In the last two posts of this trip report, our friend Andrew B will be sharing his experience on the trip to Mexico City. Yes, this is the same Andrew who won the trip to Helsinki several years back — we’ve been friends ever since. This whole trip was his idea, so it's only fitting…
Continue reading: Mexico City: Andrew’s Thoughts
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Thank you Andrew. Wife and I both have IHG CC and the Platinum "status" that goes with. Have reservations at Intercontinental Presidente Mexico City for this US Labor Day weekend. Were you voluntarily granted Lounge Access on 39th floor which provides breakfast and evening cocktails? If not, did you ask for access and were denied? As we all know, IHG has a fancy higher level of Ambassador, etc. and the lowly CC Platinum's may not rate. Tripadvisor has very active site for this hotel where many IHG Ambassadors give good marks but there are many cold shoulder remarks from others. TIA.
Great down to earth posting Andrew. I had been on the fence whether to visit Mexico city and your post has pushed me over the edge. As a fellow govie I also either laugh or cry but travel for relief. Additionally I also find the IHG program pretty good but the Intercontinentals very hit or miss. The Intercontinentals in South America tend to be a lot better than the far eastern ones. Also access to the club lounges is VERY hit or miss. Marriott has a much better policy as regards lounge access and overall a better program.
I typically can only last about 2 hours in any museum. The anthropology museum is huge, so I had been putting it off when visiting Mexico City. I finally went last year, rented the English language headset and spent about four hours in there. I still didn't see it all. It really is huge (and great)! Plan accordingly.
IC typically does not honor platinum or Spire elites with IHG. Only Ambassador and Royal Ambassador status get guaranteed upgrades.
If you are the world's pickiest eater, why do you have a food section - which has basically has no content in it! A poor entry overall in the series.
@RedCardTom: They didn't proactively offer me lounge access, and I didn't inquire about it this time. If I'd been there for another day or so, I probably would have. As you and @Robin pointed out, it is so hit or miss with IHG.
@Rico: I'm the same way with museums. Good to know that the anthropology museum is worth it. I'll definitely check it out next time I visit.
@_ar: I was reluctant to visit Mexico City for a while due to my eating habits. Was hoping that this would encourage others like me to make the trip.
you're right, here, in Mexico city traffic is awful, but nowadays you can travel using uber at affordable price
For those of you who clai IC is hit or miss in granting lounge access, you do NOT understand the program at all. Lounge access is NOT part of the benefits for the PLat or Spire. You all know IC has its own loyalty program of Ambassador The Royal and the regular - Both require pay stays at ICs AND an annual fee to maintain the status AND to enjoy the benefits that come with it.
YET you the Plats esp those from the CC are expecting the benefits that are never incl for your status. Then blame IC being a hit or miss....
Yu need to get the expectation straight - If an IC offers an uproar to room, sends small amenity to your room when you ae a mere Plat, tat IC already is going above and beyond to treat you based on your status with IHG.
If you want moe , PAY for it. Though the regular Ambassador which can be bought with $200 a year would still NOT give you lounge access but it would give you one free weekend night when you book a PAY night then your 2nd weekend night can use the free weekend night cert.
You need to get your expectation in check with the reality and not to expect freebies that are not part of your program benefits. This advice is coming from your fellow Plat so is always grateful when an IC gave a room upgrade and sent up some welcome gifts. Wouldn't expect and wouldn't fault the hotel if not getting any.
Hi - ICs in Asia and Europe tend to be on the generous side. Received room upgrades at Paris, Budapest, Hong Kong and Osaka. The latter two sent up amenities every day while the first two tried to upswell the lounge access.
@FLL
I guess that is why I am an HHonors Diamond rather than an IHG Platinum.
With my previous Platinum status was only upgraded with Exec Floor access in Santiago - and then the Executive Lounge had no service two of the four nights we were there (for no apparent reason).
Good Afternoon Andrew, Tiffany and of course Lucky. I posted above on July 4. We are back from 4 nights at Intercontinental Presidente over Labor Day weekend. My previous post was regarding the Executive lounge. Our reservation was on 3 IHG "free night certificates" won between the two of us in the "Priceless Surprises" IHG promotion back in March and 30,000 IHG points. So we were not expecting them to roll out the red carpet even though we are both IHG CC Plats. Well they did roll out the red carpet and treated us like royalty. I asked about the lounge, they stated that they had already upgraded the room but had not included Lounge access. I stated that with our reservations we were offered "Ambassador" status for 32,000 IHG points (which we had on hand and ready) and if I exercised this offer would they grant lounge ? They said that "no" status guaranteed lounge but there was a promotion going on at their property for IHG Plats. where you are granted an additional room upgrade to executive floor with "park" view and Lounge (Breakfast, drinks and very substantial snacks-dinner) for $40.00 per night which included both of us. We did this and fully took advantage of the "substantial" hospitality in the lounge. I am a "Frugal Traveler" but not a nit picker. This was a magnificent short trip (4 hour non-stop each way on United from ORD) We relied heavily on your reports. Regards and probably more to come.