldn't swing it for me here. I have seldom had much more than a beer or Diet Coke, it is standard Thai 20cl moderate spirits, which aren't that expensive to buy locally if you are so inclined. This property is pretty much off my stay list now unless I need some cheap IC nights for the RA renewal gamble.
The Theo Randall place downstairs is OK, the Sunday brunch is also pretty decent but the other in property dining options are a tad meh. There are some much better options within a short walk/cab ride.
The IC minibar wouldn't swing it for me here. I have seldom had much more than a beer or Diet Coke, it is standard Thai 20cl moderate spirits, which aren't that expensive to buy locally if you are so inclined. This property is pretty much off my stay list now unless I need some cheap IC nights for the RA renewal gamble.
Jan 8, 2017, 3:35 pm
#1064
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BNE
Programs: QF Gold, VA Gold, IHG Spire, Accor Plat, Marriot Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,281
I have seldom had much more than a beer or Diet Coke, it is standard Thai 20cl moderate spirits, which aren't that expensive to buy locally if you are so inclined. This property is pretty much off my stay list now unless I need some cheap IC nights for the RA renewal gamble.
Jan 8, 2017, 3:49 pm
#1065
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,773
My club room last year had all half bottles, hardly 20cl minis, and the suites have the same, ie
http://www.flickr.com/photos/christr...g/17000367462/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/christr...g/17000367462/