Please post your Royal Ambassador Experiences 2019
May 22, 2019, 5:34 am
#61
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Milan
Programs: QR Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 420
IC Grand Stanford HK
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
yes I stay here fairly often
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked basic and got Harbour View
How are the rooms?
the rooms are nothing special but what an incredible view
How is the exec. lounge?
this is one of the most "clubby" IC lounges anywhere in my opinion, better view than IC HK with the same high level of service and they keep your champagne glass full at Happy Hour
food is quite good at breakfast, food in the evening has improved
Did you receive a welcome gift?
bottle of cheap wine + a fruit plate
How was the minibar?
this IMO is one of the most useless mini-bars of all ICs, other than maybe IC Lusaka ;-)
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
consistency, they follow the rules and though they are not overly generous, they do make it clear they want you to return and will unflinchingly give you any benefits you have coming
RA recognition is good
fabulous views
overall excellent service
-Bad
mini-bar is not good
they are "bean counters" here in HK and will nitpick over tiny expenses like how many pages you are printing in the Club Lounge from their pre-historic computers
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
incredible value for an RA at this time
corporate rates have been down as much as 30%
Would you return?
for sure
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
yes I stay here fairly often
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked basic and got Harbour View
How are the rooms?
the rooms are nothing special but what an incredible view
How is the exec. lounge?
this is one of the most "clubby" IC lounges anywhere in my opinion, better view than IC HK with the same high level of service and they keep your champagne glass full at Happy Hour
food is quite good at breakfast, food in the evening has improved
Did you receive a welcome gift?
bottle of cheap wine + a fruit plate
How was the minibar?
this IMO is one of the most useless mini-bars of all ICs, other than maybe IC Lusaka ;-)
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
consistency, they follow the rules and though they are not overly generous, they do make it clear they want you to return and will unflinchingly give you any benefits you have coming
RA recognition is good
fabulous views
overall excellent service
-Bad
mini-bar is not good
they are "bean counters" here in HK and will nitpick over tiny expenses like how many pages you are printing in the Club Lounge from their pre-historic computers
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
incredible value for an RA at this time
corporate rates have been down as much as 30%
Would you return?
for sure
Last edited by #1son; May 22, 2019 at 2:14 pm
May 27, 2019, 8:19 pm
#62
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Milan
Programs: QR Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 420
IC HK
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
yes, I believe the service here is what all IC's should strive for
'
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked basic, got a harbour view
How are the rooms?
nothing overly special but incredible views
but do love the sunken bath tubs
sort of odd IC Grand Stanford has Nespresso in the rooms and IC HK has some awful coffee
How is the exec. lounge?
one of the best of any IC and now you have option of breakfast in main dining room too
Did you receive a welcome gift?
water + fruit
How was the minibar?
decent I like they have usually have at least one bottle of craft beer and not only the tasteless Tsing Tao or Cheineken
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
nice room view
fantastic service
drink voucher + welcome points
like ordering the Bento Box from Nobu in the lounge with free pour Perrier Jouet
-Bad
several people almost shouting into their phones in the Lounge
RAs do not get the same upgrades as previously
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
worth the expense
Would you return?
for sure but probably has already been noted, this IC closes June 2020 and re-opens a few months later as Regent
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
yes, I believe the service here is what all IC's should strive for
'
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked basic, got a harbour view
How are the rooms?
nothing overly special but incredible views
but do love the sunken bath tubs
sort of odd IC Grand Stanford has Nespresso in the rooms and IC HK has some awful coffee
How is the exec. lounge?
one of the best of any IC and now you have option of breakfast in main dining room too
Did you receive a welcome gift?
water + fruit
How was the minibar?
decent I like they have usually have at least one bottle of craft beer and not only the tasteless Tsing Tao or Cheineken
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
nice room view
fantastic service
drink voucher + welcome points
like ordering the Bento Box from Nobu in the lounge with free pour Perrier Jouet
-Bad
several people almost shouting into their phones in the Lounge
RAs do not get the same upgrades as previously
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
worth the expense
Would you return?
for sure but probably has already been noted, this IC closes June 2020 and re-opens a few months later as Regent
Last edited by #1son; Jun 7, 2019 at 7:02 am
Jun 6, 2019, 10:23 pm
#63
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 182
InterContinental Carlton Cannes
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?
Bogo: Executive Room
RA free night: standard
-> Prestige Suite (2 bedroom suite)
How was your room?
Spacious room, ca. 90 sqm, dated interior design but still in acceptable condition.
How is the Club InterContinental?
There is no lounge.
What was your welcome gift?
Big bottle of champagne, fruit plate and several juices.
How was the mini-bar?
Standard. Nicolas Feuillate champagne. But mum and dad were missing red wine.
What was good?
+++Restaurant & bar credit granted+++
-Got 3 drink vouchers.
+++I (rather my parents) have exceeded the minibar credit over 130EUR, but the whole mini-bar total was waived+++
+++Treatment+++
What was bad?
It was a bit disturbing that one night a security person followed me up to my room and asked me for my name.
And yes, there you stand out, just because you walk in with an Apple Watch instead of a Pathek Philippe, without Louis Vuitton bag and Ferragamo shoes and if you are not in your mid 50s.
Value for EUR?
I paid ca. 180EUR per night for a costly 1700EUR-suite with BOGO and RA free night. As Ambassador I would have booked 2 standard rooms instead of the overpriced Executive Room / 1-Bed-Suite.
Would you return?
Yes.
Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Bogo: Executive Room
RA free night: standard
-> Prestige Suite (2 bedroom suite)
How was your room?
Spacious room, ca. 90 sqm, dated interior design but still in acceptable condition.
How is the Club InterContinental?
There is no lounge.
What was your welcome gift?
Big bottle of champagne, fruit plate and several juices.
How was the mini-bar?
Standard. Nicolas Feuillate champagne. But mum and dad were missing red wine.
What was good?
+++Restaurant & bar credit granted+++
-Got 3 drink vouchers.
+++I (rather my parents) have exceeded the minibar credit over 130EUR, but the whole mini-bar total was waived+++
+++Treatment+++
What was bad?
It was a bit disturbing that one night a security person followed me up to my room and asked me for my name.
And yes, there you stand out, just because you walk in with an Apple Watch instead of a Pathek Philippe, without Louis Vuitton bag and Ferragamo shoes and if you are not in your mid 50s.
Value for EUR?
I paid ca. 180EUR per night for a costly 1700EUR-suite with BOGO and RA free night. As Ambassador I would have booked 2 standard rooms instead of the overpriced Executive Room / 1-Bed-Suite.
Would you return?
Yes.
Last edited by Cielito_; Jun 7, 2019 at 7:14 am
Jun 6, 2019, 10:53 pm
#64
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Cologne
Programs: FB Plat, IHG RA Spire, TK Elite+, HH Diamond, LH SEN, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 972
Intercontinental Bordeaux
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yeah
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Basic room on points, received a junior suite Opera view
How are the rooms?
Lovely, elegantly furnished, nice little living room area with a window looking over the opera....note: no bath.
How is the exec. lounge?
There is no lounge
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Hmmm...I don't think so? but we did get a cupcake as it was our anniversary...
How was the minibar?
Good, nice Veuve Cliquot champagne etc...sadly i had to ask for it to be updated. €45 daily limit and €60 for a 1/2 size bottle of bubbly isn't too ideal. But they took the "per stay limit" and didn't enforce the "per day"
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
full benefits for RA even on award stay
Upgrade to lovely room
Great service from the staff
Perfect location
One of my favourite hotels in the group and fantastic value with points.
-Bad
Breakfast is surprisingly weak considering. I was expecting something more akin to Amstel's breakfast....not even any sparkling on offer!
Low ceilings at breakfast and I smashed my head twice though that's more my failures
Having to ask for the minibar to be refilled
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Cash...unsure, Points...most definitely!
Would you return?
Yeah, I intend to!
Bordeaux is a truly fabulous city, in my most favourite cities in the world.
Yeah
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Basic room on points, received a junior suite Opera view
How are the rooms?
Lovely, elegantly furnished, nice little living room area with a window looking over the opera....note: no bath.
How is the exec. lounge?
There is no lounge
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Hmmm...I don't think so? but we did get a cupcake as it was our anniversary...
How was the minibar?
Good, nice Veuve Cliquot champagne etc...sadly i had to ask for it to be updated. €45 daily limit and €60 for a 1/2 size bottle of bubbly isn't too ideal. But they took the "per stay limit" and didn't enforce the "per day"
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
full benefits for RA even on award stay
Upgrade to lovely room
Great service from the staff
Perfect location
One of my favourite hotels in the group and fantastic value with points.
-Bad
Breakfast is surprisingly weak considering. I was expecting something more akin to Amstel's breakfast....not even any sparkling on offer!
Low ceilings at breakfast and I smashed my head twice
though that's more my failuresHaving to ask for the minibar to be refilled
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Cash...unsure, Points...most definitely!
Would you return?
Yeah, I intend to!
Bordeaux is a truly fabulous city, in my most favourite cities in the world.
Jun 6, 2019, 10:57 pm
#65
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Cologne
Programs: FB Plat, IHG RA Spire, TK Elite+, HH Diamond, LH SEN, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 972
Intercontinental Shenzhen
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yeah, it's ok
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked basic, received club room
How are the rooms?
Large enough, nothing special. It has a nice looking square bath though.
How is the exec. lounge?
- Pretty good breakfast with some to-order noodles.
- Dinner had enough variety for a nice light dinner. I didn't try any of the alcohol or see what was there
- Didn't try afternoon tea
- Good service from the staff
Did you receive a welcome gift?
- Some lame biscuits... but last time i stayed i got some weird random fridge magnet so...no loss
How was the minibar?
Not too bad, had a couple of interesting beers but nothing that tickled by fancy, no sparkling.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Good price, good location for my business needs
- Lounge service was nice
- Lots of good light in both the room and the lounge looking out over trees which is a pleasant change in Shenzhen
-Bad
- No gift of note
- No exciting room upgrade
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
- Sure
Would you return?
- Yeah, for business but I wouldn't bother for holiday.
Yeah, it's ok
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked basic, received club room
How are the rooms?
Large enough, nothing special. It has a nice looking square bath though.
How is the exec. lounge?
- Pretty good breakfast with some to-order noodles.
- Dinner had enough variety for a nice light dinner. I didn't try any of the alcohol or see what was there
- Didn't try afternoon tea
- Good service from the staff
Did you receive a welcome gift?
- Some lame biscuits... but last time i stayed i got some weird random fridge magnet so...no loss
How was the minibar?
Not too bad, had a couple of interesting beers but nothing that tickled by fancy, no sparkling.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Good price, good location for my business needs
- Lounge service was nice
- Lots of good light in both the room and the lounge looking out over trees which is a pleasant change in Shenzhen
-Bad
- No gift of note
- No exciting room upgrade
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
- Sure
Would you return?
- Yeah, for business but I wouldn't bother for holiday.
Jun 9, 2019, 7:36 am
#66
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Johannesburg
Programs: QRPC Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, IHg Diamond Amb, Sixt Diamond, Avis Pres, AmexCenturion
Posts: 488
IC Frankfurt
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
yes I stay here fairly often
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked basic and got club room on 20th floor. Double the size of regular room, with much larger bathroom and separate shower etc.
How are the rooms?
Good condition, lovely river view.
How is the exec. lounge?
blugh
Did you receive a welcome gift?
fruit
How was the minibar?
functional
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Great price
- Great service
-Bad
- Hotel needs a makeover
- Breakfast for RA forced in club lounge
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
- A steal for the price
Would you return?
- yes, have done so for a number of years.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
yes I stay here fairly often
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked basic and got club room on 20th floor. Double the size of regular room, with much larger bathroom and separate shower etc.
How are the rooms?
Good condition, lovely river view.
How is the exec. lounge?
blugh
Did you receive a welcome gift?
fruit
How was the minibar?
functional
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Great price
- Great service
-Bad
- Hotel needs a makeover
- Breakfast for RA forced in club lounge
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
- A steal for the price
Would you return?
- yes, have done so for a number of years.
Jun 9, 2019, 7:40 am
#67
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Johannesburg
Programs: QRPC Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, IHg Diamond Amb, Sixt Diamond, Avis Pres, AmexCenturion
Posts: 488
IC Paris Le Grand
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 got 5th floor room with balcony and Eiffel tower views
How are the rooms?
Good condition, but tiny. Aircon is useless
How is the exec. lounge?
Very good, amazing selection
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Macarons and strawberries
How was the minibar?
Very good. However they have a zone in the fridge called "your space" - my personal items were taken out of here.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Location
- Lounge
-Bad
- Hotel is currently undergoing major renovations
- Breakfast for RA forced in club lounge
- High Price
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
- can be stomached, just.
Would you return?
- probably, depends if the expense account permits.
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 got 5th floor room with balcony and Eiffel tower views
How are the rooms?
Good condition, but tiny. Aircon is useless
How is the exec. lounge?
Very good, amazing selection
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Macarons and strawberries
How was the minibar?
Very good. However they have a zone in the fridge called "your space" - my personal items were taken out of here.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Location
- Lounge
-Bad
- Hotel is currently undergoing major renovations
- Breakfast for RA forced in club lounge
- High Price
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
- can be stomached, just.
Would you return?
- probably, depends if the expense account permits.
Last edited by SAWorldVoyager; Jun 11, 2019 at 12:08 am
Jun 9, 2019, 7:44 am
#68
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Johannesburg
Programs: QRPC Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, IHg Diamond Amb, Sixt Diamond, Avis Pres, AmexCenturion
Posts: 488
IC Amsterdam
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 (with weekend cert) and got signature Dom Perignon suite
How are the rooms?
Fantastic, no complaints. Amazing bed!
How is the exec. lounge?
What lounge?
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Dutch cookies
How was the minibar?
Very good, but stupid overpriced.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Location
- the suite
- breakfast
-Bad
- Check in was a disaster. No porters, asked for my name by agent (who has my passport in her hands) no club checkin
- Astronomical price, even for a basic (paid 800 Euros per night)
- they rent the foyer out as a venue (weird?)
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
- only if you recently won the lottery.
Would you return?
- when I win the lottery
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 (with weekend cert) and got signature Dom Perignon suite
How are the rooms?
Fantastic, no complaints. Amazing bed!
How is the exec. lounge?
What lounge?
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Dutch cookies
How was the minibar?
Very good, but stupid overpriced.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Location
- the suite
- breakfast
-Bad
- Check in was a disaster. No porters, asked for my name by agent (who has my passport in her hands) no club checkin
- Astronomical price, even for a basic (paid 800 Euros per night)
- they rent the foyer out as a venue (weird?)
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
- only if you recently won the lottery.
Would you return?
- when I win the lottery
Jun 21, 2019, 12:11 pm
#69
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 182
InterContinental Düsseldorf
Were you generally happy with the hotel?
Yes!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Standard Room ---> Executive Suite (4-cat-upgrade)
Upgrade grid has changed after renovation:
Superior -> Deluxe -> Executive -> Studio -> Suite;
Club -> Executive -> Studio -> Suite
How was the room?
ca. 60 sqm, high floor and beautifully designed. Tenth floor. Ceiling-high windows. Newly renovated. Bed was comfortable.
Awesome conditioning system, 16°C in bed room is no problem [img]images/smilies/biggrin.gif
How is the exec. lounge?
Staff is very attentive and friendly, on the second floor, also beautifully designed with good acoustic in the atrium.
Breakfast: 6.30-11am. No choice between restaurant & club.
Tea time: 2-5pm. Offering was decent, little pastries and sandwiches.
Happy hour from 5 to 8pm, light dinner from 6 to 8pm: Shrimp, schnitzel, fillet of beef, cod fillet.
No comparison to the IC Berlin, let alone IC Frankfurt.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Standard ambassador treatment.
How was the mini-bar?
Decent. 3x beer, white wine, 7x hard liqueur (Absolut Vodka, Jack Daniel's, Jonnie Walker, Jägermeister, Killepitsch, 2x Gordon's Gin), red wine, 2x Red Bull, juices and other soft drinks, peanuts, Toblerone, Hanuta, etc.
What was good?
+++ 15EUR Restaurant & Bar credit granted +++
+++ Minibar limit exceeded by over 80EUR. No problem. Everything was waived. +++
-Room was renovated recently.
-The lounge was and still is a stable anchor in terms of quality and quantity in times of standardization fetishists.
What was bad?
-No breakfast in restaurant.
Value for $?
Düsseldorf's 5-star-properties are comparatively expensive, paid ca. 120EUR per night (flash sale), so my stay had very good value.
Without the RA, I would have booked the Indigo for half the price. Price discrepancy between 4* and 5* is very high in Düsseldorf.
Would you return?
Yes!
Yes!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Standard Room ---> Executive Suite (4-cat-upgrade)
Upgrade grid has changed after renovation:
Superior -> Deluxe -> Executive -> Studio -> Suite;
Club -> Executive -> Studio -> Suite
How was the room?
ca. 60 sqm, high floor and beautifully designed. Tenth floor. Ceiling-high windows. Newly renovated. Bed was comfortable.
Awesome conditioning system, 16°C in bed room is no problem [img]images/smilies/biggrin.gif
How is the exec. lounge?
Staff is very attentive and friendly, on the second floor, also beautifully designed with good acoustic in the atrium.
Breakfast: 6.30-11am. No choice between restaurant & club.
Tea time: 2-5pm. Offering was decent, little pastries and sandwiches.
Happy hour from 5 to 8pm, light dinner from 6 to 8pm: Shrimp, schnitzel, fillet of beef, cod fillet.
No comparison to the IC Berlin, let alone IC Frankfurt.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Standard ambassador treatment.
How was the mini-bar?
Decent. 3x beer, white wine, 7x hard liqueur (Absolut Vodka, Jack Daniel's, Jonnie Walker, Jägermeister, Killepitsch, 2x Gordon's Gin), red wine, 2x Red Bull, juices and other soft drinks, peanuts, Toblerone, Hanuta, etc.
What was good?
+++ 15EUR Restaurant & Bar credit granted +++
+++ Minibar limit exceeded by over 80EUR. No problem. Everything was waived. +++
-Room was renovated recently.
-The lounge was and still is a stable anchor in terms of quality and quantity in times of standardization fetishists.
What was bad?
-No breakfast in restaurant.
Value for $?
Düsseldorf's 5-star-properties are comparatively expensive, paid ca. 120EUR per night (flash sale), so my stay had very good value.
Without the RA, I would have booked the Indigo for half the price. Price discrepancy between 4* and 5* is very high in Düsseldorf.
Would you return?
Yes!
Last edited by Cielito_; Jun 21, 2019 at 12:20 pm
Jun 23, 2019, 7:10 am
#70
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Milan
Programs: QR Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 420
IC Chicago
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
more or less
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked basic, got a junior suite
How are the rooms?
sort of generic but decent
How is the exec. lounge?
NA
Did you receive a welcome gift?
no gift or fruit / water
How was the minibar?
not very interesting
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
upgrade was respectable
breakfast included and fairly good
-Bad
least generous of my past 20 visits to this hotel, no Starbucks vouchers, had to push just to get a couple drink vouchers at Michael Jordans
no Club Experience anymore
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
this hotel is definitely not worth more than $200 a night
Would you return?sure, great location and overall good service
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
more or less
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
booked basic, got a junior suite
How are the rooms?
sort of generic but decent
How is the exec. lounge?
NA
Did you receive a welcome gift?
no gift or fruit / water
How was the minibar?
not very interesting
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
upgrade was respectable
breakfast included and fairly good
-Bad
least generous of my past 20 visits to this hotel, no Starbucks vouchers, had to push just to get a couple drink vouchers at Michael Jordans
no Club Experience anymore
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
this hotel is definitely not worth more than $200 a night
Would you return?sure, great location and overall good service
Jul 10, 2019, 7:56 am
#71
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: QF Plat, IHG RA, Marriott Plat
Posts: 255
Intercontinental Melbourne
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, very. See below re: loyalty.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked lead in, got Club Suite.
How are the rooms?
Not really a suite, but really nice all the same. One big room. Large, with desk, sofa and armchair one end, bed and minibar/coffee/aménités the other end.
Nice large bathroom through two sets of slatted doors from main room - possible privacy issues.
Not tatty, but not super fresh. No view, none is possible due to the location. But this is Melbourne- for views, go to Sydney.
How is the exec. lounge?
Staff friendly and helpful. Senior staff more than amazing.
Some work to do however.
First night. Lounge staff - would you like some canapés?
Us - nice, what are they? (not listed on menu)
Lounge - oh I don’t know, they just come out.
(canapés arrive)
Lounge - um I forgot what this is.
otherwise 120%, could not fault, went well above expectations.
Food is limited but tasty. Evening nibbles is some cheese, charcuterie, dips, crudités, nuts. Basic wine, limited but (apparently good) beer choice.
Lounge drinks are not self service but the staff are constantly available, thirst should not be an issue.
RA gets breakfast buffet downstairs, wide choice, fresh, nothing bad, nothing outstanding.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Not a thing anymore. In the room - three pieces of fruit, some honeycomb choc. I pre-requested fruit.
How was the minibar?
This is Australia - the wine was high quality. Half bottle of local (Yarra) white, nice red. Absolut, 3 other spirits. Standard beers. Mixers.
Expensive however. The AU$70 RA allowance does not cover the half bottles white and red in one night. The Mumm champagne is $72 so you might get away with that...
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Staff. Check in, Concierge, doorway greeters, fab. Lounge staff (see exception above) wonderful wonderful.
Architecture. I can’t think of another IC constructed this way. The atrium is superb. Not sure how it might be if you had a lead-in room with atrium view...
Loyalty recognition- I really felt like I was recognised here. Staff went way way beyond rules, without me asking, and made our stay super enjoyable.
-Bad
Location? Melbourne CBD can appear windswept on the best of days - it’s possible to walk or tram to most places easily. It’s 10 min walk from Southern Cross station for the cheaper/easier bus to the airport.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
It’s 60k points...book book book!
It is possible to get sub $180 here. Great value.
As an RA I would happily pay $250
Would you return?
Definitely
[/QUOTE]
Yes, very. See below re: loyalty.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked lead in, got Club Suite.
How are the rooms?
Not really a suite, but really nice all the same. One big room. Large, with desk, sofa and armchair one end, bed and minibar/coffee/aménités the other end.
Nice large bathroom through two sets of slatted doors from main room - possible privacy issues.
Not tatty, but not super fresh. No view, none is possible due to the location. But this is Melbourne- for views, go to Sydney.
How is the exec. lounge?
Staff friendly and helpful. Senior staff more than amazing.
Some work to do however.
First night. Lounge staff - would you like some canapés?
Us - nice, what are they? (not listed on menu)
Lounge - oh I don’t know, they just come out.
(canapés arrive)
Lounge - um I forgot what this is.
otherwise 120%, could not fault, went well above expectations.
Food is limited but tasty. Evening nibbles is some cheese, charcuterie, dips, crudités, nuts. Basic wine, limited but (apparently good) beer choice.
Lounge drinks are not self service but the staff are constantly available, thirst should not be an issue.
RA gets breakfast buffet downstairs, wide choice, fresh, nothing bad, nothing outstanding.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Not a thing anymore. In the room - three pieces of fruit, some honeycomb choc. I pre-requested fruit.
How was the minibar?
This is Australia - the wine was high quality. Half bottle of local (Yarra) white, nice red. Absolut, 3 other spirits. Standard beers. Mixers.
Expensive however. The AU$70 RA allowance does not cover the half bottles white and red in one night. The Mumm champagne is $72 so you might get away with that...
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Staff. Check in, Concierge, doorway greeters, fab. Lounge staff (see exception above) wonderful wonderful.
Architecture. I can’t think of another IC constructed this way. The atrium is superb. Not sure how it might be if you had a lead-in room with atrium view...
Loyalty recognition- I really felt like I was recognised here. Staff went way way beyond rules, without me asking, and made our stay super enjoyable.
-Bad
Location? Melbourne CBD can appear windswept on the best of days - it’s possible to walk or tram to most places easily. It’s 10 min walk from Southern Cross station for the cheaper/easier bus to the airport.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
It’s 60k points...book book book!
It is possible to get sub $180 here. Great value.
As an RA I would happily pay $250
Would you return?
Definitely
[/QUOTE]
Last edited by DonPedro; Jul 10, 2019 at 8:03 am
Jul 10, 2019, 8:51 am
#72
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Cascais-Estoril
IC Cascais-Estoril
No, the hotel did not move to Cascais, it is still in Estoril. But it looks like they learned from Ryanair how to use the name of a better known 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 cheapest and received junior suite on 2nd floor (one floor below lobby, one above pool level.
How are the rooms?
A bit wider than the regular rooms, but otherwise very similar. Modern, well appointed, but carpet was dirty, one power outlet did not work. Big bathroom with nice tub, separate shower. Big balcony with sofa and chairs.
How is the exec. lounge?
What lounge? A few years back they had a small one, and then they changed to club experience and now nothing, nada.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Water (daily), big fruit basket (daily), cheese plate (twice in four days)
How was the minibar?
Below average. Capped at 50 Euro per day / 200 per stay but snacks are now included. And they seem to be serious about the limit. Refilled daily now.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- friendly and helpful staff, sometimes not very efficient but always very nice. Some more training would help.
- breakfast in general good, but selections are a bit limited
- nice view
- with uber it is now very inexpensive to get there and get around from there. Cars are usually there in less than 5 min
-Bad
- no club lounge
- train tracks directly in front of the hotel
- if your room rate includes breakfast not much of RA benefits left
- Spa has no shampoo etc, but is nice and clean
- Inconsistent: For example first day Agraria big bottles, next day some other brand tiny bottles, third day bigger bottles and fourth day back to Agraria
- Nobody there to help to put luggage in the car,
- Minibar was charged at checkout. Had to argue with the person there and finally asked for a supervisor who removed the charges
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
It depends on the room rate which seem to fluctuate a lot.
Would you return?
With the reduced RA benefits and no more club lounge not sure.
No, the hotel did not move to Cascais, it is still in Estoril. But it looks like they learned from Ryanair how to use the name of a better known 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 cheapest and received junior suite on 2nd floor (one floor below lobby, one above pool level.
How are the rooms?
A bit wider than the regular rooms, but otherwise very similar. Modern, well appointed, but carpet was dirty, one power outlet did not work. Big bathroom with nice tub, separate shower. Big balcony with sofa and chairs.
How is the exec. lounge?
What lounge? A few years back they had a small one, and then they changed to club experience and now nothing, nada.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Water (daily), big fruit basket (daily), cheese plate (twice in four days)
How was the minibar?
Below average. Capped at 50 Euro per day / 200 per stay but snacks are now included. And they seem to be serious about the limit. Refilled daily now.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- friendly and helpful staff, sometimes not very efficient but always very nice. Some more training would help.
- breakfast in general good, but selections are a bit limited
- nice view
- with uber it is now very inexpensive to get there and get around from there. Cars are usually there in less than 5 min
-Bad
- no club lounge
- train tracks directly in front of the hotel
- if your room rate includes breakfast not much of RA benefits left
- Spa has no shampoo etc, but is nice and clean
- Inconsistent: For example first day Agraria big bottles, next day some other brand tiny bottles, third day bigger bottles and fourth day back to Agraria
- Nobody there to help to put luggage in the car,
- Minibar was charged at checkout. Had to argue with the person there and finally asked for a supervisor who removed the charges
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
It depends on the room rate which seem to fluctuate a lot.
Would you return?
With the reduced RA benefits and no more club lounge not sure.
Jul 10, 2019, 9:09 am
#73
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
IC Johannesburg Sandton
IC Johannesburg Sandton
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
meh and meh
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Two says. Booked cheapest, received corner room on top floor or club floor
Btw as RA or when booking a club room go immediately to the club lounge for check in.
How are the rooms?
A bit bigger than a regular room. First room was very dusty and showed a lot of wear. Second room smelled clean, but still some wear.
How is the exec. lounge?
Weird. It consists of two balconies off the hallway and reception desk just in front of the elevators.
Food quality is still lousy and very limited for breakfast and in the evening. High tea is fairly good. For happy hour the have a few canapes and if you know (they never will tell you) you can order some warm food (mainly inedible) which they bring from downstairs.
The attendants there are very nice and remembered us from a year ago. Receptionist was inefficient (despite mentioning that we need late checkout key stopped working at noon (exactly the same happened a year ago), and they are still extremely slow.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit plate and water and nuts
How was the minibar?
Average. Capped as usual but they seem not to care if you are a bit over.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Next to a huge shopping mall with several restaurants.. Big supermarket (Checkers - try their store brand ginger cookies!) is unfortunately closed for renovation till late this year
-Bad
- condition of the rooms
- food in club
- breakfast in main restaurant (selection, quality) - it was even worse than a year ago and I thought that would be almost impossible
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
barely ok
Would you return?[
there are a few new 5 star places in Sandton which I will try when there next
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
meh and meh
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Two says. Booked cheapest, received corner room on top floor or club floor
Btw as RA or when booking a club room go immediately to the club lounge for check in.
How are the rooms?
A bit bigger than a regular room. First room was very dusty and showed a lot of wear. Second room smelled clean, but still some wear.
How is the exec. lounge?
Weird. It consists of two balconies off the hallway and reception desk just in front of the elevators.
Food quality is still lousy and very limited for breakfast and in the evening. High tea is fairly good. For happy hour the have a few canapes and if you know (they never will tell you) you can order some warm food (mainly inedible) which they bring from downstairs.
The attendants there are very nice and remembered us from a year ago. Receptionist was inefficient (despite mentioning that we need late checkout key stopped working at noon (exactly the same happened a year ago), and they are still extremely slow.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Fruit plate and water and nuts
How was the minibar?
Average. Capped as usual but they seem not to care if you are a bit over.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
- Next to a huge shopping mall with several restaurants.. Big supermarket (Checkers - try their store brand ginger cookies!) is unfortunately closed for renovation till late this year
-Bad
- condition of the rooms
- food in club
- breakfast in main restaurant (selection, quality) - it was even worse than a year ago and I thought that would be almost impossible
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
barely ok
Would you return?[
there are a few new 5 star places in Sandton which I will try when there next
Jul 10, 2019, 10:03 am
#74
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: QF Plat, IHG RA, Marriott Plat
Posts: 255
Intercontinental London Park Lan
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Very much, yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Usually book basic room, usually get larger room overlooking Hyde Park Corner.
Twice, a room overlooking a courtyard facing up Park Lane.
In general, above average upgrades.
How are the rooms?
Dowdy, but it’s London!
Rooms always contain a picture book about red London buses.
Mostly pretty large for London.
Suites are lovely.
Rooms facing East are fab on higher floors..silhouette views of Palace of W, London Eye, Shard...the whole thing.
How is the exec. lounge?
Fantastic, The best in Europe?
Free flow Perrier Jouet.
Quality canapés, cheese, great snack arrangement.
Unlimited Haribo.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Does shortbread count?
I always specify fruit, always get shortbread.
How was the minibar?
Super expensive.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Love the hotel. They started off by treating me well, and have subsequently earned my loyalty.
Location. Look at a map. Mayfair is fantastic to explore. Heathrow is 50 or so minutes on the tube. Green Park tube close.
Staff - mostly fab. Lounge staff super fab.
Location - the view isn’t monumental but there are so many historical things to see.
M&S, Sainsburys close.
-Bad
Next door to Hard Rock Cafe. Wow wow wow do tourists come to London and waste their time waiting for this.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
As an RA, definitely.
Would you return?
Hopefully twice a year or more.
Very much, yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Usually book basic room, usually get larger room overlooking Hyde Park Corner.
Twice, a room overlooking a courtyard facing up Park Lane.
In general, above average upgrades.
How are the rooms?
Dowdy, but it’s London!
Rooms always contain a picture book about red London buses.
Mostly pretty large for London.
Suites are lovely.
Rooms facing East are fab on higher floors..silhouette views of Palace of W, London Eye, Shard...the whole thing.
How is the exec. lounge?
Fantastic, The best in Europe?
Free flow Perrier Jouet.
Quality canapés, cheese, great snack arrangement.
Unlimited Haribo.
Did you receive a welcome gift?
Does shortbread count?
I always specify fruit, always get shortbread.
How was the minibar?
Super expensive.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
Love the hotel. They started off by treating me well, and have subsequently earned my loyalty.
Location. Look at a map. Mayfair is fantastic to explore. Heathrow is 50 or so minutes on the tube. Green Park tube close.
Staff - mostly fab. Lounge staff super fab.
Location - the view isn’t monumental but there are so many historical things to see.
M&S, Sainsburys close.
-Bad
Next door to Hard Rock Cafe. Wow wow wow do tourists come to London and waste their time waiting for this.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
As an RA, definitely.
Would you return?
Hopefully twice a year or more.
Last edited by DonPedro; Jul 10, 2019 at 10:09 am
Jul 11, 2019, 6:42 am
#75
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: FRA
Posts: 582
Intercontinental New York Times Square
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 Studio Suite, received Studio Suite (no upgrade) at regular rate.
How are the rooms? I really like the design. However, the table is in bad condition, the bathroom door can't be locked and the TV(hotel menu, paytv etc.) not working.
How is the exec. lounge? There is none.
Did you receive a welcome gift? No. Even have to call for the daily water, and it has been exchanged for hotel water instead of Fiji (which is was in the previous years).
How was the minibar? The content is ok, but I have to call each day to have it refilled.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
The room design, the view from the high floor.
-Bad
Breakfast quality is the worst I have ever experienced, nothing seems to be fresh, there was mold on the rasberries, most items (french toast etc.) have really bad quality. One even has to pay for capuchino etc. extra.
There is obviuosly no intention to repair some items like TV, table etc.. During my last stay one of the tables in the room was even missing and front desk simply told me "we don't have enough" at to moment.
Hotel can not even provide stamps or send out post (really?).
The blanket is much too heavy and I don't like the still with the "wrapping" of the blanket in several sheets instead of having a closed blanket cover.
Other ICs provide better bathroom amenities in their suites (Loccitance like in Tokyo, Davos, etc.) but here they only provide the standard stuff.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Apart from F&B quality and some room issues, Value for $ is "ok" but not great. I severally regret that they do not offer anything in exchange for the missing upgrade and lounge.
In total I pay between 5,000 and 6,000 USD per stay and although this is New York, it still is a lot of money. Anyway, F&B should definitely be better, and breakfast is an important part of a stay.
Would you return?
Due to F&B quality and the unability to provide even the most simple requests (repair of TV, provinding stamps by concierge etc.) most certainly not, even though it has been one of my favourites in the past.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive? Booked Studio Suite, received Studio Suite (no upgrade) at regular rate.
How are the rooms? I really like the design. However, the table is in bad condition, the bathroom door can't be locked and the TV(hotel menu, paytv etc.) not working.
How is the exec. lounge? There is none.
Did you receive a welcome gift? No. Even have to call for the daily water, and it has been exchanged for hotel water instead of Fiji (which is was in the previous years).
How was the minibar? The content is ok, but I have to call each day to have it refilled.
What was good and what was bad?
-Good
The room design, the view from the high floor.
-Bad
Breakfast quality is the worst I have ever experienced, nothing seems to be fresh, there was mold on the rasberries, most items (french toast etc.) have really bad quality. One even has to pay for capuchino etc. extra.
There is obviuosly no intention to repair some items like TV, table etc.. During my last stay one of the tables in the room was even missing and front desk simply told me "we don't have enough" at to moment.
Hotel can not even provide stamps or send out post (really?).
The blanket is much too heavy and I don't like the still with the "wrapping" of the blanket in several sheets instead of having a closed blanket cover.
Other ICs provide better bathroom amenities in their suites (Loccitance like in Tokyo, Davos, etc.) but here they only provide the standard stuff.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Apart from F&B quality and some room issues, Value for $ is "ok" but not great. I severally regret that they do not offer anything in exchange for the missing upgrade and lounge.
In total I pay between 5,000 and 6,000 USD per stay and although this is New York, it still is a lot of money. Anyway, F&B should definitely be better, and breakfast is an important part of a stay.
Would you return?
Due to F&B quality and the unability to provide even the most simple requests (repair of TV, provinding stamps by concierge etc.) most certainly not, even though it has been one of my favourites in the past.