Is InterContinental Brisbane Just a Crowne Plaza in a Fancier Suit?

[Beano]

There is another thread on IHG hotels recognising status. Reports are fairly detailed so may be worth a look regarding IC Brisbane.

 

[markis10]

I really struggle recommending hotels in Brisbane CBD. I don’t get great feedback from those that stay at the W. I mostly point people to the Westin.

The Westin is probably the pick of the bunch these days. W used to be a fave as I often got a suite upgrade and breakfast at three blue ducks was always memorable, but they have closed their Brisbane outlet now. Sofitel was not a bad option but the move of the lounge downstairs is bad. The other options are mostly tired and/or poorly located.

 

[Beano]

Royal on the Park--again! Quick access to the M3, in both directions, and a short walk to Queen Street Mall! Near the river and opposite the botanic gardens. I would stay there regularly if it were an IHG hotel.

 

[NM]

Hopefully Brisbane will get some new or significant refurbishments across a lot of hotel properties in the lead up to the Olympics. I am assuming that is the target/goal for this IC. They have the prime location in the CBD and now have a few years to get the refurbishment done well and position themselves to main event.

 

[kerfuffle]

I am assuming that is the target/goal for this IC.

Yes; it's going to take two years from 2026: IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury InterContinental brand prepares for Brisbane debut

 

[Bundy Bear]

Is InterContinental Brisbane Just a Crowne Plaza in a Fancier Suit?​

No the InterContinental Brisbane was just a tired old Hilton in a previous life, with the barest done to change the sign.

If you want IHG then look at the Holiday Inn Express (Free breakfast), Hotel X or Voco.

I think you knew what you were getting but then you were underwhelmed.

 

[AuSammy]

Sofitel are tired

Sofitel Brisbane

Dont know what its like now, but during covid quarantine it was a 2* dive. Filthy rooms, tired battered furniture, toilet that didn't flush properly, sink waste water running across the floor and thick layer of mould around the bath/shower. Staff totally disengaged.

Will never stay there again.

 

[Beano]

Is InterContinental Brisbane Just a Crowne Plaza in a Fancier Suit?​

No the InterContinental Brisbane was just a tired old Hilton in a previous life, with the barest done to change the sign.

If you want IHG then look at the Holiday Inn Express (Free breakfast), Hotel X or Voco.

I think you knew what you were getting but then you were underwhelmed.

HIE was an option but I was entranced with the prospect of an IC stay! We'll see. I will report it on IHG hotels which recogbise status.

 

[DC3]

HIE was an option but I was entranced with the prospect of an IC stay!

 

[markis10]

Royal on the Park

Not a bad option if you want a flashback to the 80s when it was the parkroyal.

HIE was an option but I was entranced with the prospect of an IC stay!

The HIX is not bad, I stayed there the night it first opened as it was close to the office. It does the job but rates sometimes exceed the IC

 

[Beano]

Not a bad option if you want a flashback to the 80s when it was the parkroyal.

I think it's over that with at least one rebur bish since then.

The HIX is not bad, I stayed there the night it first opened as it was close to the office. It does the job but rates sometimes exceed the IC

 

[boomy]

Sofitel Brisbane

Dont know what its like now, but during covid quarantine it was a 2* dive. Filthy rooms, tired battered furniture, toilet that didn't flush properly, sink waste water running across the floor and thick layer of mould around the bath/shower. Staff totally disengaged.

Will never stay there again.

Yep, there is nothing good about Sofitel BNE apart from its convenient location if using Airtrain. Rooms are meh and the exec lounge is one of the worst I ever visited.

 

[ozfe1]

They paid good money for it and there are plenty of suckers (no offence) who are willing to pay to stay at Intercon no matter how good or bad it is. Let me know when you’re next in town we’ll catch up and I’ll tell you the full story behind the rebranding. Meanwhile if you must stay at IHG in BNE go to Hotel X.

I'd be interested to know - it's been publicised that Hilton didn't renew the lease, but was there something juicer to it?

All I know is that staff were completing IHG onboarding modules while the hotel was operating as a Hilton, and the new brand hadn't been announced.

It was an older Hilton, but I always enjoyed staying there. The staff were great, it seemed management had things under control.

 

[Beano]

They paid good money for it and there are plenty of suckers (no offence) who are willing to pay to stay at Intercon no matter how good or bad it is. Let me know when you’re next in town we’ll catch up and I’ll tell you the full story behind the rebranding. Meanwhile if you must stay at IHG in BNE go to Hotel X.

Count me as one! My only experience of IC is in Adelaide and I found it pretentious. I only really enjoyed the breakfasts. Usually my main meal of the day. The room I get is OK but the TV is at the side of the bed. Makes for awkward viewing. OK, so I am also staying at IC Adelaide this trip.- a sucker for punishment nevertheless!

 

[Bayside Flyer]

I recently stayed at the InterContinental Brisbane, and it feels more like a good Crowne Plaza than a property worthy of the InterContinental brand.

When I saw that Intercon was in Brisbane, I was admittedly excited to give it a try compared to other options.
For context, I've been a Diamond Ambassador for many years, have stayed at a dozen InterContinents this year, and will easily qualify for Royal Ambassador.

I left thinking, 'How did this property get approval to use the Intercontinental name?

- The lounge, while acceptable, is small and not worth the visit unless you want to pick up a bottle of something to go. While probably great a decade ago, the age is showing.
- TV in the rooms is tiny and old. I remember buying the same model 20 years ago for my home.
- Bathrooms: Straight out of an IKEA catalogue a decade ago, and never updated.
- Bathoom amenities on par with what you'd expect from a Holiday Inn.
- The room had cracked paint, rust in the corners of the bathroom, and the glass panel shower screens... Holiday Inn Express stuff.
- Like many Intercons, the '500 points per night green thing for no room service', not credited (not BNE specific).

I didn't have any problems during my stay and the staff were pleasant and accommodating -- but I would expect this from any 4-star or above hotel.

I can't help but think that the property is more of an old Hilton than a charming Intercontinental.

Am I missing something?

Stayed there recently, it hasn't improved in any way, I now have a new Hotel to boycott in Brisbane. ...... actually it's still the same one, just has a new name

 

[Beano]

Stayed there recently, it hasn't improved in any way, I now have a new Hotel to boycott in Brisbane. ...... actually it's still the same one, just has a new name

Aw! Do I change my booking for next Monday? I still have time. Any suggestions for an IHG hotel? Not Hotel X. Voco or Indigo or HIE? I would need to find parking which would cost 75% of the IC valet parking.. Perhaps give up IHG but I need the stays and points!

 

[NM]

Aw! Do I change my booking for next Monday? I still have time. Any suggestions for an IHG hotel? Not Hotel X. Voco or Indigo or HIE? I would need to find parking which would cost 75% of the IC valet parking.. Perhaps give up IHG but I need the stays and points!

Sanctuary Cove is a "short" drive from Brisbane CBD

 

[Beano]

Sanctuary Cove is a "short" drive from Brisbane CBD

Huh! Was in Hope Island two weeks ago but not at the IC. Not a 'short' drive.

 

[Beano]

Huh! Was in Hope Island two weeks ago but not at the IC. Not a 'short' drive.

I stay often in the GC but Hope Island is a bit too far north. I like more central, e.g. south surfers.