Please post your Royal Ambassador experiences 2017
Jan 3, 2017, 1:30 am
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Paris Le Grand
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Absolutely.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Classic on mix of paid and award nights, given the Ambassador Suite with Club. This stay spanned NYE and the hotel appeared to be sold out.
How are the rooms?
One of the best suites in the hotel with a huge salon. Everything was in tip top shape.
How is the exec. lounge?
Great as usual, even under stressed conditions. I'd never seen this club so crowded.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit, Champagne and a tall coffee travel cup.
How was the minibar?
Two mini-bars in this suite, with the usual Champagne, white Burgundy, etc.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Everything was excellent, especially the upgrade and award night treatment.
-Bad
Nothing
Value for € or Priority Club Points?
Unsurpassable value. I think the rack rate for the Ambassador suite is €3200 per night. Plus the club, minibar...
Would you return?
Again and again.
Absolutely.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Classic on mix of paid and award nights, given the Ambassador Suite with Club. This stay spanned NYE and the hotel appeared to be sold out.
How are the rooms?
One of the best suites in the hotel with a huge salon. Everything was in tip top shape.
How is the exec. lounge?
Great as usual, even under stressed conditions. I'd never seen this club so crowded.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit, Champagne and a tall coffee travel cup.
How was the minibar?
Two mini-bars in this suite, with the usual Champagne, white Burgundy, etc.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Everything was excellent, especially the upgrade and award night treatment.
-Bad
Nothing
Value for € or Priority Club Points?
Unsurpassable value. I think the rack rate for the Ambassador suite is €3200 per night. Plus the club, minibar...
Would you return?
Again and again.
Jan 3, 2017, 1:30 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Paris Le Grand
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Absolutely.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Classic on mix of paid and award nights, given the Ambassador Suite with Club. This stay spanned NYE and the hotel appeared to be sold out.
How are the rooms?
One of the best suites in the hotel with a huge salon. Everything was in tip top shape.
How is the exec. lounge?
Great as usual, even under stressed conditions. I'd never seen this club so crowded.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit, Champagne and a tall coffee travel cup.
How was the minibar?
Two mini-bars in this suite, with the usual Champagne, white Burgundy, etc.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Everything was excellent, especially the upgrade and award night treatment.
-Bad
Nothing
Value for € or Priority Club Points?
Unsurpassable value. I think the rack rate for the Ambassador suite is €3200 per night. Plus the club, minibar...
Would you return?
Again and again.
Absolutely.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Classic on mix of paid and award nights, given the Ambassador Suite with Club. This stay spanned NYE and the hotel appeared to be sold out.
How are the rooms?
One of the best suites in the hotel with a huge salon. Everything was in tip top shape.
How is the exec. lounge?
Great as usual, even under stressed conditions. I'd never seen this club so crowded.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit, Champagne and a tall coffee travel cup.
How was the minibar?
Two mini-bars in this suite, with the usual Champagne, white Burgundy, etc.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Everything was excellent, especially the upgrade and award night treatment.
-Bad
Nothing
Value for € or Priority Club Points?
Unsurpassable value. I think the rack rate for the Ambassador suite is €3200 per night. Plus the club, minibar...
Would you return?
Again and again.
Jan 3, 2017, 4:13 am
#18
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Asiana Saigon
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
this time not really. It was one of my favored hotels in the past.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked cheapest as usually. In the past got upgrade to suite+club
Not any more.
Around 2 weeks before the stay I got an email from them telling me about the upgrade policy with an offer for a suite upgrade for USD65++ instead of normally USD115++.
I replied back and asked about their new policy. It seems that you need to book a superior which usually is about USD25++ more than the basic room.
I did not change my booking and declined the suite offer.
I got a room which looked very much like a normal room with Club Access. In my view the room type was not an upgrade. In their viewpoint it was a two level upgrade.
They explained that if you book a normal room or a corner room you will end up in a club room. If you book a superior you get club + suite.
How are the rooms?
Nice, well kept, reasonable size. Only issue is the translucent wall between the bathroom and the main room. Light in the bathroom lights up the bedroom.
How is the exec. lounge?
It has changed. High tea was as nice as normal. But for happy hour it has changed. The amount of dishes is only around half of what they had before. They did constantly run out of everything. Often there was none of the hot dishes, they brought out a few and people scrambled to get one. They even did run out of cheese, deserts. At that time it also was understaffed. Most tables where occupied, but there was not an unusual number of guests this time.
It was one of the best lounges in the past, now calling it mediocre is too nice.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
the usual lacquer thing
small fruit basket first, good size fruit basked later
6 macrons
bottle of red
more water than anybody can ever drink
How was the minibar?
below average, not as nice as before
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Location
High Tea in the lounge
-Bad
Happy hour in the lounge
No room upgrade other than club
Breakfast in main restaurant had very slow service, coffee was cold when it finally arrived
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
without the room upgrade you can do better in Saigon
Would you return?
I have one more visit already booked. After that one most likely no more.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
this time not really. It was one of my favored hotels in the past.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked cheapest as usually. In the past got upgrade to suite+club
Not any more.
Around 2 weeks before the stay I got an email from them telling me about the upgrade policy with an offer for a suite upgrade for USD65++ instead of normally USD115++.
I replied back and asked about their new policy. It seems that you need to book a superior which usually is about USD25++ more than the basic room.
I did not change my booking and declined the suite offer.
I got a room which looked very much like a normal room with Club Access. In my view the room type was not an upgrade. In their viewpoint it was a two level upgrade.
They explained that if you book a normal room or a corner room you will end up in a club room. If you book a superior you get club + suite.
How are the rooms?
Nice, well kept, reasonable size. Only issue is the translucent wall between the bathroom and the main room. Light in the bathroom lights up the bedroom.
How is the exec. lounge?
It has changed. High tea was as nice as normal. But for happy hour it has changed. The amount of dishes is only around half of what they had before. They did constantly run out of everything. Often there was none of the hot dishes, they brought out a few and people scrambled to get one. They even did run out of cheese, deserts. At that time it also was understaffed. Most tables where occupied, but there was not an unusual number of guests this time.
It was one of the best lounges in the past, now calling it mediocre is too nice.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
the usual lacquer thing
small fruit basket first, good size fruit basked later
6 macrons
bottle of red
more water than anybody can ever drink
How was the minibar?
below average, not as nice as before
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Location
High Tea in the lounge
-Bad
Happy hour in the lounge
No room upgrade other than club
Breakfast in main restaurant had very slow service, coffee was cold when it finally arrived
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
without the room upgrade you can do better in Saigon
Would you return?
I have one more visit already booked. After that one most likely no more.
Jan 3, 2017, 4:13 am
#19
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Asiana Saigon
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
this time not really. It was one of my favored hotels in the past.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked cheapest as usually. In the past got upgrade to suite+club
Not any more.
Around 2 weeks before the stay I got an email from them telling me about the upgrade policy with an offer for a suite upgrade for USD65++ instead of normally USD115++.
I replied back and asked about their new policy. It seems that you need to book a superior which usually is about USD25++ more than the basic room.
I did not change my booking and declined the suite offer.
I got a room which looked very much like a normal room with Club Access. In my view the room type was not an upgrade. In their viewpoint it was a two level upgrade.
They explained that if you book a normal room or a corner room you will end up in a club room. If you book a superior you get club + suite.
How are the rooms?
Nice, well kept, reasonable size. Only issue is the translucent wall between the bathroom and the main room. Light in the bathroom lights up the bedroom.
How is the exec. lounge?
It has changed. High tea was as nice as normal. But for happy hour it has changed. The amount of dishes is only around half of what they had before. They did constantly run out of everything. Often there was none of the hot dishes, they brought out a few and people scrambled to get one. They even did run out of cheese, deserts. At that time it also was understaffed. Most tables where occupied, but there was not an unusual number of guests this time.
It was one of the best lounges in the past, now calling it mediocre is too nice.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
the usual lacquer thing
small fruit basket first, good size fruit basked later
6 macrons
bottle of red
more water than anybody can ever drink
How was the minibar?
below average, not as nice as before
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Location
High Tea in the lounge
-Bad
Happy hour in the lounge
No room upgrade other than club
Breakfast in main restaurant had very slow service, coffee was cold when it finally arrived
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
without the room upgrade you can do better in Saigon
Would you return?
I have one more visit already booked. After that one most likely no more.
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
this time not really. It was one of my favored hotels in the past.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked cheapest as usually. In the past got upgrade to suite+club
Not any more.
Around 2 weeks before the stay I got an email from them telling me about the upgrade policy with an offer for a suite upgrade for USD65++ instead of normally USD115++.
I replied back and asked about their new policy. It seems that you need to book a superior which usually is about USD25++ more than the basic room.
I did not change my booking and declined the suite offer.
I got a room which looked very much like a normal room with Club Access. In my view the room type was not an upgrade. In their viewpoint it was a two level upgrade.
They explained that if you book a normal room or a corner room you will end up in a club room. If you book a superior you get club + suite.
How are the rooms?
Nice, well kept, reasonable size. Only issue is the translucent wall between the bathroom and the main room. Light in the bathroom lights up the bedroom.
How is the exec. lounge?
It has changed. High tea was as nice as normal. But for happy hour it has changed. The amount of dishes is only around half of what they had before. They did constantly run out of everything. Often there was none of the hot dishes, they brought out a few and people scrambled to get one. They even did run out of cheese, deserts. At that time it also was understaffed. Most tables where occupied, but there was not an unusual number of guests this time.
It was one of the best lounges in the past, now calling it mediocre is too nice.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
the usual lacquer thing
small fruit basket first, good size fruit basked later
6 macrons
bottle of red
more water than anybody can ever drink
How was the minibar?
below average, not as nice as before
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Location
High Tea in the lounge
-Bad
Happy hour in the lounge
No room upgrade other than club
Breakfast in main restaurant had very slow service, coffee was cold when it finally arrived
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
without the room upgrade you can do better in Saigon
Would you return?
I have one more visit already booked. After that one most likely no more.
Jan 3, 2017, 7:22 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,771
IC Baan Taling Ngam Koh Samui
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
No
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked club Oceanfront Beach Villa for 6 nights and 1 night redemption room, received the villa for all nights and a discount for the 6 paid nights as no further upgrade was available.
How are the rooms?
3 different villa designs and we had the worst (smallest) design possibly because we didn't have kids and need a rollaway so our request for a larger villa were not prioritised. 3 different locations (close together but very different) we were in the middle in terms of privacy and view.
One relatively narrow room with a sofa and tv at the end of a king bed, behind it is a desk and large bathroom/wardrobe. Patio doors (one in this type of villa) lead to a terrace with private pool, dining area and sun loungers, grass in front of 5 villas accessible by all guests and the beach (sharp drop) beyond
How is the exec. lounge?
Club offer was a free car transfer to and from the airport (we had a hire car so did not use), free breakfast in the restaurant or villa, afternoon tea in the lobby lounge, evening drinks and canapes in the air bar
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Nice property layout
- Good view from villa
- Friendly staff
- Quiet overall location
- Very nice toiletries
- Good bathroom
- OK (if small) gym
- Spa, overall offer, quality and value
BAD
- Staff ability broadly did not match their enthusiasm, spare yourself the pain and accept that any even moderately complex requests, room service orders etc. will not be possible
- Villa size, layout and position varied markedly for such a small concentrated group of villas. We did not come close to getting the best room in the category booked , which I think is a reasonable expectation as a RA
- Spirits from the minibar (20cl) are not refilled during a stay
- Weak dining offer (compounded by service issues)
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
No, may be good value on points very bad value for cash at anything close to full cost compared to much better local competition (e.g. the Conrad).
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
No
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked club Oceanfront Beach Villa for 6 nights and 1 night redemption room, received the villa for all nights and a discount for the 6 paid nights as no further upgrade was available.
How are the rooms?
3 different villa designs and we had the worst (smallest) design possibly because we didn't have kids and need a rollaway so our request for a larger villa were not prioritised. 3 different locations (close together but very different) we were in the middle in terms of privacy and view.
One relatively narrow room with a sofa and tv at the end of a king bed, behind it is a desk and large bathroom/wardrobe. Patio doors (one in this type of villa) lead to a terrace with private pool, dining area and sun loungers, grass in front of 5 villas accessible by all guests and the beach (sharp drop) beyond
How is the exec. lounge?
Club offer was a free car transfer to and from the airport (we had a hire car so did not use), free breakfast in the restaurant or villa, afternoon tea in the lobby lounge, evening drinks and canapes in the air bar
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Nice property layout
- Good view from villa
- Friendly staff
- Quiet overall location
- Very nice toiletries
- Good bathroom
- OK (if small) gym
- Spa, overall offer, quality and value
BAD
- Staff ability broadly did not match their enthusiasm, spare yourself the pain and accept that any even moderately complex requests, room service orders etc. will not be possible
- Villa size, layout and position varied markedly for such a small concentrated group of villas. We did not come close to getting the best room in the category booked , which I think is a reasonable expectation as a RA
- Spirits from the minibar (20cl) are not refilled during a stay
- Weak dining offer (compounded by service issues)
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
No, may be good value on points very bad value for cash at anything close to full cost compared to much better local competition (e.g. the Conrad).
Jan 3, 2017, 7:22 am
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,771
IC Baan Taling Ngam Koh Samui
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
No
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked club Oceanfront Beach Villa for 6 nights and 1 night redemption room, received the villa for all nights and a discount for the 6 paid nights as no further upgrade was available.
How are the rooms?
3 different villa designs and we had the worst (smallest) design possibly because we didn't have kids and need a rollaway so our request for a larger villa were not prioritised. 3 different locations (close together but very different) we were in the middle in terms of privacy and view.
One relatively narrow room with a sofa and tv at the end of a king bed, behind it is a desk and large bathroom/wardrobe. Patio doors (one in this type of villa) lead to a terrace with private pool, dining area and sun loungers, grass in front of 5 villas accessible by all guests and the beach (sharp drop) beyond
How is the exec. lounge?
Club offer was a free car transfer to and from the airport (we had a hire car so did not use), free breakfast in the restaurant or villa, afternoon tea in the lobby lounge, evening drinks and canapes in the air bar
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Nice property layout
- Good view from villa
- Friendly staff
- Quiet overall location
- Very nice toiletries
- Good bathroom
- OK (if small) gym
- Spa, overall offer, quality and value
BAD
- Staff ability broadly did not match their enthusiasm, spare yourself the pain and accept that any even moderately complex requests, room service orders etc. will not be possible
- Villa size, layout and position varied markedly for such a small concentrated group of villas. We did not come close to getting the best room in the category booked , which I think is a reasonable expectation as a RA
- Spirits from the minibar (20cl) are not refilled during a stay
- Weak dining offer (compounded by service issues)
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
No, may be good value on points very bad value for cash at anything close to full cost compared to much better local competition (e.g. the Conrad).
Spire Royal Ambassador
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
No
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked club Oceanfront Beach Villa for 6 nights and 1 night redemption room, received the villa for all nights and a discount for the 6 paid nights as no further upgrade was available.
How are the rooms?
3 different villa designs and we had the worst (smallest) design possibly because we didn't have kids and need a rollaway so our request for a larger villa were not prioritised. 3 different locations (close together but very different) we were in the middle in terms of privacy and view.
One relatively narrow room with a sofa and tv at the end of a king bed, behind it is a desk and large bathroom/wardrobe. Patio doors (one in this type of villa) lead to a terrace with private pool, dining area and sun loungers, grass in front of 5 villas accessible by all guests and the beach (sharp drop) beyond
How is the exec. lounge?
Club offer was a free car transfer to and from the airport (we had a hire car so did not use), free breakfast in the restaurant or villa, afternoon tea in the lobby lounge, evening drinks and canapes in the air bar
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Nice property layout
- Good view from villa
- Friendly staff
- Quiet overall location
- Very nice toiletries
- Good bathroom
- OK (if small) gym
- Spa, overall offer, quality and value
BAD
- Staff ability broadly did not match their enthusiasm, spare yourself the pain and accept that any even moderately complex requests, room service orders etc. will not be possible
- Villa size, layout and position varied markedly for such a small concentrated group of villas. We did not come close to getting the best room in the category booked , which I think is a reasonable expectation as a RA
- Spirits from the minibar (20cl) are not refilled during a stay
- Weak dining offer (compounded by service issues)
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
No, may be good value on points very bad value for cash at anything close to full cost compared to much better local competition (e.g. the Conrad).
Jan 5, 2017, 9:52 pm
#22
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,797
Intercontinental Los Angeles Century City
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 King Bed Superior, didn't pay attention to which room type i received but looks from the website like it was a One Bed Exec Suite.
How are the rooms?
Huge. Well appointed although the a/c was very loud.
How is the exec. lounge?
Told at check-in we could use a VIP lounge (no Club lounge available) which looked like a cupboard with a couple of chairs in from outside. Didn't go in.
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Very friendly staff
- Seemed to be no expectation of tipping from most staff
- Booked a non breakfast rate but breakfast vouchers for the entire stay were delivered to our room on day one
- The breakfast was good
- Free car service for up to 1.5 miles
- Great location for a variety of tourist sights
BAD
- No Club lounge
- Nothing is walkable
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes
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 King Bed Superior, didn't pay attention to which room type i received but looks from the website like it was a One Bed Exec Suite.
How are the rooms?
Huge. Well appointed although the a/c was very loud.
How is the exec. lounge?
Told at check-in we could use a VIP lounge (no Club lounge available) which looked like a cupboard with a couple of chairs in from outside. Didn't go in.
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Very friendly staff
- Seemed to be no expectation of tipping from most staff
- Booked a non breakfast rate but breakfast vouchers for the entire stay were delivered to our room on day one
- The breakfast was good
- Free car service for up to 1.5 miles
- Great location for a variety of tourist sights
BAD
- No Club lounge
- Nothing is walkable
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes
Jan 5, 2017, 9:52 pm
#23
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,797
Intercontinental Los Angeles Century City
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 King Bed Superior, didn't pay attention to which room type i received but looks from the website like it was a One Bed Exec Suite.
How are the rooms?
Huge. Well appointed although the a/c was very loud.
How is the exec. lounge?
Told at check-in we could use a VIP lounge (no Club lounge available) which looked like a cupboard with a couple of chairs in from outside. Didn't go in.
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Very friendly staff
- Seemed to be no expectation of tipping from most staff
- Booked a non breakfast rate but breakfast vouchers for the entire stay were delivered to our room on day one
- The breakfast was good
- Free car service for up to 1.5 miles
- Great location for a variety of tourist sights
BAD
- No Club lounge
- Nothing is walkable
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes
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 King Bed Superior, didn't pay attention to which room type i received but looks from the website like it was a One Bed Exec Suite.
How are the rooms?
Huge. Well appointed although the a/c was very loud.
How is the exec. lounge?
Told at check-in we could use a VIP lounge (no Club lounge available) which looked like a cupboard with a couple of chairs in from outside. Didn't go in.
What was good and what was bad?
GOOD
- Very friendly staff
- Seemed to be no expectation of tipping from most staff
- Booked a non breakfast rate but breakfast vouchers for the entire stay were delivered to our room on day one
- The breakfast was good
- Free car service for up to 1.5 miles
- Great location for a variety of tourist sights
BAD
- No Club lounge
- Nothing is walkable
Value for $ or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Yes
Jan 6, 2017, 8:30 am
#24
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Shanghai and Bavaria
Programs: Spire RA, 1865 Voyager, Bonvoy Titanium, FB LP, LH SEN.
Posts: 3,104
IC Davos
IC Davos
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 Deluxe room on points and did not receive an upgrade. Bought club access for 95 SFR/night
How are the rooms?
Around 35sqm
Elegant, luxurious design
Large couch area, but no real desk
Nespresso machine
How is the exec. lounge?
Breakfast also available at main restaurant (very good)
Friendly staff
Decent happy hour snacks and drinks
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Very good and elegant hotel
- Very good staff and consistent service
- Very nice breakfast
- Fantastic location
Bad
- No more upgrades and club access on award nights
Value for € or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Anytime.
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 Deluxe room on points and did not receive an upgrade. Bought club access for 95 SFR/night
How are the rooms?
Around 35sqm
Elegant, luxurious design
Large couch area, but no real desk
Nespresso machine
How is the exec. lounge?
Breakfast also available at main restaurant (very good)
Friendly staff
Decent happy hour snacks and drinks
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Very good and elegant hotel
- Very good staff and consistent service
- Very nice breakfast
- Fantastic location
Bad
- No more upgrades and club access on award nights
Value for € or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Anytime.
Jan 6, 2017, 8:30 am
#25
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Shanghai and Bavaria
Programs: Spire RA, 1865 Voyager, Bonvoy Titanium, FB LP, LH SEN.
Posts: 3,104
IC Davos
IC Davos
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 Deluxe room on points and did not receive an upgrade. Bought club access for 95 SFR/night
How are the rooms?
Around 35sqm
Elegant, luxurious design
Large couch area, but no real desk
Nespresso machine
How is the exec. lounge?
Breakfast also available at main restaurant (very good)
Friendly staff
Decent happy hour snacks and drinks
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Very good and elegant hotel
- Very good staff and consistent service
- Very nice breakfast
- Fantastic location
Bad
- No more upgrades and club access on award nights
Value for € or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Anytime.
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 Deluxe room on points and did not receive an upgrade. Bought club access for 95 SFR/night
How are the rooms?
Around 35sqm
Elegant, luxurious design
Large couch area, but no real desk
Nespresso machine
How is the exec. lounge?
Breakfast also available at main restaurant (very good)
Friendly staff
Decent happy hour snacks and drinks
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Very good and elegant hotel
- Very good staff and consistent service
- Very nice breakfast
- Fantastic location
Bad
- No more upgrades and club access on award nights
Value for € or IHG Rewards Club Points? Would you return?
Anytime.
Jan 6, 2017, 1:44 pm
#26
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 822
The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo
The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo
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 Single Classic, Firstly received Premier Bath View Room as temporary room, then Received Executive Suite "The Suite" Two Single Bed type.
How are the rooms?
[Premier Bath View Room]
35.5sqm. IMHO best room in this hotel except suite. Keurig coffee machine, 40inch SONY LCD TV, BOSE Sound System, toilet equipped the TOTO Washlet, Jacuzzi with view bathroom, Toiletries are THANN. No longer L'Occitane.
Video of Premier Bath View Room
[Executive Suite "The Suite"]
The suite is 70sqm well balanced room. Jacuzzi with view bathroom, 50inch SONY LCD TV, Blu-ray player, BOSE Sound System, Toiletries are THANN. No longer L'Occitane.
Video of Executive Suite "The Suite" Two Single Bed type
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
You can purchase Dining Room Passport (similar service of the CLUB, JPY10,000.- par person. For RA, JPY6,000.- par person as special discount. Not given complimentary access as standard RA benefit) upon check in.
What was your welcome gift?
Japanese rice cracker "Okaki" and "Karintoh"
How was the minibar?
Little bit improved. But not great. Added two full bottles (red & white) of wines.
What was good?
++++++++++ Regular Guest recognition (Received Dining Room Passport!)
+++++ Upgrade
What was bad?
None
Value for $ or Rewards Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Yes
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 Single Classic, Firstly received Premier Bath View Room as temporary room, then Received Executive Suite "The Suite" Two Single Bed type.
How are the rooms?
[Premier Bath View Room]
35.5sqm. IMHO best room in this hotel except suite. Keurig coffee machine, 40inch SONY LCD TV, BOSE Sound System, toilet equipped the TOTO Washlet, Jacuzzi with view bathroom, Toiletries are THANN. No longer L'Occitane.
Video of Premier Bath View Room
[Executive Suite "The Suite"]
The suite is 70sqm well balanced room. Jacuzzi with view bathroom, 50inch SONY LCD TV, Blu-ray player, BOSE Sound System, Toiletries are THANN. No longer L'Occitane.
Video of Executive Suite "The Suite" Two Single Bed type
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
You can purchase Dining Room Passport (similar service of the CLUB, JPY10,000.- par person. For RA, JPY6,000.- par person as special discount. Not given complimentary access as standard RA benefit) upon check in.
What was your welcome gift?
Japanese rice cracker "Okaki" and "Karintoh"
How was the minibar?
Little bit improved. But not great. Added two full bottles (red & white) of wines.
What was good?
++++++++++ Regular Guest recognition (Received Dining Room Passport!)
+++++ Upgrade
What was bad?
None
Value for $ or Rewards Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Yes
Jan 6, 2017, 1:44 pm
#27
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 822
The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo
The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo
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 Single Classic, Firstly received Premier Bath View Room as temporary room, then Received Executive Suite "The Suite" Two Single Bed type.
How are the rooms?
[Premier Bath View Room]
35.5sqm. IMHO best room in this hotel except suite. Keurig coffee machine, 40inch SONY LCD TV, BOSE Sound System, toilet equipped the TOTO Washlet, Jacuzzi with view bathroom, Toiletries are THANN. No longer L'Occitane.
Video of Premier Bath View Room
[Executive Suite "The Suite"]
The suite is 70sqm well balanced room. Jacuzzi with view bathroom, 50inch SONY LCD TV, Blu-ray player, BOSE Sound System, Toiletries are THANN. No longer L'Occitane.
Video of Executive Suite "The Suite" Two Single Bed type
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
You can purchase Dining Room Passport (similar service of the CLUB, JPY10,000.- par person. For RA, JPY6,000.- par person as special discount. Not given complimentary access as standard RA benefit) upon check in.
What was your welcome gift?
Japanese rice cracker "Okaki" and "Karintoh"
How was the minibar?
Little bit improved. But not great. Added two full bottles (red & white) of wines.
What was good?
++++++++++ Regular Guest recognition (Received Dining Room Passport!)
+++++ Upgrade
What was bad?
None
Value for $ or Rewards Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Yes
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 Single Classic, Firstly received Premier Bath View Room as temporary room, then Received Executive Suite "The Suite" Two Single Bed type.
How are the rooms?
[Premier Bath View Room]
35.5sqm. IMHO best room in this hotel except suite. Keurig coffee machine, 40inch SONY LCD TV, BOSE Sound System, toilet equipped the TOTO Washlet, Jacuzzi with view bathroom, Toiletries are THANN. No longer L'Occitane.
Video of Premier Bath View Room
[Executive Suite "The Suite"]
The suite is 70sqm well balanced room. Jacuzzi with view bathroom, 50inch SONY LCD TV, Blu-ray player, BOSE Sound System, Toiletries are THANN. No longer L'Occitane.
Video of Executive Suite "The Suite" Two Single Bed type
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
You can purchase Dining Room Passport (similar service of the CLUB, JPY10,000.- par person. For RA, JPY6,000.- par person as special discount. Not given complimentary access as standard RA benefit) upon check in.
What was your welcome gift?
Japanese rice cracker "Okaki" and "Karintoh"
How was the minibar?
Little bit improved. But not great. Added two full bottles (red & white) of wines.
What was good?
++++++++++ Regular Guest recognition (Received Dining Room Passport!)
+++++ Upgrade
What was bad?
None
Value for $ or Rewards Club Points?
Yes
Would you return?
Yes
Jan 7, 2017, 1:58 pm
#28
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 167
IC Frankfurt
IC Frankfurt
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes very much, as always.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room, got upgrade to Club Studio King with lounge access.
How are the rooms?
Very spacious with sofa and two chairs around the living room part table, nice working desk, shower and bath tub separated,
How is the exec. lounge?
Very attentive staff and good atmosphere, not as "proletarian" as e.g. Berlin.
Breakfast has a rather limited selection on ham and cheese, but good bread, vegetables and egg dishes to order,
For dinner a hot meat dish and rice, salad, vegetable, appetizers, cheese selection, and some deserts.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Intercontinental branded lip balm.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Good value
Would you return?
Yes.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes very much, as always.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room, got upgrade to Club Studio King with lounge access.
How are the rooms?
Very spacious with sofa and two chairs around the living room part table, nice working desk, shower and bath tub separated,
How is the exec. lounge?
Very attentive staff and good atmosphere, not as "proletarian" as e.g. Berlin.
Breakfast has a rather limited selection on ham and cheese, but good bread, vegetables and egg dishes to order,
For dinner a hot meat dish and rice, salad, vegetable, appetizers, cheese selection, and some deserts.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Intercontinental branded lip balm.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Nice upgrade.
- Guest relations called me just after check-in to offer me to cancel my next pre-paid reservation without costs, because on Sunday January 8th the hotel is evacuated between 8 am and 4 pm.
- Great and attentive staff in Club, at front, bar and restaurant. .
- [*]
Good value
Would you return?
Yes.
Jan 8, 2017, 12:10 pm
#29
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 167
IC Berlin
IC Berlin
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, it was okay.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room, got upgraded to Junior suite with club access.
Was told at check-in that upgrade policy has changed to include view in room categorisation, therefore to get a junior suite next time, I need to book a Deluxe room from now on.
How are the rooms?
It's a small suite with a door between the narrow living area and the sleeping room. Nice shower and bath tub separated.
How is the exec. lounge?
Since January 4th there is no lunch: No soup, no salad or anything else. So between breakfast and high tea not even some bread available.
During my two nights stay I went there just once at about 1 pm, therefore I do not know whether breakfast or dinner time have changed, too.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Nuts and chocolate.
How was the minibar?
I do not remember, but I think sparkling whine was new.
Just took some water and white whine.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Good value for a little less than 100 Euro/Night.
Would you return?
Yes, mainly because of the pool and smoking rooms.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, it was okay.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest room, got upgraded to Junior suite with club access.
Was told at check-in that upgrade policy has changed to include view in room categorisation, therefore to get a junior suite next time, I need to book a Deluxe room from now on.
How are the rooms?
It's a small suite with a door between the narrow living area and the sleeping room. Nice shower and bath tub separated.
How is the exec. lounge?
Since January 4th there is no lunch: No soup, no salad or anything else. So between breakfast and high tea not even some bread available.
During my two nights stay I went there just once at about 1 pm, therefore I do not know whether breakfast or dinner time have changed, too.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Nuts and chocolate.
How was the minibar?
I do not remember, but I think sparkling whine was new.
Just took some water and white whine.
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Nice upgrade
- One of the best pools for swimming in Berlin. (As good as Pulman just accross the street)
- Good restaurant in the former cigar lounge.
- Great staff at breakfast, they remembered after about 6 months which juice I like, how I want my eggs.
- No toilet on the ground floor, due to an event. (Regulars know, normal guests always have to suffer if there is an event, because this hotel is not built to host events, but they host great events.)
- As almost always the Ambassador treatment arrived hours after arrival at my room.
- Lounge. Downgrade of lounge service not offering anything at noon. Was once a good lounge I was willing to pay for, before staff changed, "I want a room downgrade but instead lounge"-beggars blocked check-in and the staff did not do anything except saying "would you mind to checki-in standing in the second row", etc pp)
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Good value for a little less than 100 Euro/Night.
Would you return?
Yes, mainly because of the pool and smoking rooms.
Jan 8, 2017, 4:40 pm
#30
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Programs: UA 1K, DL Gold, IHG Diamond AMB, MR Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, National EE
Posts: 1,083
IC Cleveland
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, very.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest AAA rate and was upgraded to a Junior Suite.
How are the rooms?
The room was very modern, sleek and clean. The door opened up into a living area with a couch and TV, and then there is a separate bedroom with oversized bathroom.
How is the exec. lounge?
I was given access as an RA but I didn't have the chance to enjoy it.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Besides the upgrade and club access I was given a $40 credit towards breakfast, either at the in-hotel restaurant or room service. I utilized it for room service which was nice. However, I was still responsible for paying tax and gratuity even though my total including both was only $34.
How was the minibar?
The minibar was weak. No champagne or sparkling. A few bud lights and heinekens. Red and white wine, but those small plastic type bottles they serve on airplanes. And just a few nips, maybe 6-8 of them if my memory serves me right.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
The overall RA treatment was great. Access to the club and the $40 breakfast credit was a nice surprise. I also liked that this hotel has in-room movies, which is becoming a rare RA benefit these days.
-Bad
The minibar was boring. And the ironing board is mini. It's maybe a third of the full length and is meant to be used on a tabletop I think. As a 6'6" man it was a bit frustrating trying to iron my pants.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Decent value at sub $200 nightly rates.
Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Absolutely.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, very.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest AAA rate and was upgraded to a Junior Suite.
How are the rooms?
The room was very modern, sleek and clean. The door opened up into a living area with a couch and TV, and then there is a separate bedroom with oversized bathroom.
How is the exec. lounge?
I was given access as an RA but I didn't have the chance to enjoy it.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Besides the upgrade and club access I was given a $40 credit towards breakfast, either at the in-hotel restaurant or room service. I utilized it for room service which was nice. However, I was still responsible for paying tax and gratuity even though my total including both was only $34.
How was the minibar?
The minibar was weak. No champagne or sparkling. A few bud lights and heinekens. Red and white wine, but those small plastic type bottles they serve on airplanes. And just a few nips, maybe 6-8 of them if my memory serves me right.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
The overall RA treatment was great. Access to the club and the $40 breakfast credit was a nice surprise. I also liked that this hotel has in-room movies, which is becoming a rare RA benefit these days.
-Bad
The minibar was boring. And the ironing board is mini. It's maybe a third of the full length and is meant to be used on a tabletop I think. As a 6'6" man it was a bit frustrating trying to iron my pants.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Decent value at sub $200 nightly rates.
Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Absolutely.
Last edited by TravelTheWorld66; Jan 9, 2017 at 8:05 pm