Intercontinental Grand Stamford Hong Kong

[docjames]

Not to be confused with the Intercontinental which is closer to Star Ferry terminal and is newer. But this one is still very new-feeling inside, and an easy walk to star ferry even when it was 30deg+.

Two night stay, Monday and Tuesday night. Located across the road from the water in Kowloon, easy access via train and then shuttle minibus from Kowloon station (free with airtrain ticket). Same on return. Minibus runs every 12 mins, goes to multiple hotels in Kowloon. Advanced purchase, city view, king bed. HK$1100 + taxes/night.

Arrived about 10 mins before 2pm (official checkin time), room not ready, but was told if we could wait for an hour, they could upgrade to a water view. Easy choice there - leave luggage, off to some dim sum and back 90 mins later. Great ambiance in the lobby, plenty of staff and helpful concierge, doorman always greeting with door open for you and a smile and a hello. The bar area is a bit dark and dingy however. No views of water from.

Room was nice - decent view of the island, although suspect there's two tiers of "city views". But we were on the top floor so that helped. Rooftop pool looked reasonable if small, and modest sized gym. Didnt use either. Bed was the most comfortable king size bed i've slept in for quite some time. Bathroom reasonable, clean, tidy but just starting to show it's age. Plently of hanging space and drawers for longer-stayers. Decent decor. Fruit bowl appeared when we returned from dinner (presumably after bed turn down on first evening). Daily newspaper f.o.c.. Well insulated from noise.

Had drinks in lobby and watched the world come and go - was fun. Good service, prices were similar to nearby restaurants (read: tourist traps!).

Great access to Kowloon shopping and near to star ferry terminal or train station for access to the island.

Couldnt have asked for a more pleasant, easy, comfortable stay and would happily book again.

 

[markh]

Couldnt have asked for a more pleasant, easy, comfortable stay and would happily book again.

Yeah I would agree, we stayed there for the first time this year - best club lounge, fantastic staff and had an awesome view over the harbour. Also just that bit removed from the Nathan Road tourist strip so you don't get harrassed by the hawkers !

Already booked into the hotel for our next trip in March next year ...

 

[MDC]

Great review. It reminds me of my stay. We got back 2 weeks ago from a week long holiday stay.

I have to say the service there is perfect. I cannot fault the hotel. I booked the cheapest twin room and received an upgrade to a full harbour view room. All I can say is WOW. What a view. The photo is currently my desktop to remind me of what I'm missing.

And that bed.... I'd buy one if I would. The pillows on the other hand - not to my liking but I'm just fusy.

The location isn't that bad if you don't mind walking. When I say walking, it's a short 500m air-conditioned walk from East TST MTR to TST MTR (which gets you almost anywhere you want to go). Also plenty of decent bars and restaurants within walking distance... I'm still craving Dim Sum at Lei Garden East TST and some more seafood from the little restaurant 100m from the hotel (not sure what it's called).

I'd definitely book there again. I haven't stayed at the other IC but I cannot see how it could be worth almost double the price.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Thanks for the report on the hotel;

Can you explain its location; as I am spending a night in Hong Kong on the way back from Europe and thought that this hotel might be a good choice; I wasn't sure of the exact location so how do you get there from the airport.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Not to be confused with the Intercontinental which is closer to Star Ferry terminal and is newer. But this one is still very new-feeling inside, and an easy walk to star ferry even when it was 30deg+.

Two night stay, Monday and Tuesday night. Located across the road from the water in Kowloon, easy access via train and then shuttle minibus from Kowloon station (free with airtrain ticket). Same on return. Minibus runs every 12 mins, goes to multiple hotels in Kowloon. Advanced purchase, city view, king bed. HK$1100 + taxes/night.

Arrived about 10 mins before 2pm (official checkin time), room not ready, but was told if we could wait for an hour, they could upgrade to a water view. Easy choice there - leave luggage, off to some dim sum and back 90 mins later. Great ambiance in the lobby, plenty of staff and helpful concierge, doorman always greeting with door open for you and a smile and a hello. The bar area is a bit dark and dingy however. No views of water from.

Room was nice - decent view of the island, although suspect there's two tiers of "city views". But we were on the top floor so that helped. Rooftop pool looked reasonable if small, and modest sized gym. Didnt use either. Bed was the most comfortable king size bed i've slept in for quite some time. Bathroom reasonable, clean, tidy but just starting to show it's age. Plently of hanging space and drawers for longer-stayers. Decent decor. Fruit bowl appeared when we returned from dinner (presumably after bed turn down on first evening). Daily newspaper f.o.c.. Well insulated from noise.

Had drinks in lobby and watched the world come and go - was fun. Good service, prices were similar to nearby restaurants (read: tourist traps!).

Great access to Kowloon shopping and near to star ferry terminal or train station for access to the island.

Couldnt have asked for a more pleasant, easy, comfortable stay and would happily book again.

Great review Doc,

This is alot cheaper than the old Regent down Sailsbury Road. you cant get in there for under $3.5k HKG, so this represents top value by comparion. Bearing in mind the Sailsbury Road propoerty is one of the top 5 IHG flagships globally. The question is how much do you want to spend?

Do you have any IHG privliges?

Cheers
SPRUCE

 

[haydensydney]

+1 - we thought it was top notch, the club lounge was by far the highlight of the stay - we made full use of the evening drinks (with the never-ending champagne top ups - Veuve). A great breakfast spread also.
I agree that the bar is a bit dingy - the prices for cognac were outrageous also...

 

[docjames]

Thanks for the report on the hotel;

Can you explain its location; as I am spending a night in Hong Kong on the way back from Europe and thought that this hotel might be a good choice; I wasn't sure of the exact location so how do you get there from the airport.

Hi Bundy Bear,

Easiest I can explain is it is along the water from star ferry. If you were to be on the ferry approaching the Kowloon side star ferry, you turn right and walk along the shoreline (past the other Intercontinental) - it's about a 15 minute walk.

Having said that, it's seriously easy to get to from the airport (as are most of the major Kowloon hotels) - take the train to Kowloon station, then go up the lift and get the shuttle bus (there's five different "routes" that go to varying hotels). Whole trip will usually be about 30mins once you're on the train (busues run from the station every 10-12 minutes). The shuttle bus is free with your return train ticket to the airport.

PM me if that's not clear and I can provide further info.

Works for the return too, plus there's downtown checkin so you dont have to lug your bags on the train (not that it's that hard anyway!). They even have trolleys (foc) for your luggage at Kowloon station.


@ Sprucegoose - I'm lowly base member priority club (although i'm gold now as we stayed @ HIE in Stuttgart and @ HI Atrium in SIN). But I was base at the time of the stay in HK, only earned Gold after the stay in SIN. (If you mean did we get anything other than the room upgrade (which was enough for us anyway!), free newspaper was all, we didnt need a later chackout but am sure we could have had one if required). Wasnt aware of the club lounge - where was that?

 

[markh]

Wasnt aware of the club lounge - where was that?

On the 1st floor looking out to the harbour and Hong Kong Island. You go from the elevators along a walkway overlooking the mezzanine restaurant on one side and the ground floor lobby on the other side.

 

[docjames]

Ah, they didnt tell me about that - do you need status or a certain grade of room to access it?

 

[markh]

Yeah you need to book a room with club benefits ...

 

[haydensydney]

Club lounge cost an additional $800 AUD for a four night stay - so for the two of us, this worked out at about $100 a day. Quite reasonable considering the amount of champagne / coughtails / canapes that we consumed, along with the breakfast / afternoon spread (which was rather extensive!).

Good views, great staff - its a must if your staying at this property.

 

[Bundy Bear]

I am interesting in staying at this hotel for 1 night in November.

HK$1,274.00 is the cheapest.

HK$1,700.00 is the business sense which includes breakfast and internet.

How do you get the rates with the club benefits.

 

[markh]

Are you going through Hotels - Room Rates, Hotel Reservations and Vacation Deals from InterContinental Hotels Group - Official Site ?

 

[Bundy Bear]

Are you going through Hotels - Room Rates, Hotel Reservations and Vacation Deals from InterContinental Hotels Group - Official Site ?

Thanks; couldn't read or find the fine print.

ACCESS TO CLUB LOUNGE MAX 3AD OR 2AD 1CH HK$ 2,002

2002 - 1600 is 402 = AUD $57.00

I think I could eat and drink through $57.00 worth.

 

[docjames]

I am interesting in staying at this hotel for 1 night in November.

HK$1,274.00 is the cheapest.

HK$1,700.00 is the business sense which includes breakfast and internet.

How do you get the rates with the club benefits.

Do it @ $1274 (we paid $1100 and it was definitely worth it).

 

[markis10]

If you are stayng more than one night the Ambassador program is handy, you get a weekend buy one get one free voucher and room upgrades.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Another question;

If there are 2 people sharing a room; which includes club level and there is a third person who doesn't have a club level room; can you then use your club room access to invite a 3rd person for club access.

It wouldn't be practical to have a 3rd person share the room.

 

[Yokel]

Couldnt have asked for a more pleasant, easy, comfortable stay and would happily book again.

This looks as if it's going to go on our list for further consideration

 

[Mal]

If there are 2 people sharing a room; which includes club level and there is a third person who doesn't have a club level room; can you then use your club room access to invite a 3rd person for club access.

Hotels may or may not enforce such a restriction. For example, some hotels (or indeed, some lounge attendants - not everyone who mans the lounge) will compare the number of people checked into a room and only grant access to that number of people into the lounge, or will charge consumption rates for the 3rd person.

Specific hotels and staff handle this differently.