You probably know this from your previous readings on TravelGuys, but my expectations are very low when it comes to hotels in the US. But there are limits… After the disappointing experience of the Kimpton Muse, I expected a little more from the Intercontinental.
As a reminder, here is the itinerary followed:
Booking
As with the other hotels on my trip, I proceeded to book this property nearly 3 weeks before my arrival at the hotel.
For a little more than $350 a night including all taxes, I got a reservation for a standard room.
Arrival
A few days before my arrival at the hotel, I see an upgrade in the app to a Premium corner room with a view of Midtown, perfect!
The day before my arrival, I had requested via the IHG chatbot an arrival at 2pm instead of 3pm, since the late check-out I had at the Muse was only at 2pm.
I arrive at the hotel around 2:30 pm to complete the check-in formalities. I was initially told that the room I had booked was not yet ready, but with a little insistence, I was found a room of the same category that was ready.
IHG benefits intertwine with Ambassador benefits. But I would end up with a drink coupon, breakfast included and a $20 credit on the F&B.
Room
My room was located on the 32nd floor of the property, which already guarantees a great view.
The entrance leads to a hallway, which, on its right, leads to the bathroom. The latter seems to have been renovated recently, and is equipped with a washbasin with spacious surroundings to position its products, and a spacious shower also, with the correct pressure.
The room itself is quite limited in size without being small. The king size bed dominates the room, and faces the magnificent view of Times Square and Midtown. Magical, much more so than any suite upgrade.
A desk also completes the room’s equipment, along with a fully functional and stocked minibar.
The decoration of the room itself is not the most modern, but it is not indecent. It’s just the crappy taste of American hotel designers.
Finally, here is the video tour:
Hotel facilities
The hotel is equipped with a fitness room, located on the 3rd floor of the property, and accessible directly by elevator from the rooms.
For a hotel of this size, the room is quite limited in size and the facilities are few.
Food options
The hotel has a bar and restaurant located on the lobby level.
Bar
With a friend, we will drink an after dinner cocktail at the bar. The latter will be excellent but the place is very noisy.
For one of the cocktails, I will use the Ambassador Coupon given at check-in.
Restaurant – Breakfast service
The fact that breakfast is included gives me the right to order a Full American on the menu.
The omelet was excellently cooked and the service was fast.
Service
The service is quite good. But it remains American style, very perfectible. A little too relaxed for my taste, although I feel much less of a New York feel than in other properties.
Departure
The departure formalities were very simple, and carried out at the Ambassador desk. I will leave my suitcase at the luggage store to enjoy New-York one last afternoon.
Bottom line
A very good stay, not at the top but much better than the previous night!
