Intercontinental Hotel, Sanctuary Cove

[eric2011]

SC is an "interesting" place.
I enjoy revisiting developments , especially upmarket versions , to see how they age.
I have my boat moored there atm , the marina is pretty tired and the village appears... stressed...
They seem to be trying tho' and the original ambience remains, albeit with a some patina that needs a scrub.
Pity really , as it was truly an icon of the 80's.. let's hope it enjoys a nice rebirth.

Used to be great place until they (pub owners) closed the pub down on NYE a few years back. Used to pull in there every Sat arvo in the boat and pull up on the berths just outside the hotel, have a few bets at the TAB, play the pokies, get well and truely liquored up, have a great pub meal, listen to the music from the back deck of the boat, and then stay the night in the boat then off we would go on the sunday after a great pub breakfast, wash the boat down at my own berth at coomera and off home before lunchtime. Ahhh,They were the good days........then the other pack of mongrels closed down Tipplers which was also a great place for a weekend mooring. Rant over

 

[eric2011]

After a poor check-in experiance and general dis-satisfaction with the place (esp price and maintenance etc) back in January I am booked back in for 2 nights this weekend. Will be interesting to see if my experiance is better and what improvements and reno's and tidying up they have done over the past 3 months. With hotels and restaurants etc I usually have a 2 strikes and you are out policy. SC IC is handy for me so hopefully wont have to put my rule into play.

 

[Ricardo]

The wife and I ate at the Fireside about a month ago, a high standard of food in my opinion, service was ok, but they had no record of my booking which caused a moment of angst. We also poked our nose into the buffet area which looked tidy and the food looked nice. I think it was $49 for the buffett, so that would be $49 for two with the PP dining card. Don't think you will have any issues with the food side of things, not sure about the accom or reno side of things.

 

[Rick93]

Well, got home ( NSW South Coast ) this morning at about 05:00 hrs. after starting off the drive from IC SC just after 16:00 hrs. ( yep, a 13 hr. trip with kids and Maccas every second town along the way !! )

Check in = A very 'personal' greeting. I've never had one like it. I thought they had me mixed up with someone else ! The duty manager shook my hand; thanked me for "my loyalty", and walked us to the beginning of the 'block', where our room was clearly pointed out to us. ( I certainly didn't expect anyone to come and open the room for me !)

Welcome gift = a metal tin box with a 'presentation' IC golf ball ( and tee ) ... of all things !! Fruit tray - yep, including a 'star fruit' ( kids wouldn't touch it ... ) + small box of delux chocolates ( didn't even get to 'see' them, before kids ate them ). There were two full sized bottles of wine in / on the mini-bar cabinet. Unclear if they were 'gifts' or not, but we drank the nice bottle of NZ Sav. Blanc ( and left the shiraz )

Mini-bar = ( keeping in mind, I was RA ). Good range of spirits and mixers. Two full bottles of wine - as stated - presumably were there as part of the mini-bar, so as RA, we could have drank them if we were spending 'that' much time in the room ...

Room = Booked basic Garden View twin for $249. on PP BOGO, received Twin Marina View Club access room. Nice little balcony ( not really 'private', as I wouldn't try standing out there naked in the morning !! The balcony each side have an almost unrestricted view of each other. My kids liked feeding the visiting baby magpies ( or whatever ) in the mornings ...

Club Intercontinental = There were only four people using the facility during our two day stay, so plenty of food / drinks. The service staff were very pleasant and friendly. Each night, there was food for well over twenty people, and four of us to consume it !!

Restaurant = I would say, there are a few tricks to eating at the fireplace restaurant. If you want to use a PP card, beware of their 'house rule' about including children into the numbers. We had a 'light' meal, with basic soft drinks between the six of my dining party ( I had a glass of house wine - after seeing the prices !! ), and bill was $230. with only $36. off for PP card.

Full buffet breakfast was comp. for Club / RA guests. If you were paying, it was $35.50 each.

Check out = Absolutely no problems with anything on the account. Once again, I was treated like a true VIP, with an almost 'over-the-top' thankyou for my 'loyalty' to IHG. I even was told the 'ice' I ordered at the infamous rate of $5. would be comp. and it wasn't charged for.

All up, I had a great little two night stay, visiting a few rellies and an old RAAF mate from 35 years ago. ( actually, it was he and myself in the Club each evening, as the wife and kids were still out spending my money at the theme parks ... )

It really proves the 'value' of being an RA, when staying at IC properties. The food and drinks, the room upgrades, the club access, it would would all cost X amount extra. I LOVE IT ....

 

[Shanye2233]

Very much looking forward to my up coming stays. Booked a double lagoon view for a few nights here and there. They have already changed the reservation to complimentary as part of the Brg so that's always a good sign. I called the staff and was told by management I should be upgraded to a suite if available so il see how I go?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I went on the booking engine to look at making a booking sometime between now and Christmas.

The things I noticed were:
a) all the dates I've tried just showed one suite (I believe there are different suite options?) and
b) curious at reward stays, I also tried a rewards booking. The date I tried brought up the "sold out" banner but suggested I try the search by flexible dates page. No reward night showed between now and Christmas (indicated by a blue square in the calandar if I'm doing it correctly). Am I mistaken with this? Also could someone with points do a similar search and see as my point total is only about 14k so may be excluding me from a search perhaps?

I know I'm probably missing something very simple, but how do I search by flexible dates without it being a reward stay?

 

[markis10]

I went on the booking engine to look at making a booking sometime between now and Christmas.

The things I noticed were:
a) all the dates I've tried just showed one suite (I believe there are different suite options?) and
b) curious at reward stays, I also tried a rewards booking. The date I tried brought up the "sold out" banner but suggested I try the search by flexible dates page. No reward night showed between now and Christmas (indicated by a blue square in the calandar if I'm doing it correctly). Am I mistaken with this? Also could someone with points do a similar search and see as my point total is only about 14k so may be excluding me from a search perhaps?

I know I'm probably missing something very simple, but how do I search by flexible dates without it being a reward stay?

I am seeing plenty of award nights, for instance 12 Oct.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I am seeing plenty of award nights, for instance 12 Oct.

Thanks markis10, I relaised my error. I still had suites only checked. I too ended up seeing reward rooms (never suites, so I gather these are excluded from rewards).

I assume by the prices, that the Homestead suite is nicer than the Queenslander suite, but the two biggies (I can't immediately recall their names) are not listed on any dates so I'm also guessing these can only be booked directly.

 

[Jama]

It really proves the 'value' of being an RA, when staying at IC properties. The food and drinks, the room upgrades, the club access, it would would all cost X amount extra. I LOVE IT ....

Your experience sounds fantastic. Unfortunately, you need an invite to RA.

I stayed early in the year as a Platinum IHG member and PP holder and got virtually no recognition. Not entirely sure why Silver, Gold, Platinum exist. They might represent loyalty but loyalty doesn't amount to much. Wasn't impressed at all.

We did enjoy the location and lived in the lagoon pool for a couple of days. And I do intend to return to chill out again as its only a couple of hours drive.

 

[markis10]

Your experience sounds fantastic. Unfortunately, you need an invite to RA.

I stayed early in the year as a Platinum IHG member and PP holder and got virtually no recognition. Not entirely sure why Silver, Gold, Platinum exist. They might represent loyalty but loyalty doesn't amount to much. Wasn't impressed at all.

We did enjoy the location and lived in the lagoon pool for a couple of days. And I do intend to return to chill out again as its only a couple of hours drive.

ICs as a rule don't recognise the status unless its Ambassador or above, it's an old hangover from when there where two program's, the 6 continents club for ICs and Priority for the rest. If your staying for more than a day, signing up for ambassador is a no brainer.

 

[Jama]

ICs as a rule don't recognise the status unless its Ambassador or above, it's an old hangover from when there where two program's, the 6 continents club for ICs and Priority for the rest. If your staying for more than a day, signing up for ambassador is a no brainer.

you would think that the loyalty and small fortune spent on the path to these status levels would be enough. Otherwise the so called loyalty program should be dumped. Not saying that they should not have the pay a fee to be called a loyal customer option but actual loyalty and spend should be treated the same.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Not saying that they should not have the pay a fee to be called a loyal customer option but actual loyalty and spend should be treated the same.

I've often mused over the "bought loyalty" bit as well, especially something like the IC Ambassador programme where they treat a paid loyalty member better than a genuine proven loyalty member. I can't see the logic, but I'm certainly keen to exploit it if possible.

I'm thinking of late, that IC Amb which gives automatic PC gold may be the easier option without the worry of making the nights add up. I'm still struggling to see value in IHG non-IC brands but IC does seem to have a benefit but only with Amb. At a US$150 renewal, it tends to make sense to me just now. I can't (won't) support 3 accommodation status programmes by stays (2 will be hard enough) but I see a possibility of HH Diamond (earned), IHG Gold Amb (bought) and SPG Gold or Platinum (earned). Thats possible for us, (but a stretch) and would seem to give a good range of options then.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

In relation to IC SC, can anyone comment on the difference between a Qlder Suite and a Homestead Suite?

They price the homestead suite higher than the Qlder, so I'm assuming it is better but for the nights I'm looking ICSC only has a Qlder suite with club access. I'm assuming as I'm a Plat Amb, that I would be upgraded and I'm kind of thinking the upgrade from a Club Qlder Suite is a Club Homestead Suite. Would that be correct?

 

[jetlagger]

In relation to IC SC, can anyone comment on the difference between a Qlder Suite and a Homestead Suite?

They price the homestead suite higher than the Qlder, so I'm assuming it is better but for the nights I'm looking ICSC only has a Qlder suite with club access. I'm assuming as I'm a Plat Amb, that I would be upgraded and I'm kind of thinking the upgrade from a Club Qlder Suite is a Club Homestead Suite. Would that be correct?

IC SC is also property I haven't stayed as yet.
Interested to hear in regards to this as well.

 

[Pinktommy]

Yes the queenslander suite a touch smaller, there are only 2 homestead suites from memory as we booked the both last yr for Xmas. I did read on here that you can only book the homesteads direct now.....

great property we enjoyed ourselves and still close to the action of the Gold Coast!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Yes the queenslander suite a touch smaller, there are only 2 homestead suites from memory as we booked the both last yr for Xmas. I did read on here that you can only book the homesteads direct now.....

great property we enjoyed ourselves and still close to the action of the Gold Coast!

Thank you Pinktommy for the reply. I must admit though, I'm a little more confused. I think you may possibly be referring to the two largest suites (I think they're tagged the Federation and Manor suites), which are apparantly somewhat larger and somewhat more expensive. I'm not entirely sure, but I imagined the Qlder and Homestead suites were more in number and certainly one can book both on line (whereas the Federation and Manor suites cannot be).

 

[Pinktommy]

In December 2012 the Homestead suite was the best suite they had - they told me on checkin we couldn't get a Ambassador upgrade as we had their top suite. My Aunty also booked a homestead suite and she was told on checkin they only had two and I had got the pick of the two......after looking at hers outs was much nicer.

Saying that IHG had just taken over mgt of Sanctuary Cove so maybe they have renamed them now ??

Sorry I cannot help any more.

 

[markis10]

Thank you Pinktommy for the reply. I must admit though, I'm a little more confused. I think you may possibly be referring to the two largest suites (I think they're tagged the Federation and Manor suites), which are apparantly somewhat larger and somewhat more expensive. I'm not entirely sure, but I imagined the Qlder and Homestead suites were more in number and certainly one can book both on line (whereas the Federation and Manor suites cannot be).

They have a number of homestead suites, I have stayed in one with golf course views (pictures up thread), the Federation suites are the two top ones:


The charm of a 1940s Queensland homestead is yours in a 66-sq.-metre, one-bedroom suite offering colonial decor, parquet floors and plantation shutters opening onto a balcony overlooking garden, marina or golf course views. Pampering amenities include sitting room, king sleigh bed and high-speed Internet access.


Homestead Suite
Relax in the comfort of a 67-sq.-metre suite reflecting the classic style of a 1940s Queensland homestead, including two balconies overlooking lush gardens or a sparkling marina. Rich decor surrounds you in luxury, including sitting lounge, dining for four, writing desk, high-speed Internet, powder room and master bath, and king sleigh bed with crisp feather duvet. Includes full buffet breakfast in Cove Café or continental breakfast and access to the Club InterContinental serving refreshments throughout the day and beverages with canapes in the evening for guests.
Federation Suite
Entertain lavishly in a 178-sq.-metre suite appointed in the classic style of a 1940s Queensland homestead with colonial decor and parquet floors. Three furnished balconies overlook lush gardens and a sparkling marina. Amenities include sitting/dining areas, fireplace, kitchen, guest bath, master bath with sauna and jetted spa tub, king sleigh bed and high-speed Internet. Includes full buffet breakfast in Cove Café or continental breakfast and access to the Club InterContinental serving refreshments throughout the day and beverages with canapes in the evening for guests.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Thanks for that markis10. I hadn't read the Federation Suite description but I had seen the other descriptions and there seems to be little difference between a Qlder and Homestead suite except perhaps a second balcony (with midges, I'm thinking wouldn't be used a whole lot) and maybe a bath.

I've now booked the Club Marina View room (for two bookings of BOGO PP specials) for just on $200 per night and I see one of the bookings has been modified already to a Qlder suite. Does anyone know if the Qlder suite upgrade will get a marina view (as the original booking was specifically booked as the marina view room) or do they just give us whatever is available (ie possibly a garden view)? For what it's worth, to book the Qlder suite (in order to get a Homestead suite) was IIRC about $250/night, so can anyone comment as to whether or not the Homestead is worth an extra $50 per night? We'll be 2A,1C but our teen son may also want to stay a night or two (so possibly 2 x trundles).

 

[Pinktommy]

Just a warning - no children under 18 allowed in Club Lounge in the evenings....