InterContinental New York Barkley

The InterContinental New York Barkley has a prime location in the heart of New York City. Since opening in 1926 the hotel has offered high-end accommodations and service to guests from all over the world. Originally it was constructed as part of the Grand Central Terminal expansion, The Barclay became a notable railroad hotel built to service the men and women traveling to New York City. Today, after undergoing restoration, the Barclay continues to deliver its residential feel with modern comfort through its signature Federalist style decor.

Remember it is New York City so standard accommodations are

small but the IC has a luxurious feel with comfy bedding, 42” LED flat-screen TV, internet (complimentary for IHG members), and an expansive digital news library.  The rooms have interesting wall murals and pictures of the Big Apple. There is a friendly gin bar in the lobby but no restaurant; however, the bar does offer great tapas. Not to worry, it is NYC, so there are plenty of restaurants nearby and there is a wonderful deli just steps away with everything one could want. 

Not to miss is a tour of Grand Central Station which is nearby.  There is no longer a direct connection from the hotel to the Station. The InterContinental Barkley is excellent choice when in New York City for those who want to be in the heart of it all.  For more information check www.ihg.com/intercontinental.

ANA Crowne Plaza near Tokyo Airport

No matter how you slice it, getting from New York to Tokyo is a long flight.  My final destination was Ho Chi Minh City but for whatever reason my flight was broken up with 23-hour layover in Tokyo. Sitting in the airport for that extended period was not an option for us so John and I decided to treat ourselves to a stay at the ANA Crowne Plaza; and, we are glad we did. The transition from the airport to the hotel was seamless and free. Everything in Japan seems very well organized. After getting our luggage we went to pickup area 16 to wait for our shuttle bus.  The bus arrived right on time, the driver, wearing white gloves quickly stowed our luggage in the lower luggage compartment of the bus.  That meant we did not have to lug it on board. The ride to the Crowne Plaza was about 15 minutes. 

The lofty lobby of the Crowne Plaza is bright and airy which was wonderful after being cooped up in a metal tube for 14 hours.

 Immediately our spirits were lifted. Our room was great and included free internet so we could get caught up on our work.  We had planned to order room service for dinner but instead John went to the hotel market and bought sandwiches and other goodies for dinner.  We were not very hungry since we had been sitting for hours.  

After a refreshing shower we had a wonderful night’s sleep. The hotel is designed to provide guests with the best sleep possible from luxurious sheets to a pillow menu to their “Sleep Advantage Program.” There were eye warmers, bath powers, and mint green tea for the morning.

In the morning we felt rejuvenated and ready to continue on our

way.  How civilized is that?  We are Priority Club members so we received a paper in the morning, took advantage of late checkout, and garnered points toward future stays. Our only regret is that we did not make time to enjoy their pool and a meal at their restaurant. Next time. 

The InterContinental Lisbon has a central location

Location! Location! When visiting Lisbon it is important to stay at a place that is centrally located and one that provides a place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Located between Eduardo VII Park, Marques de Pombal Square, and the luxurious Avenida da Liberdade, InterContinental Lisbon has it all. With warm refinement, contemporary design and expansive views, the hotel was recently rebranded and remodeled. The doorman in a long coat and derby hat welcomes guests into the high-ceilinged lobby with several conversational areas.

It is easy to recognize the hotel’s unique contemporary design which provides all the rooms with a corner window. Featuring contemporary designs and warm hues, accommodations come with marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat screen TVs, as well as desks, and tea and coffeemakers. Deluxe rooms add a comfy sitting area. Upgrades are complimentary for Priority Club Members. Make sure to include expansive breakfast served in a large, dedicated dining room. Breakfast is well worth it.

The trendy Uptown Bar with a unique kaleidoscope ceiling is theperfect place to meet friends or relax while enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine. Light fare is available. Lunch and dinner in the Akla Restaurant offer Portuguese and international items with a large selection of wines including the well-respected Portuguese wines. Check out their special healthy, green lunches and their show kitchen area.

The InterContinental is close to tour bus stops and only a short taxi ride to the center and other touristic locations.  For more information check www.ihg.com and if you are not a Priority Member sign up – it is free.

Holiday Inn in Binghamton, NY is a great choice

Heading to Binghamton?  If so you can’t go wrong by booking a stay at the Holiday Inn.  Located on the river in heart of downtown, the Holiday Inn is close to everything including the Broome County Arena, the Forum Theater, NYSEG Stadium – home of the AA

Binghamton Mets, plus terrific restaurants & shopping. The rooms are great with an excellent workspace, flat-screen TV, and other amenities one comes to expect from a fine hotel. There is an indoor swimming pool, free on-site downtown parking (that is important!), free internet and a great restaurant/bar with a river view. Consider one of the Executive Level Guest Rooms on the top three floors for a great view of Binghamton and/or the Chenango River plus the convenience of a mini-frig and microwave. 

Walk down the street and check out the Galaxy Brewery and then return to have dinner on the patio.  Awesome. Think of the Holiday Inn as a hotel with more.  On site, besides the workout room, business center, and banquet facilities, there is a hair salon, gift shop, and even a chapel.  If you are not an IHG loyalty member sign up for more benefits for future stays.  For more information check www.holidayinnbinghamton.com.

Enjoy the InterContinental Hotel in Chongqing

The luxurious InterContinental Hotel is located in the heart of Chongqing, China. It is the perfect choice for those cruising on the Yangtze River but there is also great shopping with a pedestrian street lined with shops just steps from the front door. The staff will arrange sightseeing trips to Tianchi Hot Springs and Ciqikou Ancient Town.

Arriving guests are greeted warmly and enter the beautiful lobby to be ushered to their plush guestroom with King Koil’s luxury bedding, a full size bathroom with rain forest shower, individual controlled air conditioning unit, 2 IDD/dual lines and data ports, high speed internet access and many more amenities.

Whether dressing up for dinner or enjoy a casual drink, the

restaurant and bar venues at the InterContinental Chongqing provide a perfect environment for every occasion. In the lounge enjoy tea with one of the hotel-created pastries or in the evening sip your favorite libation while listening to relaxing music.  Widely considered the city’s most elegant dining experience, Emerald Sea Chinese Restaurant is an avant-garde restaurant serving authentic Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. The spread is transformed with Asian, Western and

international cuisine at lunch and dinner in Gingers Restaurant specializes in contemporary Asian cuisine. Consider upgrading to Executive Level that includes breakfast, cocktail hour, complimentary internet and other perks. Being a member of InterContinental Rewards Club Program offers more perks and the opportunity to gain points for future stays. For more information check www.ihg.com.

The Crowne Plaza in Yichang, China is a great place to stay

Need a hotel at the start or end of a Yangtze River Cruise? Look no further than the Crowne Plaza in Yichang. Guests will receive all the attention and service they come to expect from the InterContinental family of hotels.  Located on the Yangtze River the hotel is located in the heart of the Yichang shopping and entertainment district just steps from Wanda Plaza shopping mall where shoppers will find high-end stores and even Walmart. 

The broad, towering pillars of the lobby create a feeling of space, style and elegance making it the perfect place to meet friends and enjoy a libation.  Relax in your room with a view of the Yangtze River where the internet is gratis. For the ultimate in service and relaxation consider an upgrade to Executive Club Level where the dedicated lounge has great views. Get up early and head to the waterfront park and join the Tai Chi group or those learning a new dance step.

Enjoy the expansive buffet at Coffee No. 1 Restaurant on the main

level and in the evening dine at the Jade Palace featuring royal cuisine complemented with selected Cantonese, Sichuan and Hubei specialties. And, remember to sign up for their customer loyalty program and gain points for more stays at the InterContinental family of hotels worldwide. For more information check www.ihg.com.

Check out the Holiday Inn in Sanya - China's Hawaiian Island

Looking for a great warm winter destination? How about Sanya, on the China’s resort island of Hainan?  The Holiday Inn Resort is a great, value-laden place to stay and play.  The Holiday Inn Resort is located close to the airport and just steps from glistening Sanya Bay. The airy lobby will be a welcome site after a long flight.  The beach rivals the hotel’s multi-level pool surrounded by a lush tropical garden.

Enjoy an expansive buffet breakfast and then consider a pizza at the Marina Café for lunch. While on the beach buy a refreshing mango cut and ready to eat. Each evening there is BBQ with mini hotpot on the patio by the pool. Most evenings a singing duo will entertain with a variety of old favorites.

All rooms have a balcony so book a room with a sea view whichis perfect for enjoying a libation as the sun sets. Check for special in-room promotions for beverages, laundry and other money-saving possibilities. 

The Holiday Inn hotel Sanya is family friendly with a play area, large children’s pool, and a dedicate playroom plus children under six stay and eat free. Check out the hotel’s “All in One Package” that includes 24-hour limitless F&B consumption, use of hotel’s recreational facilities, two 45-minute spa treatments and round trip transfer between airport and hotel.

The hotel has a complimentary shuttle to Sanya city’s mainshopping district for those who love to shop. The internet is complimentary and IHG Rewards Club will receive extra benefits while accumulating points. For more information check www.ihg.com.

Holiday Inn Seongbuk, Seoul, Korea

Good value, good location, great staff – what more could anyone ask for?   Be greeted by the friendly staff and ushered to your room with complimentary DVDs, 32-inch LCD TV, your own PC, and other amenities along with a city-view. You can surf the web on the PC in your room or log on to high-speed Internet with your laptop. Complimentary mineral water will keep you refreshed.

Start your day with your choice of Korean food and/or hot American items at the extensive breakfast buffet in The Margaret and Azalea restaurants that include fruit, veggies and yogurt ice cream. Work out on the cardio machines in the gym. Dine on Korean delicacies and Western favorites in The Margaret, the contemporary, garden-view restaurant. The relaxed Azalea restaurant is open all day for coffee and cocktails and serves up breakfast and dinner buffets. And, do not miss the in-house made chocolates and yummy pastries. For that special meal head to the second floor and the Kabin Chinese restaurant.

The hotel’s complimentary shuttle service runs four times a day and takes less than 30

minutes to Dongdaemun Market, Myungdong and Namdaemun Market and the cultural Namsangol Hanok Village. The 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace's kings' chambers and pavilions, and the contemporary National Museum of Korea with its excavated treasures are only a few kilometers away. Grocery stores, churches, restaurants, churches, along with subway and bus stops are nearby. A reasonable shuttle stops out front for easy access to the airport.

The InterContinental Hotel in Hua Hin, Thailand

The five-star InterContinental hotel is located three-hours south of Bangkok on a beautiful beach close to many activities.The resort has 119 rooms, three beachfront villas with private plunge pools, and a range of suites. Beside the excellent service and elegant accommodations with all the upscale amenities one comes to expect at an InterContinental property guests can relax at their innovative pool with many levels, in-water lounges, and complimentary afternoon refreshments.

There are three on-property restaurants including Pirom which features authentic Thai cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients. Trattoria-style dining and wood-fired pizza are available at Felicita and the Azure Beach Grill offers all-day dining and fantastic rooftop views. The alfresco, sunken dining areas create a private feel to any dining experience. The Lee La Bar serves up single malts, cigars and live jazz while the Pool Bar offers cocktails and light snacks poolside. Enjoy soulful saxophone sounds and signature cocktails overlooking Hua Hin Beach from The Fireside. The Roof Bar offers sweeping views of the beach making it a a great place to end the day. Guests should schedule time to relax at their spa where they combine authentic Thai techniques with the therapeutic benefits of oils and herbal compresses and organic ingredients.

One of the many wonderful things about InterContinental Hotels is there Insider Program that

affords guests an opportunity to learn about the local culture. At dawn offer Buddhist monks “alms” of food in the traditional Thai manner, then enjoy a calming session of healthy sunrise yoga on the lawn lined with frangipani trees, and plan to sign up for their Thai cooking class that includes a visit to the morning wet market. For more information contact www.ichotels.com.

Toronto’s InterContinental Yorkville

• Excellent location on Bloor Street in Toronto’s trendy Yorkville area with a plethora of designer shops.
• Perfect for connecting to the Metro and the Greyhound hop-on tour bus stops in front of the hotel. The Royal Ontario Museum is across the street and the Bata Shoe Museum is just down the street. Perfect!
• Enjoy the roof top lap pool and terrace at Penthouse level and the Skylounge off the Proof Vodka Bar – all with the usual high level of service one can depend on from an InterContinental property.

For more information check http://toronto.intercontinental.com and/or www.ichotelsgroup.com.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia: InterContinental

• Phnom Penh’s first international hotel offers excellent service
• Beautiful roof top pool with adjacent health club
• Check out their Insider program that includes a cooking experience

For more information the this hotel and other great InterContinental Hotels world wide check http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/.

Hong Kong: InterContinental

• Located on Victoria Harbor with impressive views of Hong Kong Island
• Several award-wining dining options all with great views
• Rooftop pool and spa are spectacular

For more information on the InterContinental Hong Kong and other options in their family of hotels check http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/.

Hanoi, Vietnam: InterContinental Westlake Update

I doubt there is any hotel in Hanoi that can surpass IC’s Westlake Hotel. It’s all about location, location, location.  We stayed there the year they opened and never forgot how wonderful it was.  At that time we stayed in the main part of the hotel and enjoyed a wonderful meal in their Café Du Luc Restaurant. We anticipated the same experience this time. 


This time our stay was even better; the villas on the water had been completed. We had planned to eat in their excellent restaurant but decided to have room service and eat on our balcony that jutted out in the lake.  The lake is serene; the area is quiet but not far from Hanoi’s famous Old Quarter.  The food was great but the view was divine.  The hotel has given the lake in their area a special Vietnamese touch – they have several round, woven, coracle fishing boats tied up.  Cool!


It was misty while we were there but it only added to the ambiance; however, I would like to be there when I could use their pool which is beautifully landscaped as it the rest of the property.  The hotel seems to have more acreage than most other hotels.

The room had all the amenities one comes to expect from an InterContinental hotel. The internet, which is critical for us, was great. Make sure you join IC customer loyalty program and you may qualify for an upgrade and other benefits. By the way, the hotel, as are most hotels in Vietnam is very affordable. For more information check www.ihg.com. 

First Stay!

The InterContinental Hanoi Westlake breaks from the traditional style of a city hotel.

• The main building connects three island pavilions on pillars in Hanoi’s West Lake.
• Insider programs offer tours highlighting unique aspects of Hanoi

For more information on InterContential properties worldwide click on http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/.

Singapore: InterContinental

• Built in Peranakan shophouse-style with newly remodeled Club Lounge
• Close to everything including shopping
• Excellent service one comes to expect from the InterContinental
  

Click on www.ichotelsgroup.com to find out more about this property and other luxury InterContinental Hotels worldwide.