IC Dubai Festival City (Master Thread)
Feb 6, 2019, 3:51 pm
#166
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: Priority Club Platinum & Ambassdor, Hilton Honors Diamond, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 505
I'm checking-in to IC Marina on Saturday. Choose it over Festival City due to metro access, close to beach, and more local restaurants.
Feb 10, 2019, 11:51 pm
#167
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Capetown
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, IHG and Hilton Diamond, LH SEN, BA Gold
Posts: 10,163
Trying to decide between the IC Festival City and the CP Festival city for a 2 night stay in November. I will have 2 rooms, each with two adults and one kid, using points. Currently, I'm a platinum member, but could make Aspire very easily if it's worth the benefit.
As a platinum, do I get lounge access, or is that for Aspire members only?
As a platinum, do I get lounge access, or is that for Aspire members only?
Feb 13, 2019, 4:03 pm
#168
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Glasgow or London or elsewhere
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Rewards Spire Ambassador
Posts: 142
The two hotels are physically connected and the IC pool and CP pool can be used by residents from both. The lounge in the IC is really good (though no where as good as it was) - it can be good value if you use it well. They used to have a much wider food selection throughout the day, and also in the evening (which could substitute for dinner for children and potentially adults). Now it's more nibble-style food. With children, unless you are wanting to take them to sit in the lounge to have some wine for a couple of hours each evening, I'd just go with whichever hotel is cheaper for your dates - the CP can occasionally be more expensive, so look at both.
Nov 10, 2019, 9:58 am
#169
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,363
Used to be a regular her but not stayed maybe 3 years.
Any update on hotel, lounge, facilities? And RA treatment? Always used to be exceptional but interested if anyone has any updates of any kind?
I heard the steakhouse (Terra Frima) has gone been replaced with a seafood place.
Got a couple weeks here and wanted know any latest news, views
Mant thanks
Any update on hotel, lounge, facilities? And RA treatment? Always used to be exceptional but interested if anyone has any updates of any kind?
I heard the steakhouse (Terra Frima) has gone been replaced with a seafood place.
Got a couple weeks here and wanted know any latest news, views
Mant thanks
Nov 12, 2019, 11:51 am
#171
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,363
Agree that. Just read and replied your original post.
A poor do. Can think of a dozen cost saving options at ICDFC that could preserve their bottle allowance and not grate customers in such a way.
At PL they calculate consumption at 26 bottles per day. But of course that varies significantly depending on occupancy and lounge greed factor. But that's absolutely factored into the room rate or supplement paid very carefully. And yes RA's like moi get gratis but then again we are shovelling in spend at the sharp end.
Not a motivator to return and somewhat short sighted.
A poor do. Can think of a dozen cost saving options at ICDFC that could preserve their bottle allowance and not grate customers in such a way.
At PL they calculate consumption at 26 bottles per day. But of course that varies significantly depending on occupancy and lounge greed factor. But that's absolutely factored into the room rate or supplement paid very carefully. And yes RA's like moi get gratis but then again we are shovelling in spend at the sharp end.
Not a motivator to return and somewhat short sighted.
Nov 12, 2019, 7:59 pm
#172
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 202
but we can get you a glass of Argento Shiraz
https://supercellargt.com/product/argento-shiraz-75cl/
or Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet
https://winelibrary.com/wines/syrah-...abernet-111076
this I never understood, do ICs really think that an RA or well-traveled guest with the $$ for a Club room does not personally spend more on wine and probably knows the difference between different brand wines and will not drink anything just because it is free?
https://supercellargt.com/product/argento-shiraz-75cl/
or Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet
https://winelibrary.com/wines/syrah-...abernet-111076
Live the InterContinental Life > drink $9 a bottle wine
this I never understood, do ICs really think that an RA or well-traveled guest with the $$ for a Club room does not personally spend more on wine and probably knows the difference between different brand wines and will not drink anything just because it is free?
Last edited by saint77; Nov 12, 2019 at 9:01 pm
Nov 12, 2019, 9:45 pm
#173
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,363
but we can get you a glass of Argento Shiraz
https://supercellargt.com/product/argento-shiraz-75cl/
or Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet
https://winelibrary.com/wines/syrah-...abernet-111076
this I never understood, do ICs really think that an RA or well-traveled guest with the $$ for a Club room does not personally spend more on wine and probably knows the difference between different brand wines and will not drink anything just because it is free?
https://supercellargt.com/product/argento-shiraz-75cl/
or Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet
https://winelibrary.com/wines/syrah-...abernet-111076
Live the InterContinental Life > drink $9 a bottle wine
this I never understood, do ICs really think that an RA or well-traveled guest with the $$ for a Club room does not personally spend more on wine and probably knows the difference between different brand wines and will not drink anything just because it is free?
Nov 25, 2020, 10:53 pm
#175
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: BAEC, IHG, Hilton Honors
Posts: 10
I am staying here currently. It is excellent on all counts and they are really making an effort to ensure they are as “Covid Secure” as possible. Gloves and masks are worn at all times by the staff and virtually all of the guests are “mask” complient as well. The pool and gym are both open and the Club Lounge opened (with mandatory closing at 21.00 hrs) again at the end of October. DM me if I can help you with any further information.
Nov 26, 2020, 5:25 am
#176
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,363
I am staying here currently. It is excellent on all counts and they are really making an effort to ensure they are as “Covid Secure” as possible. Gloves and masks are worn at all times by the staff and virtually all of the guests are “mask” complient as well. The pool and gym are both open and the Club Lounge opened (with mandatory closing at 21.00 hrs) again at the end of October. DM me if I can help you with any further information.
Dec 29, 2020, 10:06 pm
#177
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,871
Checked in yesterday and my Royal Ambassador upgrade is from the base room to an (identical) club room - which of course gives me club privileges which I already have anyway via being RA. The hotel insist this is a two level upgrade and it is all I am getting. Check in took, I kid you not, an hour - queued downstairs, and then they refused to process me when I got to the front because I am RA. Sent upstairs. Queue upstairs. Took over 40 minutes when finally dealt with due to a mix of cash and points and AMB weekend certificates on the booking.
Whilst OK on the face of it, the rooms are also clearly from another era. Virtually no plug sockets, no USB, no coffee machine and only a single sink. I can see the new Sofitel Obelisk from the window, where we were last week, and it is night and day ahead of the IC. That said, Wafi Mall by the Obelisk is pretty much dead (as in shops closed or derelict) whilst Festival City is a hive of activity. For a longer stay that would still swing it.
Minibars appear to be empty by default so you have to request it is filled, and by the time it is done you have lost a day of free minibar privileges .....
Whilst OK on the face of it, the rooms are also clearly from another era. Virtually no plug sockets, no USB, no coffee machine and only a single sink. I can see the new Sofitel Obelisk from the window, where we were last week, and it is night and day ahead of the IC. That said, Wafi Mall by the Obelisk is pretty much dead (as in shops closed or derelict) whilst Festival City is a hive of activity. For a longer stay that would still swing it.
Minibars appear to be empty by default so you have to request it is filled, and by the time it is done you have lost a day of free minibar privileges .....
Dec 30, 2020, 3:40 am
#178
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: AUH
Posts: 8,265
Checked in yesterday and my Royal Ambassador upgrade is from the base room to an (identical) club room - which of course gives me club privileges which I already have anyway via being RA. The hotel insist this is a two level upgrade and it is all I am getting. Check in took, I kid you not, an hour - queued downstairs, and then they refused to process me when I got to the front because I am RA. Sent upstairs. Queue upstairs. Took over 40 minutes when finally dealt with due to a mix of cash and points and AMB weekend certificates on the booking.
Whilst OK on the face of it, the rooms are also clearly from another era. Virtually no plug sockets, no USB, no coffee machine and only a single sink. I can see the new Sofitel Obelisk from the window, where we were last week, and it is night and day ahead of the IC. That said, Wafi Mall by the Obelisk is pretty much dead (as in shops closed or derelict) whilst Festival City is a hive of activity. For a longer stay that would still swing it.
Minibars appear to be empty by default so you have to request it is filled, and by the time it is done you have lost a day of free minibar privileges .....
Whilst OK on the face of it, the rooms are also clearly from another era. Virtually no plug sockets, no USB, no coffee machine and only a single sink. I can see the new Sofitel Obelisk from the window, where we were last week, and it is night and day ahead of the IC. That said, Wafi Mall by the Obelisk is pretty much dead (as in shops closed or derelict) whilst Festival City is a hive of activity. For a longer stay that would still swing it.
Minibars appear to be empty by default so you have to request it is filled, and by the time it is done you have lost a day of free minibar privileges .....
Service is particularly good, and it was quite amazing to see so many staff remember my name so quickly for a hotel of that class - I would only really expect it at luxury (as opposed to upper upscale) hotels.
Dec 30, 2020, 4:28 am
#179
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,363
Checked in yesterday and my Royal Ambassador upgrade is from the base room to an (identical) club room - which of course gives me club privileges which I already have anyway via being RA. The hotel insist this is a two level upgrade and it is all I am getting. Check in took, I kid you not, an hour - queued downstairs, and then they refused to process me when I got to the front because I am RA. Sent upstairs. Queue upstairs. Took over 40 minutes when finally dealt with due to a mix of cash and points and AMB weekend certificates on the booking.
Whilst OK on the face of it, the rooms are also clearly from another era. Virtually no plug sockets, no USB, no coffee machine and only a single sink. I can see the new Sofitel Obelisk from the window, where we were last week, and it is night and day ahead of the IC. That said, Wafi Mall by the Obelisk is pretty much dead (as in shops closed or derelict) whilst Festival City is a hive of activity. For a longer stay that would still swing it.
Minibars appear to be empty by default so you have to request it is filled, and by the time it is done you have lost a day of free minibar privileges .....
Whilst OK on the face of it, the rooms are also clearly from another era. Virtually no plug sockets, no USB, no coffee machine and only a single sink. I can see the new Sofitel Obelisk from the window, where we were last week, and it is night and day ahead of the IC. That said, Wafi Mall by the Obelisk is pretty much dead (as in shops closed or derelict) whilst Festival City is a hive of activity. For a longer stay that would still swing it.
Minibars appear to be empty by default so you have to request it is filled, and by the time it is done you have lost a day of free minibar privileges .....
Dec 31, 2020, 4:50 am
#180
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 5,231
Checked in yesterday and my Royal Ambassador upgrade is from the base room to an (identical) club room - which of course gives me club privileges which I already have anyway via being RA. The hotel insist this is a two level upgrade and it is all I am getting. Check in took, I kid you not, an hour - queued downstairs, and then they refused to process me when I got to the front because I am RA. Sent upstairs. Queue upstairs. Took over 40 minutes when finally dealt with due to a mix of cash and points and AMB weekend certificates on the booking.
Whilst OK on the face of it, the rooms are also clearly from another era. Virtually no plug sockets, no USB, no coffee machine and only a single sink. I can see the new Sofitel Obelisk from the window, where we were last week, and it is night and day ahead of the IC. That said, Wafi Mall by the Obelisk is pretty much dead (as in shops closed or derelict) whilst Festival City is a hive of activity. For a longer stay that would still swing it.
Minibars appear to be empty by default so you have to request it is filled, and by the time it is done you have lost a day of free minibar privileges .....
Whilst OK on the face of it, the rooms are also clearly from another era. Virtually no plug sockets, no USB, no coffee machine and only a single sink. I can see the new Sofitel Obelisk from the window, where we were last week, and it is night and day ahead of the IC. That said, Wafi Mall by the Obelisk is pretty much dead (as in shops closed or derelict) whilst Festival City is a hive of activity. For a longer stay that would still swing it.
Minibars appear to be empty by default so you have to request it is filled, and by the time it is done you have lost a day of free minibar privileges .....
