The InterContinental Hong Kong

But then InterContinental also has the Grand Stanford Hong Kong hotel, which is maybe a 15 minute walk down the Avenue of Stars from the flagship InterContinental. I consider it to be one of the best hotels in Hong Kong in terms of elite benefits and overall value. It’s definitely not a five star hotel — maybe a solid four stars — but the value is unbeatable. Rates are often around $200USD, and as a Royal Ambassador member you get an upgrade to a harbor view room, club lounge access, 8AM check-in, 4PM check-out, free drinks from the minibar, free internet, a welcome amenity, etc.

And what’s why the Grand Stanford has become my most frequented hotel in Hong Kong. I first stayed there in 2008 and actually had quite a disappointing stay because I was upgraded to a club harbor view room… minus club access (and the hotel doesn’t have a club floor, so there were no added amenities). My subsequent stays in March of 2009 and September of 2009 were excellent, though.

Anyway, that brings us to this stay. We had only a quick overnight layover yet I still wanted to head into the city to see the Symphony of Lights, walk along the Avenue of Stars, etc. Upon landing in Hong Kong we took a taxi to the hotel, which took about 30 minutes and cost around $30USD (while the Airport Express would have cost ~$22).

Once at the hotel we were welcomed by the friendly bellmen, who offered to help with bags. We proceeded to the Ambassador check-in desk, though as soon as the agent saw I was a Royal Ambassador, we were escorted to the club lounge for check-in formalities.

Lobby

The club lounge is located on the first floor, and once there we were handed over to the friendly agent, who invited us to enjoy some cocktails while we were checking in (since the evening happy hour was just beginning). After a few minutes he returned to go over Royal Ambassador benefits at the hotel and also explain the club features and hours.

We proceeded to our room on the 10th floor, which was a premier harbour view room. The hotel has been renovated since the last time I stayed here, and I believe the renovated rooms are referred to as “premier” while the non-renovated rooms are referred to as “deluxe.”

The room wasn’t huge though felt very modern/fresh after the renovation. A small hallway led to the room, which featured a king bed, chair, and desk with rolling chair.

Hallway

Premier Harbour View Room

Premier Harbour View Room

The room featured views of the harbour. The Grand Stanford doesn’t exactly face “central” Hong Kong, though you can see it from an angle.

View from the room

On the side table was the Royal Ambassador welcome amenity, which consisted of fruit, a couple of shortbread cookies, and a box of chocolates.

Royal Ambassador welcome amenity

Near the entryway of the room was the minibar, which was well stocked. All the beverages in there are complimentary for Royal Ambassador members.

Minibar

The bathroom was small though functional. It featured a toilet, single sink, and walk-in shower with two types of shower heads.