Introduction
After staying at the Sheraton Austin for 1 night, my wife had an expiring free IHG anniversary night stay to use up. Thus we moved to the Intercontinental Austin. I believe the going rate was around $200 a night when we redeemed it.
Checkin
The checkin staff recognized our lowly Platinum status due to the IHG credit card. They asked us what welcome amenity we wanted, and I chose the 2 free bottles of water and cookie. I think it’s a blasphemy that water has to be a hotel amenity item versus just being included free in the room. However, the bat shaped cookies made me feel less angry about the lack of water. I’m not sure if we were “upgraded” or not, but our room was definitely nicer than the “upgraded” room at the Sheraton.
By the way, valet parking is $40 a night here. We checked in late Saturday night and parked at a meter, which is free until Monday morning at 8AM, so we lucked out on not having to pay for that ridiculous valet charge.
Wifi
I didn’t even use the wifi since it was late, so I’m not sure.
Room
I liked this room better than the Sheraton. The bed was more comfortable as well. However, just know that there is a bar nearby the hotel. And you know it’s bad when they have earplugs in the room!
Conclusion
While the hotel and room were fine, I wouldn’t stay here again mainly due to the noise from the bar. That and the lack of free water.
Pictures
I am surprised your wife hasn’t made you go on this yet 🙂
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQTwvGgBnXm/
Mark, c’mon, of course she’s asked me to go on that flight.
Haha I figured – where does it fly to? I had never heard of it before tonight.
Austin is a tough place to stay with overcharging on stuff, in my opinion. (Lived south of there in Laredo for 13 years. Do not recommend) Parking fees like described are just crazy.
The water thing makes me mad whenever I stay somewhere here in the US and they don’t have it or charge for it or whatever. I mean, it is WATER. I stayed in hotels in Vietnam that were VERY nice for no more than $35 a day, and they gave free water every day! Coffee and tea too, etc. I’m growing to love Airbnb in the US especially as I get a lot more mileage for the $$$. Yeah, can’t use points, but for the value, well, US hotels have about lost me.
Ok, sorry, mini rant. Thanks for the thorough reviews!
No no Carl, I agree with you 100%. Keep on ranting!