Please post your Royal Ambassador Experiences 2019
Apr 8, 2019, 9:27 pm
#46
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 182
InterContinental Cartagena
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Cheapest -> Ocean View Suite
How was your room?
Spacious room, ca. 90 sqm, modern interior design, 1.5 bathrooms, comfortable bed, good working AC, high floor, which was irrelevant because view was equal zero due to heavy (!) dirt on windows.
How is the Club InterContinental?
Very bad offering. No high tea. Closed on Sundays/holidays. Do not recommend to pay for it.
View was not existent. I have never seen such dirty windows.
What was your welcome gift?
Fruit plate.
How was the mini-bar?
Actually, ok: some local snacks, 6 mini-liqueurs, several soft drinks. BUT: no whine.
What was good?
-Staff
-Got 3 drink vouchers (3 pax), each up to 25000 COP.
-Room
-Early check in at 10am worked.
-20USD F&B credit for RA.
-No VAT. Just present your passport with PIP-5 or PIP-10 stamp.
What was bad?
-windows directed to the sea
-Generally no breakfast in the main restaurant.
I was just lucky that my brazen grandma could not be refused the "request".
-Eternally long procedure at check-out because of the mini-bar. Someone had to be called into the room to record everything. Just only to be told that I've spent 70,000 of 300,000 COP mini-bar credit and that's why they would not charge.
Value for EUR?
Other 4 star hotels were not much cheaper. So it was a no-brainer with RA.
Would you return?
Yes. But if I had missed the RA qualification, I would have just booked the Sofitel in a better location via FHR or Virtuoso with upgrade, 100 USD F & B and 4pm check out.
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Cheapest -> Ocean View Suite
How was your room?
Spacious room, ca. 90 sqm, modern interior design, 1.5 bathrooms, comfortable bed, good working AC, high floor, which was irrelevant because view was equal zero due to heavy (!) dirt on windows.
How is the Club InterContinental?
Very bad offering. No high tea. Closed on Sundays/holidays. Do not recommend to pay for it.
View was not existent. I have never seen such dirty windows.
What was your welcome gift?
Fruit plate.
How was the mini-bar?
Actually, ok: some local snacks, 6 mini-liqueurs, several soft drinks. BUT: no whine.
What was good?
-Staff
-Got 3 drink vouchers (3 pax), each up to 25000 COP.
-Room
-Early check in at 10am worked.
-20USD F&B credit for RA.
-No VAT. Just present your passport with PIP-5 or PIP-10 stamp.
What was bad?
-windows directed to the sea
-Generally no breakfast in the main restaurant.
I was just lucky that my brazen grandma could not be refused the "request".
-Eternally long procedure at check-out because of the mini-bar. Someone had to be called into the room to record everything. Just only to be told that I've spent 70,000 of 300,000 COP mini-bar credit and that's why they would not charge.
Value for EUR?
Other 4 star hotels were not much cheaper. So it was a no-brainer with RA.
Would you return?
Yes. But if I had missed the RA qualification, I would have just booked the Sofitel in a better location via FHR or Virtuoso with upgrade, 100 USD F & B and 4pm check out.
Last edited by Cielito_; Apr 9, 2019 at 4:09 am
Apr 19, 2019, 3:30 am
#47
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Milan
Programs: QR Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 420
IC Dubai Marina
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 standard and got small two-room suite
How are the rooms?
the bathrooms are nice but I find the overall room decor ugly
How is the exec. lounge?
service was great and the terrace is cool
decent wine served but the evening food was 3rd rate
breakfast was better
inconvenient and strange building layout where you need to take 2 different elevators to get to the Club
Did you receive a welcome gift?
yes = dates
How was the minibar?
fairly standard with typical outrageous prices like most hotels in UAE
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
nice upgrade
service was quite good in general
-Bad
do not like the location
layout of building is a mess
the rooms are ugly IMO
cramped pool area
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
I find it to be over-priced and think IC Festival City is a far more classy hotel that you can usually book for less
Would you return?
probably not
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 standard and got small two-room suite
How are the rooms?
the bathrooms are nice but I find the overall room decor ugly
How is the exec. lounge?
service was great and the terrace is cool
decent wine served but the evening food was 3rd rate
breakfast was better
inconvenient and strange building layout where you need to take 2 different elevators to get to the Club
Did you receive a welcome gift?
yes = dates
How was the minibar?
fairly standard with typical outrageous prices like most hotels in UAE
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
nice upgrade
service was quite good in general
-Bad
do not like the location
layout of building is a mess
the rooms are ugly IMO
cramped pool area
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
I find it to be over-priced and think IC Festival City is a far more classy hotel that you can usually book for less
Would you return?
probably not
Last edited by #1son; Apr 19, 2019 at 10:37 pm
Apr 24, 2019, 4:12 am
#48
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Milan
Programs: QR Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 420
IC Dubai Festival City
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 basic and received Club room
How are the rooms?
overall I like the design of the rooms though the bathtub faucet is a bit "squirrel-y" located on the ceiling
How is the exec. lounge?
classy
still serving Taittinger at Happy Hour
service is excellent
great views of Downtown Dubai, the Burj and the Creek
the evening food is different sorts of canapes that are fancy but not particularly tasty
Did you receive a welcome gift?
no
How was the minibar?
standard nothing special, AED 180 limit though they said USD 20 at check in?
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
I think of this as a great airport hotel
good overall service
adjacent to a decent mall with other dining options
classy style
breakfast is quite decent
-Bad
no real upgrade
food in the Club should be better
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
can be a fabulous value if you get a good rate (+/- USD 150)
Would you return?
for sure
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 basic and received Club room
How are the rooms?
overall I like the design of the rooms though the bathtub faucet is a bit "squirrel-y" located on the ceiling
How is the exec. lounge?
classy
still serving Taittinger at Happy Hour
service is excellent
great views of Downtown Dubai, the Burj and the Creek
the evening food is different sorts of canapes that are fancy but not particularly tasty
Did you receive a welcome gift?
no
How was the minibar?
standard nothing special, AED 180 limit though they said USD 20 at check in?
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
I think of this as a great airport hotel
good overall service
adjacent to a decent mall with other dining options
classy style
breakfast is quite decent
-Bad
no real upgrade
food in the Club should be better
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
can be a fabulous value if you get a good rate (+/- USD 150)
Would you return?
for sure
Apr 24, 2019, 4:28 am
#49
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LHR
Programs: CX GO, BA Gold, OZ*G, IHG Spire RA
Posts: 316
IC Madrid
IC Madrid
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, overall
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Executive King and received a Business Suite
How are the rooms?
The layout was a bit odd with a very small entrance followed by another door. The living room and bedroom were both small as well but overall the space worked nicely. There was also a terrace with a table, two chairs, and a sun-lounger.
How is the exec. lounge?
Decor and staff were great but the food on offer is very minimal. There is a decent wine selection, as you would expect in Spain, but the liquor choices were limited to Beefeater, J&B, and some Vodka I had never seen before (cheap).
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Yes, fruit.
How was the minibar?
OK but limited as well. Two Black Label, one Beefeater 24, and a vodka and rum minis. Decent half bottle of red wine along with water, beer, and soft drinks.
RA policy was EUR40/day but this was not applied so strictly. I went over 40 one day but not 120 for the stay and was not charged anything.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Staff were all very friendly, welcoming, and helpful.
Service in the restaurant was also good and the food was decent for the price/location.
-Bad
Really just the lounge food/bev service.
Location is not ideal for tourism but is only a couple metro stops from the center.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Very good for me as I used the Euro Flash Sale promo and got the room for EUR159/night.
Would you return?
Yes.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, overall
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Executive King and received a Business Suite
How are the rooms?
The layout was a bit odd with a very small entrance followed by another door. The living room and bedroom were both small as well but overall the space worked nicely. There was also a terrace with a table, two chairs, and a sun-lounger.
How is the exec. lounge?
Decor and staff were great but the food on offer is very minimal. There is a decent wine selection, as you would expect in Spain, but the liquor choices were limited to Beefeater, J&B, and some Vodka I had never seen before (cheap).
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Yes, fruit.
How was the minibar?
OK but limited as well. Two Black Label, one Beefeater 24, and a vodka and rum minis. Decent half bottle of red wine along with water, beer, and soft drinks.
RA policy was EUR40/day but this was not applied so strictly. I went over 40 one day but not 120 for the stay and was not charged anything.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Staff were all very friendly, welcoming, and helpful.
Service in the restaurant was also good and the food was decent for the price/location.
-Bad
Really just the lounge food/bev service.
Location is not ideal for tourism but is only a couple metro stops from the center.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Very good for me as I used the Euro Flash Sale promo and got the room for EUR159/night.
Would you return?
Yes.
Apr 25, 2019, 5:51 am
#50
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum (3 Million Miler), IHG Spire Royal Amdassador
Posts: 282
IC London Park Lane
IC London Park Lane
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, I usually stay here once or twice every year or two
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Classic Room, received Executive Room. The desk agent made a big deal because it was a triple upgrade, arrived at the hotel around 1030am so they probably had no Deluxe rooms available
How are the rooms?
Definitely bigger than the Deluxe Room I was upgraded to the past few times I stayed. Had a good view of Hyde Park
How is the exec. lounge?
Great! Free flowing champagne at night with 4 different hot apps brought out by the server. Cheese, veggies, dips, nuts, etc are self serve.
Breakfast was also great. Hot items are ordered off a menu and there are plenty of self serve cold items (fruit, bread, cheese, meat, veggies, cereal, yogurt, etc)
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Bottle of water, fruit and a box of shortbread cookies (same thing I received the past few times I stayed here)
How was the minibar?
The minibar was good. £35 per day and all prices include VAT (makes it so much easier to keep track!). I was excited when I read the price list and saw wine was £12.50 until I opened the minibar and saw they were the small airplane size bottles. Good selection of hard liquor and some local IPA. Champagne is £60 so way out if minibar allotment
What was good and what was bad?
- Good
Triple upgrade
Location
Room was ready early
-Bad
Bathrooms are a bit dated and there are no extra outlets or USB ports near the bed
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
It's still pricey here
Would you return?
Yes
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, I usually stay here once or twice every year or two
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Classic Room, received Executive Room. The desk agent made a big deal because it was a triple upgrade, arrived at the hotel around 1030am so they probably had no Deluxe rooms available
How are the rooms?
Definitely bigger than the Deluxe Room I was upgraded to the past few times I stayed. Had a good view of Hyde Park
How is the exec. lounge?
Great! Free flowing champagne at night with 4 different hot apps brought out by the server. Cheese, veggies, dips, nuts, etc are self serve.
Breakfast was also great. Hot items are ordered off a menu and there are plenty of self serve cold items (fruit, bread, cheese, meat, veggies, cereal, yogurt, etc)
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Bottle of water, fruit and a box of shortbread cookies (same thing I received the past few times I stayed here)
How was the minibar?
The minibar was good. £35 per day and all prices include VAT (makes it so much easier to keep track!). I was excited when I read the price list and saw wine was £12.50 until I opened the minibar and saw they were the small airplane size bottles. Good selection of hard liquor and some local IPA. Champagne is £60 so way out if minibar allotment
What was good and what was bad?
- Good
Triple upgrade
Location
Room was ready early
-Bad
Bathrooms are a bit dated and there are no extra outlets or USB ports near the bed
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
It's still pricey here
Would you return?
Yes
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Apr 25, 2019, 7:23 am
#51
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Milan
Programs: QR Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 420
IC Riyadh
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
not really
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked basic room and got a Club Room
How are the rooms?
sad and dated, pervasive tobacco smell throughout
How is the exec. lounge?
decent overall but being in Saudi ;-(
Did you receive a welcome gift?
no
How was the minibar?
juice, water and colas, lots of sweets
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
the hotel grounds are nice, health club + pool
the Club is decent
still one of the better hotels / locations in town
-Bad
no real upgrade on any of numerous past visits
overly obsequious service at check-in
tired out old rooms
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
rarely a particularly good value but not so bad as RA
Would you return?
I usually say probably not but I do anyway ;-)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
not really
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked basic room and got a Club Room
How are the rooms?
sad and dated, pervasive tobacco smell throughout
How is the exec. lounge?
decent overall but being in Saudi ;-(
Did you receive a welcome gift?
no
How was the minibar?
juice, water and colas, lots of sweets
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
the hotel grounds are nice, health club + pool
the Club is decent
still one of the better hotels / locations in town
-Bad
no real upgrade on any of numerous past visits
overly obsequious service at check-in
tired out old rooms
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
rarely a particularly good value but not so bad as RA
Would you return?
I usually say probably not but I do anyway ;-)
Apr 29, 2019, 2:39 pm
#52
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum (3 Million Miler), IHG Spire Royal Amdassador
Posts: 282
IC New York Times Square
IC New York Times Square
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, sort of
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked 2 Double Beds Superior Room (requested a King); was first upgraded to King Sky View then before I checked in, was upgraded to King Avenue Studio on 12th floor. The front desk agent reminded me that RAs don't get upgraded to the studio suites anymore.
How are the rooms?
I think I prefer the King Sky View Corner Rooms over the Avenue Studio because of the view. The studio suite is bigger with the bedroom sectioned off from a small area with a couch/desk etc but the Sky View Corner rooms just have amazing views. The bed was super comfortable, though and the robes in this room were some of the best, plenty of outlets near the bed. Keurig coffee machine vs Nespresso. The bathrooms and counter space in this room is smaller than the King Sky View Corner.
How is the exec. lounge?
There isn't one.
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant was pretty good, though, and is buffet only. Lots of selections, including scrambled egg whites with spinach, scrambled eggs, waffles, smoked salmon, cheeses, pastries, a variety of bread and bagels, bacon/sausages, fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, etc. Nothing cooked to order, but the selection was great and they serve breafkast until 11am.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
I checked in about 4pm and around 730pm, someone finally brought up 2 small bottles of Fiji water. No fruit, chocolate or anything else. I asked about this at the Ambassador desk when I checked out and she said I was supposed to have received fruit. She credited me 10000 points for the oversight. I asked about the chocolate that we used to receive and she indicated that it used to be the welcome amenity (that they don't have to give out anymore).
How was the minibar?
The minibar was good, 20% stocking fee plus tax is added on. Wine and Champagne are $32 so there isn't much leftover after tax and fees. For liquor, there was only one bottle each of whiskey, vodka, gin. A few beers and mixers.
What was good and what was bad?
- Good
Location
Breakfast
The $50 per day minibar credit is actually a food/beverage credit here so could be used on anything.
They remembered to remove the destination fee without me asking
Upgrade to studio suite (although I definitely prefer the view from Sky view corner!)
-Bad
Front desk agent told me RAs also received the $20 food/beverage credit but it wasn't in the welcome letter. I checked with the Ambassador desk at the hotel and she confirmed that this was not included for RAs.
No fruit, sweet snack or savory snack else was delivered to the room
Not the friendliest staff
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
yes
Would you return?
Yes
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, sort of
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked 2 Double Beds Superior Room (requested a King); was first upgraded to King Sky View then before I checked in, was upgraded to King Avenue Studio on 12th floor. The front desk agent reminded me that RAs don't get upgraded to the studio suites anymore.
How are the rooms?
I think I prefer the King Sky View Corner Rooms over the Avenue Studio because of the view. The studio suite is bigger with the bedroom sectioned off from a small area with a couch/desk etc but the Sky View Corner rooms just have amazing views. The bed was super comfortable, though and the robes in this room were some of the best, plenty of outlets near the bed. Keurig coffee machine vs Nespresso. The bathrooms and counter space in this room is smaller than the King Sky View Corner.
How is the exec. lounge?
There isn't one.
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant was pretty good, though, and is buffet only. Lots of selections, including scrambled egg whites with spinach, scrambled eggs, waffles, smoked salmon, cheeses, pastries, a variety of bread and bagels, bacon/sausages, fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, etc. Nothing cooked to order, but the selection was great and they serve breafkast until 11am.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
I checked in about 4pm and around 730pm, someone finally brought up 2 small bottles of Fiji water. No fruit, chocolate or anything else. I asked about this at the Ambassador desk when I checked out and she said I was supposed to have received fruit. She credited me 10000 points for the oversight. I asked about the chocolate that we used to receive and she indicated that it used to be the welcome amenity (that they don't have to give out anymore).
How was the minibar?
The minibar was good, 20% stocking fee plus tax is added on. Wine and Champagne are $32 so there isn't much leftover after tax and fees. For liquor, there was only one bottle each of whiskey, vodka, gin. A few beers and mixers.
What was good and what was bad?
- Good
Location
Breakfast
The $50 per day minibar credit is actually a food/beverage credit here so could be used on anything.
They remembered to remove the destination fee without me asking
Upgrade to studio suite (although I definitely prefer the view from Sky view corner!)
-Bad
Front desk agent told me RAs also received the $20 food/beverage credit but it wasn't in the welcome letter. I checked with the Ambassador desk at the hotel and she confirmed that this was not included for RAs.
No fruit, sweet snack or savory snack else was delivered to the room
Not the friendliest staff
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
yes
Would you return?
Yes
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Apr 30, 2019, 2:25 am
#53
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Milan
Programs: QR Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 420
IC Sofia
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
yes one my best IC stays in recent memory
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked regular and received large Executive Suite
How are the rooms?
quite stylish, recently renovated, guest bathroom + huge master bath, desk, sofa + chairs, huge TV
How is the exec. lounge?
small but nice, excellent service and they actually served respectable local wines with good local snacks and breakfast could be had there or restaurant
Did you receive a welcome gift?
yes rose oil bath salts in embroidered Bulgaria sack, large waters (sparkling + still), large bottle of red wine, fruit plate, sweets plate and bread sticks + cheese
How was the minibar?
fairly standard with better wine than most ICs, local beer and Heineken
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
fabulous upgrade
super attentive service throughout the hotel
quality food + drink offering
classy hotel, did not seem cheap despite booking for > EUR100
-Bad
nothing really
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
incredible value for an RA
Would you return?
for sure
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
yes one my best IC stays in recent memory
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked regular and received large Executive Suite
How are the rooms?
quite stylish, recently renovated, guest bathroom + huge master bath, desk, sofa + chairs, huge TV
How is the exec. lounge?
small but nice, excellent service and they actually served respectable local wines with good local snacks and breakfast could be had there or restaurant
Did you receive a welcome gift?
yes rose oil bath salts in embroidered Bulgaria sack, large waters (sparkling + still), large bottle of red wine, fruit plate, sweets plate and bread sticks + cheese
How was the minibar?
fairly standard with better wine than most ICs, local beer and Heineken
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
fabulous upgrade
super attentive service throughout the hotel
quality food + drink offering
classy hotel, did not seem cheap despite booking for > EUR100
-Bad
nothing really
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
incredible value for an RA
Would you return?
for sure
May 1, 2019, 4:14 am
#54
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 182
InterContinental Berlin
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with the stay?
Yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Standard -> Junior Suite
How was your room?
Ca. 48 sqm. Room 497. Definitely not my type of room design. Very hard bed. No view. Long way to the room in an extra building of the east wing.
How is the Club InterContinental?
Service was good, offerings the same: 3x cold/warm canapés, bred & cheese and open bar. I prefer a simple buffet like in Düsseldorf instead of such a fancy presentation.
What was your welcome gift?
Fruit plate, nuts, chocolate.
How was the mini-bar?
standard
What was good?
-Staff
-breakfast in the lounge
-Early check in at 10am worked.
-20USD F&B credit for RA.
-Option of BF in main restaurant.
-Check out 5pm.
What was bad?
-Room.
Value for EUR?
71EUR for a Junior Suite may be good value as RA
Would you return?
Yes!
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with the stay?
Yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Standard -> Junior Suite
How was your room?
Ca. 48 sqm. Room 497. Definitely not my type of room design. Very hard bed. No view. Long way to the room in an extra building of the east wing.
How is the Club InterContinental?
Service was good, offerings the same: 3x cold/warm canapés, bred & cheese and open bar. I prefer a simple buffet like in Düsseldorf instead of such a fancy presentation.
What was your welcome gift?
Fruit plate, nuts, chocolate.
How was the mini-bar?
standard
What was good?
-Staff
-breakfast in the lounge
-Early check in at 10am worked.
-20USD F&B credit for RA.
-Option of BF in main restaurant.
-Check out 5pm.
What was bad?
-Room.
Value for EUR?
71EUR for a Junior Suite may be good value as RA
Would you return?
Yes!
May 4, 2019, 11:28 am
#55
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Milan
Programs: QR Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 420
IC Pudong
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
not really
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked standard, got Club Room
How are the rooms?
tired out and tacky
How is the exec. lounge?\
not all bad, just too many selections, most of questionable quality
Did you receive a welcome gift?
not sure
How was the minibar?
weak
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
nothing special
was fairly cheap
-Bad
just a tired out hotel
no real upgrade
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
corporate rate was cheap and if RA, decent value
Would you return?
highly unlikely
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
not really
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked standard, got Club Room
How are the rooms?
tired out and tacky
How is the exec. lounge?\
not all bad, just too many selections, most of questionable quality
Did you receive a welcome gift?
not sure
How was the minibar?
weak
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
nothing special
was fairly cheap
-Bad
just a tired out hotel
no real upgrade
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
corporate rate was cheap and if RA, decent value
Would you return?
highly unlikely
May 7, 2019, 3:17 am
#56
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Milan
Programs: QR Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 420
IC Shenzhen OCT
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 basic and received a nice suite with big round bath tub and terrace but the room was like a kilometre from the reception desk ;-)
How are the rooms?
quite nice, it seems they were cleaned up recently
How is the exec. lounge?
every seat in the lounge was full because it was some China holiday
too bad if you were an RA, out of luck
Did you receive a welcome gift?
yes, some cookies in a can with a bull on it
How was the minibar?
typical IC in China, a couple Tsing Taos and some little liquor bottles + colas
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
nice room
cheap corporate rate
-Bad
simply not a business hotel
not really suited for foreigners IMO unless you are a Mandarin speaker
most of the staff seemed to be 14 or 15 years old
no access to Club due to hotel over-selling it
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
quite good despite normal issues
Would you return?
I am in no hurry to return
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 basic and received a nice suite with big round bath tub and terrace but the room was like a kilometre from the reception desk ;-)
How are the rooms?
quite nice, it seems they were cleaned up recently
How is the exec. lounge?
every seat in the lounge was full because it was some China holiday
too bad if you were an RA, out of luck
Did you receive a welcome gift?
yes, some cookies in a can with a bull on it
How was the minibar?
typical IC in China, a couple Tsing Taos and some little liquor bottles + colas
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
nice room
cheap corporate rate
-Bad
simply not a business hotel
not really suited for foreigners IMO unless you are a Mandarin speaker
most of the staff seemed to be 14 or 15 years old
no access to Club due to hotel over-selling it
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
quite good despite normal issues
Would you return?
I am in no hurry to return
May 9, 2019, 1:21 pm
#57
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Milan
Programs: QR Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 420
IC Sydney
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 basic received Club Room with harbour + fort + park view
How are the rooms?
rooms are decent, views were incredible
How is the exec. lounge?
probably the coolest views of any IC lounge + terrace
service was excellent
good selection of wine / drinks
the evening canapes were nothing special but they do seem to have more other dishes these days
breakfast was good
respectable afternoon tea
Did you receive a welcome gift?
yes, a small IC candle
How was the minibar?
good supply of bottled waters, few beers, decent red or white wine plus small liquor bottles (AUD 70 a day allowance)
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
overall service has improved as well as RA recognition
they did go out of their way to ensure I got a room with a view
as Club benefit, they press a couple garments
-Bad
nothing really, was better than my past stays
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
fabulous value as an RA if you get a reasonable rate
Would you return?
yes but I want to try IC Double Bay next visit
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 basic received Club Room with harbour + fort + park view
How are the rooms?
rooms are decent, views were incredible
How is the exec. lounge?
probably the coolest views of any IC lounge + terrace
service was excellent
good selection of wine / drinks
the evening canapes were nothing special but they do seem to have more other dishes these days
breakfast was good
respectable afternoon tea
Did you receive a welcome gift?
yes, a small IC candle
How was the minibar?
good supply of bottled waters, few beers, decent red or white wine plus small liquor bottles (AUD 70 a day allowance)
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
overall service has improved as well as RA recognition
they did go out of their way to ensure I got a room with a view
as Club benefit, they press a couple garments
-Bad
nothing really, was better than my past stays
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
fabulous value as an RA if you get a reasonable rate
Would you return?
yes but I want to try IC Double Bay next visit
May 17, 2019, 3:56 am
#58
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: IC Spire RA, SPG Plat
Posts: 6
IC Davos
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 standard room in high season (-> February). Mixed: BOGO + 3 point nights +1 paid night.
First upgraded to a club room (standard 2 cat upgrade). After short discussion they offered me for 50 CHF a day a upgrade to a Alpine suite.
How are the rooms?
The standard rooms are already really good and stylish. The Alpine suite is top nodge. Huge (980 sqm) and just wonderful. The balcony surrounds the whole suite and gives a wonderful view on the city and the forest that is next to the hotel.
How is the exec. lounge?
Very good selection of canapes and drinks. Breakfast is complimentary served in the restaurant. In the evening hours the lounge has been quite because many guests have purchased club access.
The second lounge at the skiing pistes is ok but has nothing (food, drinks) for free, but makes waiting for complimentary hotel shuttle really convenient.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
yes, a selection of handmade pralines
How was the minibar?
Nothing special. all rooms have complimentary stock of some coke, beer (Carlsberg), Rivella and water
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Rooms
Received upgrade (for money)
Service
Breakfast
Perfect for skiing vacation
Nice spa
-Bad
Mini Bar selection, everything else is nearly perfection
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Perfect. Even I had to a little extra, the given suite was fabulous. The hotel is my first choice for skiing in the alps
Would you return?
yes
yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked standard room in high season (-> February). Mixed: BOGO + 3 point nights +1 paid night.
First upgraded to a club room (standard 2 cat upgrade). After short discussion they offered me for 50 CHF a day a upgrade to a Alpine suite.
How are the rooms?
The standard rooms are already really good and stylish. The Alpine suite is top nodge. Huge (980 sqm) and just wonderful. The balcony surrounds the whole suite and gives a wonderful view on the city and the forest that is next to the hotel.
How is the exec. lounge?
Very good selection of canapes and drinks. Breakfast is complimentary served in the restaurant. In the evening hours the lounge has been quite because many guests have purchased club access.
The second lounge at the skiing pistes is ok but has nothing (food, drinks) for free, but makes waiting for complimentary hotel shuttle really convenient.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
yes, a selection of handmade pralines
How was the minibar?
Nothing special. all rooms have complimentary stock of some coke, beer (Carlsberg), Rivella and water
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Rooms
Received upgrade (for money)
Service
Breakfast
Perfect for skiing vacation
Nice spa
-Bad
Mini Bar selection, everything else is nearly perfection
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Perfect. Even I had to a little extra, the given suite was fabulous. The hotel is my first choice for skiing in the alps
Would you return?
yes
May 17, 2019, 5:50 am
#59
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Milan
Programs: QR Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 420
IC Rialto Melbourne
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
yes but........... this is another IC that I once really liked a lot when the RA program was probably too good, might just give it a pass on my next visit to Melbourne though
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked basic got a Club room
How are the rooms?
tired out but decent
How is the exec. lounge?
I loved the lounge six years ago but that was no reason to keep it exactly the same ;-) no improvements since then
wi-fi does not work well
evening canapes are more like pub food
afternoon tea and breakfast are considerably better
the wine served should be improved upon
however service was excellent
Did you receive a welcome gift?
no but did get water, fruit and pralines daily
How was the minibar?
not very good, 3rd rate wine for AUD 39 for 375ml and a 1/2 of Mumm's champagne for AUD 79 and at check-in they said RA's get only AUD 50 credit daily, which seems wrong
IC Rialto does not seem to want to honour the RA benefits, offering only USD 35 a night for mini-bar and guaranteed there are re-stocking charges etc
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
service overall was excellent
convenient location
-Bad
no real upgrade
lounge + rooms getting rather tired
wines available are weak
requested room I stayed in last visit and they said sorry that it was a Spa Club Room or similar ??? and that it was AUD 100 more a night but they would give me a 15% discount
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
funny that this hotel dropped in price almost 50% from the time I originally booked for some nights
as an RA, it is a great value in general
however this hotel is definitely not worth > AUD 300 + a night
Would you return?
maybe not
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
yes but........... this is another IC that I once really liked a lot when the RA program was probably too good, might just give it a pass on my next visit to Melbourne though
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked basic got a Club room
How are the rooms?
tired out but decent
How is the exec. lounge?
I loved the lounge six years ago but that was no reason to keep it exactly the same ;-) no improvements since then
wi-fi does not work well
evening canapes are more like pub food
afternoon tea and breakfast are considerably better
the wine served should be improved upon
however service was excellent
Did you receive a welcome gift?
no but did get water, fruit and pralines daily
How was the minibar?
not very good, 3rd rate wine for AUD 39 for 375ml and a 1/2 of Mumm's champagne for AUD 79 and at check-in they said RA's get only AUD 50 credit daily, which seems wrong
IC Rialto does not seem to want to honour the RA benefits, offering only USD 35 a night for mini-bar and guaranteed there are re-stocking charges etc
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
service overall was excellent
convenient location
-Bad
no real upgrade
lounge + rooms getting rather tired
wines available are weak
requested room I stayed in last visit and they said sorry that it was a Spa Club Room or similar ??? and that it was AUD 100 more a night but they would give me a 15% discount
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
funny that this hotel dropped in price almost 50% from the time I originally booked for some nights
as an RA, it is a great value in general
however this hotel is definitely not worth > AUD 300 + a night
Would you return?
maybe not
Last edited by #1son; May 21, 2019 at 6:34 am
May 17, 2019, 10:29 am
#60
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: SAS Diamond, Hilton Diamond, IHG RA Spire
Posts: 423
IC Sofia
What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with the stay?
Yes, this was perfection!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Standard --> Executive Suite
How was your room?
Wonderful view and a lot of natural light, clean and modern. Large living room, comfortable bedroom and bed. Large bathroom + guest wc.
How is the Club InterContinental?
Quiet during my stay. Friendly staff. Good quality on food / drinks.
What was your welcome gift?
Same as #1son's experience, so I'll quote him: "Yes rose oil bath salts in embroidered Bulgaria sack, large waters (sparkling + still), large bottle of red wine, fruit plate, sweets plate and bread sticks + cheese"
(they even brought up a second bath salt bag when realizing that I wasn't traveling solo!)
How was the mini-bar?
Ok+, nothing amazing, but nothing missing either. No mention of any 50 USD cap (not that I exceeded it anyway)
What was good?
- Genuinely very friendly staff
- Super upgrade, great to see hotels splash out for RAs when availability allows for it
- Contacted me proactively and asked if I had any special needs (quite the opposite of IC Barclay who also contacts you in advance, but only to tell you that you basically aren't entitled to anything anymore)
What was bad?
- The stay was too short
Value for EUR?
- Paid around 100 EUR, so yes, great value
Would you return?
In a heartbeat!
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with the stay?
Yes, this was perfection!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Standard --> Executive Suite
How was your room?
Wonderful view and a lot of natural light, clean and modern. Large living room, comfortable bedroom and bed. Large bathroom + guest wc.
How is the Club InterContinental?
Quiet during my stay. Friendly staff. Good quality on food / drinks.
What was your welcome gift?
Same as #1son's experience, so I'll quote him: "Yes rose oil bath salts in embroidered Bulgaria sack, large waters (sparkling + still), large bottle of red wine, fruit plate, sweets plate and bread sticks + cheese"
(they even brought up a second bath salt bag when realizing that I wasn't traveling solo!)
How was the mini-bar?
Ok+, nothing amazing, but nothing missing either. No mention of any 50 USD cap (not that I exceeded it anyway)
What was good?
- Genuinely very friendly staff
- Super upgrade, great to see hotels splash out for RAs when availability allows for it
- Contacted me proactively and asked if I had any special needs (quite the opposite of IC Barclay who also contacts you in advance, but only to tell you that you basically aren't entitled to anything anymore)
What was bad?
- The stay was too short
Value for EUR?
- Paid around 100 EUR, so yes, great value
Would you return?
In a heartbeat!