Please post your Royal Ambassador experiences (Archive Thread 2016)
Dec 6, 2016, 2:00 pm
#271
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: 10,955
InterContinental Shanghai Pudong
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
Yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked best advance rate, and Premier room. had to pay to get club access.
How are the rooms?
Around 55sqm.
Elegantly renovated
Sofa and desk with international plug sockets
Swivel television which serves as a dividing wall between the living room and bedroom
Nice marble bathroom with double sink, separate bathtub.
Agraria amenities.
Dressing area.
Flatscreen television with good selection of international channels.
Kettle. No coffee machine
Very quiet.
Rather poor city view (not on top floor)
Video of the Premier room
How is the exec. lounge?
Pretty nice (even if decor is a bit dated)
Excellent service
Very good breakfast, afternoon tea and evening option
3 PCs
Nice view over the city (located on top floor)
Service ends quite soon in the evening
Very few plug sockets
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Solid business hotel
- Nicely renovated rooms
- Convenient location (easy access from the airport with Hight speed train + metro)
- Fast wifi
- Bell boy was very helpful to solve out issue with a taxi overcharging me
Bad
- Service can be very inconsistent (from excellent at the club lounge to very poor in some areas: concierge, part of spa teams)
- Air conditioning was working very poorly (the room was too warm to sleep well)
- Despite it is an international business hotel, asking for easy things such as sim to surf on mobile phone brings to nowhere
- Concierge was not able to offer any solution to get a rent a bicycle (when competitors offer such service or rent a bike from bike sharing system with lock)
- The pool area is very dated and rather gloomy. Some of the staff is not friendly, and despite no guests present at the time I visited the pool, the area was not perfectly clean
- The lobby has no atmosphere at all (as it could easily turned into coworking space like some competitors do, and be less gloomy by adding flowers and cool design)
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
The hotel was not exactly cheap at the time of booking
Very disappointed to have to add club access for RAs
Only to use if you need to be in the area
Pictures of the hotel
Pictures of the city
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
Yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked best advance rate, and Premier room. had to pay to get club access.
How are the rooms?
Around 55sqm.
Elegantly renovated
Sofa and desk with international plug sockets
Swivel television which serves as a dividing wall between the living room and bedroom
Nice marble bathroom with double sink, separate bathtub.
Agraria amenities.
Dressing area.
Flatscreen television with good selection of international channels.
Kettle. No coffee machine
Very quiet.
Rather poor city view (not on top floor)
Video of the Premier room
How is the exec. lounge?
Pretty nice (even if decor is a bit dated)
Excellent service
Very good breakfast, afternoon tea and evening option
3 PCs
Nice view over the city (located on top floor)
Service ends quite soon in the evening
Very few plug sockets
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Solid business hotel
- Nicely renovated rooms
- Convenient location (easy access from the airport with Hight speed train + metro)
- Fast wifi
- Bell boy was very helpful to solve out issue with a taxi overcharging me
Bad
- Service can be very inconsistent (from excellent at the club lounge to very poor in some areas: concierge, part of spa teams)
- Air conditioning was working very poorly (the room was too warm to sleep well)
- Despite it is an international business hotel, asking for easy things such as sim to surf on mobile phone brings to nowhere
- Concierge was not able to offer any solution to get a rent a bicycle (when competitors offer such service or rent a bike from bike sharing system with lock)
- The pool area is very dated and rather gloomy. Some of the staff is not friendly, and despite no guests present at the time I visited the pool, the area was not perfectly clean
- The lobby has no atmosphere at all (as it could easily turned into coworking space like some competitors do, and be less gloomy by adding flowers and cool design)
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
The hotel was not exactly cheap at the time of booking
Very disappointed to have to add club access for RAs
Only to use if you need to be in the area
Pictures of the hotel
Pictures of the city
Last edited by nicolas75; Dec 6, 2016 at 2:21 pm
Dec 6, 2016, 2:16 pm
#272
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: 10,955
InterContinental Shanghai Expo
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
Yes, very much so
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked best advance rate and points, and received an executive suite with club access.
How are the rooms?
Around 70sqm.
Very elegant contemporary design
Living room with seating area, desk with international plug sockets
Jura coffee machine + kettle
Bedroom with comfortable bed
Bose minichain
Superb marble bathroom with double sink, massive bathtub et separate shower
Agraria amenities.
Dressing area. Pyjamas
Flatscreen television with good selection of international channels.
Very quiet.
Nice view over the Expo area
Video of the Executive suite
How is the exec. lounge?
Very nice
Excellent service
Good breakfast (small but nice selection, egg station preparing excellent omelette, afternoon tea and evening option
PCs on second floor of the club lounge
Nice view over the city (located on high floor)
Service ends quite soon in the evening
Very few plug sockets
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Very nice hotel for the design
- Very good service
- Superb spa and pool area
- Convenient location to visit the Power Station of Art
- Was able to rent bicycle through the concierge who rented a bike at the sharing bike station for me, with lock
- Pleasant bar in historical building next to the hotel
Bad
- Nothing
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes
Pictures of the hotel
Pictures of the city
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
Yes, very much so
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked best advance rate and points, and received an executive suite with club access.
How are the rooms?
Around 70sqm.
Very elegant contemporary design
Living room with seating area, desk with international plug sockets
Jura coffee machine + kettle
Bedroom with comfortable bed
Bose minichain
Superb marble bathroom with double sink, massive bathtub et separate shower
Agraria amenities.
Dressing area. Pyjamas
Flatscreen television with good selection of international channels.
Very quiet.
Nice view over the Expo area
Video of the Executive suite
How is the exec. lounge?
Very nice
Excellent service
Good breakfast (small but nice selection, egg station preparing excellent omelette, afternoon tea and evening option
PCs on second floor of the club lounge
Nice view over the city (located on high floor)
Service ends quite soon in the evening
Very few plug sockets
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Very nice hotel for the design
- Very good service
- Superb spa and pool area
- Convenient location to visit the Power Station of Art
- Was able to rent bicycle through the concierge who rented a bike at the sharing bike station for me, with lock
- Pleasant bar in historical building next to the hotel
Bad
- Nothing
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes
Pictures of the hotel
Pictures of the city
Last edited by nicolas75; Dec 6, 2016 at 2:22 pm
Dec 6, 2016, 2:31 pm
#273
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: 10,955
InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
Yes, very much so
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked best advance rate and points, and received a Superior Suite.
How are the rooms?
Around 50sqm.
Very elegant classic design
Living room with seating area, desk with international plug sockets
Francis Francis Y1.1 espresso machine + kettle
Bedroom with comfortable bed
iPhone dock
Very nice marble bathroom with double sink, classic bathtub et separate shower
Agraria amenities.
Dressing area.
Flatscreen television with good selection of international channels.
Very quiet.
Nice view over the garden
Video of the Executive suite
How is the exec. lounge?
Very nice
Very good service
Very good breakfast, afternoon tea and evening option
Library area with a lot of charm
Bar area
Terrace overlooking the garden
PCs
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Superb historical property in the French Concession, with lots of charm
- Great garden
- Many trendy shops, galleries, restaurants at walking distance
- Very good service
- Superb pool area
Bad
- Nothing
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes
Pictures of the hotel
Pictures of the city
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
Yes, very much so
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked best advance rate and points, and received a Superior Suite.
How are the rooms?
Around 50sqm.
Very elegant classic design
Living room with seating area, desk with international plug sockets
Francis Francis Y1.1 espresso machine + kettle
Bedroom with comfortable bed
iPhone dock
Very nice marble bathroom with double sink, classic bathtub et separate shower
Agraria amenities.
Dressing area.
Flatscreen television with good selection of international channels.
Very quiet.
Nice view over the garden
Video of the Executive suite
How is the exec. lounge?
Very nice
Very good service
Very good breakfast, afternoon tea and evening option
Library area with a lot of charm
Bar area
Terrace overlooking the garden
PCs
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Superb historical property in the French Concession, with lots of charm
- Great garden
- Many trendy shops, galleries, restaurants at walking distance
- Very good service
- Superb pool area
Bad
- Nothing
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes
Pictures of the hotel
Pictures of the city
Dec 7, 2016, 6:47 am
#274
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Cologne
Programs: FB Plat, IHG RA Spire, TK Elite+, HH Diamond, LH SEN, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 972
Prague
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yeah, it's in a good location, good price and a nice place
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room and received Executive Suite & Lounge Access
How are the rooms?
Large room with a separate bedroom. There is a good quality shower and a separate bath. The room was large but it a bit dull, it needs some refurbishment. The bed's are comfortable but you need to ask for a King Duvet otherwise you get 2 singles...
How is the exec. lounge?
Food and drink selection is good and instead of being a big open lounge it is a couple of little rooms. It is a nice lounge. The staff seem friendly. There is a sign requesting you respect a smart-casual dress code.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Some biscuits, a bottle of red wine and some fruit.
How was the minibar?
A pretty standard minibar. Nothing exceptional but it also doesn't look like a reduced minibar which I believe I may have experienced in the past.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
1. Great location
2. Incredibly good value (less than £100 / night I paid)
3. Good upgrade
4. Ok lounge
-Bad
1. Room decoration is out dated and needs a bit of a 'lick of paint'
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes, great
Would you return?
Yes, I wouldn't even consider elsewhere in Prague considering the value for money.
Yeah, it's in a good location, good price and a nice place
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room and received Executive Suite & Lounge Access
How are the rooms?
Large room with a separate bedroom. There is a good quality shower and a separate bath. The room was large but it a bit dull, it needs some refurbishment. The bed's are comfortable but you need to ask for a King Duvet otherwise you get 2 singles...
How is the exec. lounge?
Food and drink selection is good and instead of being a big open lounge it is a couple of little rooms. It is a nice lounge. The staff seem friendly. There is a sign requesting you respect a smart-casual dress code.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Some biscuits, a bottle of red wine and some fruit.
How was the minibar?
A pretty standard minibar. Nothing exceptional but it also doesn't look like a reduced minibar which I believe I may have experienced in the past.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
1. Great location
2. Incredibly good value (less than £100 / night I paid)
3. Good upgrade
4. Ok lounge
-Bad
1. Room decoration is out dated and needs a bit of a 'lick of paint'
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes, great
Would you return?
Yes, I wouldn't even consider elsewhere in Prague considering the value for money.
Dec 10, 2016, 10:38 am
#275
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Dallas
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yeah, it was fine.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked entry level, given two-floor exec suite with Club.
How are the rooms?
Old, but still good quality. Central air/heat which is something you take for granted outside the US, but you often don't get within the US. Having an upstairs bedroom is great if you are with family. The only bad thing is despite modern new televisions on each floor, the signal is poor quality analog.
How is the exec. lounge?
Good service, but only continental breakfast (no eggs) and rather poor dishes for the happy hour. I only went one day though. Wine and beer is complimentary.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
A bit of fruit.
How was the minibar?
Average selection + Shiner Bock.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Nice upgrade.
The lobby Tequila bar was good the one night I tried it.
Bad
Nothing other than age.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
If I ever go back to that area, yes.
Yeah, it was fine.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked entry level, given two-floor exec suite with Club.
How are the rooms?
Old, but still good quality. Central air/heat which is something you take for granted outside the US, but you often don't get within the US. Having an upstairs bedroom is great if you are with family. The only bad thing is despite modern new televisions on each floor, the signal is poor quality analog.
How is the exec. lounge?
Good service, but only continental breakfast (no eggs) and rather poor dishes for the happy hour. I only went one day though. Wine and beer is complimentary.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
A bit of fruit.
How was the minibar?
Average selection + Shiner Bock.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Nice upgrade.
The lobby Tequila bar was good the one night I tried it.
Bad
Nothing other than age.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
If I ever go back to that area, yes.
Dec 10, 2016, 10:43 am
#276
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Miami
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Excellent
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked entry level, given Executive suite on top floor with Club
How are the rooms?
This was a bit like the Presidential Suite I had last time, but only one floor. Very large and luxurious with a huge marble bathroom. Elemis bath products.
How is the exec. lounge?
Excellent service and good drinks. Average food though.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Can't recall.
How was the minibar?
A bit better than average. They still have the pre-mixed Long Island Ice Teas.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Very nice upgrade as I think they pay good attention to repeat guests.
Bad
Nothing.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Yes especially as the weather was soooo nice and warm.
Excellent
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked entry level, given Executive suite on top floor with Club
How are the rooms?
This was a bit like the Presidential Suite I had last time, but only one floor. Very large and luxurious with a huge marble bathroom. Elemis bath products.
How is the exec. lounge?
Excellent service and good drinks. Average food though.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Can't recall.
How was the minibar?
A bit better than average. They still have the pre-mixed Long Island Ice Teas.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Very nice upgrade as I think they pay good attention to repeat guests.
Bad
Nothing.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Yes especially as the weather was soooo nice and warm.
Dec 11, 2016, 3:42 am
#277
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Istanbul
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked entry level, given Executive Sea View suite with Club
How are the rooms?
Very large with great views. Older furnishings, but good quality.
How is the exec. lounge?
Small but with good drink service. But I missed the happy hour food and they do not serve breakfast in the lounge these days. Instead you get free buffet in the main restaurant which is nice.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit, nibbles and two fancy bottles of water, still and sparkling.
How was the minibar?
Pretty average. Nothing noteworthy.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Very nice upgrade and service.
Not sure this belongs in the good category, but there was a huge bomb last night about 400 meters from the hotel. The entire building shook and windows nearby were blown out, but the windows here are quite strong and survived intact. Security was already tight with a metal detector at the entrance, etc. But now even more so. I feel secure inside here anyways.
Bad
Nothing.
Value for € or Priority Club Points?
Great value mainly due to low tourism these days.
Would you return?
Yes I will.
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked entry level, given Executive Sea View suite with Club
How are the rooms?
Very large with great views. Older furnishings, but good quality.
How is the exec. lounge?
Small but with good drink service. But I missed the happy hour food and they do not serve breakfast in the lounge these days. Instead you get free buffet in the main restaurant which is nice.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit, nibbles and two fancy bottles of water, still and sparkling.
How was the minibar?
Pretty average. Nothing noteworthy.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Very nice upgrade and service.
Not sure this belongs in the good category, but there was a huge bomb last night about 400 meters from the hotel. The entire building shook and windows nearby were blown out, but the windows here are quite strong and survived intact. Security was already tight with a metal detector at the entrance, etc. But now even more so. I feel secure inside here anyways.
Bad
Nothing.
Value for € or Priority Club Points?
Great value mainly due to low tourism these days.
Would you return?
Yes I will.
Dec 11, 2016, 8:43 am
#278
Moderator: InterContinental Hotels and Germany
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,552
Dec 11, 2016, 10:48 am
#279
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Dec 13, 2016, 5:07 pm
#280
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum (3 Million Miler), IHG Spire Royal Amdassador
Posts: 282
IC Regency Bahrain
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay? Yes (I was there for a total of 12 nights)
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
-- Booked King Exec at a Govt Rate and initially received King Exec (the IHG App showed I was upgraded to IC Club Suite 2 days prior to check-in, but 1 day prior to check-in, the reservation was switched back to King Exec)
-- After two days in the King Exec and several conversations with Club Lounge Staff, I was moved to the IC Club Suite (which was a one level upgrade and what I had expected)
-- Was initially offered 5000 points for lack of guaranteed upgrade, but I explained that I didn't really need the points and if I knew I wouldn't get the guaranteed upgrade, I would have booked a King Deluxe room at a lower rate (knowing I would receive the King Exec based on Sept 2016 T&C update). They were great and ended up charging me the lower rate for 10 out of 12 nights
How are the rooms?
-- King Exec: Very dark with little outdoor light through the small window. Not a lot of surface areas to put belongings, not much desk space to work on your laptop. Farily small bathroom with limited space for toiletries. Shower/tub was really high and a pain to step into.
-- IC Club Suite: Still dark with little outdoor light but at least it had two small windows vs just one. The full bathroom was amazing, plenty of room for everything. The living room was very roomy and there was also a half bath. Plenty of surface space and drawers in both rooms
How is the exec. lounge?
Fantastic. Breakfast had cook to order eggs, plus hot and cold items on the buffet. The cocktail hour had 3 hot items (mostly chicken or meat items, sometimes vegetarian) and plenty of cold options (veggies, seafood canapes, cheese) with sushi daily. No self serve coffee/tea at breakfast or drinks during the cocktail hour, but the wait staff were really attentive and ready for refills. They made sure to let you know right before 8pm that it was last call. Thursday/Friday nights and Friday/Saturday mornings were usually mobbed with visitors from Saudi.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Received fruit and water plus a bar of camel milk soap
How was the minibar?
Decent. Multiple mini bottles of whiskey and liquor, 3 beers, one small bottle each of red and white wine and a small bottle of Moet (at 50 BHD!); plus soda, sparkling water, etc. Minibar was refilled daily
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
-- Just about everyday, I received 4 bottles of water
-- Fruit was refilled about every 3 - 4 days
-- Compensation for lack of guaranteed upgrade was good
-- Exec lounge and staff were amazing and friendly; food was great
-- Any staff member I encountered was courteous and friendly
-- IC Club Suite was fantastic (despite it being dark)
-- There are two pools, I enjoyed both of them! The pool on the 10th floor at the spa was quiet and relaxing. Elements was a bit trendy and busier, but since it's off the mezzanine level, it was less windy
-- The hotel is right next to the souq
-Bad
-- Not a guaranteed upgrade for RAs (or they could have communicated that with me prior to arrival)
-- Dark rooms with small windows and very little light from outside
-- Not necessarily bad, but if you want to rest, make sure to put the Do Not Disturb light on. Otherwise, there are people in and out of your room all day starting at 9am (housekeeping, minibar check, minibar refills, housekeeping again, turndown service, fruit refills, etc)
-- Traffic in and around the hotel can get very congested, especially in the afternoon and on the weekends
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
-- Yes, it was a great value
Would you return? In a heartbeat!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
-- Booked King Exec at a Govt Rate and initially received King Exec (the IHG App showed I was upgraded to IC Club Suite 2 days prior to check-in, but 1 day prior to check-in, the reservation was switched back to King Exec)
-- After two days in the King Exec and several conversations with Club Lounge Staff, I was moved to the IC Club Suite (which was a one level upgrade and what I had expected)
-- Was initially offered 5000 points for lack of guaranteed upgrade, but I explained that I didn't really need the points and if I knew I wouldn't get the guaranteed upgrade, I would have booked a King Deluxe room at a lower rate (knowing I would receive the King Exec based on Sept 2016 T&C update). They were great and ended up charging me the lower rate for 10 out of 12 nights
How are the rooms?
-- King Exec: Very dark with little outdoor light through the small window. Not a lot of surface areas to put belongings, not much desk space to work on your laptop. Farily small bathroom with limited space for toiletries. Shower/tub was really high and a pain to step into.
-- IC Club Suite: Still dark with little outdoor light but at least it had two small windows vs just one. The full bathroom was amazing, plenty of room for everything. The living room was very roomy and there was also a half bath. Plenty of surface space and drawers in both rooms
How is the exec. lounge?
Fantastic. Breakfast had cook to order eggs, plus hot and cold items on the buffet. The cocktail hour had 3 hot items (mostly chicken or meat items, sometimes vegetarian) and plenty of cold options (veggies, seafood canapes, cheese) with sushi daily. No self serve coffee/tea at breakfast or drinks during the cocktail hour, but the wait staff were really attentive and ready for refills. They made sure to let you know right before 8pm that it was last call. Thursday/Friday nights and Friday/Saturday mornings were usually mobbed with visitors from Saudi.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Received fruit and water plus a bar of camel milk soap
How was the minibar?
Decent. Multiple mini bottles of whiskey and liquor, 3 beers, one small bottle each of red and white wine and a small bottle of Moet (at 50 BHD!); plus soda, sparkling water, etc. Minibar was refilled daily
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
-- Just about everyday, I received 4 bottles of water
-- Fruit was refilled about every 3 - 4 days
-- Compensation for lack of guaranteed upgrade was good
-- Exec lounge and staff were amazing and friendly; food was great
-- Any staff member I encountered was courteous and friendly
-- IC Club Suite was fantastic (despite it being dark)
-- There are two pools, I enjoyed both of them! The pool on the 10th floor at the spa was quiet and relaxing. Elements was a bit trendy and busier, but since it's off the mezzanine level, it was less windy
-- The hotel is right next to the souq
-Bad
-- Not a guaranteed upgrade for RAs (or they could have communicated that with me prior to arrival)
-- Dark rooms with small windows and very little light from outside
-- Not necessarily bad, but if you want to rest, make sure to put the Do Not Disturb light on. Otherwise, there are people in and out of your room all day starting at 9am (housekeeping, minibar check, minibar refills, housekeeping again, turndown service, fruit refills, etc)
-- Traffic in and around the hotel can get very congested, especially in the afternoon and on the weekends
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
-- Yes, it was a great value
Would you return? In a heartbeat!
Dec 15, 2016, 9:13 am
#281
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Malta
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked deluxe, given junior suite with Club.
How are the rooms?
Large with lots of open space, a terrace and big closet. But not very nicely appointed. Just adequate. I had an inner pool facing room, which also had sea views.
How is the exec. lounge?
Very good. Nice and large with excellent service. Good food options at breakfast, tea and happy hour.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Some nibbles and still and sparkling water. And they tried to replace it each day, but I said I could not drink two liters of water per day. A bottle of red wine too.
How was the minibar?
Average with both local and imported beer and small bottles of local wine.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
A very high level of service throughout the hotel
Great Club
Nice location if you like crazy nightlife. But as noisy as it is in that neighborhood, I did not hear a peep from my inner facing room.
RA's get free premium WiFi and indeed the speeds were excellent.
Bad
Hallway carpeting a bit worn and I'm used to nicer appointed rooms at IC's. I believe the upper level suites are much nicer from the photos I saw.
Value for € or Priority Club Points?
Great value with low offseason prices.
Would you return?
Yes I will
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked deluxe, given junior suite with Club.
How are the rooms?
Large with lots of open space, a terrace and big closet. But not very nicely appointed. Just adequate. I had an inner pool facing room, which also had sea views.
How is the exec. lounge?
Very good. Nice and large with excellent service. Good food options at breakfast, tea and happy hour.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Some nibbles and still and sparkling water. And they tried to replace it each day, but I said I could not drink two liters of water per day. A bottle of red wine too.
How was the minibar?
Average with both local and imported beer and small bottles of local wine.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
A very high level of service throughout the hotel
Great Club
Nice location if you like crazy nightlife. But as noisy as it is in that neighborhood, I did not hear a peep from my inner facing room.
RA's get free premium WiFi and indeed the speeds were excellent.
Bad
Hallway carpeting a bit worn and I'm used to nicer appointed rooms at IC's. I believe the upper level suites are much nicer from the photos I saw.
Value for € or Priority Club Points?
Great value with low offseason prices.
Would you return?
Yes I will
Dec 21, 2016, 4:26 am
#282
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
Ic bangkok
IC BANGKOK
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes as usual
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
o Booked first 3nights Grand Exec => Received +2cat Club Suite + Lounge but only 22nd floor
o Booked fourth/last night Grand Dlx => received +2cat Club Room
(as out all day Sunday and leaving 5am Monday for 7am flifght)
nb
did room split as out of hotel all my final day of Sunday, so just bed to sleep, and depart 05:00 for 07:00 TG Flight
How are the rooms?
Corner Suite
o I have switched to the Suites non-HI end as now a newly extended highrise tower overlooks the other sutes
o Nice large, well furnished in good state of furnishing, proper separate rooms
o I do find bedroom oversized compared to living room which is smaller than bedroom
o Bathroom has Bath + separate Shower
o Nice large TV, all the channels you want inc sports channels
o IC Bangkok changed room keys to RFID versions. Elevator currently unlocked card wise, will be swapped to rfid lock on 1st January
Club Room
o Nice large, well furnished in good state of furnishing
o Bathroom has Bath + separate Shower
o Nice large TV, all the channels you want inc sports channels
How is the exec. lounge?
o Definitely a reduced offering food wise from 12months ago, I am sorry to say apart from steak option at lounge b/f i prefer b/f + tea + dinner at Conrad Bkk
o Lounge staff as at attentive, polite, friendly as ever
o Coctail Mohjitos with dark rum , fresh mint are as good as ever
o First ever foc checkout day dining b/f offered if checking out before 7am. NOTE :-You need order in lounge based on continental offering (not hang card on outside of rooms door knob).. Asked for 0415-0430 and arrived 04:14
Did you receive a welcome gift?
RA's v Ambassadors receive the 70cl bottle of red wine along side other gift (Teddy/Pot Pouri Elephant/wooden tuk-tuk)
How was the minibar?
o Great for spirits, 6x cans of beers
o No longer get my diet coke's added this stay (or last few stays either)
What was good and what was bad?
o nothing really bad, just not so good food offerings if you used to come over a year ago
o Full Fat Cream Cheese (to go with smoked salmon) no longer at b/f... asked a few times and gave up
o As reported 2pc RA laundry can no longer be foc versus stated pressing benefit
good
o At check out lounge member said my companies contract ended... not really true, as usually dissapears post 31st Dec each year until reappears circa Feb when renegotiated
o Same member volunteered I should book any other corp rate in meantime for 2017 .. i was quite suprised by that offer/suggestion .. I guess that means Siemens or Google
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
o Corporate rate great , cheapest of any out there, and for 2016 as well as corp rate for Grand Dlx (for +2cat upg to Club room) and Club Room (for +1cat upg to Club Suite), also have Corp Rate for Grande Exec (for +2cat upg to Club Suite)... As such mostly paid 1200bt++ extra to get suite v club-room upgrades for my 20+ nights in 2016
o 35k points not worth using when Corp Rate exists.Even if no corp rate not getting 7k/usd10 I look for
Would you return?[/QUOTE]
o Getting to be difficult choice, as since 2016 I prefer Conrad Lounge food
o Decider likely on nights/stays needed to maintain IHG RA v HH-Diamond status. No doubt will carry on using both in Bangkok
o actually my corp rate ends 31st Dec, rate not renewed yet, so booked Conrad 07-16 Jan 2017 and 30Jan-5th Feb 2017 (I did not tell IC lounge staff though)
o I use Conrad + IC in Bangkok. IC Suite is 2700++ cheaper than nor1 upsell to favourite Conrad Terrace Suite , although I would probably get Conrad Exec Suite as foc upgrade
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes as usual
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
o Booked first 3nights Grand Exec => Received +2cat Club Suite + Lounge but only 22nd floor
o Booked fourth/last night Grand Dlx => received +2cat Club Room
(as out all day Sunday and leaving 5am Monday for 7am flifght)
nb
did room split as out of hotel all my final day of Sunday, so just bed to sleep, and depart 05:00 for 07:00 TG Flight
How are the rooms?
Corner Suite
o I have switched to the Suites non-HI end as now a newly extended highrise tower overlooks the other sutes
o Nice large, well furnished in good state of furnishing, proper separate rooms
o I do find bedroom oversized compared to living room which is smaller than bedroom
o Bathroom has Bath + separate Shower
o Nice large TV, all the channels you want inc sports channels
o IC Bangkok changed room keys to RFID versions. Elevator currently unlocked card wise, will be swapped to rfid lock on 1st January
Club Room
o Nice large, well furnished in good state of furnishing
o Bathroom has Bath + separate Shower
o Nice large TV, all the channels you want inc sports channels
How is the exec. lounge?
o Definitely a reduced offering food wise from 12months ago, I am sorry to say apart from steak option at lounge b/f i prefer b/f + tea + dinner at Conrad Bkk
o Lounge staff as at attentive, polite, friendly as ever
o Coctail Mohjitos with dark rum , fresh mint are as good as ever
o First ever foc checkout day dining b/f offered if checking out before 7am. NOTE :-You need order in lounge based on continental offering (not hang card on outside of rooms door knob).. Asked for 0415-0430 and arrived 04:14
Did you receive a welcome gift?
RA's v Ambassadors receive the 70cl bottle of red wine along side other gift (Teddy/Pot Pouri Elephant/wooden tuk-tuk)
How was the minibar?
o Great for spirits, 6x cans of beers
o No longer get my diet coke's added this stay (or last few stays either)
What was good and what was bad?
o nothing really bad, just not so good food offerings if you used to come over a year ago
o Full Fat Cream Cheese (to go with smoked salmon) no longer at b/f... asked a few times and gave up
o As reported 2pc RA laundry can no longer be foc versus stated pressing benefit
good
o At check out lounge member said my companies contract ended... not really true, as usually dissapears post 31st Dec each year until reappears circa Feb when renegotiated
o Same member volunteered I should book any other corp rate in meantime for 2017 .. i was quite suprised by that offer/suggestion .. I guess that means Siemens or Google
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
o Corporate rate great , cheapest of any out there, and for 2016 as well as corp rate for Grand Dlx (for +2cat upg to Club room) and Club Room (for +1cat upg to Club Suite), also have Corp Rate for Grande Exec (for +2cat upg to Club Suite)... As such mostly paid 1200bt++ extra to get suite v club-room upgrades for my 20+ nights in 2016
o 35k points not worth using when Corp Rate exists.Even if no corp rate not getting 7k/usd10 I look for
Would you return?[/QUOTE]
o Getting to be difficult choice, as since 2016 I prefer Conrad Lounge food
o Decider likely on nights/stays needed to maintain IHG RA v HH-Diamond status. No doubt will carry on using both in Bangkok
o actually my corp rate ends 31st Dec, rate not renewed yet, so booked Conrad 07-16 Jan 2017 and 30Jan-5th Feb 2017 (I did not tell IC lounge staff though)
o I use Conrad + IC in Bangkok. IC Suite is 2700++ cheaper than nor1 upsell to favourite Conrad Terrace Suite , although I would probably get Conrad Exec Suite as foc upgrade
Last edited by scubaccr; Dec 21, 2016 at 4:32 am
Dec 22, 2016, 9:41 am
#283
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
IC Muscat
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Extremely
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest possible room and was upgraded to Buhairi suite rm 318 given club lounge access also
How are the rooms?
Large suite with sea view.Entrance hall,guest bathroom,large living/dining room/kitchen master bedroom and bathroom.well furnished and comfortable
Club Room
Well furnished with breakfast afternoon tea and evening happy hour and food
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Received huge double fruit dish with many different fresh fruits a large bottle of descent wine and as check in was my birthday a large chocolate cake.
How was the minibar?
Good with plenty of spirits,mixers beers and soft drinks.
What was good and what was bad?
By far my best IC stay to date.Upgrade to huge suite for 14 days huge double fruit platter and wine every day,club lounge access and breakfast in main restaurant every day.My daughter on a points stay was given the connecting room to our suite.
Cant find anything bad.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Great value for what we paid.
Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Making plans for a return now.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Extremely
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest possible room and was upgraded to Buhairi suite rm 318 given club lounge access also
How are the rooms?
Large suite with sea view.Entrance hall,guest bathroom,large living/dining room/kitchen master bedroom and bathroom.well furnished and comfortable
Club Room
Well furnished with breakfast afternoon tea and evening happy hour and food
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Received huge double fruit dish with many different fresh fruits a large bottle of descent wine and as check in was my birthday a large chocolate cake.
How was the minibar?
Good with plenty of spirits,mixers beers and soft drinks.
What was good and what was bad?
By far my best IC stay to date.Upgrade to huge suite for 14 days huge double fruit platter and wine every day,club lounge access and breakfast in main restaurant every day.My daughter on a points stay was given the connecting room to our suite.
Cant find anything bad.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Great value for what we paid.
Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Making plans for a return now.
Dec 24, 2016, 3:34 am
#284
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Sydney (the old one)
IC Sydney (the old one)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes (two visits inside two weeks)
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest, got corner room with view to harbor, opera house
How are the rooms?
Normal size rooms, not extremely spacious. Bathroom with shower/bathtub combination. Rooms were well kept but showing age.
How is the exec. lounge?
Great. Impressive view. Good selection of food/drink for breakfast and happy hour. Lounge can be extremely busy and then service is extremely slow and they forget to bring some of the items you ordered.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Bottle of red, small fruit basked, tiny box with two cookies (same for both visits), small boomerang / kangaroo pin
How was the minibar?
Below average. Only one diet drink in a tiny bottle.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Was able to check in at 7:50 am, got a room without view first and then the final room in the afternoon
- Club lounge as long as it is not overcrowded
- View and location
Bad
- Breakfast in main restaurant is below the typical IC standard both in quality and selection. The space is too small for the number of guests and service is slow and not attentive.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
The hotel is a bit on the expensive side, even for Sydney. With the club upgrade it is ok, but otherwise it would be too expensive.
Would you return?
Likely yes as long as they did not cut down more on the benefits and I get my RA status renewed. Otherwise there are other nicer hotels in Sydney. I still remember the old days several years ago when you got club plus suite.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes (two visits inside two weeks)
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest, got corner room with view to harbor, opera house
How are the rooms?
Normal size rooms, not extremely spacious. Bathroom with shower/bathtub combination. Rooms were well kept but showing age.
How is the exec. lounge?
Great. Impressive view. Good selection of food/drink for breakfast and happy hour. Lounge can be extremely busy and then service is extremely slow and they forget to bring some of the items you ordered.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Bottle of red, small fruit basked, tiny box with two cookies (same for both visits), small boomerang / kangaroo pin
How was the minibar?
Below average. Only one diet drink in a tiny bottle.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Was able to check in at 7:50 am, got a room without view first and then the final room in the afternoon
- Club lounge as long as it is not overcrowded
- View and location
Bad
- Breakfast in main restaurant is below the typical IC standard both in quality and selection. The space is too small for the number of guests and service is slow and not attentive.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
The hotel is a bit on the expensive side, even for Sydney. With the club upgrade it is ok, but otherwise it would be too expensive.
Would you return?
Likely yes as long as they did not cut down more on the benefits and I get my RA status renewed. Otherwise there are other nicer hotels in Sydney. I still remember the old days several years ago when you got club plus suite.
Dec 24, 2016, 7:02 am
#285
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: 10,955
InterContinental Berlin
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, even if I experienced small issues
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room + club paid at check-in, and received a junior suite on the Eastern wing.
How are the rooms?
Around 45sqm
More a suite than junior suite
Warm contemporary interior design.
One room with sofa and desk. iPhone dock. Tassimo coffee machine.
Bedroom with very comfortable bed.
Nice bathroom with bathtub and separate shower. Agraria amenities
2 flat screen television sets with large selection of international channels
Very quiet
View over the city.
How is the exec. lounge?
Great staff and very pleasant atmosphere.
Very good breakfast options
Food all the day long.
Evening hot options (including on week-ends).
The bar/coffee section has been modified with bar tables and stools, so that people can have a drink and keep the "restaurant" part more quiet
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Elegant décor
- Very pleasant indoor pool and spa
- Bicycles can be rented
BAD
- I received a phone call prior to check-in to inform me that I could not have access to the club lounge, despite paying for it, as the hotel was full. I was badly suprised to receive such phone call, as my reservation was made one month in advance. At reception, I finally get club access (and was even more suprised to see no more than 10 guests in the club lounge).
- I experienced some maintenance issues in the room (shower full of tartar, lamp which was not working, one of the television set which was not working properly).
- I was waiting in the club lounge for my room to be ready (but no one came to inform me that it was ready, and bag was not delivered to the room as convinced: when I asked where was my bad, I received a surprising answer: where did you store it?!)
I had a phone call with Hotel GM, who took time to listen to the issues I experienced during my stay, and I am quite sure I would not experience them next time.
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, definitely
Pictures of the hotel
Pisctures of Berlin
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, even if I experienced small issues
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room + club paid at check-in, and received a junior suite on the Eastern wing.
How are the rooms?
Around 45sqm
More a suite than junior suite
Warm contemporary interior design.
One room with sofa and desk. iPhone dock. Tassimo coffee machine.
Bedroom with very comfortable bed.
Nice bathroom with bathtub and separate shower. Agraria amenities
2 flat screen television sets with large selection of international channels
Very quiet
View over the city.
How is the exec. lounge?
Great staff and very pleasant atmosphere.
Very good breakfast options
Food all the day long.
Evening hot options (including on week-ends).
The bar/coffee section has been modified with bar tables and stools, so that people can have a drink and keep the "restaurant" part more quiet
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Elegant décor
- Very pleasant indoor pool and spa
- Bicycles can be rented
BAD
- I received a phone call prior to check-in to inform me that I could not have access to the club lounge, despite paying for it, as the hotel was full. I was badly suprised to receive such phone call, as my reservation was made one month in advance. At reception, I finally get club access (and was even more suprised to see no more than 10 guests in the club lounge).
- I experienced some maintenance issues in the room (shower full of tartar, lamp which was not working, one of the television set which was not working properly).
- I was waiting in the club lounge for my room to be ready (but no one came to inform me that it was ready, and bag was not delivered to the room as convinced: when I asked where was my bad, I received a surprising answer: where did you store it?!)
I had a phone call with Hotel GM, who took time to listen to the issues I experienced during my stay, and I am quite sure I would not experience them next time.
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, definitely
Pictures of the hotel
Pisctures of Berlin