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What are the best InterContinental hotels in Europe? The best include InterContinental, Ljubljana in Slovenia, Malta, London Park Lane, Paris Le Grand, Madrid in Spain, London The O2, Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel in France, Vienna in Austria, Amstel Amsterdam, and Athenaeum, Athens.

Interestingly, some of the hotels in our listing are not only some of the best luxury hotels in Europe, but they also offer free executive club lounge access if you book via our luxury travel concierge.

1. InterContinental London Park Lane

InterContinental London Park Lane features at the top of our best club lounges in London. This hotel is one of the best InterContinental hotels in Europe!

The InterContinental London Park Lane is an elegant luxury hotel in the heart of London. It offers rooms of varying sizes with incredible views across Regent’s Park, Green Park, and the Hyde Park Corner roundabout. It also has a great gym, Elemis Spa, two excellent restaurants, and an unbeatable location.

InterContinental London Park Lane View From Club Lounge Showing Location
InterContinental London Park Lane View From Club Lounge Showing Location

There is a hint of Oriental in the newly refurbished rooms with pretty blossom designs on the headboards, loads of mirrors, and light, warm marble bathrooms. So, I would recommend that you request one of these newly refurbished rooms, since they are stunning.

InterContinental London Park Lane Lobby And Theo's Entrance
InterContinental London Park Lane Lobby And Theo's Entrance

Club Lounge access is free here if you book via our concierge, along with free benefits, including a room upgrade on arrival, early check-in / late check-out (all subject to availability), and complimentary Wi-Fi.

InterContinental London Park Lane King Room
InterContinental London Park Lane King Room

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 hidden in the trees beyond. You are looking down on the King (assuming he’s in residence!).

Intercontinental London Park Lane Club Lounge Seating 5 A
Review: Club Lounge At InterContinental London Park Lane

Reviews

The Club InterContinental lounge at the InterContinental Park Lane in London has the best views of any club or executive lounge in London. It also has a great breakfast with a buffet and an à la carte egg menu, a delicious afternoon tea served in three courses on three tiers of plates, and a decent evening spread with two hot dishes and plenty of canapés. The InterContinental Park Lane partners with our luxury travel concierge.

Beyond the view, this lounge has so many great features. There are loads of fridges with water and any cold drink you could wish for. Throughout the day, there are nuts, crisps, homemade biscuits, and snacks. The staff will also help you with any business services, from color printouts to help with anything else you want.

The breakfast here is massive and delicious. There is a buffet and an A La Carte, so you can select from cheeses, smoked salmon, salads with olive oil, yogurts, a glorious array of fruit and berries, Bircher muesli (particularly good and a personal favorite!), cereal, yogurt, muffins, and bread, as well as some delicious pastries.

InterContinental London Park Lane Club Lounge A La Carte Eggs
InterContinental London Park Lane Club Lounge A La Carte Eggs

There is a British Style offering on the à la Carte with eggs as you like; Florentine, Benedict, full English, and options like pancakes. I doubt there is much you couldn’t request, and crucially, everything is cooked to perfection. I like Eggs Florentine; the poached eggs are soft in the middle whilst the white is cooked to perfection.

In the afternoon, delicious afternoon tea is served between 3:00 – 5:00 pm and is arranged on a wedding cake-style up-and-up tray with scones and cream, an array of sandwiches, and any drink you want, including, of course, their excellent tea. There is none of your teabag rubbish here. All the tea is made from dried leaves. It is the little touches that make a big difference.

InterContinental London Park Lane Club Lounge Afternoon Tea
InterContinental London Park Lane Club Lounge Afternoon Tea

In the evening, the food offering is limited. Drinks are available 5:30 – 7:30 pm, including a nice selection of canapes. Theo Randall’s restaurant downstairs is also excellent; you are missing out if you do not try his pasta. Easily the best pasta in London.

InterContinental London Park Lane Club Lounge Cheese Board And Desserts
InterContinental London Park Lane Club Lounge Cheese Board And Desserts

It is worth noting that the lounge staff are incredibly generous when topping up and supplying drinks. Champagne, cocktails, beers, and wines are available, and expect to be pestered into “just another one” at 7:30 pm before the bar closes. Even after the bar is officially closed, the staff seem happy to refill you or bring out an extra glass of beer. One evening, the staff suggested lining up 2 or 3 beers and glasses of wine to keep us topped up through the evening.

The only way to get free lounge access at some InterContinental hotels is to book via a Virtuoso and Luxury and Lifestyle agent like our concierge. High-tier members don’t get free lounge access, and neither do Royal Ambassador or Ambassador cardholders.

Hotel Review Intercontinental London Park Lane
Review: InterContinental London Park Lane by IHG

Reviews

The InterContinental London Park Lane is an elegant luxury hotel right in the heart of London. It offers rooms of varying sizes with incredible views across Regent's Park and Green Park, as well as the Hyde Park Corner roundabout. It also has a great gym, Elemis Spa, two excellent restaurants, and an unbeatable location. Interestingly, the hotel is situated on the site of Queen Elizabeth II's former residence (145 Piccadilly) and was opened in 1975. This means that this grand hotel, like the Four Seasons opposite, is amazing, but is not historic.

2. InterContinental Paris Le Grand

InterContinental Paris Le Grand easily offers one of the best club lounges in Paris. The last time we visited 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-Élysées, etc. The hotel has been beautifully refurbished and remodeled and is one of Paris’s most beautiful and luxurious hotels.

Club Lounge Seating
Club Lounge Seating
Credit: InterContinental Paris Le Grand

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 luxury travel concierge, you get all your usual benefits, and we can apply your loyalty number to your booking so that you can collect your points. Plus, you will also get free Club Lounge access, even when you book their standard room.

Even if you are not an InterContinental loyalty member, you will still get all our concierge’s benefits when you book into this hotel in Paris via our concierge, which means you get a free upgrade, free breakfast, and free club lounge access.

Club Lounge Buffet
Club Lounge Buffet
Credit: InterContinental Paris Le Grand

The lounge itself is a very pleasant space on two levels at the top of the hotel. The upper level has great views of the Opera, and the whole lounge offers free internet. Start your day with a delicious breakfast with eggs made to order and juices, as well as a glass of champagne (Moet) if you like. Breakfast is available every day from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm.

Enjoy their cold buffet at midday, with high-end items like foie gras, smoked salmon, hams and cheeses, and free-flowing Nicolas Feuillatte champagne.

Indulge in their delicious pastries at tea time, and at the end of the day, enjoy a light supper in the lounge, which is open until 10:00 pm. Expect excellent service with a generous delivery of unlimited champagne and wine to drink each night, along with beer, spirits, and soft drinks. Canapes included duck liver paté and lots of cheese.

Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Club Lounge
Review: InterContinental Paris Le Grand Club Lounge

Reviews

We offer complimentary access to the club lounge at InterContinental Paris Le Grand, when you book your stay there via our luxury travel concierge, so we wanted to share the experience of this club lounge to help convince you that it is worth a visit. If you don't book via our luxury travel concierge, you can pay €150 EUR per day to access this club lounge, or you can book a more highly priced club room. You cannot access this lounge with a premium IHG loyalty status. You must pay, or you can access it for free if you book via our agents.

3. InterContinental Ljubljana

Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital and the largest city, and the InterContinental Ljubljana is housed in the tallest building in the city. The building is modern, and floor-to-ceiling windows offer expansive views across the city from every room.

The curving and picturesque Ljubljanica River is lined with outdoor cafes where you can spend the day away sipping a coffee or a beer and watching the boats chug by. People wander past, making this city a brilliant destination for the summer. You can fly on Easyjet directly into Ljubljana, Slovenia (LJU) from London Stanstead or London Gatwick.

The InterContinental is located near Ljubljana Old Town, which is ideal for exploring the city’s top sights. Start your day with a stroll to historic Prešeren Square. Stop to admire the sculpture of 19th-century poet France Prešeren, take in the baroque architecture, or listen to talented local buskers. The city’s medieval heart lies across the iconic Triple Bridge. Immerse yourself in 900 years of history with a visit to the fortified castle before shopping for artisan bread and cheeses at the Central Market.

Enjoy a stunning sunset cruise on the glittering Ljubljanica River in the evening before returning to the hotel for an apéritif at Bloom lounge bar. If you decide to go out, the concierge can book tickets to the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, only a few minutes walk from this Ljubljana luxury hotel. If you’d rather stay in, head upstairs to B restaurant, where you can savor mouthwatering international cuisine and fine wine as you admire the twinkling lights of the city skyline.

New Look For Theo Randall At The Intercontinental Poster
New Look For Theo Randall At The Intercontinental

News

During my last trip to the Intercontinental Park Lane I learnt Theo Randall At The Intercontinental had been given a make over. I pondered for a moment. Theo Randall is one of my favourite chefs and his establishment at the Intercontinental a favourite restaurant of mine. Should I be concerned? Theo and his team have re-created the restaurant with a more relaxed feel. A central partition has been demolished to open up the restaurant. Walls are now bathed in whites and creams, with small lemon trees scattered throughout. Furnishings are contemporary and bright.

At Luxury Travel Diary, we choose InterContinental-branded hotels for their exceptional Club Lounges, usually offering an excellent view. The Club InterContinental in Ljubljana offers complimentary breakfast, afternoon bites, and evening drinks and canapés daily.

4. InterContinental Malta

InterContinental Malta has a wonderful sun-kissed pool, a superb executive club lounge, and even a beach just 100 meters away. This luxury hotel is also conveniently and centrally located in the prime area of St. George’s Bay. It is only a 20-minute drive from Malta International Airport and a 15-minute drive from Valletta, Malta’s historic capital city. From the hotel, you can walk to some of the islands’ finest shopping and entertainment locations.

While in Malta, you will explore 7,000 years of pulsating history, and wherever you go, the island’s scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. There is a great deal to see and do with fine weather almost the whole year round, dramatic and ancient architecture, picturesque beaches, crystal clear waters, and a wide variety of entertainment.

Review Intercontinental London The O2 1
Review: Intercontinental London The O2, England

Reviews

If you are looking for a luxury hotel near the O2 venue 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. If you decide to book, speak to our experts at our luxury travel concierge. We offer free breakfast, upgrades, and other complimentary VIP benefits at luxury hotels like Four Seasons, Belmond, Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, Aman, InterContinental, and more at no extra cost. Plus, you still get your loyalty points, just give our agent your IHG® Rewards Club number when you book.

InterContinental Malta has established itself as the Mediterranean’s leading hotel of distinction. Bringing a new level of luxury to the island, the Highline Suites are the best hotel rooms in Malta. They blend sophisticated interiors with impeccable service and stunning Mediterranean views. Each of the 30 suites is a masterpiece of impeccable modern design. Spread over a space of up to 220 m², they feature designer furniture from Minotti, Bang, and Olufsen sound systems, huge ensuite bathrooms, and luxurious linen.

All suite guests can relax and let the world pass by with stunning island views, the Mediterranean Sea, and the rooftop SKYBEACH infinity pool, pictured above (non-suite guests do not get access to this pool, so it’s worth splurging on). The accompanying bar and grill restaurant provides private and intimate attention whilst offering pristine comfort and enjoyment.

On the 19th floor, the exclusive and chic SKYHIGH bar is open to all guests, and this lounge is the perfect place for pre and post-dinner lounging. Serving the best gins, spirits, whiskeys, fine wines, and luscious cocktails prepared by talented bartenders.

Also, guests staying in the suites will have access to the Club InterContinental lounge, an exclusive space that’s perfect for soaking up the Mediterranean vistas over a sumptuous breakfast or pre-dinner cocktail. The lounge includes a dedicated reception, meeting room, sumptuous breakfasts, all-day refreshments, afternoon tea, pre-dinner drinks, and canapes. The hotel’s personnel is on hand to help at any time of the day or night.

The hotel’s leisure facilities cater to every guest’s inclination and fancy. They include a lagoon-style outdoor swimming pool, a heated indoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center with two squash courts, an aerobics studio, a hair salon, a private sandy beach, and business services.

Review Of Intercontinental Malta St Georges Bay 1
Review: Intercontinental Malta

Reviews

The InterContinental brand implies a certain standard in luxury travel, and the enviably situated InterContinental Malta is no exception. Built in the exclusive beach resort of St Julian’s in 2003 and a stone’s throw from the capital Valletta, this hotel is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a relaxing break in the Maltese sunshine. British Airways, Air Malta, and EasyJet offer flights to Valletta from Gatwick, while Air Malta also operates out of Heathrow. The hotel is located just 7 km from Valletta.

5. InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu

The InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu was originally a palatial 18th-century hospital that has more recently been exquisitely restored to five-star hotel standards. Curved archways provide rooftop views. Stately plazas and opulent furnishings make this hotel the best in Marseille.

Perched at the top of the Panier hill, in the oldest quarter of Marseille, is the InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu. This hotel is the most majestic of luxury hotels, designed in warm yellow stone in this stunning port city. 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.

Artwork and original features make this hotel rather unique. The lobby is ultra-stylish, with black and white striped walls and rows of black vases on plinths. Overlooking the Vieux Port, the hotel’s massive staircases, vaulted passages, and magnificent terraces all bear witness to the former status of the building: the Hôtel-Dieu, a superb 18th-century edifice inaugurated by Napoleon III.

While there is no outdoor pool, the concierge will arrange access to a private swimming club across the Old Port. The indoor pool is classy and comes complete with a waterfall and sunburst lighting.

Review Intercontinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel
Review: InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel

Reviews

I adore the South of France, it’s like a playground for luxury travel, and the gorgeous city of Bordeaux in the South West of the region is definitely one to include in your visit. Stay somewhere as stunning as the city itself at the InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel. The hotel lies on the Place de la Comédie in the very heart of the city’s ‘Golden Triangle’. The passionate city of Bordeaux is a delightful contrast between the historic and the contemporary; known for its architecture, art and history as much its gastronomic scene and of course the wine!

If you’re seeking a moment of sheer revitalizing relaxation, visit the Spa by Clarins with five treatment booths, including a double VIP booth linked to the indoor swimming pool, relaxation areas, and a spacious fitness center. The spa offers you a bubble of physical and spiritual relaxation with Provencal tones.

The InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu features 179 rooms and 15 suites, including 72 with views of the Old Port and 33 with magical private terraces. Rooms are modern and decorated in a mix of chocolatey colors with blackout curtains and coffee machines. The toilet and a rainfall shower are separated by the frosted glass in the bathroom. Toiletries are local, courtesy of Compagnie de Prov.

In terms of dining, guests can enjoy the finest gourmet Michelin-starred Mediterranean creations at the cozy and welcoming restaurant Alcyone. While the modern Les Fenêtres brasserie offers chic, contemporary dining, especially on its magnificent outdoor terrace in summer, with dishes full of all things Provencal and audacious.

Evening drinks are best at Le Capian bar, one of the trendiest bars in the whole of Marseille and a huge favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

Review InterContinental Madrid
Review: InterContinental Madrid

Reviews

In celebration of 70 years of hospitality at InterContinental Madrid, we have reviewed this excellent InterContinental hotel and one of the few hotels in Madrid with club lounges. If you choose to stay at InterContinental Madrid, you will get free club lounge access if you book via our luxury travel concierge. The InterContinental Madrid is situated on the central and prestigious Paseo de la Castellana on the northern side of the Salamanca fashion district. This location will connect you to the vibrant social and cultural life of Madrid, one of the largest European capitals.

6. 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 on 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. We think that this location, away from the main pedestrianized center, is far from ideal for a leisure trip to Madrid.

The hotel is a very nice 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 slightly old-fashioned, although obviously luxurious.

10 Cheapest Intercontinental Hotels In The World
10 Cheapest InterContinental Hotels In The World

Tips

InterContinental is one of the world's best hotel brands with a global portfolio of hotels and resorts, but which are the cheapest InterContimnental hotels in the world, the ones that offer brilliant luxury but also brilliant value? Pioneering Travel in over 180 locations around the world for more than 70 years. InterContinental hotels offer luxurious rooms & suites in iconic locations. Brands within the InterContinental hotel group beyond the InterContinental 5-star luxury brand are Kimpton, Regent, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Voco.

Rooms are large and mix mustard and brown, and 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.

The lounge includes a private breakfast, which is usually very good at InterContinental hotels, with a very good buffet and a la carte hot dishes. Beyond breakfast, there are snacks and drinks throughout the day, and in the evening, there is a large buffet with appetizers, snacks, and drinks. Also included in this club lounge is Wi-Fi throughout your stay, an ironing service (I’m not clear if this is free), and a 10% discount at restaurant el jardín & brunch. InterContinental Club lounges are excellent, and even though I am not a fan of this hotel’s location, this is definitely the best executive club lounge in Madrid.

Club Lounge access is free here if you book via our concierge, along with benefits including a room upgrade on arrival, early check-in / late check-out (all subject to availability), and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Best Intercontinental Club Lounges
Best InterContinental Club Lounges

Tips

Which InterContinental executive club lounge is best in the world and which InterContinentals offer free executive club lounge access? The InterContinental hotel lounges outlined below include Ljubljana, London Park Lane, O2, Madrid, Malta, New York Barclay, Paris Le Grand, and Sydney are all brilliant and if you book via our luxury travel concierge, complimentary executive club lounge access is included at most of these InterContinental hotels. At certain InterContinental hotels, our concierge offers free club lounge access too.

7. InterContinental London The O2

It’s hard to choose between the two InterContinental hotels in London The best: InterContinental London Park Lane Vs. O2. InterContinental London Park Lane arguably has a better location, but the O2 has a great pool, is on the banks of the Thames, and also offers incredible views.

If you are looking for a luxury hotel near the O2 venue 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.

I stayed here for the World Travel Market 2017, held at the Excel Exhibition Centre, and the journey was superbly convenient. The Emirates Air Line cable car is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Hop on this cable car, which takes you above and over the River Thames with spectacular views of the Thames Barrage and London Airport before you “land” on the other side of the river just along from Excel. It’s a brilliant way to travel, as long as you don’t mind heights! The Excel exhibition center is just a 5-minute walk from the cable car station.

What Is The Best Club Or Executive Lounge In London 2022
What Is The Best Club Or Executive Lounge In London?

Tips

What is the best club or executive lounge in the top luxury hotels across London? The club lounge at the InterContinental London has the best club lounge for views (pictured above), and the Langham hosts the best club lounge for food in London. Book a standard room at the InterContinental London Park Lane via our luxury travel concierge (rates tend to range from £400 GBP to £600 GBP depending on the day and the season), and you will get a guaranteed room upgrade and Club Lounge access free. This has got to be one of the best hotel deals in London!

The hotel is also convenient for flights out of London City Airport. The airport is just 3 stops away via the DLR, east London’s Docklands Light Railway. I love the DLR. These driverless trains travel on rails, which are mainly around 10 meters aloft, making it a picturesque way to travel around this side of the city.

Beyond the O2 and stations, there is no high street to explore in the hotel’s vicinity, but you can easily connect to charming Greenwich by riverboat. It is well worth spending an afternoon in Greenwich; it’s full of history with the Royal Observatory, the historic ship the Cutty Sark, and a green park extending up a hill, offering excellent views of London.

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 really 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 really is a joy and is connected to the ESPA spa area, so it 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 or not.

Best Executive Or Club Lounges In Paris Hotels
Best Executive Or Club Lounges In Paris Hotels

Tips

This article outlines the hotels in Paris that offer guests the best club or executive lounges. InterContinental Paris Le Grand Club lounge is the best in Paris, followed by Hôtel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe lounge, Hilton Paris Opera executive lounge, and Renaissance Paris La Defense lounge, which is probably the worst. Many of the Disneyland Paris hotels have club lounges, although Disney hotels don't tend to offer a decent evening meal in their lounges or alcoholic drinks unless you pay extra.

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, you hardly need to use them!

Breakfast is served at the Market Brasserie, and you could not wish for more choice. Cereals, bread, muffins, hams, smoked fish, eggs any way you like them, meats (sausages, bacon), salads. I could go on, but suffice to say that you will find something lovely to munch on. The Eighteen Sky Bar is worth mentioning as the views are some of the best I have seen across London, right at the top of the building.

8. InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel

I adore the South of France, it’s like a playground for luxury travel, and the gorgeous city of Bordeaux in the southwest of the region is one to include in your visit. Stay somewhere as stunning as the city itself at the InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel.

Hotel Review Intercontinental Ljubljana Slovenia
Hotel Review: InterContinental in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Reviews

Ljubljana is Slovenia's capital and the largest city and the InterContinental is housed in the tallest building in the city. Ljubljana is known for its university population and green spaces, including expansive Tivoli Park. The curving and picturesque Ljubljanica River is lined with outdoor cafes where you can while the day away sipping a coffee or a beer and watch the boats chug by and people wander past, making this city a brilliant destination for the summer.

The hotel lies on the Place de la Comédie in the very heart of the city’s ‘Golden Triangle.’ The passionate 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 the tram stops right outside the hotel if you don’t fancy walking.

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, which is what you would expect from the best hotel in France (World Travel Award 2018)! 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 whilst you soak up the magnificent city.

There are 130 rooms, 44 of which 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 amenities that exceed even those you would expect with luxury travel; think heated floors, marble bathrooms with bathtubs, ornate furnishing, high-tech television systems, and a daily newspaper. Upgrade your room for a view, and even better, upgrade to a Suite for more of that chic, opulence, more space, and an even better view.

Londons Best Hotel Restaurant Poster 2
London's Best Hotel Restaurant

Tips

If I had to choose my favourite London hotel restaurant Theo Randall at the InterContinental London Park Lane would be a very strong contender. Located in the heart of London's Mayfair Theo's restaurant consistently serves wonderful Italian cuisine, food that made me a fan from the first time I visited. I've been eating regularly at Theo Randall's restaurant since he took up residence at Mayfair's InterContinental nearly a decade ago. I still remember my first visit, excited at the prospect but slightly nervous about entrusting my evenings dining to a new chief.

The illustrious British chef Gordon Ramsay reigns supreme in the hotel’s restaurants, so you are in for a treat. Beautiful gastronomic restaurant Le Pressoir d’Argent boasts 2 Michelin stars and a menu rich in local produce. In Le Bordeaux Gordon Ramsay brasserie, you’ll find culinary delights from both Southwest France alongside traditional British dishes. Gordon Ramsay also oversees the food served in the bars, the Conference and Banqueting department, and Room Service, so you’ll enjoy the Ramsay touch wherever you dine! 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 breathtaking 360°panoramic views of Bordeaux.

9. InterContinental Athenaeum

InterContinental Athenaeum is one of the best luxury hotels in Athens. It combines elegant contemporary design and the classical architecture of the Acropolis with a serene spa, and gourmet restaurants add a subtle touch of luxury.

Spend the day exploring the city’s world-renowned ancient sites or the boutiques and galleries of Kolonaki before returning in time for champagne cocktails at the rooftop bar.

Best Luxury Hotel London With Pool
Best Luxury Hotels In London With Pools

Tips

It's good to know which luxury hotels in London have the best pools, particularly if you like to relax in a spa or are traveling with your family. It's always nice to hit the pool with the kids. The Corinthia, Peninsula, Langham, Mandarin Oriental, and Berkley pools are perfect for spa lovers and for families, these hotels have a central location within walking distance of Hamleys or Harrods Toy Department. Whichever hotel you choose, get free benefits like breakfast on your next luxury hotel booking by contacting our luxury travel concierge.

One of the highlights of this InterContinental hotel is that you can book a club room and get access to the brilliant executive club lounge here. This is one of the best hotel club lounges in Athens. The clubrooms themselves offer aristocratic accommodation and stunning views of the city’s most important historical points of interest, with the Acropolis standing majestically among them.

French architect Pierre Yves Rochon designed the InterContinental Club Rooms specifically to meet and fully satisfy the needs of even the most discriminating of guests. With impressive spaciousness, colors reminiscent of Greece, with blue hues pervading, refined wall coverings and fabrics, leather, wood, and clear glass, these rooms are rather special.

The Club Rooms have unrestricted access to the 8th floor Club InterContinental Lounge and its graceful window looking out onto the wonders that stand proud on the rock of the Acropolis opposite. Guests of the lounge have included Liza Minnelli, Neil Armstrong, Sean Connery, and the Rolling Stones, so you will hopefully feel like a superstar when you are staying here.

10. InterContinental Budapest

InterContinental Budapest features as one of the best luxury hotels in Budapest. It is a well-located but tired hotel on the banks of the Danube.

It’s located across the roundabout from Four Seasons Budapest, next to the waterfront and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. This chain bridge spans the River Danube between Buda, where you will find tree-covered hills and Buda Castle, and Pest, where this InterContinental can be found.

InterContinental Budapest Exterior
InterContinental Budapest Exterior

The design of this hotel leaves much to be desired, as it occupies an unattractive 1980s concrete building. In our view, it could benefit from refurbishment, which places it well behind the top hotels in Budapest. The Four Seasons across the roundabout, the Ritz-Carlton, the Matild Palace (a Luxury Collection Hotel), and even the Marriott Budapest, a few blocks away, all offer significantly higher levels of luxury and appeal.

InterContinental Budapest Bar
InterContinental Budapest Bar

The lobby feels like a haphazard arrangement of old sofas and random seating areas, lacking a cohesive design. While you can find a comfortable sofa and enjoy a drink at the bar, the overall setup is far from stylish. It gives the impression of a large room filled with mismatched sofas, café tables, and chairs.

That said, the price reflects this, making the hotel one of the more affordable options in Budapest. Additionally, its excellent riverside location and scenic views are definite highlights.

Intercontinental Budapest Waterfront Lounge
Review: InterContinental Budapest

Reviews

InterContinental Budapest is a modern 1970s or 1980s monstrosity that sits along the riverside pathway a few buildings up from the Marriott Budapest, which also has no beauty in terms of external design. These buildings are fairly foul from the outside, and the InterContinental feels dated on the inside, but you can't beat its location. InterContinental Budapest is also one of the main departure and drop-off hotels for Viking River Cruises, and there is a large Viking River Cruises desk centrally located in the lobby, ready to deliver and direct passengers on and off their boats.

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