Intercontinental Double Bay Sydney (Master Thread)
Oct 8, 2014, 8:08 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SYDNEY
Programs: *A Gold, HH dia,Hyatt plat,Sixt PLAT,QF , EY Gold
Posts: 1,890
Intercontinental Double Bay Sydney (Master Thread)
I have a stay coming up next month and really looking forward to it. I should be able to report back and put up some photos. Im really interested in the club lounge there since Sydney is so wow wow.
I thought i saw the redemptions at 30k a while back but now it showing me as 50k maybe i was wrong. Also looks like only a two night min over NYE which sydney is three.
I thought i saw the redemptions at 30k a while back but now it showing me as 50k maybe i was wrong. Also looks like only a two night min over NYE which sydney is three.
Oct 10, 2014, 12:58 am
#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: 10,958
Nov 4, 2015, 11:32 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 39
My wife and I stayed there for our anniversary last weekend. I have to say I was underwhelmed. The decor is "nice" but it has obviously been done on a budget.
Anyone familiar with the hotel in its previous life as a Ritz-Carton will instantly recognise the signature 1980s RC wood panelling has been simply painted over in white to give it a more contemporary look. While it looks fine I was expecting a little more of a change, especially considering the years it sat derelict after it closed.
I believe the original plans were to demolish the building and build an apartment tower but they were knocked-back. Hence I suppose the current situation is a second best option for the owners and they didn't want to spend too much.
We also experienced a few issues with the service during our stay. It's certainly not a bad property, but not an exceptional one either.
Anyone familiar with the hotel in its previous life as a Ritz-Carton will instantly recognise the signature 1980s RC wood panelling has been simply painted over in white to give it a more contemporary look. While it looks fine I was expecting a little more of a change, especially considering the years it sat derelict after it closed.
I believe the original plans were to demolish the building and build an apartment tower but they were knocked-back. Hence I suppose the current situation is a second best option for the owners and they didn't want to spend too much.
We also experienced a few issues with the service during our stay. It's certainly not a bad property, but not an exceptional one either.
Jul 31, 2017, 7:53 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
This is an excellent addition to the brand. Great RA treatment as I'm guessing this hotel doesn't see many RA's. At least not in the winter. But the weather is perfect, the beach is steps away, and an upgrade to an Executive Bay View Suite makes it even better. And full size bottles of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut in the mini-bar is the icing on the cake. 
Sitting on the terrace and watching the bay is wonderful. I've seen a sea-plane take off and land, and huge battleship (probably decommissioned) steaming out to sea. And gosh this is a wealthy area. Think Brentwood if it were on the sea.
Style-wise, this appears to match the new renovations at the IC Park Lane London. Clean and bright, but not exciting or unique.
The Club is nice with great service and lots to drink. But limited on happy hour food. The Club breakfast is about the same as in the restaurant, using the same kitchen. Eggs cooked to order and done very nicely.
Sitting on the terrace and watching the bay is wonderful. I've seen a sea-plane take off and land, and huge battleship (probably decommissioned) steaming out to sea. And gosh this is a wealthy area. Think Brentwood if it were on the sea.
Style-wise, this appears to match the new renovations at the IC Park Lane London. Clean and bright, but not exciting or unique.
The Club is nice with great service and lots to drink. But limited on happy hour food. The Club breakfast is about the same as in the restaurant, using the same kitchen. Eggs cooked to order and done very nicely.
Mar 15, 2018, 5:13 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 11
I have stayed here twice recently as a Platinum Ambassador.
On both occasions, my status was not acknowledged, I did not get a room upgrade, and I received no other benefits (welcome gift etc).
Both followed red eye flights from Perth, so I was completely sleep deprived. On the first visit I didn't even notice the total absence of perks until I left. On the second visit I checked in at 8am, so just took the 1 room they had and said nothing in order to get some sleep asap.
On reflection I decided I would bring it to their attention as it could cause serious problems if a guest was upset about it (and I should really have said something at the time as I did pay for the Ambassador status). I emailed their feedback inbox. To my astonishment I got a 1-liner reply in broken English, "So sorry your platinum status not acknowledge. We hope to see you again."
If I was calm before that, I was not afterwards. What an utter joke. I'm done with this place.
On both occasions, my status was not acknowledged, I did not get a room upgrade, and I received no other benefits (welcome gift etc).
Both followed red eye flights from Perth, so I was completely sleep deprived. On the first visit I didn't even notice the total absence of perks until I left. On the second visit I checked in at 8am, so just took the 1 room they had and said nothing in order to get some sleep asap.
On reflection I decided I would bring it to their attention as it could cause serious problems if a guest was upset about it (and I should really have said something at the time as I did pay for the Ambassador status). I emailed their feedback inbox. To my astonishment I got a 1-liner reply in broken English, "So sorry your platinum status not acknowledge. We hope to see you again."
If I was calm before that, I was not afterwards. What an utter joke. I'm done with this place.
Mar 15, 2018, 6:13 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Ottawa
Programs: IC/AMB - Diamond Elite, AC E50K, AA, AM-Onyx, HH-Diamond, BW, Choice - Gold
Posts: 1,736
I have stayed here twice recently as a Platinum Ambassador.
On both occasions, my status was not acknowledged, I did not get a room upgrade, and I received no other benefits (welcome gift etc).
Both followed red eye flights from Perth, so I was completely sleep deprived. On the first visit I didn't even notice the total absence of perks until I left. On the second visit I checked in at 8am, so just took the 1 room they had and said nothing in order to get some sleep asap.
On reflection I decided I would bring it to their attention as it could cause serious problems if a guest was upset about it (and I should really have said something at the time as I did pay for the Ambassador status). I emailed their feedback inbox. To my astonishment I got a 1-liner reply in broken English, "So sorry your platinum status not acknowledge. We hope to see you again."
If I was calm before that, I was not afterwards. What an utter joke. I'm done with this place.
On both occasions, my status was not acknowledged, I did not get a room upgrade, and I received no other benefits (welcome gift etc).
Both followed red eye flights from Perth, so I was completely sleep deprived. On the first visit I didn't even notice the total absence of perks until I left. On the second visit I checked in at 8am, so just took the 1 room they had and said nothing in order to get some sleep asap.
On reflection I decided I would bring it to their attention as it could cause serious problems if a guest was upset about it (and I should really have said something at the time as I did pay for the Ambassador status). I emailed their feedback inbox. To my astonishment I got a 1-liner reply in broken English, "So sorry your platinum status not acknowledge. We hope to see you again."
If I was calm before that, I was not afterwards. What an utter joke. I'm done with this place.
Mar 16, 2018, 12:17 am
#11
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 11
Same as I always do and this is the only property where I've ever had a problem.
I agree - both of these were unusual circumstances.
Mar 18, 2018, 3:55 am
#12
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
I have stayed here twice recently as a Platinum Ambassador.
On both occasions, my status was not acknowledged, I did not get a room upgrade, and I received no other benefits (welcome gift etc).
Both followed red eye flights from Perth, so I was completely sleep deprived. On the first visit I didn't even notice the total absence of perks until I left. On the second visit I checked in at 8am, so just took the 1 room they had and said nothing in order to get some sleep asap.
On reflection I decided I would bring it to their attention as it could cause serious problems if a guest was upset about it (and I should really have said something at the time as I did pay for the Ambassador status). I emailed their feedback inbox. To my astonishment I got a 1-liner reply in broken English, "So sorry your platinum status not acknowledge. We hope to see you again."
If I was calm before that, I was not afterwards. What an utter joke. I'm done with this place.
On both occasions, my status was not acknowledged, I did not get a room upgrade, and I received no other benefits (welcome gift etc).
Both followed red eye flights from Perth, so I was completely sleep deprived. On the first visit I didn't even notice the total absence of perks until I left. On the second visit I checked in at 8am, so just took the 1 room they had and said nothing in order to get some sleep asap.
On reflection I decided I would bring it to their attention as it could cause serious problems if a guest was upset about it (and I should really have said something at the time as I did pay for the Ambassador status). I emailed their feedback inbox. To my astonishment I got a 1-liner reply in broken English, "So sorry your platinum status not acknowledge. We hope to see you again."
If I was calm before that, I was not afterwards. What an utter joke. I'm done with this place.
imo an 8am checkin foc for Ambassador (non-RA) has gotto be worth the same as an upgrade, you luckily got room at 8am instead of published 3pm, a whole 7hours extra/earlier than normal.? Thats not same as getting room at 1pm when published checkin is 3pm.
It is non unusual to be missed off fre fruit/water if you checkin that early, as the f+b team (even dedicated Amb room teams for fruits etc) won't see checkins before noon as kinda count as being the day before. Even as RA if I checkin with guaranteed RA 8am checkin, unless room is pre-prepared I won't get fruit until mybe 3pm normal time or maybe not even then.
Mar 19, 2018, 6:25 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 11
They were paid nights. Quite expensive rates, too.
The early check-in was on the second visit, but not the first.
On both occasions they did not acknowledge my status. I don't think the upgrade and extras were sacrificed because I was early - they simply did the same thing as on the first visit and omitted it altogether.
If I go back (unlikely unless the rate is excellent), I will be proactive about it and ask what's up.
The early check-in was on the second visit, but not the first.
On both occasions they did not acknowledge my status. I don't think the upgrade and extras were sacrificed because I was early - they simply did the same thing as on the first visit and omitted it altogether.
If I go back (unlikely unless the rate is excellent), I will be proactive about it and ask what's up.
Sep 19, 2018, 12:15 pm
#15
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: New York
Programs: AA Exp / Marriott Titanium / Hilton Gold / Hyatt Globalist / United Silver
Posts: 958
FYI lounge on this hotel is quite awful IMO. Staff tries to do as much as they can, but there's not much you can do when Days Inn Breakfast area looks better / bigger than executive lounge here.
Lobby bar & rooms were nice.
There was a wedding going on
Lobby bar & rooms were nice.
There was a wedding going on