InterContinental Hong Kong

Hotel Stay Details
Hotel: InterContinental Hong Kong
Dates: March 10-11, 2014
Rate Paid: 1 Free Night Certificate
Regular Room Rate: $493/night 
Total $ Benefit: $493 
Point Redemption Value: N/A

The final night of our Hong Kong trip was by far our best hotel stay yet. First, the InterContinental Hong Kong is located on the Kowloon side of the city, which is less "business downtown" oriented. Think of it like a more developed Brooklyn for you New Yorkers out there. Second, the view of the Hong Kong skyline from the Kowloon side is much more stunning.

However, of course, this kind of prime real estate comes at a steep price. When we booked our 1 night stay, rates for the basic room were going for $493/night including taxes. Clearly a lot to pay for a place to sleep at night before our flight back to New York at 10AM the next morning. Fortunately, my father had signed up for the Chase IHG Visa credit card. In addition to earning 80,000 IHG points (worth between $600-800 in hotel redemptions) and getting top tier IHG Platinum status every year you hold the card, they send you a Free Night Certificate good at ANY hotel in the IHG network, including the prestigious Intercontinental Hong Kong, one of the finest hotels in the city. Not too shabby for just a $49 annual fee credit card.

When we checked in, we were told that they had upgraded us to the extra large alcove studio. Unsure of what that was exactly, we were just happy that we were able to check in earlier than the regular 3PM time. The front desk agent then came out from behind the desk and escorted us all the way to our room while our bags followed. Again, amazing levels of Hong Kong customer service. While we didn't have a stunning harbor view, we did get a rather large living room and our very own outdoor patio.

 

  

The room itself was immaculately clean and well appointed. Nothing shouted "Hong Kong" but my family doesn't care as much about that as other travelers do. We felt like we got enough "Hong Kong" feel by actually walking around the city, not staying in a hotel. And while we had a nice outdoor patio to enjoy, we didn't want to spend too much time there on our last day, so we just looked at it for a few minutes and head out to explore Kowloon's Ladies Market.

 

When we arrived back to the hotel later that evening, we were pleasantly surprised with another chilled bottle of sparking white wine and chocolate covered strawberries. I suppose it was because we told them it was my parents' 5th wedding anniversary...

But the best part of the InterContinental Hong Kong is the stunning lobby (which you can enjoy without being a guest). Every evening at 8PM, the skyline has it's famous Laser Light show. While most tourists like to line up along the outside Avenue of the Stars promenade, we enjoyed the show from the comfort of the InterContinental lobby lounge.