InterContinental Adelaide - can I do this?

[Lawlass]

Sorry if this is a vague or inappropriate question, but I'm trying to book a hotel in Adelaide for my folks, whose only criteria is a place that is close to public transport and where they can chill in a lobby/courtyard and read and watch the world go by if they are feeling tired.

From my limited Adelaide experience, the Intercontinental is the only place I know of that would be ideal, but it's a bit out of their price range at the standard rate. However, a bit of google-fu gave me a link to book the IHG Adelaide at the F&F rate, which seems to be around $30/night cheaper than the regular "best rate" and just ekes it into their price range.

Can I just book at that rate, or would they require something from my parents at check-in? Or would it stop me anyway if I tried to complete the booking? To be clear: I'm not a family or friend of anyone at IHG, nor even an IHG member.

My other option is to go ahead and book and fib to them about the cost and wear the difference, but I'm a bit worried about them finding out

Any advice welcomed, as would be any suggestions for another hotel that fits the criteria. They don't actually need anything as fancy as the Intercontinental (and would probably prefer simpler really)

 

[eric2011]

What rate are you looking at. If its your parents then perhaps you could look at using the "seniors rate" or the AAA rate if you have Car Club membership

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

We stayed at the Intercontinental last time we were in Adelaide. It was fine. My husband is an IHG member, but also a Hilton and a Marriott member. Why not sign your parent up ? It doesnt matter if they never stay an another IHG property again !

 

[drron]

The Seniors and AAA rates are usually the same as the prepaid rate but are fully flexible.Being a member saves you ~ $20 on the prepaid rate.
Seniors-over 62.

 

[Lawlass]

Thanks all. The "seniors" rate was higher than the "best" rate! The F&F rate was about $30 cheaper (146/night cf 174/night)

 

[VPS]

if you can do it then go ahead. The other hotels to look at with a foyer are the Hilton (right across the road from the tram and good public transport) or the Playford which is just across the road from the Intercontinental

I booked my brother and SIL in recently because I wanted the nights and they were going to stay there anyway. I always join every rewards program because you normally get something for nothing

 

[Lawlass]

if you can do it then go ahead. The other hotels to look at with a foyer are the Hilton (right across the road from the tram and good public transport) or the Playford which is just across the road from the Intercontinental

I booked my brother and SIL in recently because I wanted the nights and they were going to stay there anyway. I always join every rewards program because you normally get something for nothing

Thank you very much for the suggestions. I think the Hilton is within their budget, but I wasn't sure whether it had a similar "people watch, read and chill" space that they are after

ETA: just joined IHG. The "best rate" has not changed. Guess I will just go ahead and book it and tell the folks it costs less than it really does. Thanks for all the help everyone

 

[opusman]

The HIlton is a better location as the Central Market is just around the corner, plenty of restaurants in Gouger St etc and the tram is right outside. They also have a nice lobby bar.

 

[cove]

I stayed at the Intercontinental on IHG points for a Buzz wine tour and I was happy with the hotel.
Fibbing to your parents Lawlass will probably work and getting them a treat is worth it.

 

[VPS]

On check in your folks will be told how much it is so you could try telling the hotel that it's a surprise and all communications go through to you

 

[RooFlyer]

They also have a nice lobby bar.

Yes, the Intercon lobby smells of chlorine from the water feature below. Main restaurant is closed most of the week and the lobby bar substitute is very ordinary.

Choose Hilton over Intercon.