Intercontinental Hotels Brisbane By Ihg

The hotel stands out for its iconic building with a soaring atrium, offering a unique and memorable first impression in the heart of Brisbane's CBD. Its central location with direct access to Queen Street Mall is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests within easy reach of shopping, dining, and major attractions. While many guests praise the friendly and attentive staff and the overall cleanliness of the property, a recurring theme is that the rooms are dated and in need of renovation. This makes the hotel particularly well-suited for sightseers and shoppers who prioritize convenience and excellent service, as well as business travelers seeking a central base. Couples and families also find it a comfortable option for exploring the city. To maximize your stay, guests should manage expectations regarding modern room aesthetics and be prepared to fully leverage the hotel's prime position for exploring the city on foot.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that contribute to the guest experience, though some aspects show their age. The pool and spa areas are generally appreciated for being clean and relaxing, providing a quiet escape in the city center, although some guests note the pool's dated appearance and suggest it could benefit from renovation. A fitness center is available, described as well-equipped by some, but others feel it also needs updating. The lobby bar and executive lounge receive consistent praise, with guests enjoying the relaxing atmosphere, good selection of canapés, and drinks, though the lounge can get crowded. However, in-room technology is a frequent point of concern; many reviews highlight the small, outdated televisions that lack modern features like streaming services or USB ports. Similarly, the air conditioning is often described as noisy or inefficient, impacting comfort. While the elevators are noted for their speed, some guests find their design dated. Wi-Fi connectivity issues were also reported by a few guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained, which contributes to a pleasant stay. The beds are frequently highlighted as exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep with soft linens. However, the overall room condition is a significant point of contention, with many guests finding them dated, tired, and in urgent need of renovation. Specific complaints include peeling wallpaper, grubby carpets, worn furniture, and a general lack of modern aesthetics. Bathrooms also receive mixed feedback; while some appreciate spacious layouts and good water pressure, others note rusty fixtures, mould, dim lighting, or the inconvenience of a shower over a bath. Noise levels are generally reported as quiet, though some guests experienced issues with a noisy air conditioning unit. Furthermore, the absence of modern in-room amenities like USB charging ports, larger televisions, and streaming services is a common disappointment, with some rooms lacking basic items like an umbrella.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a prominent feature, often described as amazing with a wide variety of choices, including vegan options, and generally good quality food. However, some guests have noted issues with the presentation, food being cold, or the menu becoming repetitive over longer stays. The process for seating at breakfast can also be slow, leading to queues. A common point of feedback is the additional charge for barista-made coffee, which some feel should be included. The hotel's main restaurant, Vintaged, receives mixed reviews; while some praise the delicious steak and pleasant ambiance, others express significant disappointment with the food quality, presentation, and value, likening it to a food court or RSL rather than a five-star establishment. In-room dining is available but is noted for having a very limited menu with few options. The bar areas, including the lobby bar and executive lounge, are generally well-regarded for their atmosphere and drink selections.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently lauded as its strongest asset, placing guests directly on Queen Street Mall and within easy walking distance of numerous attractions, including the casino, botanical gardens, and South Bank. This prime position makes it exceptionally convenient for shopping, dining, and exploring the city on foot. Guests also appreciate the excellent accessibility to public transportation, with the hotel being a short walk from Central Train Station and offering easy connections to other parts of Brisbane and beyond. Parking is available, primarily through valet service, which some guests find convenient and efficient. However, feedback on parking is highly mixed; while the service itself is often praised, concerns are frequently raised about the high cost. More critically, there are serious reports of vehicle security issues, including theft of car parts while under the hotel's care, with guests expressing dissatisfaction over the hotel's lack of responsibility or compensation in such incidents.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff and service consistently receive exceptional praise, standing out as one of the property's strongest attributes. Guests frequently describe the team as incredibly friendly, helpful, and attentive, going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Their professionalism and warm demeanor are highlighted across various departments, from the front desk to housekeeping and the executive lounge. The check-in and check-out process is generally reported as smooth, quick, and efficient, with staff often accommodating requests for early check-ins or late check-outs. However, a few guests experienced delays or less welcoming interactions during check-in, particularly when rooms were not ready on time. Specific mentions of excellent service include the concierge for their assistance, the housekeeping team for maintaining cleanliness, and the valet service for its efficiency, despite the parking issues. Overall, the dedication of the staff to providing a high level of customer service is a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the guest experience.

Additional Information
A significant point of discussion among guests is the hotel's age, with many reviews noting that the property, while well-maintained, is visibly dated and in considerable need of renovation to meet modern standards. This includes the general decor and in-room features. Furthermore, several guests mention that the hotel has been sold and is slated to cease operating under its current brand, which has caused disappointment among long-time patrons. Despite its age, the hotel's iconic building design, particularly its soaring atrium and lobby, is frequently admired for its unique and timeless aesthetic. Guests participating in the rewards program often report receiving benefits such as room upgrades. It is also worth noting a specific hotel policy regarding the pool area, where food consumption is restricted to a designated eating zone, though drinks are permitted by the poolside.