Review: Intercontinental Chongqing, China

WHAT’S IT LIKE

This glamorous hotel could not be more centrally located. It is surrounded by numerous restaurants, the city’s lengthy top shopping street, the waterfront, and modern art museum. The hotel has a signature scent that makes a lovely welcome to the intimate lobby. To the back of the lobby is a water fountain and fresh flowers are everywhere. I really liked how there was flavored water and iced tea by the concierge station. This hotel takes up the top floors of this towering skyscraper.

DINING

The lobby lounge to the right of the entrance is abuzz with activity from afternoon tea and pastries to evening entertainment and cocktails. Grab a seat by the window to watch the world go by on the adjacent shopping street. There are so many restaurants in the area, many serving the famous Chongqing noodles and hot pots. This city is known for its spicy cuisine, but those that may not speak the best Chinese may want to consider dining in the hotel. There are two main options: one serves international cuisine buffet-style while the other is the hotel’s signature Chinese restaurant serving delicious cuisine artfully presented. The spice level can be adjusted to personal preferences.

AMENITIES

A lovely indoor swimming pool and full-service fitness center provide excellent views of the surrounding cityscape. Spa services are available for those that want a little pampering. Meeting space is plentiful here, and conferences are big business for city-center hotels like this one. It is not uncommon to see regular business guests stay here week after week. Many choose the Intercontinental because of the strength of its Priority Club loyalty program, which allows guests to rack up points quickly. Another reason guests choose to stay here is the charming general manager that knows guests on a first name basis and goes out of her way to make everyone feel like family.

ROOMS

The accommodations here are oversized with excellent views given the hotel’s altitude. Marble foyers give way to carpeted rooms with large work desks featuring a plethora of power outlets. The beds are topped with thick duvets and have conveniently placed power ports on either side.

Marble bathrooms have wooden shades covering glass windows separating the bedroom and bathroom. It gives the bathroom a more spacious feel.

Strong water pressure in the shower and deep soaking tubs are a great way to relax before bed, and bottled water and verbena-scented Agraria toiletries are restocked by the twice-a-day housekeeping service. Wide cabinets hold coffeemakers, minibars, and plentiful storage space. I liked the full-length mirror and the numerous places to unpack and store luggage. Guests on the club level enjoy access to a lavish lounge with cooked-to-order breakfast (order the Chongqing noodles) and evening happy hours with a substantial buffet and open bar. The staff take pride in learning guest preferences, which is a hallmark of the hotel. Many of the repeat guests, those that take advantage of the hotel’s loyalty program, often book rooms on the club level for a hotel within a hotel experience.

CONCLUSION

This hotel has a genuine feel to it from the welcoming doormen that pull open the front glass doors the second they see you coming to the cheerful reception staff. From the top down, the Intercontinental offers full-service luxury without overcharging for the privilege of staying in the heart of town.