IHG Hotels that recognise status

[exceladdict]

Thanks for that.
Sorry, I thought it was some magical spreadsheet that would show upgrade paths for all the IC properties

Wouldn't mind that. Last time I was in IC Melb they had an A4 sheet with all the room categories at reception behind the desk. Almost asked if I could take a photo.

 

[The-Aviator]

Thanks for that.
Sorry, I thought it was some magical spreadsheet that would show upgrade paths for all the IC properties

Haha wouldn't that be great!

 

[docjames]

Comparing IC Adelaide and IC Bangkok - not even close to the same level of “premium” hotel experience…..

 

[ThatMrBlake]

Hotel: Voco Orchard Singapore
When: February 2024
Status: Platinum Ambassador
Rate: Early Advance
Booked: 1 Deluxe Room
Received: 1 Deluxe Room with Walk in Shower. Was upgraded further to a Club room (without Club access -boo, but declined as it meant losing the walk in shower)

Singapore’s Voco is a former Hilton property on the edge of the main shopping district in Orchard. The bones of the building are clearly starting to age but Voco have done a relatively okay job at refurbishing.

Status tier benefits were honoured and we even got a complimentary breakfast one day. Breakfast was one of the better ones I’ve seen recently. Staff throughout the stay were friendly and got multiple check ins to ensure we were satisfied.

Only minor negative mark was no towels being left after a room service, a call to reception rectified this within ten minutes, but even then the towels received didn’t include a floor towel.

For approximately 33% less than the Hilton, it was a decent value stay.

 

[The-Aviator]

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Canberra
When: February 2024
Status: Platinum Ambassador
Rate: 23,375 points/night (Reward Night sale)
Booked: 1 King Bed Standard City View
Received: 1 King Bed Standard Park View (one-category upgrade, received an email the day before my stay)

Always an interesting experience at the CP Canberra, because on the one hand I want to say that it's been over fifteen years since their last complete refurbishment and an update is well overdue, but at the same time things are generally in good enough condition and good staff make up for the shortfalls so I can kind of see why they haven't bothered yet!

Arrived late and interaction with the receptionist at check-in was a little less polished than all the other staff interactions, but to be fair I find this is the case most of the time with late arrivals, only exception that comes to mind was the Hilton in Cairns. For the welcome amenity she tried steering me towards points but said a snack and drink was available when I asked, I said I'd take that and she seemed to think that it could only be used on the day of arrival but regardless gave me a voucher valid for the length of the stay which I had no issues using on the second day.

My account preference is for a high floor room but was allocated a room on the 2nd floor. Rooms as I said are very old by Australian CP standards, but still clean and functioning. They have recently updated the TVs which now have Chromecast but in terms of channels it is only free-to-air domestic, no cable, no sports and no international. The bathroom is especially archaic, from memory at the last renovation (around 2007-2009?) they didn't actually make any bathroom changes so it is by far the oldest part of the room. Still a shower/bath combo, not even a curved shower rod and the space around the toilet is quite tight. In terms of the view if you are thinking of paying extra for the park view, don't. It's not an impressive park, pretty underwhelming to be honest. If anything the city view might be more interesting!

Hotel facilities are generally good and have been maintained well, with small cosmetic refreshes here and there. Gym is large and includes a sauna and outdoor pool as well. The old Binara One bar off the lobby has been replaced by the Estate LUME Bar which has taken up some of the floorspace of the Redsalt restaurant on the lower level of the hotel. I think this is a good idea as they can share staffing across the restaurant and bar and Binara One always seemed to be empty when I visited. This is where we used our snack/drink vouchers and the offer was very impressive, we were allowed to choose basically any beer, wine or spirit off the list (even offered our choice of gin!) and any choice of hot snack from the menu, with items ranging from a bowl of fries ($9) to sliders and chips ($19). At least on paper this is an easy $30 per person in value and was a good welcome amenity.

Requested a late check-out and was proactively offered 2pm without any fuss. Overall an enjoyable stay as always, would be perfect if they just renovated!

 

[ThatMrBlake]

Hotel: Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur
When: February 2024
Status: Platinum Ambassador
Rate: Summer Flash Sale
Booked: 1 Super King Bed Deluxe Room
Received: 1 King Club Deluxe Room (no club access)

Next stop for me was the IC in KL. The rooms here were massive and while dated did have a sense of luxury. Ambassador benefits were honoured to their bare minimum levels but nothing more. Voco in Singapore seemed to go more above and beyond when it came to status recognition. I had requested the guaranteed 4pm late check out but came back to find my room key disabled by 2pm in the afternoon. No apologies or any recognition of their mistake when getting this resolved which did put a sour finish to the end of the stay.

 

[admin]

Hotel: Holiday Inn Hong Kong Golden Mile
When: December 2023
Status: Diamond Elite
Rate: Standard Room Reward (40000 points per night)
Booked: Family room (2 Double Beds)
Received: Premium Themed Family Room (3 Double Beds)

We stayed here for 2 nights and got upgraded to a space-themed family room with 3 double beds. Received free buffet breakfast for all 4 of us. I eat the Chinese-styled breakfast only, but there are plenty of Western options available.

Somehow, I cannot insert photos when I attach photos. Always say it run into an issue.

We have increased the maximum attachment size and disabled the width and height limitations. Hope this helps to post images. You can also find some more tips from our community here: Problems attaching images

 

[kerfuffle]

Hotel: voco Brisbane City Centre
When: March 2-3
Status: Diamond Ambassador
Rate: Westpac Partner Rate at $225/night
Booked: 1 Queen Bed Standard
Received: 1 King Bed Premium River View
Amenity Offered: Breakfast or 600 points. Opted for the breakfast.

Second time staying here (first time was around a year ago) with some slight changes compared to my first time:

• breakfast is now a paper voucher for breakfast for two (this was most welcome as my friend who was arriving a few hours later and staying in a separate room would be able to breakfast with me for free). Barista coffee still isn't included.
• two complimentary drink vouchers instead of one and a better room compared to last time (I guess due to a repeat visit). I received a little dessert plate and a welcome card a few hours after I had checked in early, but my friend who has no status with IHG didn't receive anything apart from a room upgrade to a Queen Bed River View. The bar/café near reception wasn't open this visit and drink vouchers were to be redeemed at the restaurant on level 1.
• Brisbane River is less blue and more brown now.

Staff were great and they had congee as part of the breakfast buffet!

 

[k_sheep]

So just for info - zero IHG status, just for comparison

Hotel: Adelaide Crowne Plaza
When: Feb 29 (during fringe festival)
Status: Nothing
Rate: Booked by employer
Booked: Base
Received: 1 bedroom suite
Amenity Offered: Nil

Was expecting nothing - but got a suite (also sweet!) upgrade! Breakfast included with my rate. First place I've stayed that had double power points beside the bed (on both sides), plus USB A and C charging points. Shower was a simple flick mixer.

Feeling like IHG could be my next chain ....

 

[drron]

I've already decided it's my Number 1 chain.

 

[http_x92]

I do notice that as a taster they give you a great upgrade on your first stay even as a regular IHG member. Don't know if this holds for overseas hotels though.

 

[kerfuffle]

Hotel: Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets
When: March 8-10
Status: Diamond Ambassador
Rate: Westpac Partner Rate (room was $315/night)
Booked: 1 King Standard
Received: 1 King Premium. I booked this eleven months in advance, knowing how busy the long weekend can be and how expensive hotel rooms can get. The hotel knew this too as they upgraded my room months in advance.
Amenity Offered: Breakfast. No other option was offered.

I've been meaning to stay here for yonks!

• I only received one 500ml bottle of Santa Vittoria water for the whole stay instead of daily replenishment
• Loved the design of the card key as it was of food (a nod to their location)
• Solid hairdryer (VS Sassoon 2400W); probably the best non-Dyson one I've used during my hotel stays
• Complimentary breakfast is bundled as a package of a selection of hot made-to-order items, and a continental buffet. Unlimited cups of barista-made coffee
• Being 40 degrees all weekend, working air-con was most welcome
• Rooftop bar is worth checking out
• Lifts took a wee bit of a while, but it's the long weekend and hotel was at capacity; I've seen worse (looking at you Stamford Plaza where 2/3 lifts didn't work and it was during social distancing days ...)

Loved the hotel; just a pity it's so far from where I usually spend my time in the city which is around North Terrace/East End ... so it would take about 25 minutes to walk from The Garden of Unearthly Delights to the hotel and I couldn't be bothered waiting for a tram. I've stayed at three Hotel Indigos in Australia and being their first one, Adelaide Markets is definitely the best one by far. I'd probably stay here again during the Mad March long weekend but IC Adelaide is a lot more centrally located ...

 

[VPS]

Hotel: Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets
When: March 8-10
Status: Diamond Ambassador
Rate: Westpac Partner Rate (room was $315/night)
Booked: 1 King Standard
Received: 1 King Premium. I booked this eleven months in advance, knowing how busy the long weekend can be and how expensive hotel rooms can get. The hotel knew this too as they upgraded my room months in advance.
Amenity Offered: Breakfast. No other option was offered.

I've been meaning to stay here for yonks!

• I only received one 500ml bottle of Santa Vittoria water for the whole stay instead of daily replenishment
• Loved the design of the card key as it was of food (a nod to their location)
• Solid hairdryer (VS Sassoon 2400W); probably the best non-Dyson one I've used during my hotel stays
• Complimentary breakfast is bundled as a package of a selection of hot made-to-order items, and a continental buffet. Unlimited cups of barista-made coffee
• Being 40 degrees all weekend, working air-con was most welcome
• Rooftop bar is worth checking out
• Lifts took a wee bit of a while, but it's the long weekend and hotel was at capacity; I've seen worse (looking at you Stamford Plaza where 2/3 lifts didn't work and it was during social distancing days ...)

Loved the hotel; just a pity it's so far from where I usually spend my time in the city which is around North Terrace/East End ... so it would take about 25 minutes to walk from The Garden of Unearthly Delights to the hotel and I couldn't be bothered waiting for a tram. I've stayed at three Hotel Indigos in Australia and being their first one, Adelaide Markets is definitely the best one by far. I'd probably stay here again during the Mad March long weekend but IC Adelaide is a lot more centrally located ...

It is a lovely hotel - it's been hot enough for me not to go out much and if I did I'd be waiting for the tram

 

[ShrinkWrapped]

Intercontinental Melbourne the Rialto

What is your IHG One Rewards status?
Diamond

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Not particularly for a number of reasons. A number of small service related issues followed by significant hardware issues

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
King Classic - VIsa Partner Rate

Upgraded to 1 king Premium Club Lounge Access only after I emailed front desk asking about their upgrade policy. No upgrade on app prior which I find most IHG hotels pretty good with. ~ 2 category upgrade received. No club benefits as I didn’t make 40 nights last year (mostly had a number of high EQP stays for work)

How are the rooms?
Rooms were very much like a time warp. Literally felt like I stepped into a portal and went back 20-30 years. Very dated furniture. Bathroom taps very dated. Shower was adequate but shower door didn’t close properly. Bed was ok. Lots of ‘space’ in the room of 35-40 sqm but space was not well utilised (lots of pokey dead space corners). Windows looked out at a wall.

I generally stay at the VOCO and usually get a ~ 3 category upgrade from the entry king room up to the king premium corner with city view which is miles better. Nice large windows (which also open!), functional bathroom and nice views of the city.

How is the exec. lounge?
Didn’t use

What was good and what was bad?
Good
- The breakfast spread was reasonable and adequate. Barista coffee included in breakfast (no coffee tax that some hotels in Australia do)
- Bryedo products - the one advantage over the voco

Bad
- when I checked in, it was clear that they tried to avoid offering breakfast. “You can choose your amenity - would you like 600 points or drinks”. I really wish hotels would stop doing this nonsense. I asked for breakfast and the staff member went “oh, ok then”.
- $100 AUD per night deposit hold on top of entire stay. For long stays this could be significant and problematic if not released promptly
- the rooms being from the 1990s with little in terms of functional space
- location - the IC is actually in a relatively annoying corner of Melbourne CBD for me personally. Close to Southern Cross stations yes, but a reasonable 15 - 20 min walk to a lot of the nicer restaurants and a solid 25 min to theatre end of time if you walk instead of taking the tram. VOCO wins out as it is literally 5 steps from emporium/Melbourne central.

Value for $ or IHG One Rewards Points? Would you return?
Probably not - decided to give it a try. However, the VOCO generally offers much better value.
I would stay if I wanted a functional swimming pool

Sorry about the formatting - posted on FT and couldn’t ‘t be bothered editing my post haha

 

[Zero]

I recently stayed at CP Hawkesbury Valley as a Diamond
Booked cheapest room at an average nightly rate of $210 + 1.9% card fee
Received King One Bed Suite and diamond free breakfast. Also 15% off food at the bar/restaurant, but all IHG members get 10% off.

I paid using a non-Australian credit card and they pulled a DCC on me without asking, i.e. I got charged in the card's currency instead of AUD. However, after including the 1.9% card fee, the DCC rate I received was only about 0.5% more than the visa exchange rate for that day, rather than the typical 4 to 5% extra the banks scam you for.

I also overheard the front desk telling someone else there was no surcharge to use the card machine (even for credit cards which must go through visa/mc).

 

[The-Aviator]

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.

 

[kerfuffle]

Hotel: voco Melbourne Central
When: April 2-4
Status: Diamond Ambassador
Rate: Visa Partner Rate at $207/night
Booked: 1 King Bed Standard
Received: 1 King Bed Premium City View. Back on Level 19 after being on Level 23 last time. This was upgraded the day after I made my booking.
Amenity Offered: Breakfast, drink or 600 points. Took the breakfast. Possibly my favourite hotel buffet breakfast in Melbourne; I always like seeing what random Asian dish they have for the day.

Still no face washers, and now no amenities like sanitary bags and vanity kits in the bathrooms. I guess like the robes and slippers, they're by request. Saw a ton of slippers and toothbrush kits when I was checking out, so will definitely ask for slippers too next time along with the robes; I brought in a pair so didn't ask for a set. Good to see that they rotate the books in the Library as well.

 

[drron]

Hotel:IC Jimbaran Bay.
When: March 15-18.
Status: Diamond Ambassador.
Rate: Senior rate.
Booked: 1 king garden view.
Received: 1 Split level Suite.
Amenity: 600 points as have Club access so brekkie and drinks not needed.

IC Club. Large. Busy but always a table. Excellent service and good selection of food and drinks.

 

[drron]

Hotel: IC Yokohama grand.
When: April 17-19th.
Status: Diamond Ambassador.
Rate: Senior rate.
Booked 1 king city view.
Received: Premium King Bay view.
Amenity 600 points.

Rooms old and in need of refurb. However comfortable and good night's sleep.
IC club large and refurbed. Excellent service and good range of food offerings. Good pizzas at night. Cooked continually on site.
Great value.

 

[The-Aviator]

Hotel: InterContinental Perth
When: April 2024 (two stays)
Status: Platinum Ambassador
Rate:
1st Stay: $300/night (Best Flex)
2nd Stay: $319/night (Visa partner rate)
Booked:
1st Stay: 1 King Classic
2nd Stay: 1 King Premium Corner
Received:
1st Stay: 1 King Classic City View
2nd Stay: 1 King Premium Corner Cityscape View
(one-category upgrade in both instances, visible the night before in the app)

Two one-night stays in late April. Always enjoy a stay at this hotel and these two were no different although there were some small issues with the second room.

On both occasions I arrived early and the room was ready, which was really appreciated. I still think these are some of the most beautiful city hotel rooms in Australia and I really loved the cityscape views from the three windows in my second (much larger) room. The problems I had with the second room were a strange odour in the entryway and a dodgy flush button on the toilet, the cistern would not refill on flushing and the only way I found it would work was to keep hammering the button until eventually it would start to refill at a snail's pace. Given the odour only affected the entryway, the flush buttom had a workaround of sorts and it was a one-night weekend stay I decided to live with it instead of go through the drama of a room switch.

Everything else about the room was good with strong Wi-Fi, complimentary bottled water, a bar of chocolate as a welcome gift, good rainfall shower and plush bedding.

The CBD location is excellent with easy access to the free bus stops, Perth Station (great for the airport line!) and Elizabeth Quay. Very easy to get around and the city was certainly busier than it was on my last visit in early 2023.

Chose the drink voucher as my amenity, received one voucher on the first stay and two on the second, they can be used at either the Loft Bar or Heno & Rey. On the first stay I used one at the Loft Bar, on the second stay I used one at each venue. Both have their pluses and minuses but I would say the drink selection at Heno & Rey is better, the complimentary tempranillo was actually very good!

The $25 Ambassador credit can be used at any venue plus in-room. For the first stay I had a very early departure so used it on a few items from the minibar, on the second I put it towards buffet breakfast which is usually $45pp. The breakfast here is always fantastic with lots of cooked-to-order egg options and high-quality items on the buffet. I do miss the early days though when this hotel first opened and they had grilled meats available on the breakfast buffet!

In terms of other facilities the hotel has a gym however didn't visit on this occasion.

Late checkout to 1pm granted without issue on the second stay. Overall I had an enjoyable experience and will certainly be back, only thing I would say is after about 6-7yrs although the rooms still look nice design-wise some are evidently in need of a bit of maintenance work.