My review of InterContinental London Park Lane

IHG made a welcoming announcement last year regarding the free night certificate earned via the Creation credit card – instead of extending it, a new one valid through the end of 2022 was issued as a replacement, which means you could have still used the old one as long as you booked by the end of 2021. Bearing in mind that I may not be able to travel abroad, I booked a Saturday night at the InterContinental Park Lane in June.

And fortunately my gamble paid out as the hospitality sector has reopened since May. Some people aren’t as lucky though, as they’ve booked the InterContinental at O2 instead, which is now being used as a quarantine hotel.

To be honest I had very low expectations beforehand as everything I’ve heard about the hotel is bad. To start with, their standard rooms measure a pathetic 18m2 (or 194 sqft) – how on earth are people paying £300+ for a room so tiny is totally beyond me.

The hotel is located near the Hyde Park Corner station, next to Four Seasons and the Peninsula being built. Although I like a bit of nature, its location isn’t great for exploring central London – there’s no shops or restaurants nearby, and it takes 20-30 minutes to walk to Soho or Oxford Street.

I was able to score early-in at 12:30pm. My Spire Ambassador status is recognised and 4pm late check-out request granted with no questions asked. I choose the drinks voucher as welcome amenity, although the 600 points also hit my account right after.

The receptionist isn’t very familiar with the $20 benefit though and I end up confirming with someone else later. At checkout I also had to remind her to get the $20 deducted from my bill.

I’ve got a double upgrade to a Deluxe room, which is basically a larger corner room.

The room is nothing to write home about, although I did say that I had had minimum expectation so it actually turns out okay. I find it larger than the 22m2 as advertised on their website.

The bathroom is very small though but is equipped with a tub which is bonus. The bathrobe is very comfy, probably the best I’ve ever seen in a hotel.

Best part of the room is its dual-aspect, and thus extended views of Hyde Park corner.

Breakfast is charged at £26 pp, a discounted offer to Ambassadors from the original £30+. As I’m here on my own for just one night, I decide to accept the offer and use the $20 (£15) credit.

I quite like the restaurant’s decor:

There’s a continental buffet section, including salad, fruits and cold cuts etc which is served by the chefs. Hot items are a-la-carte and you could order by scanning the bar code.

The Eggs Benedict I ordered are quite good. At £11 I think I’ve got a good deal here, although there’s no way I pay £26 for it!

The fitness centre is spacious and well equipped. There is no pool or spa though which from my point of view is a deal-breaker for a luxury hotel in Mayfair.

Is my stay acceptable? I guess yes, but for a 5-star InterContinental hotel I believe most people are looking for more than just “acceptable”, and I’d say the Hilton next door is overall a better hotel albeit being usually 30% cheaper. If you have an expiring free night voucher, or a big stash of IHG points you may consider coming here for a one-time experience, but otherwise I wouldn’t recommend it.