Please post your Royal Ambassador experiences (Archive Thread 2008)
Jan 11, 2008, 1:05 am
#31
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Moscow
Programs: DL GM and so on
Posts: 1,200
Jan 11, 2008, 7:15 am
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DCA
Programs: AMC MovieWatcher, Giant BonusCard, Petco PALS Card, Silver Diner Blue Plate Club
Posts: 22,297
I've gotten a suite on both paid and reward stay, and gotten a Willard room on both paid and award stay. Room type booked hasn't seemed to influence this.
Jan 14, 2008, 11:36 am
#33
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond, AA Plat.
Posts: 706
IC Budapest
IC Budapest
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Extremely happy ^
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a two night stay, King Danube view non-smoking. Received a corner suite, room 810. It is located at the front end of the building and there are views from the back and front. The large living room has an incredible view of The Danube/Chain bridge/Buda hills/Marget Island and so many wonderful sights. The bedroom was down a long hallway and had a view onto the street and Roosevelt ter.
How are the rooms?
The room as described above was just great. The bathroom was average size with bath and a very powerful shower. We cleaned out the minibar daily
It consisted of 1.5L evian , 0.75 evain, 2 x fruit juice, 2 x half bottles of Hungarian wine, 1 x same of HU sparkling, 2 beers, 2 x whiskey, vodka, bacardi, etc, chips, nuts, soft drinks and chocolates. The welcome gift was 1/2 bottle of local red wine and fruit basket. Poor TV options, but who needs them with this view. Beds not too hard, tv's in both rooms, couch and recliner in living room with desk and chair. Large closet in the hall to the bedroom.
How is the exec. lounge?
The lounge was not busy anytime that we visited. Happy hour was 6-8pm for drinks and warm/cold snacks. Juice, pop, water, limited cold snacks/fruit and sparkling wine were available all day. Breakfast buffet from 6:30-10:30?. Mostly cheese's, cold meats, cereals, breads, yogurt. Good coffee machine and large selection of teas. With lounge access you also get the breakfast buffet in the restaurant buffet downstairs which is much better, with all the hot and cold selections. The view from the lounge is just spectacular, Chain bridge etc. Free wifi in lounge and 2 pc's with fast internet and printer.
What was good and what was bad?
Nothing bad. Good gym (again a great view) with small pool. Very friendly staff and great location for business or nightlife in pest or walk across the bridge to the Buda hills. The # 2 tram has a stop outside the from door. Deak Ter is a 5 minute walk where the 3 metro lines intersect. Vaci utca for shopping/casino/Gerbaud cafe/Varosmarty/restaurants and bars, it is all close by.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
We stayed 2 nights, made 2 prepaid reservations and used a $250 anyhotel card for each night. The 2 nights came to $225 USD/each and were charged to each card before arrival. I redeemed 59k PC points for these two cards and still have $25 left on each plus I earned 4k PC per night for the stay. From the hotels point of view, it was a paid stay. For me it cost 51K as opposed 80k for an award stay. Room 810 is directly below 910, which is the presidental suite. The view was the same as the photo posted by FTer Czech28 in post #1243 of this thread (see link below). From the airport, I used Zona taxi, they have a fixed rate of 4100HUF (20 Euro) to the IC. Same rate as earlier this year from BUD to Hilton westend. Yes, I will definitely be back. Great value for money.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1062/...4141fd.jpg?v=0
Video below: Crossing Chain bridge from the Buda hills to Pest. Four seasons is at the end of the bridge, Sofitel is after the turn and the camera points the the IC at (believe me it's there) at the end of the clip.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mJqdZLkyTiE
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Extremely happy ^
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a two night stay, King Danube view non-smoking. Received a corner suite, room 810. It is located at the front end of the building and there are views from the back and front. The large living room has an incredible view of The Danube/Chain bridge/Buda hills/Marget Island and so many wonderful sights. The bedroom was down a long hallway and had a view onto the street and Roosevelt ter.
How are the rooms?
The room as described above was just great. The bathroom was average size with bath and a very powerful shower. We cleaned out the minibar daily
It consisted of 1.5L evian , 0.75 evain, 2 x fruit juice, 2 x half bottles of Hungarian wine, 1 x same of HU sparkling, 2 beers, 2 x whiskey, vodka, bacardi, etc, chips, nuts, soft drinks and chocolates. The welcome gift was 1/2 bottle of local red wine and fruit basket. Poor TV options, but who needs them with this view. Beds not too hard, tv's in both rooms, couch and recliner in living room with desk and chair. Large closet in the hall to the bedroom.How is the exec. lounge?
The lounge was not busy anytime that we visited. Happy hour was 6-8pm for drinks and warm/cold snacks. Juice, pop, water, limited cold snacks/fruit and sparkling wine were available all day. Breakfast buffet from 6:30-10:30?. Mostly cheese's, cold meats, cereals, breads, yogurt. Good coffee machine and large selection of teas. With lounge access you also get the breakfast buffet in the restaurant buffet downstairs which is much better, with all the hot and cold selections. The view from the lounge is just spectacular, Chain bridge etc. Free wifi in lounge and 2 pc's with fast internet and printer.
What was good and what was bad?
Nothing bad. Good gym (again a great view) with small pool. Very friendly staff and great location for business or nightlife in pest or walk across the bridge to the Buda hills. The # 2 tram has a stop outside the from door. Deak Ter is a 5 minute walk where the 3 metro lines intersect. Vaci utca for shopping/casino/Gerbaud cafe/Varosmarty/restaurants and bars, it is all close by.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
We stayed 2 nights, made 2 prepaid reservations and used a $250 anyhotel card for each night. The 2 nights came to $225 USD/each and were charged to each card before arrival. I redeemed 59k PC points for these two cards and still have $25 left on each plus I earned 4k PC per night for the stay. From the hotels point of view, it was a paid stay. For me it cost 51K as opposed 80k for an award stay. Room 810 is directly below 910, which is the presidental suite. The view was the same as the photo posted by FTer Czech28 in post #1243 of this thread (see link below). From the airport, I used Zona taxi, they have a fixed rate of 4100HUF (20 Euro) to the IC. Same rate as earlier this year from BUD to Hilton westend. Yes, I will definitely be back. Great value for money.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1062/...4141fd.jpg?v=0
Video below: Crossing Chain bridge from the Buda hills to Pest. Four seasons is at the end of the bridge, Sofitel is after the turn and the camera points the the IC at (believe me it's there) at the end of the clip.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mJqdZLkyTiE
Last edited by NWA747SNN; Jan 23, 2008 at 11:02 pm Reason: Adding video and changing the obvious.
Jan 14, 2008, 11:45 am
#34
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond, AA Plat.
Posts: 706
IC Budapest
Duplicate post
Last edited by NWA747SNN; Jan 14, 2008 at 11:50 am
Jan 14, 2008, 7:39 pm
#35
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Silver Spring, and Eastern Shore Md. USA
Programs: AA EXP, UA MM/Premier Gold, Hyatt Globalist,Hilton Honors Gold, IHG platinum, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 1,059
IC LA Century City
IC LA Century City
[B]Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Generally yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King Deluxe and received Junior Suite
How are the rooms?
Separate livingroom with HDTV, bedroom with flat screen HDTV, full
bath with sep shower, small balcony with two chairs
How is the exec. lounge?
No lounge
What was good and what was bad?
Good The nicely appointed Junior Suite with HDTVs. Nice elemis toiletries, soft, soft towels.
Concierge gave us a great recommendation for an Italian restaurant, Piccolo, in Venice beach and it was superb. We ate breakfast twice at John Groats on Pico (drove there, parking on site). There looked to be a nice gym but we didn't havetime to use it.
Bad/So So. Nothing was really bad. The location was very isolated with nothing in walking distance. It reminded me of a motel--needing a car to go places. There was a car service to take you within a 1 1/2 mile radius but we didnt use it, easier to use our car. Others mentioned the pricey ($30 night parking). Also pricey was the restaurant I had to call at 8:30 the first night to ask about my ambassador gift. We received three apples, one large water and a small box of dark chocolate orange peels delivered to us on their "use by" date.
I asked for a larger proportion of diet drinks (rather than regular sodas) by both writing a note in the minibar and calling room service. This was to no avail--nothing different happened.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
So-so value. not expensive enough to use a BOGO but still cost $500 for two nights plus the parking.
Overall, given location and pricey restaurant, I would not return.
[B]Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Generally yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King Deluxe and received Junior Suite
How are the rooms?
Separate livingroom with HDTV, bedroom with flat screen HDTV, full
bath with sep shower, small balcony with two chairs
How is the exec. lounge?
No lounge
What was good and what was bad?
Good The nicely appointed Junior Suite with HDTVs. Nice elemis toiletries, soft, soft towels.
Concierge gave us a great recommendation for an Italian restaurant, Piccolo, in Venice beach and it was superb. We ate breakfast twice at John Groats on Pico (drove there, parking on site). There looked to be a nice gym but we didn't havetime to use it.
Bad/So So. Nothing was really bad. The location was very isolated with nothing in walking distance. It reminded me of a motel--needing a car to go places. There was a car service to take you within a 1 1/2 mile radius but we didnt use it, easier to use our car. Others mentioned the pricey ($30 night parking). Also pricey was the restaurant I had to call at 8:30 the first night to ask about my ambassador gift. We received three apples, one large water and a small box of dark chocolate orange peels delivered to us on their "use by" date.
I asked for a larger proportion of diet drinks (rather than regular sodas) by both writing a note in the minibar and calling room service. This was to no avail--nothing different happened.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
So-so value. not expensive enough to use a BOGO but still cost $500 for two nights plus the parking.
Overall, given location and pricey restaurant, I would not return.
Last edited by silver springer; Jan 14, 2008 at 7:41 pm Reason: editing
Jan 16, 2008, 12:32 pm
#36
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London
Programs: IC RA Plat, BA Silver, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 27
IC Athens
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
I booked standard room and was upgraded to executive suite.
- How are the rooms?
It's on the top floor and nice.
- How is the exec. lounge?
I couldn't have time to go to exec. lounge. At IC Athens,
RA member has to pay 60euro per night to use it.
- What was good and what was bad?
On demand Movie wasn't working. I received a bottle of wine,
local sweets, a bottle of water, and fruits. Staff is always very friendly.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Always stay there when I visit Athens though the location isn't very
good if you visit on holiday.
I booked standard room and was upgraded to executive suite.
- How are the rooms?
It's on the top floor and nice.
- How is the exec. lounge?
I couldn't have time to go to exec. lounge. At IC Athens,
RA member has to pay 60euro per night to use it.
- What was good and what was bad?
On demand Movie wasn't working. I received a bottle of wine,
local sweets, a bottle of water, and fruits. Staff is always very friendly.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Always stay there when I visit Athens though the location isn't very
good if you visit on holiday.
Jan 16, 2008, 12:59 pm
#37
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: Hilton*D, Marriott*LG, Hyatt*G
Posts: 6,268
Welcome to FlyerTalk and thanks for posting!!
Always stay there when I visit Athens though the location isn't very
good if you visit on holiday.[/QUOTE]
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
I booked standard room and was upgraded to executive suite.
- How are the rooms?
It's on the top floor and nice.
- How is the exec. lounge?
I couldn't have time to go to exec. lounge. At IC Athens,
RA member has to pay 60euro per night to use it.
- What was good and what was bad?
On demand Movie wasn't working. I received a bottle of wine,
local sweets, a bottle of water, and fruits. Staff is always very friendly.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
I booked standard room and was upgraded to executive suite.
- How are the rooms?
It's on the top floor and nice.
- How is the exec. lounge?
I couldn't have time to go to exec. lounge. At IC Athens,
RA member has to pay 60euro per night to use it.
- What was good and what was bad?
On demand Movie wasn't working. I received a bottle of wine,
local sweets, a bottle of water, and fruits. Staff is always very friendly.
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
good if you visit on holiday.[/QUOTE]
Jan 17, 2008, 1:26 am
#38
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Scotland
Programs: # Neodymium #
Posts: 968
IC Hong Kong
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, absolutely. Though this was mainly for the stunning location!
Also, we booked the limo-pickup from the airport, which is a really nice way to arrive at this hotel. Easy pickup from the arrivals hall.. greeted at the hotel front by senior staff member, who escorts you straight to your room for in-room check-in. Quickly followed by arrival of fruit, tea, amenities, and multiple offers of help. (RA amenity was offer of complimentary massage in the spa.)
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a King contemp. delux harbour view. Received pre-upgraded junior suite - xx16 series, with the full sweeping harbour view. A gorgeous room.
How are the rooms?
As above.. just lovely. Big, high king bed, desk and chair, sofa and comfy chairs, large flat-screen telly and Bose music system. Modern decor. Large bathroom, with shower/steam room, corner jacuzzi bath, double basin, etc.
How is the exec. lounge?
No access. Didn't need it anyway!
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- good upgrade
- very friendly and helpful staff
- awesome room view
Bad:
- Charged for minibar food items on check-out (I thought they were included too.. ? oh well...)
- Wireless internet HK$150 per day.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
- Excellent hotel, but as long as you get a good harbour view, definitely worth it!
Yes, absolutely. Though this was mainly for the stunning location!
Also, we booked the limo-pickup from the airport, which is a really nice way to arrive at this hotel. Easy pickup from the arrivals hall.. greeted at the hotel front by senior staff member, who escorts you straight to your room for in-room check-in. Quickly followed by arrival of fruit, tea, amenities, and multiple offers of help. (RA amenity was offer of complimentary massage in the spa.)
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a King contemp. delux harbour view. Received pre-upgraded junior suite - xx16 series, with the full sweeping harbour view. A gorgeous room.
How are the rooms?
As above.. just lovely. Big, high king bed, desk and chair, sofa and comfy chairs, large flat-screen telly and Bose music system. Modern decor. Large bathroom, with shower/steam room, corner jacuzzi bath, double basin, etc.
How is the exec. lounge?
No access. Didn't need it anyway!
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- good upgrade
- very friendly and helpful staff
- awesome room view
Bad:
- Charged for minibar food items on check-out (I thought they were included too.. ? oh well...)
- Wireless internet HK$150 per day.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
- Excellent hotel, but as long as you get a good harbour view, definitely worth it!
Jan 17, 2008, 9:12 pm
#39
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: InterCon Royal Ambassador, Delta Platinum, HH Diamond, Avis Chairman, PC Platinum, AA Platinum
Posts: 3
IC HKG Worth It?
I hear that the IC HKG is one of the most amazing hotels in the world. I need to choose between two different reservations booked for Hong Kong in Feb: one at the IC HKG (200K points) and the other at the Conrad (175K points). I am a RA with IHG and Diamond member with Hilton respectively.
Can anyone give me their opinion on the two properties? Is 25K less points & guaranteed club access at the Conrad HKG a better deal than a possible upgrade at IC HKG (but a chance to stay at one of the most amazing hotels in the world)? Is the IC HKG location and property truly that much better than the Conrad HKG? I’ve been quite a few places and stayed at many IC & Conrad Hotels, but never in Hong Kong. I value what you might think my best choice is.
Can anyone give me their opinion on the two properties? Is 25K less points & guaranteed club access at the Conrad HKG a better deal than a possible upgrade at IC HKG (but a chance to stay at one of the most amazing hotels in the world)? Is the IC HKG location and property truly that much better than the Conrad HKG? I’ve been quite a few places and stayed at many IC & Conrad Hotels, but never in Hong Kong. I value what you might think my best choice is.
Jan 17, 2008, 10:47 pm
#40
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia (from time to time)
Programs: QF-LTS & P, SQ-TPPS, IC-RA, HH-D, *wood G, Others
Posts: 1,729
I am a Conrad fan. They have always treated me very well and at corporate rates much less than IC, and always on Exec floor. I am RA at IC and Diamond at HH. I haven't stayed at the IC (I have stayed at the other IC (didn't like it), but don't feel it's as convenient as the Conrad for getting about.
I am sure you will get some passionate views on each hotel. Why not consider a split stay half at each?
I am sure you will get some passionate views on each hotel. Why not consider a split stay half at each?
Jan 18, 2008, 1:35 am
#41
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
I hear that the IC HKG is one of the most amazing hotels in the world. I need to choose between two different reservations booked for Hong Kong in Feb: one at the IC HKG (200K points) and the other at the Conrad (175K points). I am a RA with IHG and Diamond member with Hilton respectively.
Can anyone give me their opinion on the two properties? Is 25K less points & guaranteed club access at the Conrad HKG a better deal than a possible upgrade at IC HKG (but a chance to stay at one of the most amazing hotels in the world)? Is the IC HKG location and property truly that much better than the Conrad HKG? I’ve been quite a few places and stayed at many IC & Conrad Hotels, but never in Hong Kong. I value what you might think my best choice is.
Can anyone give me their opinion on the two properties? Is 25K less points & guaranteed club access at the Conrad HKG a better deal than a possible upgrade at IC HKG (but a chance to stay at one of the most amazing hotels in the world)? Is the IC HKG location and property truly that much better than the Conrad HKG? I’ve been quite a few places and stayed at many IC & Conrad Hotels, but never in Hong Kong. I value what you might think my best choice is.
I would not recommend staying on points at the IC. It is a great hotel, but the best part is the view.
Jan 18, 2008, 2:06 am
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,871
I hear that the IC HKG is one of the most amazing hotels in the world. I need to choose between two different reservations booked for Hong Kong in Feb: one at the IC HKG (200K points) and the other at the Conrad (175K points). I am a RA with IHG and Diamond member with Hilton respectively.
Can anyone give me their opinion on the two properties? Is 25K less points & guaranteed club access at the Conrad HKG a better deal than a possible upgrade at IC HKG (but a chance to stay at one of the most amazing hotels in the world)? Is the IC HKG location and property truly that much better than the Conrad HKG? I’ve been quite a few places and stayed at many IC & Conrad Hotels, but never in Hong Kong. I value what you might think my best choice is.
Can anyone give me their opinion on the two properties? Is 25K less points & guaranteed club access at the Conrad HKG a better deal than a possible upgrade at IC HKG (but a chance to stay at one of the most amazing hotels in the world)? Is the IC HKG location and property truly that much better than the Conrad HKG? I’ve been quite a few places and stayed at many IC & Conrad Hotels, but never in Hong Kong. I value what you might think my best choice is.
Personally, I'd split my stay if you're there for 4 nights or more, given the different location of the hotels.
Jan 18, 2008, 9:49 am
#43
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: IC Royal Ambassador, SPG Platinum, HH Gold, BA Gold, Flying Blue Platinum
Posts: 767
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes - first stay here and I will be back!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a Classic Room (22sqm) on a reward night, received a pre-upgraded 36sqm Executive Room
How are the rooms?
Classically decorated - big, high king bed, overstuffed chairs, fabric on the walls, all very grand. Executive room had a small lobby area with the bathroom off it and the bedroom seperate.
How is the exec. lounge?
Very nice - good breakfast spread including hot items (and serving until 12.00pm, although this may only be on a Sunday). Open bar from 6pm-10pm.
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- good upgrade, especially considering my RA status expired 5 days before check-in!
- complimentary club access
- great location - 30 minutes walk maximum to most major sights
- excellent treatment for a reward night
Bad:
- Expensive in room dining (breakfast 45 Euros!) although I didn't use it;
- Mice running around the hotel bar in the evening!
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Excellent value, room rate with club access would have been >400 Euro/night. I would definitely return.
Yes - first stay here and I will be back!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a Classic Room (22sqm) on a reward night, received a pre-upgraded 36sqm Executive Room
How are the rooms?
Classically decorated - big, high king bed, overstuffed chairs, fabric on the walls, all very grand. Executive room had a small lobby area with the bathroom off it and the bedroom seperate.
How is the exec. lounge?
Very nice - good breakfast spread including hot items (and serving until 12.00pm, although this may only be on a Sunday). Open bar from 6pm-10pm.
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- good upgrade, especially considering my RA status expired 5 days before check-in!
- complimentary club access
- great location - 30 minutes walk maximum to most major sights
- excellent treatment for a reward night
Bad:
- Expensive in room dining (breakfast 45 Euros!) although I didn't use it;
- Mice running around the hotel bar in the evening!
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Excellent value, room rate with club access would have been >400 Euro/night. I would definitely return.
Care to elaborate more about the mice in the bar? : (
Jan 18, 2008, 10:07 am
#44
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Living in SIN™
Programs: TK/SQ Gold, QR Plat, Marriott/Accor Plat, IC Dia Amb, HH Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 6,706
Jan 18, 2008, 11:40 am
#45
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: IC Royal Ambassador, SPG Platinum, HH Gold, BA Gold, Flying Blue Platinum
Posts: 767
If that was the case, I would at least expect some innocent off the streets developing a fabulous reputation ridiculously quickly, before being shamed by the unexpected emersion of our furry hero in an Apple Martini (I am sure there is a much more appropriate Parisian drink that could be subsituted here) 