Please post your Rewards Club Elite experiences (Archive Thread 2015)
Mar 31, 2015, 5:29 pm
#77
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Somewhere in Europe
Posts: 3,362
Holiday Inn Aberdeen Exhibition Centre
Holiday Inn Aberdeen Exhibition Centre
What is your Priority Club status? Platinum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay? It was ok
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Double non smoking, received the same.
How are the rooms?
Very dated, at a guess last full refurb around 1998. The decor is the same as all the Posthouses that were purchased and refurbed around that time. A full refurb is due this year apparently.
How is the exec. lounge? None
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Plenty of parking shared with the neighbouring HIX
Checked in quickly
Good quality food in the evening.
Bad
No upgrade, apparently none available. Aberdeen at the weekend? No!
Bed like a bouncy castle
Room service tray from 8pm the night before still outside room at 10:30am
An hour before breakfast finished the hot buffet was stripped and plated from the kitchen, by the look of the egg it had been on the buffet for an hour before than whilst the rest of the breakfast was tasteless.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
£54 AP with breakfast for a Saturday night is OK but the HIX next door was only £46 and is far more comfortable.
What is your Priority Club status? Platinum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay? It was ok
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Double non smoking, received the same.
How are the rooms?
Very dated, at a guess last full refurb around 1998. The decor is the same as all the Posthouses that were purchased and refurbed around that time. A full refurb is due this year apparently.
How is the exec. lounge? None
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Plenty of parking shared with the neighbouring HIX
Checked in quickly
Good quality food in the evening.
Bad
No upgrade, apparently none available. Aberdeen at the weekend? No!
Bed like a bouncy castle
Room service tray from 8pm the night before still outside room at 10:30am
An hour before breakfast finished the hot buffet was stripped and plated from the kitchen, by the look of the egg it had been on the buffet for an hour before than whilst the rest of the breakfast was tasteless.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
£54 AP with breakfast for a Saturday night is OK but the HIX next door was only £46 and is far more comfortable.
Last edited by chrism20; Mar 31, 2015 at 5:42 pm
Mar 31, 2015, 5:39 pm
#78
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Somewhere in Europe
Posts: 3,362
Holiday Inn Aberdeen West
Holiday Inn Aberdeen West
What is your Priority Club status?. Platinum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Very happy
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked queen standard and received King Exec Suite
How are the rooms?
Decent size, tastefully decorated with dark wood finish, two seater sofa, safe, mini bar (OJ, water and chocolate free), hot drinks tray with 'Coffee bags' which were very nice.
How is the exec. lounge? None
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Double upgrade from queen to suite.
Hotel is immaculate throughout
Very warm welcome as Platinum
Full restaurant menu available on room service with no tray charge
Breakfast discounted by front desk.
Excellent breakfast with everything you can think of! Even Scotch for the porridge!
Bad
Absolutely nothing. This hotel has won European Holiday Inn a few years ago and it is easy to see how. It really should be a CP! There is a CP opening here later in the year and it will need to be really, really good to beat this
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Definitely this was a points night. On the morning I arrived the suites were selling at £290 so 25k in points was a bargain.
What is your Priority Club status?. Platinum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Very happy
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked queen standard and received King Exec Suite
How are the rooms?
Decent size, tastefully decorated with dark wood finish, two seater sofa, safe, mini bar (OJ, water and chocolate free), hot drinks tray with 'Coffee bags' which were very nice.
How is the exec. lounge? None
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Double upgrade from queen to suite.
Hotel is immaculate throughout
Very warm welcome as Platinum
Full restaurant menu available on room service with no tray charge
Breakfast discounted by front desk.
Excellent breakfast with everything you can think of! Even Scotch for the porridge!
Bad
Absolutely nothing. This hotel has won European Holiday Inn a few years ago and it is easy to see how. It really should be a CP! There is a CP opening here later in the year and it will need to be really, really good to beat this
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Definitely this was a points night. On the morning I arrived the suites were selling at £290 so 25k in points was a bargain.
Apr 1, 2015, 10:20 am
#79
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Medicine Hat
Programs: WS Gold, Bonvoy Titanium Elite, AC 100K, INtercontinetal Ambassador, Avis Prefered Plus
Posts: 217
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Holiday Inn Calgary Airport
What is your Priority Club status?. Platinum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Somewhat happy
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King standard and received King Standard
How are the rooms?
Decent size, tastefully decorated and newly remodled.
How is the exec. lounge? None
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Location is good for NE business
Hotel is immaculate throughout
Staff seem friendly enough but not polished
Bad
No welcome as Platinum
No Platinum benefits of any kind
Restaurant & Lounge are just ok no place close by to walk to so your captive
Would not return many better choices in the area
Holiday Inn Calgary Airport
What is your Priority Club status?. Platinum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Somewhat happy
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King standard and received King Standard
How are the rooms?
Decent size, tastefully decorated and newly remodled.
How is the exec. lounge? None
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Location is good for NE business
Hotel is immaculate throughout
Staff seem friendly enough but not polished
Bad
No welcome as Platinum
No Platinum benefits of any kind
Restaurant & Lounge are just ok no place close by to walk to so your captive
Would not return many better choices in the area
Apr 3, 2015, 11:07 am
#80
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Anywhere
Posts: 6,576
Hotel Indigo Barcelona Plaza Catalunya
Hotel Indigo Barcelona Plaza Catalunya
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?.
Very happy.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?.
Booked Superior Room on points, received an upgrade to Executive Room facing the main road.
How are the rooms?
Large comfortable king bed
Large bathroom
Fridge had complimentary 2 bottles of water + 2 bottles of juice
How is the exec. lounge?
None
What was good and what was bad?.
Good
Central to main shopping street.
Lovely quiet courtyard with small pool.
Chic boutique feel.
Platinums offered 600 points or drink welcome gift.
Bad
Small point - the hotel is not quite at Plaza Catalunya, need to walk about 10 mins and hotel given directions not very clear.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?.
Very happy.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?.
Booked Superior Room on points, received an upgrade to Executive Room facing the main road.
How are the rooms?
Large comfortable king bed
Large bathroom
Fridge had complimentary 2 bottles of water + 2 bottles of juice
How is the exec. lounge?
None
What was good and what was bad?.
Good
Central to main shopping street.
Lovely quiet courtyard with small pool.
Chic boutique feel.
Platinums offered 600 points or drink welcome gift.
Bad
Small point - the hotel is not quite at Plaza Catalunya, need to walk about 10 mins and hotel given directions not very clear.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes
Apr 8, 2015, 7:23 am
#81
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: The Frontier
Programs: Some
Posts: 185
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Denver East/Peoria St.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Denver East (Peoria St., Denver, CO)
Just passing through and needed a quick one-night stay. Used points.
What is your IHG/Priority Club status?
Platinum.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
It was basic and average. I wouldn't say happy.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Standard Room.
Received a basic King Room.
How are the rooms?
The hotel seems pretty new. The room was a little bit smaller than most HI Express rooms. No bathtub, only shower.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- The room was (relatively) clean.
- This is a newer property.
- They have direcTV--lots of channels to choose from (mostly HD).
- Easy access to I-70 (east of downtown, west of Pena Blvd./Road to Airport)
Bad
- Housekeeping left half-used shampoo/lotion for us (and it was obvious they were used).
- The immediate surrounding area lacks options--a 7/11 and fast food are the only places around.
- Weak IHG recognition (a recurring theme). No mention of amenity/points (even though I got the points e-mail late last night, no mention of an upgrade--asked and nothing came of it. Not the end of the world though.
- The walls are terribly thin. I could hear next-door neighbor sneezing all night, and, even though we were several rooms away, I could hear the elevator chime.
Value for $ or IHG Points? Would you return?
Stayed with IHG points. Probably not the best value, but I'm just trying to burn points and don't really care. I'm moving away from IHG (rather quickly based on the value of points) so I probably wouldn't return in favor of other chains.
Just passing through and needed a quick one-night stay. Used points.
What is your IHG/Priority Club status?
Platinum.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay ?
It was basic and average. I wouldn't say happy.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Standard Room.
Received a basic King Room.
How are the rooms?
The hotel seems pretty new. The room was a little bit smaller than most HI Express rooms. No bathtub, only shower.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- The room was (relatively) clean.
- This is a newer property.
- They have direcTV--lots of channels to choose from (mostly HD).
- Easy access to I-70 (east of downtown, west of Pena Blvd./Road to Airport)
Bad
- Housekeeping left half-used shampoo/lotion for us (and it was obvious they were used).
- The immediate surrounding area lacks options--a 7/11 and fast food are the only places around.
- Weak IHG recognition (a recurring theme). No mention of amenity/points (even though I got the points e-mail late last night, no mention of an upgrade--asked and nothing came of it. Not the end of the world though.
- The walls are terribly thin. I could hear next-door neighbor sneezing all night, and, even though we were several rooms away, I could hear the elevator chime.
Value for $ or IHG Points? Would you return?
Stayed with IHG points. Probably not the best value, but I'm just trying to burn points and don't really care. I'm moving away from IHG (rather quickly based on the value of points) so I probably wouldn't return in favor of other chains.
Apr 8, 2015, 11:43 am
#82
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 84
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville Airport
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville Airport
What is your IHG/Priority Club status?
Platinum Elite
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King Suite, received King Whirlpool Suite after asking about upgrade at check-in
How are the rooms?
Room was spacious. I didn’t use the television, but noticed it was a little far from the bed for my liking. Whirlpool tub in the bathroom was huge, but took forever to fill up and not all of the jets seemed to work. Was only a one-night stay and it was so late by the time that my partner used the whirlpool tub that I didn’t feel like making an issue out of it. Would have if I’d paid extra for it rather than been upgraded.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Upgrade was nice, especially with the property pretty well booked up the night I was there.
- Pool area looked pretty decent for a HIX, but we didn’t have a chance to use it.
Bad
- Had to ask about upgrade at check-in.
- Location is convenient near airport, but the way the area is designed with access roads leading to the hotels makes it a little confusing and difficult to get to the restaurants on the other side of the highway. Not a problem unique to this hotel though.
- From the desk where I was working I could hear people arriving and talking loudly in the hallway outside of the room at 1am. Noise level wasn’t bad from the bed – my partner slept through it – but distracted me for about 20 minutes as the desk is much closer to the door.
Value for $ or IHG Points? Would you return?
Would definitely consider this location again if the price was right. There are a ton of other options in the area, and I might not necessarily be brand loyal if one of them provided a better perceived value.
What is your IHG/Priority Club status?
Platinum Elite
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked King Suite, received King Whirlpool Suite after asking about upgrade at check-in
How are the rooms?
Room was spacious. I didn’t use the television, but noticed it was a little far from the bed for my liking. Whirlpool tub in the bathroom was huge, but took forever to fill up and not all of the jets seemed to work. Was only a one-night stay and it was so late by the time that my partner used the whirlpool tub that I didn’t feel like making an issue out of it. Would have if I’d paid extra for it rather than been upgraded.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Upgrade was nice, especially with the property pretty well booked up the night I was there.
- Pool area looked pretty decent for a HIX, but we didn’t have a chance to use it.
Bad
- Had to ask about upgrade at check-in.
- Location is convenient near airport, but the way the area is designed with access roads leading to the hotels makes it a little confusing and difficult to get to the restaurants on the other side of the highway. Not a problem unique to this hotel though.
- From the desk where I was working I could hear people arriving and talking loudly in the hallway outside of the room at 1am. Noise level wasn’t bad from the bed – my partner slept through it – but distracted me for about 20 minutes as the desk is much closer to the door.
Value for $ or IHG Points? Would you return?
Would definitely consider this location again if the price was right. There are a ton of other options in the area, and I might not necessarily be brand loyal if one of them provided a better perceived value.
Apr 8, 2015, 12:03 pm
#83
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 84
Crowne Plaza Jacksonville-Riverfront
Crowne Plaza Jacksonville-Riverfront
What is your IHG/Priority Club status?
Platinum Elite
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 1 Queen Bed, received 1 King Bed Riverfront after asking at check-in
How are the rooms?
Rooms are nice and spacious, even though they’re showing their age a little bit. Riverfront views are amazing from this hotel, especially up on the 10th floor. It would have been nice to have a couple of chairs on the balcony though. Bed felt comfortable enough, but both my partner and I had a tough time seeming. Not sure if that’s a common issue or a problem that’s unique to us.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Upgrade was good – a high riverfront balcony makes all of the difference there – but I wish I didn’t have to ask for it.
- Prime Jacksonville location. Plenty of eating and drinking within walking distance of the hotel, with the Jacksonville Riverwalk making for a nice stroll along the water. Jacksonville Landing – full of plenty more dining options – is a scenic fifteen minute walk across the bridge.
Bad
- The hotel has definitely seen its better days. Rooms aren’t in perfect shape, but aren’t that bad considering the price paid and the fact that most properties in the area are in similar condition.
- Essentially no recognition of status. Was given upgrade after politely asking. Otherwise, absolutely nothing.
- Parking fee enforced sometimes? Have stayed at this property in the past and had the fee waived without asking (unsure if because of low occupancy, platinum status, or simply a nice desk agent) but was charged this time. No huge deal as the website clearly states the parking fee.
- Booked rate that included breakfast. Wasn’t hugely impressed by the taste of the food on the buffet, but that may have been because of all of the drinking I had done the night before. So take this negative with a grain of salt.
Value for $ or IHG Points? Would you return?
I would definitely stay there again when prices are on the lower end of their pricing spectrum. Might not pay a big premium over other nearby options, but would definitely choose the Crowne Plaza if prices are competitive.
What is your IHG/Priority Club status?
Platinum Elite
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 1 Queen Bed, received 1 King Bed Riverfront after asking at check-in
How are the rooms?
Rooms are nice and spacious, even though they’re showing their age a little bit. Riverfront views are amazing from this hotel, especially up on the 10th floor. It would have been nice to have a couple of chairs on the balcony though. Bed felt comfortable enough, but both my partner and I had a tough time seeming. Not sure if that’s a common issue or a problem that’s unique to us.
How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
What was good and what was bad?
Good
- Upgrade was good – a high riverfront balcony makes all of the difference there – but I wish I didn’t have to ask for it.
- Prime Jacksonville location. Plenty of eating and drinking within walking distance of the hotel, with the Jacksonville Riverwalk making for a nice stroll along the water. Jacksonville Landing – full of plenty more dining options – is a scenic fifteen minute walk across the bridge.
Bad
- The hotel has definitely seen its better days. Rooms aren’t in perfect shape, but aren’t that bad considering the price paid and the fact that most properties in the area are in similar condition.
- Essentially no recognition of status. Was given upgrade after politely asking. Otherwise, absolutely nothing.
- Parking fee enforced sometimes? Have stayed at this property in the past and had the fee waived without asking (unsure if because of low occupancy, platinum status, or simply a nice desk agent) but was charged this time. No huge deal as the website clearly states the parking fee.
- Booked rate that included breakfast. Wasn’t hugely impressed by the taste of the food on the buffet, but that may have been because of all of the drinking I had done the night before. So take this negative with a grain of salt.
Value for $ or IHG Points? Would you return?
I would definitely stay there again when prices are on the lower end of their pricing spectrum. Might not pay a big premium over other nearby options, but would definitely choose the Crowne Plaza if prices are competitive.
Apr 12, 2015, 1:19 am
#84
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: TK Elite Plus, IC Plat Ambassador, HH Diamond
Posts: 920
CP ANA Grand Court Nagoya
CP ANA Grand Court Nagoya
What is your Priority Club status? Platinum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay? It was ok
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
standard non smoking, received standard non smoking king.
How are the rooms?
Okay, poor lighting and switches. CNN only English channel
How is the exec. lounge? None
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Next to Kanayama railway station
Checked in quickly
Bad
Was told I had been upgraded - not! Put me next to elevators.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
NO. Much better value elsewhere in Nagoya and closer to Nagoya Station. Only given 2 bottles of water per day as a platinum, no welcome bonus points or discounts for dining. Next time I would sooner stay at Comfort Hotel at 1/3 price including breakfast. Only one night and related points posted for a two night stay.
What is your Priority Club status? Platinum
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay? It was ok
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
standard non smoking, received standard non smoking king.
How are the rooms?
Okay, poor lighting and switches. CNN only English channel
How is the exec. lounge? None
What was good and what was bad?
Good
Next to Kanayama railway station
Checked in quickly
Bad
Was told I had been upgraded - not! Put me next to elevators.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
NO. Much better value elsewhere in Nagoya and closer to Nagoya Station. Only given 2 bottles of water per day as a platinum, no welcome bonus points or discounts for dining. Next time I would sooner stay at Comfort Hotel at 1/3 price including breakfast. Only one night and related points posted for a two night stay.
Apr 13, 2015, 2:18 pm
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,960
Crowne Plaza Milan City
Crowne Plaza Milan City
- What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Royal Ambassador
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, as usual
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest rate with breakfast, got one junior suite on 5th floor facing the garden
- How are the rooms?
Around 40 sqm.
Nicely designed: elegant wood decor in the bedroom and the dressing.
https://twitter.com/nicolas75flyert/...01213072449536
Desk. Sitting area. Magazines.
Elegant bathroom (but with no window contrary to corner room). Lait de Figue toiletries.
2 flat screen television sets with good selection of international channels
View over the garden
https://twitter.com/nicolas75flyert/...02079133286401
Very quiet
- How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
- What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- very easy access (the metro station is just next to the hotel lobby)
- elegant design
https://twitter.com/nicolas75flyert/...01576747966464
- good breakfast (quiet and elegant room, good selection of products, excellent service), nice staff at restaurant
https://twitter.com/nicolas75flyert/...01752069824512
- large and comfortable junior suite
- Pleasant garden
https://twitter.com/nicolas75flyert/...02316790915072
https://twitter.com/nicolas75flyert/...02079133286401
Bad:
- Nothing
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes
Excellent value in Milan.
- What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Platinum Royal Ambassador
- Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, as usual
- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked cheapest rate with breakfast, got one junior suite on 5th floor facing the garden
- How are the rooms?
Around 40 sqm.
Nicely designed: elegant wood decor in the bedroom and the dressing.
https://twitter.com/nicolas75flyert/...01213072449536
Desk. Sitting area. Magazines.
Elegant bathroom (but with no window contrary to corner room). Lait de Figue toiletries.
2 flat screen television sets with good selection of international channels
View over the garden
https://twitter.com/nicolas75flyert/...02079133286401
Very quiet
- How is the exec. lounge?
N/A
- What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- very easy access (the metro station is just next to the hotel lobby)
- elegant design
https://twitter.com/nicolas75flyert/...01576747966464
- good breakfast (quiet and elegant room, good selection of products, excellent service), nice staff at restaurant
https://twitter.com/nicolas75flyert/...01752069824512
- large and comfortable junior suite
- Pleasant garden
https://twitter.com/nicolas75flyert/...02316790915072
https://twitter.com/nicolas75flyert/...02079133286401
Bad:
- Nothing
- Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Yes
Excellent value in Milan.
Last edited by FLYGVA; Apr 14, 2015 at 7:28 am Reason: Actually wrote InterContinental for Crowne Plaza ;-) // added name of property to post instead of thread title only
Apr 13, 2015, 3:35 pm
#87
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Amsterdam, Asia, UK
Programs: IHG RA (Spire), HH Diamond, MR Platinum, SQ Gold, KLM Gold, BAEC Gold
Posts: 5,072
HIE Amsterdam South, NL
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum (RA)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Standard HIE offering stay was fine
(Seems to be same room layout as the HIE's in Arnhem & Den Haag)
Which room did you book
Booked - Standard double
Received - Std Double on ground floor
.. Obviously used as family room as sofa bed made up and asked not to fold close as guests doing that break the sofa beds!
How are the rooms?
o Standard size for a HIE, bathroom had shower only but was 50% bigger rectangular not usual square
o Plenty of power points and lighting
o Work bench and Chair, 32" TV, + 2str sofa-bed already made up
How is the exec. lounge?
There is none
What was good and what was bad?
Good
o Friendly helpful and polite staff. No problem with a 2pm Checkout request.
o Continental brekkie was fine, yoghurt, fruit, cereal, bread/toast, croisants, rolls, cheese, cold meats, coffee, orange juice
o No evening food here , can order in, fetch own
o 300points or drink/snack on checkin (snack is small tubes Pringles)
o On the tram 5 route so just one tram to museum plain, leidseplein and central station. HIE just 100m from metro stop
Bad
o Nothing
Neutral
o Front door permanently locked even at say 1300-1700 checkin times and is key card operated so need to ring bell and wait on arrival
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Seemed consistently cheapest Ihg Amsterdam hotel so as I did not need city centre and access by tram 5 is so easy I gave it a try. Location isolated for eating out local to hotel in evening but otherwise quite ok.
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum (RA)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Standard HIE offering stay was fine
(Seems to be same room layout as the HIE's in Arnhem & Den Haag)
Which room did you book
Booked - Standard double
Received - Std Double on ground floor
.. Obviously used as family room as sofa bed made up and asked not to fold close as guests doing that break the sofa beds!
How are the rooms?
o Standard size for a HIE, bathroom had shower only but was 50% bigger rectangular not usual square
o Plenty of power points and lighting
o Work bench and Chair, 32" TV, + 2str sofa-bed already made up
How is the exec. lounge?
There is none
What was good and what was bad?
Good
o Friendly helpful and polite staff. No problem with a 2pm Checkout request.
o Continental brekkie was fine, yoghurt, fruit, cereal, bread/toast, croisants, rolls, cheese, cold meats, coffee, orange juice
o No evening food here , can order in, fetch own
o 300points or drink/snack on checkin (snack is small tubes Pringles)
o On the tram 5 route so just one tram to museum plain, leidseplein and central station. HIE just 100m from metro stop
Bad
o Nothing
Neutral
o Front door permanently locked even at say 1300-1700 checkin times and is key card operated so need to ring bell and wait on arrival
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Seemed consistently cheapest Ihg Amsterdam hotel so as I did not need city centre and access by tram 5 is so easy I gave it a try. Location isolated for eating out local to hotel in evening but otherwise quite ok.
Apr 13, 2015, 4:12 pm
#88
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Amsterdam, Asia, UK
Programs: IHG RA (Spire), HH Diamond, MR Platinum, SQ Gold, KLM Gold, BAEC Gold
Posts: 5,072
HI Brighton, UK
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum (RA)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes once I queried non upgrade promised before booking
(Not sure if means hotel avoids upgrading when possible... That said I got upgraded to Exec Seaview Corner 30months or so ago on my only other stay here but I had booked non base room King bed as with someone)
Which room did you book
2x separate consecutive 1night bookings of base room of standard double (king dbl costs more here)
Night(1) = Initially told no upgrades available on 3pm checkin
I immediately queried saying I asked night before when booking and told would be upgraded if rooms still being sold at my checkin time.... Given upgrade to King Exec Sea View at that point with no protest
Night(2) = booked on morning when hotel no longer sold out. Had to move to booked Queen Std Dbl which was fair in that situation
How are the rooms?
o Hotel has two parts a 5story office looking like tower at front off seaside road and lower flat extension going back. Sea view rooms in tower are only 4x across so only 20seaview rooms, the corner ones having balconies.
o King Exec SV - Large room, comfy bed, sofa and chair, work side and chair, wardrobe with safe, and empty fridge with 2free waters. TV with all the UK freeview channels. Bath/Shower combined. Lots of window with direct view across road to the sea
o Std Queen Dbl - Smaller room in the flat extension, comfy bed, same TV and 1x chair. Bathroom is shower only albeit a larger rectangular cubicle. No minibar fridge or water in this room
How is the exec. lounge?
There is none
What was good and what was bad?
Good
o Friendly helpful and polite staff. No problem with a 2pm Checkout request.
o Good breakfast buffet hot and cold offerings plus can order limited set extra cooked choices from kitchen. Individual 2mug size cafetierres per guest was much nicer than usual run of the mill filter coffee.
o Restaurant and bar food menu available and in room dining some from both menus
Neutral
o refurbs underway of hotel. Neither of my nights/days noticed anything but it was right after Easter Weekend and following weekend was the Brighton Marathon so work may have been suspended.
Bad
o Nothing
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
(30k points ($210) would be poor value as rooms are usually circa £100)
My £85 company rate included breakfast which is nice bonus for me at an HI brand hotel.
Basic Rooms Saturday of marathon when hotel became non-sold out in the morning appeared online at £200 to give idea of the other end of price which makes using points an option.
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum (RA)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes once I queried non upgrade promised before booking
(Not sure if means hotel avoids upgrading when possible... That said I got upgraded to Exec Seaview Corner 30months or so ago on my only other stay here but I had booked non base room King bed as with someone)
Which room did you book
2x separate consecutive 1night bookings of base room of standard double (king dbl costs more here)
Night(1) = Initially told no upgrades available on 3pm checkin
I immediately queried saying I asked night before when booking and told would be upgraded if rooms still being sold at my checkin time.... Given upgrade to King Exec Sea View at that point with no protest
Night(2) = booked on morning when hotel no longer sold out. Had to move to booked Queen Std Dbl which was fair in that situation
How are the rooms?
o Hotel has two parts a 5story office looking like tower at front off seaside road and lower flat extension going back. Sea view rooms in tower are only 4x across so only 20seaview rooms, the corner ones having balconies.
o King Exec SV - Large room, comfy bed, sofa and chair, work side and chair, wardrobe with safe, and empty fridge with 2free waters. TV with all the UK freeview channels. Bath/Shower combined. Lots of window with direct view across road to the sea
o Std Queen Dbl - Smaller room in the flat extension, comfy bed, same TV and 1x chair. Bathroom is shower only albeit a larger rectangular cubicle. No minibar fridge or water in this room
How is the exec. lounge?
There is none
What was good and what was bad?
Good
o Friendly helpful and polite staff. No problem with a 2pm Checkout request.
o Good breakfast buffet hot and cold offerings plus can order limited set extra cooked choices from kitchen. Individual 2mug size cafetierres per guest was much nicer than usual run of the mill filter coffee.
o Restaurant and bar food menu available and in room dining some from both menus
Neutral
o refurbs underway of hotel. Neither of my nights/days noticed anything but it was right after Easter Weekend and following weekend was the Brighton Marathon so work may have been suspended.
Bad
o Nothing
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
(30k points ($210) would be poor value as rooms are usually circa £100)
My £85 company rate included breakfast which is nice bonus for me at an HI brand hotel.
Basic Rooms Saturday of marathon when hotel became non-sold out in the morning appeared online at £200 to give idea of the other end of price which makes using points an option.
Last edited by scubaccr; Apr 13, 2015 at 4:18 pm
Apr 13, 2015, 4:20 pm
#89
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Join Date: Aug 2007
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Apr 14, 2015, 3:39 am
#90
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 449
HI Paris Auteuil
Holiday Inn Paris - Auteuil
I wrote about this hotel last year, I've visited it several times since, including this week.
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum AMB
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
So far, except check in.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked room queen bed with sofa, got an upgrade to a slightly larger room, king bed with a sofa.
How are the rooms?
Very clean, this one is the most spacious rooms in the hotel (there's only 2 of them). The bathroom had a bathtub & separate standing shower, some of the smaller standard rooms have only a standing shower, or bathtub. My room had its large window facing the back. It had one tiny high window facing the street, but it was not noisy unless I opened the window.
How is the exec. lounge?
None
Did you receive a welcome gift?
This is why I wanted to update. During my last two trips here I arrived here on a Sunday. The Sunday night manager was relatively new. He'd just started about 2-3 months ago (which was timed with my previous visit). Unfortunately, the previous time I came, not only did he fail to upgrade me (saying he doesn't know how), he didn't offer points or a drink (and didn't understand what I was talking about). I had to wait until the next day to get everything. This week's visit he was still there on a Sunday, and fortunately the room was already upgraded. But the night manager still had no clue about offering a points or certificate upon check-in. I figured someone would have explained it to him, but sadly no. Again, I tried to explain it to him to no avail. It only got worse, because at 11:45PM, he calls my room (already in bed with Jet-Lag) and calls to tell me that he's got my points. I thought he found the certificates, instead he proceeds to tell me what my current IHG rewards club balance is.
Good:
Most of the staff are friendly.
Excellent access to the Metro. It's just outside your door. It will take you to the heart of Paris.
Very nice residential neighborhood with lots of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, brasseries and bars and most things you might need. Plus there's a farmer's market (and other things) right outside your door on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Rooms are relatively quiet. Completely quiet if you're facing the garden side.
Prices are cheaper than most other HI properties in the Paris City region.
Bad:
There is only 1 elevator, and the door sometimes gets stuck open on the lobby floor (at least the last time I was there) which means you either have to call down for them to close the elevator door on the lobby floor, so it can be sent up, or walk down the stairs (which is very difficult to do with luggage).
They won't watch your luggage if you arrive early, or ask them to hold it for a few hours after check-out. They don't have much room behind the front desk.
Sunday night manager needs to be trained properly, about points, upgrades and not to call guests late at night unless it's necessary.
Deathly slow free internet.
Cable TV has only 2 English channels, both news. And it's a pain to access them. Worse, the channels (and other channels) have been off the air for the past 2 days. When I called the front desk about this, they had no clue what I was talking about.
If you are looking to sight-see, this hotel is furthest from most of Paris' attractions (except for the Eiffel Tower and a few museums) while still being in Paris Proper. That didn't matter to me so much because I was there on business nearby. It will take 20-30 minutes to get to the center of Paris by Metro. It's not a bad ride, and the Metro is right next to the hotel.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Great value for money, compared to other HI Paris properties. I would certainly return when I'm on business. If I were using points and sightseeing, for the same amount of points, I'd try to get something more centrally located, like HI Notre Dame, or HI Opera.
I wrote about this hotel last year, I've visited it several times since, including this week.
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum AMB
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
So far, except check in.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked room queen bed with sofa, got an upgrade to a slightly larger room, king bed with a sofa.
How are the rooms?
Very clean, this one is the most spacious rooms in the hotel (there's only 2 of them). The bathroom had a bathtub & separate standing shower, some of the smaller standard rooms have only a standing shower, or bathtub. My room had its large window facing the back. It had one tiny high window facing the street, but it was not noisy unless I opened the window.
How is the exec. lounge?
None
Did you receive a welcome gift?
This is why I wanted to update. During my last two trips here I arrived here on a Sunday. The Sunday night manager was relatively new. He'd just started about 2-3 months ago (which was timed with my previous visit). Unfortunately, the previous time I came, not only did he fail to upgrade me (saying he doesn't know how), he didn't offer points or a drink (and didn't understand what I was talking about). I had to wait until the next day to get everything. This week's visit he was still there on a Sunday, and fortunately the room was already upgraded. But the night manager still had no clue about offering a points or certificate upon check-in. I figured someone would have explained it to him, but sadly no. Again, I tried to explain it to him to no avail. It only got worse, because at 11:45PM, he calls my room (already in bed with Jet-Lag) and calls to tell me that he's got my points. I thought he found the certificates, instead he proceeds to tell me what my current IHG rewards club balance is.
Good:
Most of the staff are friendly.
Excellent access to the Metro. It's just outside your door. It will take you to the heart of Paris.
Very nice residential neighborhood with lots of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, brasseries and bars and most things you might need. Plus there's a farmer's market (and other things) right outside your door on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Rooms are relatively quiet. Completely quiet if you're facing the garden side.
Prices are cheaper than most other HI properties in the Paris City region.
Bad:
There is only 1 elevator, and the door sometimes gets stuck open on the lobby floor (at least the last time I was there) which means you either have to call down for them to close the elevator door on the lobby floor, so it can be sent up, or walk down the stairs (which is very difficult to do with luggage).
They won't watch your luggage if you arrive early, or ask them to hold it for a few hours after check-out. They don't have much room behind the front desk.
Sunday night manager needs to be trained properly, about points, upgrades and not to call guests late at night unless it's necessary.
Deathly slow free internet.
Cable TV has only 2 English channels, both news. And it's a pain to access them. Worse, the channels (and other channels) have been off the air for the past 2 days. When I called the front desk about this, they had no clue what I was talking about.
If you are looking to sight-see, this hotel is furthest from most of Paris' attractions (except for the Eiffel Tower and a few museums) while still being in Paris Proper. That didn't matter to me so much because I was there on business nearby. It will take 20-30 minutes to get to the center of Paris by Metro. It's not a bad ride, and the Metro is right next to the hotel.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Great value for money, compared to other HI Paris properties. I would certainly return when I'm on business. If I were using points and sightseeing, for the same amount of points, I'd try to get something more centrally located, like HI Notre Dame, or HI Opera.