Last Updated on December 28, 2023 by Katrina

Photo credit: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

Category: Luxury

Rewards Program: IHG Rewards

Personality: Global, Elegant, Luxurious

What is it like to stay at an InterContinental Hotel?

In a nutshell: InterContinental was launched in 1946 by the head of Pan American Airways. The idea was to offer airline passengers and crews a suitably upscale place to stay at Pan Am’s destinations. The chain—which is part of the IHG brand and now comprises more than 200 properties—still exudes that jetsetter vibe, with its emphasis on fine dining, spas and either urbane or beachy settings.

What to expect: Whether in the heart of a big city or over the water in Bora Bora, InterContinentals embody luxury. They tend to have dramatic lobby spaces and acclaimed onsite restaurants, perhaps even boasting a Michelin star. To get the fullest experience, book a room with access to the Club InterContinental Lounge.

Design: Elegant, though the particulars of each property reflect the setting. Some InterContinentals are in older, landmark-style buildings, and exude a stately, clubby décor. Newer properties embrace a modern aesthetic. Rooms tend to be sleek and elegant, with neutral tones and big windows with views—another reminder of their excellent locations.

Room categories: Standard rooms come with either one king or two full beds, and range from about 300–400 square feet. Suites add a separate living area and can span more than 600 square feet. Some InterContinental properties offer luxury apartments known as InterContinental Residences. Beds tend to have pillowtop mattresses and goose-down duvets.

Club Floor Upgrade: Club InterContinental rooms are on a separate floor or wing. Guests have access to perks such as a 24-hour Club Lounge with complimentary breakfast, snacks and drinks, concierge services, and perhaps even a separate pool.

Fun Fact: Hollywood icon Grace Kelly met future husband Prince Rainier of Monaco in the lobby of an InterContinentalHotel during the Cannes Film Festival in 1955.

InterContinental Hotel Amenities

Breakfast: Paid breakfast is available at on-site restaurants. Stay in a Club InterContinental room and you’ll get complimentary breakfast at the 24-hour Club Lounge.

On-Site Dining: InterContinental Hotels typically have a few onsite restaurants, with usually one open for all three meals, and another being a bar or lounge with striking aesthetics or a big-city view. Otherwise the dining options tend to be pretty upscale: think steak houses, elegant sushi places or chef-driven spots that boast a Michelin star.

Room Service: Yes.

Wi-Fi: InterContinentals tend to have free Wi-Fi in guestrooms and public areas.

Fitness Room: Most InterContinental properties have a fitness center with cardio and weight equipment.

Spa: Some, but not all, InterContinental properties have spas offering massages, body treatments and salon services.

Pet Friendly: Some InterContinental properties allow pets, with varying restrictions and fees.

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