Hotel: InterContinental Singapore
When: March/April 2024
Status: Platinum Ambassador
Rate: SGD $436.44/night (Visa partner rate)
Booked: 1 King Corner City View
Received: 1 King Junior Suite (one-category upgrade, noted in a preferences email from the hotel a few days before the stay but not visible in the IHG app until after check-in)
First time back in Singapore and at this hotel since 2019. At least for the hotel it almost felt like nothing has changed, just as enjoyable as always! I intentionally booked the corner room to ensure the guaranteed Ambassador upgrade to a junior suite, as the price difference between the corner room and lower category rooms was pretty small.
Received some emails from the hotel a few days prior to the stay, one was more automated with a link to fill in preferences, clicking through to the link I could see they had already allocated a junior suite. The other was from the reservations team requesting arrival details and offering Club IC access for $280++/night (obscenely overpriced!) as well as breakfast for $38++, a $10 discount if pre-booked. I responded to this email and arranged breakfast for one morning of the stay and noted I would like to lock in the late Ambassador check-out and received a somewhat concerning response that it would be subject to availability, however when checking in the 4pm check-out was offered and locked in without any fuss.
The suite was large, clean and tastefully decorated. I'm not sure when the last renovation was done but it still looks modern and in good condition so wouldn't say there is a need for a refresh yet. There was plenty of complimentary bottled water and the two TVs had a good variety of channels as well as Chromecast. Bathroom had separate shower and bath and was well-stocked with Byredo amenities. If there was one disappointment with the room it would have to be the poor quality tissues and toilet paper provided, certainly wasn't in keeping with the higher quality of everything else in the room. Housekeeping was really good throughout the stay with both morning and turndown service provided, they were always prompt and never got in the way. Would have been nice to have got some Easter chocolates for the turndown on Easter Sunday but alas no such luck
The hotel has a fantastic location above Bugis Junction and the Bugis MRT station, which is on both the East-West (Green) and Downtown (Blue) lines. The East-West line makes it super easy to get to the airport and the fare is a mere $2, for a solo traveller this is a no-brainer. No need for an EZ-Link card anymore either, you can just tap and pay with your phone / credit card. My total bill for MRT rides over the five days was a mere $20.85.
In terms of welcome benefits I was provided 1 x drink voucher exchangeable for a beer, wine, soft drink or juice from a specific list at the Lobby Bar. On my first morning at the hotel I returned to the room to find a pandan pound cake and personalised welcome card. For the Ambassador F&B credit it is SGD $27nett, however the welcome letter stated it could only be used at a choice of two restaurants and the lobby lounge, not on in-room dining, breakfast, minibar or any of the other hotel restaurants. Haven't seen this sort of restriction before and hopefully not something we will see more of. Won't complain too much though, as I used it towards drinks at the Lobby Bar which ended up costing about $10 more than the value of the voucher and at check-out they just said they would comp the full bill.
Breakfast is now served in "The Breakfast Room" and was essentially the same as I remembered from 2019, i.e. has a lot of variety but ultimately nothing special. In a city with as many good dining choices as Singapore I would suggest skipping breakfast unless you have it included in your package.
In terms of other facilities the hotel has an extensive gym and outdoor pool, visited both although didn't use them. The pool certainly seemed popular with guests.
Have stayed at about half a dozen properties in Singapore over the years and would have to say ICS has become my favourite. Prices are pretty reasonable and location is good. Will certainly be back.
