What are the best IHG hotels in Europe? The best include InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand, Lyon, Marseille, London Park Lane, Paris Le Grand, Davos, Kimpton Fitzroy, Madrid, London The O2, and Amstel Amsterdam.
IHG is one of the world’s leading hotel companies. IHG owns several brands, including InterContinental, Regent Hotels, Six Senses Hotels, Kimpton Hotels and Resorts, Hualuxe, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn club vacations, avid, Candlewood Suites, EVEN Hotels, and Staybridge Suites. The most luxurious of these are InterContinental, Regent Hotels, Six Senses Hotels, and Kimpton Hotels and Resorts, so all the best IHG Hotels In Europe have been picked from these brands.
Some of the best InterContinental hotels in Europe also have executive club lounges, with the Paris and London InterContinental hotels offering free lounge access if you book via our luxury travel concierge.
1. InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel
The gorgeous city of Bordeaux in the South West of France houses one of the best IHG hotels in Europe. Stay in a hotel as stunning as the city itself at the InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel.
This historic hotel lies on the Place de la Comédie in the heart of the city’s ‘Golden Triangle.’ The vibrant city of Bordeaux is a delightful contrast between the historical and the contemporary, known for its architecture, art, and history as much as its gastronomic scene and, of course, the wine! Almost everywhere in the city is within walking distance, but if you don’t fancy walking, the tram stops outside the hotel.
The hotel is housed in a former stately home, built in 1789, but has been somewhat of a legend in the hotel business for over a century. Recently renovated by renowned designer Jacques Garcia, the hotel now exudes an elegant Baroque opulence that feels inherently French and divinely luxurious.
The facilities are predictably excellent. The exclusive leisure and relaxation area includes the ultra-glamorous spa with its decadent designer pool, ten treatment rooms, hammam, fitness center, tea room, and outside terrace; there can be few better ways to spend a lazy afternoon than chilling in the jacuzzi with a drink from the bar while you soak up the magnificent city.
There are 130 rooms, of which 44 of these are suites, and 21 of these offer spectacular views of the Grand-Théâtre (L’Opéra National de Bordeaux) and the Place de la Comédie. All the rooms feature luxury amenities, including heated floors, marble bathrooms with bathtubs, ornate furnishing, high-tech television systems, and a daily newspaper. Upgrade your room for a view, or upgrade to a Suite for chicer luxury, more space, and an even better view.
The beautiful gastronomic restaurant Le Pressoir d’Argent boasts 2 Michelin stars and a menu rich in local produce. You’ll find culinary delights from Southwest France alongside traditional British dishes in Le Bordeaux Gordon Ramsay brasserie. Gordon Ramsay also oversees the food served in the bars, the Conference and Banqueting department, and Room Service. Evenings here must always end at the stunning, trendy, vast roof terrace “Night Beach.” It’s infamous throughout Bordeaux for its elegance and chilled vibe plus, of course, breathtaking 360°panoramic views of Bordeaux.
2. InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu
A contemporary haven nestled in a historical landmark in the center of the capital of gastronomy, InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu is one of the city’s most emblematic historical landmark buildings, originally dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Views from the hotel are always stunning, be it of the river Rhône or of the listed historic courtyards.
The Grand Hôtel-Dieu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was built on the banks of the River Rhône in Lyon way back in 1184. One hundred forty-four rooms run across three floors, enjoying road-and-river or peaceful courtyard views. The design is swish with gold and slate color schemes. Duplex suites have double-height arched windows and mosaic-tiled bathrooms offering magnolia-scented amenities by Parisian perfumer Frederic Malle.
The hotel is now stunning after a four-year restoration and new interiors by Jean-Philippe Nuel. The bar is built in the former chapel and is topped by Le Grande Dome, which soars 105 feet in height. The Grand Dome can be seen from all over Lyon. Epona restaurant offers excellent cuisine in a modern dining room with views over the river. At the back, there’s a courtyard and garden where you can dine alfresco on warm nights.
A well-equipped fitness room is open 24 hours a day, and guests have complimentary use of a sauna, steam room, and yoga classes. Spa Le Tigre is where you book massages or treatments. The enormous landmark building that houses the hotel is also home to offices, shops, restaurants, and bars, which means that the hotel offers a great base and is surrounded by lively local businesses.
3. InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu
The InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu was a palatial 18th-century hospital that has been exquisitely restored to five-star hotel standards. It has 179 rooms, 15 suites, including 72 with views of the Old Port and 33 with a private terrace. Designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel, a well-respected designer of luxury hotels, the rooms and suites offer magical views, stylish decor, walk-in showers, and separate tubs. This hotel is definitely one of the best IHG hotels in Europe!
The hotel is situated on a hill, on the edge of the Panier (Old Town), and near lively bars and restaurants that sit on the waterfront. The artwork and original features make this hotel rather special. While there is no outdoor pool, the concierge will arrange access to a private swimming club across the Old Port. There is also a Clarins spa and a gym.
The Alcyone restaurant is Michelin-starred with excellent food. There is also an informal Fenêtres brasserie, with a fantastic outdoor terrace offering brilliant views over Marseille. The cocktail bar also has a terrace.
4. InterContinental London Park Lane
InterContinental London Park Lane features at the top of our best club lounges in London. This elegant luxury hotel sits right in the heart of London. It offers rooms of varying sizes with incredible views across Regents and Green Park and the Hyde Park Corner roundabout. It also has a great gym, Elemis Spa, two excellent restaurants, and an unbeatable location.
There is a hint of the oriental in the newly refurbished rooms with pretty blossom designs on the headboards, loads of mirrors, and light, warm marble bathrooms. Club Lounge access is free here if you book via our concierge along with benefits including room upgrade on arrival, early check-in / late check-out (all subject to availability), and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The view in this club lounge is an absolute winner. It is simply the best view from any Executive Lounge in London. The view looks south toward the Thames with Big Ben and the London Eye in the distance to your left, Hyde Park corner in the middle, and Knightsbridge to your right. On Guy Fawkes night and New Year’s Eve, you can enjoy the distant fireworks across the London skyline from this wonderful lounge. In the distance, you can also see the spires of Battersea Power station and Green Park with Buckingham Palace is hidden in the trees beyond. You are literally looking down on the Queen (assuming that she is in residence!).
5. InterContinental Paris Le Grand
InterContinental Paris Le Grand easily offers one of the best club lounges in Paris. The last time I was in the InterContinental Paris club lounge, we booked a wonderful rooftop room in the eaves of this historic hotel. The view was out over the rooftops of Paris, and it couldn’t have been more romantic. The InterContinental Le Grand is conveniently located in the Opera district, close to the Place Concorde, Rue Faubourg Honore, Champs Elysees, etc. The hotel has been beautifully refurbished and remodeled and is one of Paris’s most beautiful and luxurious.
Even if you have loyalty status or are an InterContinental Ambassador, you will be charged around 150 Euros to access the club lounge at this InterContinental in Paris. If you book with our concierge you get all your usual benefits. We can apply your loyalty number to your booking so that you can collect your points. Plus, you will also get Club Lounge access free, even when you book their standard room.
6. Kimpton Fitzroy In London
The Kimpton Fitzroy in London offers stunning style right on Russell Square in Bloomsbury, known as the literary heart of London. Less than a minute’s walk away, the nearest London Underground station, Russell Square, is just around the corner on the Piccadilly Line. A lovely 5-minute meander across the charming Russell Square takes you to the British Museum. Covent Garden is a 15-20 minute walk away.
A Grade II listed iconic landmark building houses the hotel. Restored to its former glory, the hotel now stands proud and rather spectacularly overlooking the square. The stunning entrance hall, carved from marble and limestone with pillars, has a sweeping staircase and a vast mosaic floor. The luxurious guest rooms are dressed in neutral tones with flashes of color to amuse and add a distinctly British touch, with standout bathrooms that also reflect that love of marble. Each dining and drinking establishments are style statement in its own right.
There is a 24-hour fitness center on-site, with TechnoGym cardio machines, air-conditioning, free weights, bottled water, and towels provided. If you want a more private workout experience, a yoga mat can be found in every room.
The Kimpton Fitzroy cocktail bar oozes glamour and opulence; beautifully lit, it feels like a decadent speakeasy with velvet chairs, an utterly fabulous oversized spinning disco ball, ostrich feathers, and smooth jazz tunes. They serve bar snacks alongside their inventive cocktail menu, so there’s no need to rush your visit.
7. InterContinental Madrid
InterContinental Madrid has the best executive club lounge in Madrid but we still prefer the Four Seasons as our best hotel choice in Spain. The problem with InterContinental Madrid is that it is situated on the Paseo de la Castellana at the northern side of the Salamanca fashion district.
This means it is not an easy walk into the city center, and you would be wise to hop on the tube at the nearby Rubén Darío metro station. Some argue that this is an exciting area with the 24-hour outdoor Museo de Arte Público, with works by 20th-century Spanish sculptors displayed underneath a rather depressing concrete flyover. This location, away from the main pedestrianized center, is far from ideal for a leisure trip to Madrid.
The hotel is a lovely 5-star, which was the palace of the Dukedom of Aliaga. Original red marble pillars, chandeliers, and white marble floors are classy and regal if slightly dated. The whole place feels somewhat old-fashioned, although luxurious.
The rooms are large and mix mustard and brown, and the bathrooms have black marble and are very nice as you would expect. El Jardín is a wonderful restaurant with an al-fresco feel and French windows overlooking the central garden.
Like the rest of the hotel, this InterContinental club lounge is not very stylish, with classic, classy decor that lacks the modern touch. There are lots of orangy-colored woods and blue and mustard carpets, and it is open from 7:00 am – 11:00 pm. Club Lounge access is free here if you book via our concierge along with benefits including room upgrade on arrival, early check-in / late check-out (all subject to availability), and complimentary Wi-Fi.
8. InterContinental London The O2
We have compared The best InterContinental in London, Park Lane vs. O2. InterContinental London Park Lane arguably has a better location, but the O2 has a great pool, is on the Thames’ banks, and offers incredible views.
If you are looking for a luxury hotel near the O2 venue or near Greenwich in East London, Intercontinental London, The O2 is your best luxury choice. It is, in fact, directly connected to the O2 by a corridor. The hotel is located a few steps from the O2 Arena and around a 5-minute walk from North Greenwich Tube station, around 30 minutes to a 1-hour ride from central London, depending on where you are heading. It is also extremely convenient for the Excel Exhibition Centre via the Emirates Air Line cable car and for flights out of London City Airport.
Swathes of marble, glass, and steel make the communal areas feel modern but very grand, like the foyer. The hotel itself looks over the river and out to the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, and all the main bars and restaurants embrace this fantastic view, so this is a spectacular place to stay. Rooms have 42-inch flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with black marble everywhere. They are really smart and modern, and if you get one with a river view, the views are stunning.
There is a 24-hour gym, a large pool, and a spa at the Intercontinental London The O2. The pool is 1.2m in depth throughout, with a Jacuzzi area at one end, and is surrounded by luxury loungers with plenty of natural light. It is a joy and is connected to the ESPA spa area, so smells nice too! It is worth noting that kids can only use the pool at certain times of the day, which has advantages and disadvantages depending on whether you stay at the hotel with kids.
A huge 453 rooms (yes, this is a big luxury hotel) start with Superior rooms at 29-32 m². We recommend Club Intercontinental rooms, which start at 42 m² and come with Club Lounge access. We have reviewed the Club lounge at the Intercontinental London The O2 separately.
There are plenty of choices here, with two bars and three restaurants, including the exceptional Peninsula Restaurant with 3 Rosettes. If you get Club Lounge access, then you hardly need to use them!
9. InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam offers stunning views of the Amstel canal and an amazing pool where you can swim overlooking the same rippling canal. Sipping a beer on the terrace at the water’s edge in the summer is a joy.
This beautiful hotel is situated on the banks of the river Amstel, a short distance from the main tourist attractions of Amsterdam. It’s a pleasant walk from the center and attractions, including the Rijksmuseum (a must-see), the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank Museum.
Opened in 1867, this hotel exudes a regal, relaxed format throughout the property. There are generous business facilities combined with all the luxury you would expect from a premier hotel. A very decent-sized pool with a spa is located on the hotel’s upper level, perfect for that late afternoon rest after sightseeing. Great eating and dining facilities are available, with also the option of room service.
There is a total of 79 rooms in the hotel. The grandiose lobby would suggest a much larger property when you enter the property. The rooms vary in style. There are two different decors, red or blue wallpaper. You can pick which room you prefer.
There are four establishments to enjoy food and drink. Restaurant La Rive and the Amstel Brasserie are located in the basement and enjoy the most wonderful views at canal level, giving a sense that you are floating on the canal. Champagne breakfast is served in the restaurant, and it is quite a fantastic display of food.
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