InterContinental Club Lounges that DON'T cut it !!

[Rick93]

Thought I'd start this thread, after ANOTHER experience in an InterContinental Club lounge ....

I stayed at the Fiji InterCon at Natadola Bay ( about an hour out of Nadi - in a slow cab !! ).

Stayed on an AMB Weendend voucher. It was almost $FJ1,100. for the one night ( with second night free ).

If I had of stayed in a 'base room' ( no Club privileges ), it would have been about $FJ400. a night, using a Dining Rewards 25% discount voucher, or I could have used 30,000 IHG points per night.

So, my main issue, was the Service in the Club Lounge - the 'food' & drinks ...

Each evening for the two hours ( we know what should happen ), the only food available, was one-per-person 'tasting plate'. Which was six bite sized pieces of 'this and that'. Given there were few people in the club lounge on the evenings I was there, I felt inclined to ask for a second plate. I was obliged, but with the 'look' from staff.

The drink service took far too long - and I knew they were not busy ( this notion of 'Fiji time' !! )

I feel, I would have been better off, in a standard room, paying the IHG Dining Rewards 25% discount rate for food & drinks ( while my card was still valid ).

I would have been well fed, and only needed to buy a few drinks at meal times, as I usually have a bottle of Duty-Free spirits in my room.

I found the same thing in Wellington NZ - the dreaded 'tasting plate' !!!

The IC Sydney has a lot going for it, despite any little issues, their Club Lounge is one of the best in the world.

 

[kermatu]

Was looking at Intercontinental in Wellington and stumbled on this post - useful to know about the limited lounge offering. Thanks for the info.

 

[eric2011]

I like the idea of tasting plates, as long as they have a decent amount on them. I'm sick and tired of sitting there watching the seagulls and vultures squabbling and circling the service area filling up plates and plates of food just to save themselves from going out and buying some real food for dinner

 

[SFSC]

I like the idea of tasting plates, as long as they have a decent amount on them. I'm sick and tired of sitting there watching the seagulls and vultures squabbling and circling the service area filling up plates and plates of food just to save themselves from going out and buying some real food for dinner

Guilty sans remorse

 

[TonyHancock]

I like the idea of tasting plates, as long as they have a decent amount on them. I'm sick and tired of sitting there watching the seagulls and vultures squabbling and circling the service area filling up plates and plates of food just to save themselves from going out and buying some real food for dinner

Whistles innocently

 

[kermatu]

I've seen a couple of lounges put out average but filling snacks in the first half hour (sandwiches, bread&dips, fried rice) - then roll out the seafood platter afterwards! Doesn't stop the 'innocents' from shamelessly seagulling again, but at least gives the more reserved members - particularly regulars - a fighting chance at some of the better fare.

 

[Rick93]

'seagulls' .... lol !!

 

[vitagen]

Guilty as charged

 

[love_the_life]

And we're guilty too, being sometimes too tired to think about going out for dinner. Often we have had a largish lunch and don't want dinner as such.

I pay a premium for a club room and don't see why I should not be able to have a reasonable amount of drinks and canapés.

Given the price of a drink in the bar at the IC in Sydney, heck, I'd be keen to do all my drinking in the lounge

 

[Pushka]

I like the idea of tasting plates, as long as they have a decent amount on them. I'm sick and tired of sitting there watching the seagulls and vultures squabbling and circling the service area filling up plates and plates of food just to save themselves from going out and buying some real food for dinner

Oh. Who would do that?

Istanbul has limited alcohol service - you have to ask for top ups. No spirits. Food ok but limited. Nice view though across the Bosporous.