IC Dubai Festival City (Master Thread)
Oct 23, 2014, 5:24 am
#91
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Germany
Programs: Royal Platinum Ambassador, Hilton Gold
Posts: 83
I vote for a rental car in the UAE. Driving is so much fun there. You can stop whereever You want and make a Dertour to Palm Island for examble or visit Yas and Sadiaayt Island Close to Abu Dhabi.
I also find driving now relatively safe. 10 years ago driving was often without rules. But Police controls and cameras have changed the Situation completely.
By the way, driving in Qatar is still like it was in Dubai 10 years ago. I have been in Doha this spring and there I preferred Taxis. But not in the UAE.
I also find driving now relatively safe. 10 years ago driving was often without rules. But Police controls and cameras have changed the Situation completely.
By the way, driving in Qatar is still like it was in Dubai 10 years ago. I have been in Doha this spring and there I preferred Taxis. But not in the UAE.
Oct 27, 2014, 4:41 pm
#92
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Bay Area
Programs: HH, PC, SPG, MR, GP, US, UA, AA
Posts: 3,466
Thank you for all your replies, still debating but leaning towards taxi now. One more question: does the hotel honor RA benefits on award stay? TIA.
ETA: emailed the hotel and got the following reply:
ETA: emailed the hotel and got the following reply:
We would like to inform you that benefits of Royal Ambassador will apply with the exception of upgrades, free Pay TV film per stay, 24 hour guaranteed room availability, 8:00am early check-in and complimentary mini-bar beverages if you will stay using your points (Reward Nights).
Last edited by rdchen; Oct 29, 2014 at 3:38 pm
Nov 4, 2014, 10:39 am
#93
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: West Coast, USA
Programs: Skywards Platinum
Posts: 3,747
I rented a car last time I was there and had no problem. If you can drive in any major city then you can drive in Dubai.
Nov 4, 2014, 10:52 am
#94
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: West Coast, USA
Programs: Skywards Platinum
Posts: 3,747
Just to note I rented a car again last week and drove in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, no issues whatsoever. If some of you think this is Wild West territory driving then you must be used to driving on old country roads with no traffic.
Last edited by whimike; Dec 9, 2014 at 11:54 pm
Dec 9, 2014, 9:45 pm
#95
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Singapore
Programs: IHG Plat Amb, Accor Plat, Hilton HHonors Gold, Best Western Diamond, Club Carlson Gold, GHA Black
Posts: 278
am a plat amb staying in Feb 15, booked a club intercon room, any plat amb to share their upgrade experiences at this property? Thanks in adv!
Dec 23, 2014, 1:28 am
#98
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: MUC
Programs: LH HON, PC RA
Posts: 148
As RA you get to chose whether you want the upgrade or lounge access. It pays off to call in advance to tell them what you opt for.
Club guests get the airport transfers for free.
And the lounge is Great!
Club guests get the airport transfers for free.
And the lounge is Great!
Feb 6, 2015, 6:45 pm
#99
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 373
Dubai Festival City IC club lounge outrage
I just read a review on TripAdvisor for the Dubai Festival City Intercontinental Club Lounge. According to the review, as of February 1, the hotel has stopped hot food offerings in the lounge and have replaced it with menus from the hotel restaurants to purchase food to be eaten in the club lounge.
Say it isn't true. If so, this 5-star hotel has lost a couple stars and I will cancel my reservations.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._of_Dubai.html
Say it isn't true. If so, this 5-star hotel has lost a couple stars and I will cancel my reservations.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._of_Dubai.html
Feb 7, 2015, 2:01 am
#100
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I don't believe a thing I read on Tripadvisor. If I were you and had a reservation coming up, I would ring up the Club room direct and ask.
Feb 8, 2015, 3:01 am
#101
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 176
Just stayed here. Was not around in the evening but did check with the club staff in the morning and they confirmed that they continue to offer food in the evening. The menus are put out outside of the refreshment service times (breakfast 6.30 to 11, high tea 2 to 6 and evening drinks and canapé service 6 to 9)
Feb 8, 2015, 3:35 am
#102
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,689
Just stayed here. Was not around in the evening but did check with the club staff in the morning and they confirmed that they continue to offer food in the evening. The menus are put out outside of the refreshment service times (breakfast 6.30 to 11, high tea 2 to 6 and evening drinks and canapé service 6 to 9)
Sometimes getting back late and need to work and dine at the same time it is a great alternative to having food in your room.
Most of the IC Club will let you do this as an unadvertised perk.
Feb 9, 2015, 1:28 pm
#104
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SE USA
Programs: DL DM/MM , IHG Plat, MR Titanium, HH Gold, EK Frequent Kettle, UA Silver, AA Hater
Posts: 2,020
I stopped staying there due to inconsistent admittance into the lounge. As a Plat I really don't see any recognition so why bother.
I stay at the CP next door (no lounge) and save some money. The Belgium Beer Cafe is great.
I actually prefer the breakfast buffet at the CP over the IC.
I stay at the CP next door (no lounge) and save some money. The Belgium Beer Cafe is great.
I actually prefer the breakfast buffet at the CP over the IC.
Feb 10, 2015, 4:07 am
#105
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tyrone,EU
Programs: Avios Hunter
Posts: 2,812