Please post your Royal Ambassador experiences (Archive Thread 2009)
Nov 29, 2004, 7:23 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 193
Please post your Royal Ambassador experiences (Archive Thread 2009)
I thought I start a thread to post Royal Ambassador experiences:
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
- How are the rooms?
- How is the exec. lounge?
- What was good and what was bad?
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
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Newer Posts could be found in this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inter...periences.html
FLYGVA
co-moderator IHG Forum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
- How are the rooms?
- How is the exec. lounge?
- What was good and what was bad?
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Moderators Notice:
Newer Posts could be found in this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inter...periences.html
FLYGVA
co-moderator IHG Forum
Jan 1, 2009, 6:06 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,960
IC Buenos Aires
What is your Priority Club status?
RA.
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, very much
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Cheapest flexible rate for one week
+ extended 2 days (one on points, one paid)
Got a junior suite + club access
- How are the rooms?
Very nicely decorated
Quite Large (around 70 sqm)
One large flat screen TV set, on a rotating furniture to be seen from both room and living room
Very large bathroom with separate shower and huge bath
Separate toilets
Large dressing
Located on 14th floor
Fresh flowers changed every two days
Turndown service
Butler
- How is the Exec. lounge?
Very nicely decorated
The same size the junior suite
Breakfast is served in the morning (excellent scrambled eggs; I should have asked the receipt)
Tea time sweets
Cocktail time, with alcohol and light canapés
1 Internet PC + Printer (new, not yet working)
Excellent service
Closed on 31st december/1st January (breakfast in the restaurant instead)
- What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
Warm, smiling and very professional service
Very nice upgrade
Elegant atmosphere
Extended stay with same category of rooms and benefits with points
Very nice indoor swimming pool (free for RAs)
Good location (centrally located), even if not a the chic location of Sofitel/Park Hyatt at Ricoletta
Excellent concierge
Local wine for RA gift + 50% off for wine at restaurant + 2 items dry cleaned for free
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, definitely. And Buenos Aires is really a nice, living, cultural city
RA.
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, very much
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Cheapest flexible rate for one week
+ extended 2 days (one on points, one paid)
Got a junior suite + club access
- How are the rooms?
Very nicely decorated
Quite Large (around 70 sqm)
One large flat screen TV set, on a rotating furniture to be seen from both room and living room
Very large bathroom with separate shower and huge bath
Separate toilets
Large dressing
Located on 14th floor
Fresh flowers changed every two days
Turndown service
Butler
- How is the Exec. lounge?
Very nicely decorated
The same size the junior suite
Breakfast is served in the morning (excellent scrambled eggs; I should have asked the receipt)
Tea time sweets
Cocktail time, with alcohol and light canapés
1 Internet PC + Printer (new, not yet working)
Excellent service
Closed on 31st december/1st January (breakfast in the restaurant instead)
- What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
Warm, smiling and very professional service
Very nice upgrade
Elegant atmosphere
Extended stay with same category of rooms and benefits with points
Very nice indoor swimming pool (free for RAs)
Good location (centrally located), even if not a the chic location of Sofitel/Park Hyatt at Ricoletta
Excellent concierge
Local wine for RA gift + 50% off for wine at restaurant + 2 items dry cleaned for free
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, definitely. And Buenos Aires is really a nice, living, cultural city
Jan 4, 2009, 4:23 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Quebec, Canada
Programs: PC RA
Posts: 53
IC Ixtapa
Is anyone have an experience about this all-inclusive Hotel and are they give the RA upgrade?
Jan 4, 2009, 11:29 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Princeton, NJ; Lviv Ukraine
Programs: UA 3.6MM, AF/KL Lifetime Plat, BA Gold, AA 1MM, IC Spire RA, Kimpton IC, Marriott Plat, et alia
Posts: 2,732
IC Frankfurt
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Standard room booked; upgraded to something like a deluxe room or junior suite. Asked about lounge access and the guest relations manager accommodated, but was warned that the lounge was not on full service at the moment.
- How are the rooms?
Not as nice as last time.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Between Christmas and New Year, the Exec Lounge is on life support. There are no evening snacks; and the afternoon tea is pretty miserable. Even the drinks refrigerators were locked (but after a call to the front desk, someone did come up and open them ... there are nice beers, apple wines and regular wines there).
- What was good and what was bad?
Sometimes, you want more guests so that more facilities are open!
A few beers from the minibar (if you had to pay) would run more expensive than the room itself ... ouch!
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yeah, probably will return.
Standard room booked; upgraded to something like a deluxe room or junior suite. Asked about lounge access and the guest relations manager accommodated, but was warned that the lounge was not on full service at the moment.
- How are the rooms?
Not as nice as last time.
- How is the exec. lounge?
Between Christmas and New Year, the Exec Lounge is on life support. There are no evening snacks; and the afternoon tea is pretty miserable. Even the drinks refrigerators were locked (but after a call to the front desk, someone did come up and open them ... there are nice beers, apple wines and regular wines there).
- What was good and what was bad?
Sometimes, you want more guests so that more facilities are open!
A few beers from the minibar (if you had to pay) would run more expensive than the room itself ... ouch!
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yeah, probably will return.
Last edited by vsevolod4; Jan 4, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Jan 5, 2009, 10:14 am
#5
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NUE
Programs: Skywards Gold, IC Ambassador, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Accor Platinum
Posts: 495
IC Frankfurt
Had the same experience at the IC Frankfurt two days after christmas.
Paid for a Club Room - upgrade was to a Club Suite.
Lounge not staffed - except for a few hours when one of the Guest Relations
Persons was there. Only sandwiches and softdrinks / beer available. But they had a small menu you could order snacks from through room service (e.g. Caesars Salad, Hamburger, Soup). Luckily we managed to get the usual champagne in the evening. But all in all not a very good experience compared to the normally great lounge! The staff was simply missing - you had no one to address with your problems. Price was the same as when the lounge is fully operational.
And there are also bad news from IC Frankfurt:
They had planned a complete renovation for 2009 - but this has now suddenly been canceled due to the economic crisis. So we will probably be stuck with those run down rooms for another 10 years...
Paid for a Club Room - upgrade was to a Club Suite.
Lounge not staffed - except for a few hours when one of the Guest Relations
Persons was there. Only sandwiches and softdrinks / beer available. But they had a small menu you could order snacks from through room service (e.g. Caesars Salad, Hamburger, Soup). Luckily we managed to get the usual champagne in the evening. But all in all not a very good experience compared to the normally great lounge! The staff was simply missing - you had no one to address with your problems. Price was the same as when the lounge is fully operational.
And there are also bad news from IC Frankfurt:
They had planned a complete renovation for 2009 - but this has now suddenly been canceled due to the economic crisis. So we will probably be stuck with those run down rooms for another 10 years...
Jan 5, 2009, 11:13 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,960
IC Frankfurt really needs a renovation.
By the way, it is easier to implement a renovation programme when the hotel is not full (and maybe ready when the financial situation is better)
Jan 6, 2009, 6:23 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Ravens Country
Programs: UA-1K, Marriott-Gold, SPG-Gold, IC RA/Plat, Amtrak Select
Posts: 3,887
IC Miami--Downtown
What is your PC Status?
Plat/Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with your stay?
Yes, VERY MUCH SO!!
What Room Did you Book and what Did you Receive?
I booked a Parlor Suite and was upgraded in advance to an Executive Suite. I asked at Checkin for a further upgrade and was upgraded to the Royal Suite ^
How are the Rooms?
The suite was a 2 floor suite on the 33rd floor with 1 bedroom a very large living room and a seperate dining room. There was also a kitchen area. The upper level had a board room as well as a half bathroom and a small sitting area at the top of the stairs. The view was Biscayne Bay and looking on to the Ocean. There was also a half bathroom in the living room. The room had modern lights as well as plenty of artwork. The Furniture was also trendy.
How was the Exec Lounge?
It was a nice size. A plasma TV with ample seating overlooking downtown Miami. The breakfast was good. Happy Hour had a different theme each night and that was the cuisine of food offered. Beer other adult beverages were only out during the happy hour. There were also 2 Computers and a copy and fax machiene. I was surprised to see that there was no one sitting near the front of the lounge to ask for room numbers or to sign people in. The door was not closed and anyone could just walk in. The lounge was always staffed but the desk is in the back.
What was the Good and What was the Bad?
Good
Great Upgrade
Great Spa and Fitness Center
Good Location with walking distance to shopping and nightlife.
Nice Staff
Bar in the hotel had great food.
Bad
None
Would You Return
YES, In a heartbeat.
What is your PC Status?
Plat/Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with your stay?
Yes, VERY MUCH SO!!
What Room Did you Book and what Did you Receive?
I booked a Parlor Suite and was upgraded in advance to an Executive Suite. I asked at Checkin for a further upgrade and was upgraded to the Royal Suite ^
How are the Rooms?
The suite was a 2 floor suite on the 33rd floor with 1 bedroom a very large living room and a seperate dining room. There was also a kitchen area. The upper level had a board room as well as a half bathroom and a small sitting area at the top of the stairs. The view was Biscayne Bay and looking on to the Ocean. There was also a half bathroom in the living room. The room had modern lights as well as plenty of artwork. The Furniture was also trendy.
How was the Exec Lounge?
It was a nice size. A plasma TV with ample seating overlooking downtown Miami. The breakfast was good. Happy Hour had a different theme each night and that was the cuisine of food offered. Beer other adult beverages were only out during the happy hour. There were also 2 Computers and a copy and fax machiene. I was surprised to see that there was no one sitting near the front of the lounge to ask for room numbers or to sign people in. The door was not closed and anyone could just walk in. The lounge was always staffed but the desk is in the back.
What was the Good and What was the Bad?
Good
Great Upgrade
Great Spa and Fitness Center
Good Location with walking distance to shopping and nightlife.
Nice Staff
Bar in the hotel had great food.
Bad
None
Would You Return
YES, In a heartbeat.
Jan 6, 2009, 8:19 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
Will you loan them the money? Reality bites and Germany is in the pits right now, worse than the US for accessing working capital. The government's just announced stimulus program is a laugh for the fourth or fifth largest economy in the world. The very reason governments have to start spending on public works and infrastructure is because private companies cannot, so someone has to keep things going until the private sector recovers...if it ever does.
Jan 7, 2009, 2:03 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,871
Will you loan them the money? Reality bites and Germany is in the pits right now, worse than the US for accessing working capital. The government's just announced stimulus program is a laugh for the fourth or fifth largest economy in the world. The very reason governments have to start spending on public works and infrastructure is because private companies cannot, so someone has to keep things going until the private sector recovers...if it ever does.
Jan 7, 2009, 10:22 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold PC Plat Hilton Gold
Posts: 107
IC Warsaw
What is your PC Status?
Plat/Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with your stay?
Yes with a few minor problems
What Room Did you Book and what Did you Receive?
Booked a King Bed Executive with club access using the Leisure Saver Rate. Saving €40 on the club access. Upgraded to a Junior Suite not on the club floor but with access to the lounge.
How are the Rooms?
Separate living and bedroom both reasonable size with modern furniture and good views over the city. Large bathroom with separate bath tub and rain fall shower. Large Elemis toiletries.
How was the Exec Lounge?
Not sure if it would be worth €60 a day but for the €20 paid it was very reasonable. Beer, wine and soft drinks available all day with spirits during happy hours 6pm – 8pm. I did not make breakfast but snacks available all day and hot tapas style food during happy hours. Large plasma screen TV and 2 PC terminals.
What was the Good and What was the Bad?
Good
Upgrade confirmed before check-in
Bottle of red wine and nice selection of chocolates and fruit as RA gift
Good Location with walking distance to museums, old town and nightlife.
Hotel run taxi service which you could put the fare on your room and only slightly more expensive than the local taxis
Bad
Health Club and Gym shut all day on New Years Eve with no warning
Club Lounge closed at 6P.M on New Years Eve again without warning
Would You Return
Yes this is one of the cheaper IC in Europe but still offers a high standard of accommodation and service.
Plat/Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with your stay?
Yes with a few minor problems
What Room Did you Book and what Did you Receive?
Booked a King Bed Executive with club access using the Leisure Saver Rate. Saving €40 on the club access. Upgraded to a Junior Suite not on the club floor but with access to the lounge.
How are the Rooms?
Separate living and bedroom both reasonable size with modern furniture and good views over the city. Large bathroom with separate bath tub and rain fall shower. Large Elemis toiletries.
How was the Exec Lounge?
Not sure if it would be worth €60 a day but for the €20 paid it was very reasonable. Beer, wine and soft drinks available all day with spirits during happy hours 6pm – 8pm. I did not make breakfast but snacks available all day and hot tapas style food during happy hours. Large plasma screen TV and 2 PC terminals.
What was the Good and What was the Bad?
Good
Upgrade confirmed before check-in
Bottle of red wine and nice selection of chocolates and fruit as RA gift
Good Location with walking distance to museums, old town and nightlife.
Hotel run taxi service which you could put the fare on your room and only slightly more expensive than the local taxis
Bad
Health Club and Gym shut all day on New Years Eve with no warning
Club Lounge closed at 6P.M on New Years Eve again without warning
Would You Return
Yes this is one of the cheaper IC in Europe but still offers a high standard of accommodation and service.
Jan 7, 2009, 11:00 am
#11
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Programs: AS 100K, UA MM, AA MM, IC Plat Amb, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 3,146
IC Frankfurt
What is your PC Status?
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with your stay?
Yes
What Room Did you Book and what Did you Receive?
Booked the cheapest SUPERIOR ROOM and received a PANORAMIC SUITE.
How are the Rooms?
Large living room with powder room and separate seating and working areas. 2-sided view of downtown Frankfurt and the reiver. Separate bedroom with ensuite bathroom.
How was the Exec Lounge?
No access to the lounge.
What was the Good and What was the Bad?
Good
Bad
Would You Return
Yes, absolutely!
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with your stay?
Yes
What Room Did you Book and what Did you Receive?
Booked the cheapest SUPERIOR ROOM and received a PANORAMIC SUITE.
How are the Rooms?
Large living room with powder room and separate seating and working areas. 2-sided view of downtown Frankfurt and the reiver. Separate bedroom with ensuite bathroom.
How was the Exec Lounge?
No access to the lounge.
What was the Good and What was the Bad?
Good
- Company rate was far cheaper than day room at the airport Sheraton
- Convenient location less than 5 minutes walk from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
- Nice upgrade for RA appeared a few days before check-in
Bad
- Hotel and room decor was somewhat bland
- Amenity arrived after check-in
Would You Return
Yes, absolutely!
Jan 7, 2009, 11:32 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Programs: AS 100K, UA MM, AA MM, IC Plat Amb, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 3,146
IC Madrid
What is your PC Status?
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with your stay?
Yes
What Room Did you Book and what Did you Receive?
Booked a 1 KING BED EXECUTIVE DELUXE ROOM and received a 1 DBL BED DELUXE JUNIOR SUITE.
How are the Rooms?
Suite was nicely furnished and very comfortable, with separate entry foyer (great place to keep shoes) with his & his closets and safe big enough for a laptop. Living area had a sofa, 2 chairs, TV and work desk. Bedroom with a door leading to a bathroom with separate shower & bath, enclosed WC with bidet.
How was the Exec Lounge?
Nice-looking lounge with food & beverage throughout the day. A la carte breakfast was on offer, but we chose the excellent buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant instead, with eggs cooked to order and lots of variety (and, surprisingly, some of the best glazed doughnuts I've ever had). Computers with internet access and printers that work (although I had to ask for more paper). The selection of food was great and varied on Friday but virtually barren by Monday, as if they didn't bother to restock the lounge's food supply during the weekend.
What was the Good and What was the Bad?
Good
Bad
Would You Return
Yes
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with your stay?
Yes
What Room Did you Book and what Did you Receive?
Booked a 1 KING BED EXECUTIVE DELUXE ROOM and received a 1 DBL BED DELUXE JUNIOR SUITE.
How are the Rooms?
Suite was nicely furnished and very comfortable, with separate entry foyer (great place to keep shoes) with his & his closets and safe big enough for a laptop. Living area had a sofa, 2 chairs, TV and work desk. Bedroom with a door leading to a bathroom with separate shower & bath, enclosed WC with bidet.
How was the Exec Lounge?
Nice-looking lounge with food & beverage throughout the day. A la carte breakfast was on offer, but we chose the excellent buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant instead, with eggs cooked to order and lots of variety (and, surprisingly, some of the best glazed doughnuts I've ever had). Computers with internet access and printers that work (although I had to ask for more paper). The selection of food was great and varied on Friday but virtually barren by Monday, as if they didn't bother to restock the lounge's food supply during the weekend.
What was the Good and What was the Bad?
Good
- Separate entry foyer, living room, bath, and WC, with doors in between each, is great for sharing a room with someone
- A block from the excellent Madrid metro, so easy to get to/from the airport
- Excellent buffet breakfast
- Very friendly and helpful staff
- Close to U.S. Embassy, where (if I had known) I could have had pages added to my passport @:-)
Bad
- Location not quite as central as other choices for walking about
- Great lounge food on Friday was non-existent by Sunday
- At check-out, had to provide printed documentation that I had booked the Weekend 3-for-2 (B2G1) rate to avoid being charged for all 3 nights
- Amenity didn't include a bottle of cava
Would You Return
Yes
Jan 7, 2009, 11:57 am
#13
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: UA 1K; HH Diamond;
Posts: 342
IC Willard, Washington, DC
What is your PC Status?
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with your stay?
Yes, quite!
What Room Did you Book and what Did you Receive?
Booked SUPERIOR ROOM at the govt rate and received an KING EXECUTIVE SUITE W/ VIEW. Used a BOGO for the second night.
How are the Rooms?
9th floor corner suite overlooking Penn Ave toward the Elipse in front of the White House. Suite was made by connecting 2 rooms and converting the corner room into the living area -- dining room table, couch, chairs, flat screen TV, and a complete bath/shower. Bedroom adjoined - very comfortable king bed, another flat screen TV and a full bath. And a mini-bar in each room!
How was the Exec Lounge?
No lounge at the Willard.
What was the Good and What was the Bad?
Good
Mentioned,only once, in an e-mail to guest services, that my wife and I were celebrating a slightly delayed anniversary on this visit. Word travels in fine hotels -- front desk clerk congratulated us, as did the guest services manager when he introduced himself. Ammenity was a bottle of sparkling wine (vs, the usual red wine), an assortment of fresh whole fruits, and a half dozen chocolate-covered strawberries sitting on a plate written, in chocolate, "Happy Anniversary"
Facilities and staff in this hotel are simply top-notch. The Willard isn't chic or trendy by any measure, but rather has an old-world charm and elegance that is difficult to match.
Bad
...not a thing.
Would You Return
Yes, absolutely! Bar none, this is my all time favorite hotel. Sadly though, my RA status will expire in Feb '09.
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with your stay?
Yes, quite!
What Room Did you Book and what Did you Receive?
Booked SUPERIOR ROOM at the govt rate and received an KING EXECUTIVE SUITE W/ VIEW. Used a BOGO for the second night.
How are the Rooms?
9th floor corner suite overlooking Penn Ave toward the Elipse in front of the White House. Suite was made by connecting 2 rooms and converting the corner room into the living area -- dining room table, couch, chairs, flat screen TV, and a complete bath/shower. Bedroom adjoined - very comfortable king bed, another flat screen TV and a full bath. And a mini-bar in each room!
How was the Exec Lounge?
No lounge at the Willard.
What was the Good and What was the Bad?
Good
Mentioned,only once, in an e-mail to guest services, that my wife and I were celebrating a slightly delayed anniversary on this visit. Word travels in fine hotels -- front desk clerk congratulated us, as did the guest services manager when he introduced himself. Ammenity was a bottle of sparkling wine (vs, the usual red wine), an assortment of fresh whole fruits, and a half dozen chocolate-covered strawberries sitting on a plate written, in chocolate, "Happy Anniversary"
Facilities and staff in this hotel are simply top-notch. The Willard isn't chic or trendy by any measure, but rather has an old-world charm and elegance that is difficult to match.
Bad
...not a thing.
Would You Return
Yes, absolutely! Bar none, this is my all time favorite hotel. Sadly though, my RA status will expire in Feb '09.
Jan 10, 2009, 1:24 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Atlanta (ATL)
Programs: LH HON, BA Gold, EK Gold, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,590
Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply.
Jan 10, 2009, 1:32 pm
#15
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Atlanta (ATL)
Programs: LH HON, BA Gold, EK Gold, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,590
IC NEW YORK
Very disappointing hotel. Was upgraded to one bedroom suite at check-in, however the room is a shame for the IC brand. Tape all over the floor to hold some cables, wallpaper is coming loose in several areas, couch is dirty, tables have not been cleaned, bathroom is tiny and lacks any IC style.
No RA amenities even after more than 4 hrs after we checked in. Was told they would do it when "...we have time, usually by 5pm...".
No club lounge at this hotel, no room service available either ("do to the economic situation, that service is no longer available").
Will check out tomorrow and head to one of the W's....
Don't stay here....
Very disappointing hotel. Was upgraded to one bedroom suite at check-in, however the room is a shame for the IC brand. Tape all over the floor to hold some cables, wallpaper is coming loose in several areas, couch is dirty, tables have not been cleaned, bathroom is tiny and lacks any IC style.
No RA amenities even after more than 4 hrs after we checked in. Was told they would do it when "...we have time, usually by 5pm...".
No club lounge at this hotel, no room service available either ("do to the economic situation, that service is no longer available").
Will check out tomorrow and head to one of the W's....
Don't stay here....