Please post your Ambassador Experiences 2020
Mar 6, 2020, 8:25 am
#16
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AC E75K; SPG Gold; IHG Ambassador; NEXUS
Posts: 93
ANA Intercontinental Tokyo
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Executive King (using IHG points), upgraded to King Club Intercontinental for 65,000 Yen per night. Since Ambassador room upgrade was unavailable, I was given 85,000 Yen hotel credit (for a four night stay)
How are the rooms?
Very nice, and seemed to have been recently renovated. While a little small (it was Tokyo!), the room was well laid out and offered a spectacular view of the Diet Building and Imperial Palace grounds.
How is the exec. lounge?
Easily the best part of the stay. It was large with multiple buffet and a la carte breakfast items. Evening cocktail service was spectacular featuring relative high end wines and champagne (they served Mumms). The buffet was expansive; I only tried the hot hors d'ouvres the last night and they were also excellent and could easily substitute for dinner.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: The Lounge and the views from the high floors were certainly a high point. The concierges were very helpful with restaurant recommendations and reservations--they recommended a fantastic sushi restaurant that I would have never found on my own or through internet research. Also, the hotel was close to multiple metro stations and walkable to many bars and restaurants in Roppongi and elsewhere.
Bad: The restaurants and bars at the hotel were a little pricey, and as others have noted, were occasionally smokey.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Extremely good value at basically 55,000 points per night for a club InterContinental room. I would certainly return, but would probably book a Club Room as reviews of some of the other rooms are up and down.
Executive King (using IHG points), upgraded to King Club Intercontinental for 65,000 Yen per night. Since Ambassador room upgrade was unavailable, I was given 85,000 Yen hotel credit (for a four night stay)
How are the rooms?
Very nice, and seemed to have been recently renovated. While a little small (it was Tokyo!), the room was well laid out and offered a spectacular view of the Diet Building and Imperial Palace grounds.
How is the exec. lounge?
Easily the best part of the stay. It was large with multiple buffet and a la carte breakfast items. Evening cocktail service was spectacular featuring relative high end wines and champagne (they served Mumms). The buffet was expansive; I only tried the hot hors d'ouvres the last night and they were also excellent and could easily substitute for dinner.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: The Lounge and the views from the high floors were certainly a high point. The concierges were very helpful with restaurant recommendations and reservations--they recommended a fantastic sushi restaurant that I would have never found on my own or through internet research. Also, the hotel was close to multiple metro stations and walkable to many bars and restaurants in Roppongi and elsewhere.
Bad: The restaurants and bars at the hotel were a little pricey, and as others have noted, were occasionally smokey.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?[/QUOTE]
Extremely good value at basically 55,000 points per night for a club InterContinental room. I would certainly return, but would probably book a Club Room as reviews of some of the other rooms are up and down.
Mar 6, 2020, 6:33 pm
#17
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: NH Dia/SFlyer, JL Crystal/JGC, MB Plat, WoHyatt Glob, IHG Dia Amb, HHonors Dia
Posts: 281
Mar 9, 2020, 9:04 am
#18
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AC E75K; SPG Gold; IHG Ambassador; NEXUS
Posts: 93
Mar 10, 2020, 5:08 am
#19
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NUE
Programs: Skywards Gold, IC Ambassador, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Accor Platinum
Posts: 495
Aug 16, 2020, 12:38 pm
#20
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 471
Intercontinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu
Intercontinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive? Stayed two nights as Spire Amb on points (27.5k per night). The points booking was for a standard King, received Executive King.
How are the rooms? Room was alright. View of Vieux Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde, partially obstructed through part of the building. The furniture showed some minor signs of use. But the bed was comfy. The bathroom was fine (this common construction of rain shower and toilet behind doors and a separate bathtub). Nothing to write home about, but fine for this type of hotel and room category.
How is the exec. lounge? Don't know if they got one. Don't know if it's open. Didn't have access.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: Location is perfect. The building is impressive. Nice ambience, nice outdoor bar on terrace (albeit overpriced). It's an elegant property and I think the price of 27.5k points per night is more than fair.
Bad: The hotel was fully booked (probably a rarity these days) and there were deficiencies in service. I arrived at 1pm and had requested an early check-in the day before via the app. I waited around 25 min in line (priority line not honored) only to find out that the room wasn't ready. Receptionist promised to call me when the room is ready but didn't. As they didn't call, I came back around 4pm. After another 15 min waiting in the queue, I got my room keys.
Status recognition was so-so (received a EUR 15 voucher for the restaurants and the bar).
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return? At the points rate I paid, I would return. Not sure if it's worth paying 55k points per night or the typical rate of EUR 250-350 per night, though.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive? Stayed two nights as Spire Amb on points (27.5k per night). The points booking was for a standard King, received Executive King.
How are the rooms? Room was alright. View of Vieux Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde, partially obstructed through part of the building. The furniture showed some minor signs of use. But the bed was comfy. The bathroom was fine (this common construction of rain shower and toilet behind doors and a separate bathtub). Nothing to write home about, but fine for this type of hotel and room category.
How is the exec. lounge? Don't know if they got one. Don't know if it's open. Didn't have access.
What was good and what was bad?
Good: Location is perfect. The building is impressive. Nice ambience, nice outdoor bar on terrace (albeit overpriced). It's an elegant property and I think the price of 27.5k points per night is more than fair.
Bad: The hotel was fully booked (probably a rarity these days) and there were deficiencies in service. I arrived at 1pm and had requested an early check-in the day before via the app. I waited around 25 min in line (priority line not honored) only to find out that the room wasn't ready. Receptionist promised to call me when the room is ready but didn't. As they didn't call, I came back around 4pm. After another 15 min waiting in the queue, I got my room keys.
Status recognition was so-so (received a EUR 15 voucher for the restaurants and the bar).
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return? At the points rate I paid, I would return. Not sure if it's worth paying 55k points per night or the typical rate of EUR 250-350 per night, though.
Oct 31, 2020, 1:02 pm
#21
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Intercontinental Washington DC - The Wharf
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
King Deluxe. I was upgraded to a Superior King which is the IC equivalent of no upgrade at all.
How are the rooms?
Nice and modern. Large bathrooms with nice showers, plenty of space in the bedroom itself, desk area and sitting area too. The wifi works well, there are outlets next to the bed and a nice modern atmosphere.
How is the exec. lounge?
There isn't one
What was good and what was bad?
Good: The location is really nice. This Wharf area is a pleasant place to be with lots of restaurants and bars and it's away from the tourist traffic which makes it a nice place to stay. The hotel is also new and modern and lovely on the inside.
Bad: Lack of any meaningful upgrade. The bar is closed. Room service charged $8 for a 12 ounce bottle of Tropicana from concentrate that costs $1.79 at the gas station.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
I used my IHG free night here so that was a good value. I'd return.
King Deluxe. I was upgraded to a Superior King which is the IC equivalent of no upgrade at all.
How are the rooms?
Nice and modern. Large bathrooms with nice showers, plenty of space in the bedroom itself, desk area and sitting area too. The wifi works well, there are outlets next to the bed and a nice modern atmosphere.
How is the exec. lounge?
There isn't one
What was good and what was bad?
Good: The location is really nice. This Wharf area is a pleasant place to be with lots of restaurants and bars and it's away from the tourist traffic which makes it a nice place to stay. The hotel is also new and modern and lovely on the inside.
Bad: Lack of any meaningful upgrade. The bar is closed. Room service charged $8 for a 12 ounce bottle of Tropicana from concentrate that costs $1.79 at the gas station.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
I used my IHG free night here so that was a good value. I'd return.
Dec 20, 2020, 4:10 am
#22
Moderator: InterContinental Hotels and Germany
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,552
IC Düsseldorf
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a Classic Room (cheapest category) and was upgrade a day prior to my stay to a Junior Suite With Sofabed. The same upgrade as during my time as Royal Ambassador . The hotel currently only operated the 7th floor.
How are the rooms?
The Suites consists of a small living room with sofa and desk and a bed room divided by sliding doors with large bathroom and walk in closet. Contemporary styled.
I had to change room though, as the lights in the walk in closed did not work and the lights in the bedroom could not switched off. One of the control unites did not work properly (red error light). Had to change suites, which was done very professionally. Small downside, I had to dress again, as I discoverd it as I was going to sleeo (quite early at 08:30)
How is the exec. lounge?
Is closed. Guest with access get - as far as I remember - a daily f&b credit of 90 EUR.
What was good and what was bad?
Nice thing, the hotel was open and operational despite the lockdown in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Reason for stay was verified during check in (letter of my office was added to my self declaration). Staff was professional. Facitlies were closed and I could not use most of the facilites and offerings like breakfast etc., as I had to be in my office at 04:30 in the morning and did not return to the hotel prior to 18:00. Breakfast is served as room-service. The in-room menu is available. Minibar is available and stocked. Used some of my food credit for the room menu, which was served quickly and tasted quite well. Declined housekeeping after the first night, but not after the second night. Bathroom amenities (by L'Occitane) were restocked, bed linen were not changed. I missed pad and pen (like in every other hotel, bot got a pen from the front desk)
Some problems with the invoice (git the wrong printout and had to return) but that was not a problem. Housekeeping is available, but you can decline it.
Good
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, with rates of 144 EUR during the week and 122 EUR during the weekend including breakfast, this was a good rate. I also have a credit for staying in an IC from my AmEx. Main reason was the proximity to my office in the current situation.
Booked a Classic Room (cheapest category) and was upgrade a day prior to my stay to a Junior Suite With Sofabed. The same upgrade as during my time as Royal Ambassador . The hotel currently only operated the 7th floor.
How are the rooms?
The Suites consists of a small living room with sofa and desk and a bed room divided by sliding doors with large bathroom and walk in closet. Contemporary styled.
I had to change room though, as the lights in the walk in closed did not work and the lights in the bedroom could not switched off. One of the control unites did not work properly (red error light). Had to change suites, which was done very professionally. Small downside, I had to dress again, as I discoverd it as I was going to sleeo (quite early at 08:30)
How is the exec. lounge?
Is closed. Guest with access get - as far as I remember - a daily f&b credit of 90 EUR.
What was good and what was bad?
Nice thing, the hotel was open and operational despite the lockdown in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Reason for stay was verified during check in (letter of my office was added to my self declaration). Staff was professional. Facitlies were closed and I could not use most of the facilites and offerings like breakfast etc., as I had to be in my office at 04:30 in the morning and did not return to the hotel prior to 18:00. Breakfast is served as room-service. The in-room menu is available. Minibar is available and stocked. Used some of my food credit for the room menu, which was served quickly and tasted quite well. Declined housekeeping after the first night, but not after the second night. Bathroom amenities (by L'Occitane) were restocked, bed linen were not changed. I missed pad and pen (like in every other hotel, bot got a pen from the front desk)
Some problems with the invoice (git the wrong printout and had to return) but that was not a problem. Housekeeping is available, but you can decline it.
Good
- hotel is operating (though only one floor)
- nice upgrade
- friendly staff
- housekeeping available and rooms are served
- Not working lights could have been discovered earlier (but in favour of the hotel I assume the switch malfunctioned later)
- minor issue with invoice
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes, with rates of 144 EUR during the week and 122 EUR during the weekend including breakfast, this was a good rate. I also have a credit for staying in an IC from my AmEx. Main reason was the proximity to my office in the current situation.
Dec 25, 2020, 7:05 am
#23
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: TPE, SFO, PAE
Posts: 860
Regent Taipei
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Deluxe Twin. Received the same. Asked and received 2pm check-out.
How are the rooms?
Large, clean, but a bit dated. Pretty nice view.
How is the exec. lounge?
No access.
What was good and what was bad?
+ The room is large and very clean.
+ Service is mostly excellent.
+ The rooftop pool is great.
- The breakfast buffet was like a zoo. Had to wait 15 minutes to enter despite having a pre-assigned time slot. Very crowded (~40cm with the adjacent tables) and the food was very mediocre (definitely not paying $35 for that).
- The entire hotel was just very crowded. People filled up the lobby to check in (no dedicated counter unless paying for Regent's own club rooms).
- IHG/Ambassador recognition mostly in-name only. Only received late check-out (had to ask) and extra breakfast (reward nights at Regent come with breakfast for two). As a reviewer pointed out, it's a Regent not an IHG hotel.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
I used my Chase free night that's expiring in a week, so great value. The hotel is 10-minute from my apartment, so hopefully I don't return.
Deluxe Twin. Received the same. Asked and received 2pm check-out.
How are the rooms?
Large, clean, but a bit dated. Pretty nice view.
How is the exec. lounge?
No access.
What was good and what was bad?
+ The room is large and very clean.
+ Service is mostly excellent.
+ The rooftop pool is great.
- The breakfast buffet was like a zoo. Had to wait 15 minutes to enter despite having a pre-assigned time slot. Very crowded (~40cm with the adjacent tables) and the food was very mediocre (definitely not paying $35 for that).
- The entire hotel was just very crowded. People filled up the lobby to check in (no dedicated counter unless paying for Regent's own club rooms).
- IHG/Ambassador recognition mostly in-name only. Only received late check-out (had to ask) and extra breakfast (reward nights at Regent come with breakfast for two). As a reviewer pointed out, it's a Regent not an IHG hotel.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
I used my Chase free night that's expiring in a week, so great value. The hotel is 10-minute from my apartment, so hopefully I don't return.
Jan 1, 2021, 7:26 am
#24
Moderator: InterContinental Hotels and Germany
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,552
Fellow Flyertalker,
we would like to thank everybody for the contribution to this thread. As we are about to start a new year, we already have created a new thread for the experiences 2020. This new thread could be found here:
Please post your Ambassador Experiences 2021
The overview has list of the post of the previous year(s), which link to the posts of 2019 or newer. We are closing the this thread for now and unstick it.
FLYGVA
co-moderator IHG Forum
we would like to thank everybody for the contribution to this thread. As we are about to start a new year, we already have created a new thread for the experiences 2020. This new thread could be found here:
Please post your Ambassador Experiences 2021
The overview has list of the post of the previous year(s), which link to the posts of 2019 or newer. We are closing the this thread for now and unstick it.
FLYGVA
co-moderator IHG Forum