IHG Hotels & Resorts is one of the world’s largest hotel chains, with 18 different brands comprising everything from affordable Holiday Inn and family-friendly Staybridge Suites to upmarket Regent and ultraluxurious Six Senses in more than 6,000 locations worldwide. InterContinental is considered part of IHG’s “luxury and lifestyle collection.” The brand debuted in 1946 and now counts more than 200 hotels in over 100 countries, with another 90 hotels in the pipeline.
The brand’s portfolio ranges from corporate-feeling hotels in glass-and-steel skyscrapers to historic gems that are cornerstones of their destinations. The best InterContinental hotels combine stylish design, destination dining, excellent service and fantastic amenities. Some are luxurious resorts in dreamy destinations, while others are city hotels in U.S. and European hubs. Best of all, you can earn and redeem IHG One Rewards points at them.
Taking into account location, value, design, dining and drinking outlets, amenities and service, we’re sharing 17 of the best InterContinental hotels in the world.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
Raa Atoll, Maldives
Best for: Families and couples looking for a Maldivian experience with a more all-inclusive feel.
Why stay here: From The Retreat, an adults-only enclave, to the family-centered, three-bedroom overwater residences, each guest can find a space right for them.
Best way to book: Book directly with IHG to earn or redeem IHG One Rewards points or via Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.
Located on a private island in the Raa Atoll, near the UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau is the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort. That means in addition to friendly, attentive service, guests can expect that breakfast, afternoon tea, evening aperitifs and water or soft drinks at The Retreat and Pool Bar will be included in the price of a stay.
Peppered around the island are 81 villas, including beach villas, overwater villas and lagoon residences, which range from one- to three-bedroom accommodations big enough for a family. The design is contemporary, with chic touches like overlapping carpets, four-poster beds, beaded lamps and lacquer tables.
Six restaurants and bars offer a variety of options, from wood-fired pizza to teppanyaki. In addition to the main pool, The Retreat is an adults-only pool bar that serves light meals and drinks. Cafe Umi is a family-friendly spot open from breakfast through dinner. The Lighthouse is a picturesque restaurant serving Mediterranean seafood. Fish Market — only open for dinner — serves the catch of the day. The Collective comprises a pizzeria, deli and gelato bar. There’s also the Sunset Bar, where you can sip Champagne with gorgeous views of the sea.
The spa has six overwater treatment rooms, and offers manicures and pedicures by Margaret Dabbs London, along with hosting visiting wellness practitioners. Complimentary activities include daily yoga and the use of nonmotorized water sports equipment (kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear). The water sports center also has Jet Skis and wakeboarding and water skiing equipment available for a fee. The kids club is free for 4-12-year-olds from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Rates start at $821 per night; award nights are not currently available at this property.
InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel
Bordeaux, France
Best for: Wine lovers who want a historic hotel from which to explore the area’s vineyards.
Why stay here: A reference point in Bordeaux, this opulent hostellerie boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, sumptuous yet playful interior design and a Guerlain spa.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn IHG One Rewards points while enjoying elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking directly with IHG.
Built in 1770 as an aristocratic mansion, this legendary property became a grand hotel in 1902 and was later expanded into several other nearby 18th-century buildings and renovated by esteemed designer Jacques Garcia, who’s known for sumptuous interiors. It’s located right in the heart of Bordeaux, with the opera house (designed by the same architect) just across the Place de la Comedie.
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As you’d expect from a hotel designed by Garcia, the rooms and suites feature plenty of frills, from shapely statement headboards to heavy draperies and patterned wallpaper. Entry-level rooms are a bit snug, so if space is a priority, consider booking one of the premium rooms or suites.
There are four restaurants and bars, including the two-Michelin-starred Pressoir d’Argent Gordon Ramsay, whose signature dish is lobster with sauce made in the sterling silver lobster press by Christofle. There are more budget-friendly options at Le Bordeaux and Winter Bar L’Orangerie. The rooftop bar, Night Beach, is open seasonally and serves wine, cocktails and light bites.
On the fifth floor is the Guerlain Spa with eight treatment rooms, a pool, sauna, hammam, relaxation room and gym. In addition to a variety of massages and facials, there’s an anti-aging treatment developed exclusively for the hotel.
Rates start at $277 or 43,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Da Nang, Vietnam
Best for: Beach bunnies who still want an elevated, sustainable hotel experience.
Why stay here: The Mi Sol Spa’s Rituals treatments, which combine fitness, pampering, sleep support and sound healing, ensure your body and mind are equally rejuvenated.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn IHG points while enjoying elitelike benefits and on-property credits, via American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts, or redeem your points by booking directly with IHG.
Set in the Son Tra Nature Reserve, the InterContinental Danang is set along a secluded beach, but the popular town of Hoi An is just about an hour away. Designed by renowned Bangkok-based designer Bill Bensley, it has restaurants, facilities, rooms and suites built along a ridge that descends to the sea. A cute little funicular shuttles guests up and down to the various levels.
There are 201 rooms and suites, ranging from spacious rooms positioned on the top tier with sweeping views, to three-bedroom beach villas perfect for families. Contrasting white linens and dark wood furnishings are like a canvas onto which Bensley added color and texture in the form of rugs, lamps, cushions and other elements inspired by traditional Vietnamese crafts.
The three main restaurants are Citron, an all-day eatery with circular tables and panoramic views serving Vietnamese cuisine; Barefoot, a casual beachside restaurant offering continental fare like grilled seafood and meats; and La Maison 1888, a fine dining restaurant by French chef Pierre Gagnaire, which serves three-, four- and five-course tasting menus. There’s also the L_o_n_g Bar inspired by the Long Bar at the historic Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
Aside from standard amenities, the resort has a gallery with artwork by Bill Bensley, tennis courts and a soccer field. There are daily activities like a massage workshop and a wildlife workshop in which a staff member takes guests around the property in a golf cart to search for macaque and endangered red-shanked douc langur monkeys.
Rates start at $400 or 66,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Best for: Luxury travelers who love a historic grande dame.
Why stay here: Built in 1867, this elegant hotel has hosted VIPs including Queen Elizabeth II and David Bowie.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn IHG One Rewards points while enjoying elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking directly with IHG.
Standing graciously on the banks of the Amstel River, the formidable InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam is slightly removed from the most crowded parts of the city center and a 10-minute walk from the hip De Pijp neighborhood. The elegant facade oozes European charm, which continues inside in the marble-floored lobby with its grand staircase and elaborately decorated woodwork.
The traditional decor extends to the rooms and suites, which are furnished with antiques. Some rooms have toile de jouy wallpaper, Delft porcelain or lovely old prints. If you want a view of the river, be sure to specify that when you book.
The Amstel Restaurant serves international cuisine, like steak tartare and a burger on a brioche bun with onion jam and cheddar. Afternoon tea is an elegant affair served on white tablecloths in a pretty room with chandeliers hanging from the skylights. The bar is the most modern space in the hotel, with contemporary light fixtures and leather banquettes or chairs.
The Amstel Health & Fitness Club comprises an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, cold plunge pool and gym. There’s also a short menu of massages available, including Swedish massages, deep tissue massages and Ayurvedic massages.
Rates start at $498 or 80,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Best for: Island-hoppers searching for that perfect overwater villa experience.
Why stay here: The 13,000-square-foot Deep Ocean Spa offers Polynesian-inspired treatments performed in serene glass-bottom bungalows.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn IHG points while enjoying elite-like benefits and on-property credits or via American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, or redeem your points by booking directly with IHG.
A favorite resort for destination weddings and honeymoons, the luxurious InterContinental Bora Bora is one of the best hotels in French Polynesia. The location on Motu Piti Aau, a coral islet surrounded by aquamarine water and boasting views of Mount Otemanu, is every bit as dreamy as you’d imagine.
The restaurants, bars, spa, pool, boutiques and dive center are located on the main island, which is connected to the overwater bungalows via a pair of jetties. All of the villas, regardless of category, have a wooden platform and ladder for direct access to the lagoon. You can upgrade to a pool villa if you want a private pool.
There are six restaurants and bars, ranging from a casual beach shack to the elegant Le Corail, which has the largest wine cellar in French Polynesia. You can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at Reef Restaurant or Asian-influenced dishes at Sands Restaurant. Theme nights feature entertainment like Tahitian music or fire dancing.
The resort’s staff feed the stingrays every day, giving guests the chance to swim with these creatures. Guests can also learn about Polynesian culture at the “Secret Garden of Love” and about the resort’s coral regeneration project at the Lagoonarium. Kayaks and paddleboards are free to use, and more adrenaline-pumping activities like parasailing and skydiving are available for a fee.
Rates start at $1,171; award nights are not currently available at this property.
InterContinental The Willard Washington, DC
Washington, D.C., USA
Best for: Those with even the highest presidential standards.
Why stay here: With more than 200 years of history inside its walls, it’s no wonder why former President Abraham Lincoln fell in love with the grandeur of The Willard. It’s steps from attractions like the White House, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture and the Washington Monument.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn IHG One Rewards points while enjoying elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking directly with IHG.
Named for its erstwhile manager, Henry Willard, who began running the hotel in 1847, the Willard is Washington, D.C., history incarnate. Just a couple of blocks from the White House, it has hosted everyone from Abraham Lincoln to Martin Luther King Jr., not to mention the first Japanese delegation to visit the U.S. and many other VIP guests. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, too.
Befitting a hotel with this legacy, rooms and suites feature classic decor, with white linens, stately headboards and blue walls, carpets and armchairs. Oversize workdesks with integrated power outlets and USB ports are a nice touch for business travelers. Front-facing rooms on higher floors have a view of the National Mall and its monuments and museums.
All three of its dining outlets are highly acclaimed and have won various awards. Cafe du Parc is an elegant French brasserie. Peacock Alley is one of the best places in D.C. for an elegant afternoon tea. The Round Robin Bar — established in 1847 — is known for its round bar, oak-paneled walls and its signature drink, the mint julep, which Sen. Henry Clay introduced to Washington here.
As if all that wasn’t enough, there’s also a fitness center, full-service spa and multimedia studio. Kids are encouraged to check out books during their stay with a Willard Library Card and can earn “Duck Bucks” that can be redeemed for a special treat at Le Bar inside Cafe du Parc.
Rates start at $340 or 52,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Hayman Island, Queensland, Australia
Best for: Travelers in the market for an upscale beach vacation with luxurious amenities like private yacht charters and helicopter flights.
Why stay here: This InterContinental outpost serves as a fabulous home base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, plus it offers plenty of pampering to enjoy after a snorkeling or diving excursion.
Best way to book: Book directly with IHG to earn or redeem IHG points, or via American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.
An iconic private-island resort in the Whitsundays off the coast of Queensland, the InterContinental Hayman Island is one of the jewels of the Great Barrier Reef. Hayman Island was first developed for tourism in the 1940s, and the current resort was built in the ‘80s. After being hit by a tropical cyclone in 2017, it took a redesign to the tune of $94 million to bring it back to its former glory, transforming it into an InterContinental in the process.
The resort has just 168 rooms and the island comprises 988 acres, so it feels like there’s plenty of space for guests to spread out. The resort’s main pool is enormous, spanning one entire wing of the hotel, and there’s also an infinity pool that runs along the beach. Rooms and suites have modern interiors done up in beach-inspired hues of sandy beige and different shades of blue. Some have direct pool access.
There are four restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. A breakfast buffet is served at Pacific, which also offers a dinner buffet in the evenings. Bam Bam serves pan-Asian dishes like sashimi and Singaporean wok-fried chili prawns. Amici is the place to go for Mediterranean dishes like pizza and pasta. Aqua offers fish tacos and margaritas, among other Mexican fare.
The spa has a robust set of offerings for both men and women, with massages, facials, wraps, mani-pedis, waxing and hair styling. There’s also a gym, though many guests prefer to get some exercise by hiking on the trails and enjoying water sports. Kayaks and paddleboards are free to use, while activities like snorkeling and diving excursions can be booked for a fee.
Rates start at $444 or 71,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
InterContinental Edinburgh The George
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Best for: Travelers who appreciate historic hotels but want modern amenities.
Why stay here: One of the oldest hotels in Edinburgh, The George has been refreshed with modern design, a nice restaurant and a casual coffee shop.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn IHG One Rewards points while enjoying elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking directly with IHG.
Smack dab in the center of Edinburgh, on bustling George Street, which is lined with boutiques and pubs, this landmark hotel occupies five Georgian townhouses dating as far back as 1775. A multimillion-dollar renovation ushered the property into the 21st century, with all the modern comforts today’s travelers want, while keeping the buildings’ historic charm.
The 240 rooms and suites are done up in muted colors inspired by Scottish landscape paintings. Front-facing rooms have views of George Street, while rear-facing rooms tend to be a bit quieter. Historical details like bay windows and high ceilings lend the rooms authenticity and charm.
A casual cafe called Burr & Co. serves coffee, breakfast, light lunch items and bistro-style fare. Le Petit Beefbar, a new restaurant that’s part of the Beefbar franchise originating in Monaco, will open this summer.
The hotel also has an event venue called Kings Hall that’s popular for weddings. The concierge team can arrange experiences like afternoon tea, private whisky tastings and visits to Scotland’s most stately mansions, too.
Rates start at $210 or 35,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
InterContinental David Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, Israel
Best for: Travelers who want executive perks and a great location near the beach.
Why stay here: With an executive lounge and massive pool, this high-rise hotel offers plenty of opportunities to mix business with pleasure.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn IHG One Rewards points while enjoying elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking directly with IHG.
The InterContinental David Tel Aviv overlooks the beach and is in a highly prized location with easy access to the sea and the hip neighborhood of Neve Tzedek. The attractions of northern Tel Aviv and Jaffa are a quick taxi ride away. All in all, it’s one of the best hotels in Tel Aviv.
The 516 rooms and 39 suites are clean and modern without many frills. Business travelers will appreciate the large desks and universal outlets. The Classic Terrace rooms have private balconies with views of the beach.
Breakfast is a big deal in Israel and the buffet at Jaffa Court doesn’t disappoint. The lavish outlay includes Israeli cheeses, salads, fresh juices, pastries and hot food like eggs made to order.
The large outdoor pool makes this hotel appealing to leisure as well as business travelers. There’s also a well-equipped gym and a spa.
Rates start at $388 or 64,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
InterContinental Ljubljana
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Best for: Fans of sleek, modern design in an underrated destination.
Why stay here: Set in a skyscraper in the center of Slovenia’s capital, this contemporary hotel has a minimalist design and great views from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn IHG One Rewards points while enjoying elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking directly with IHG.
Ljubljana’s most striking hotel is housed in a glass-walled skyscraper with a sleek contemporary design and a great location in Slovenian capital’s business district, near the train station and not too far from the historic center.
All of the 165 rooms and suites face the city, with the best views reserved for the suites. The furnishings are sleek and contemporary, with color schemes that hew toward neutral gray, brown and beige with some pops of color. Most bathrooms have a walk-in rainfall shower and a deep soaking tub.
B-Restaurant & Bar spans the entire 20th floor and has an outdoor terrace as well as a stylish indoor space. It serves an ample breakfast buffet as well as dinner. Snacks and light bites are available at various times throughout the day in the club lounge.
Another strong point is the 18th-floor spa with a zero-edge indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, two saunas and fitness center.
Rates start at $174 or 28,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
InterContinental Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Best for: Travelers who want the best views of Sydney’s glorious harbor.
Why stay here: From its location on Macquarie Street, Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens are all just a stone’s throw away.
Best way to book: Book directly with IHG to earn or redeem IHG One Rewards points and enjoy any elite benefits.
A $120 million renovation in 2022 has given new life to this stalwart on Sydney’s famous harbor. Design studio Woods Bagot spruced up both the historic sandstone Treasury Building that forms the hotel’s heart and the 1980s high-rise expansion.
There are 509 rooms and 28 suites, many of which boast stunning views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They’ve been done up in cool blues and greens, some with boxy sofas positioned under the windows to capitalize on the views.
The Treasury restaurant anchors a skylit atrium with striking black-and-white tile floors and an eye-catching central bar surrounded by potted plants. In addition to excellent cocktails, it serves international fare like club sandwiches and burgers. But the best views are to be had at Aster, a new bar high up on the 32nd floor. Breakfast is served in the Conservatory Restaurant.
Aside from the spruced-up Club InterContinental, amenities include a heated indoor pool on the 31st floor, a gym equipped with Technogym equipment and a Peloton bike and a Vera Wang boutique on the ground floor.
Rates start at $199 or 35,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
InterContinental Koh Samui Resort
Koh Samui, Thailand
Best for: Families and couples who want privacy in paradise.
Why stay here: On a secluded part of Koh Samui, this beachfront resort has seven swimming pools, a water sports center and a kids club.
Best way to book: Book directly with IHG to earn or redeem IHG One Rewards points and enjoy any elite benefits.
Considered one of the best resorts on the island of Koh Samui, this 22-acre beachfront hotel is popular among honeymooners and families who love the secluded location. Seven different pools ensure that you never have to compete for a lounge chair.
Rooms and suites are tastefully beachy, with parquet floors, plush beds and Thai-inspired decor elements. Two-bedroom villas cater to families, while the honeymoon suite includes butler service and Club InterContinental benefits like lounge access with afternoon tea and evening digestifs.
There are two restaurants plus the Air Bar, which boasts jaw-dropping sunset views and was included in the bestselling book, “1,000 Places to See Before You Die.” Amber is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while Flames is the resort’s beachfront restaurant serving grilled seafood and meats for lunch and dinner.
The award-winning Baan Thai Spa by Harnn offers both Western and Asian treatments. On-property activities include yoga on the pier, Thai boxing and stand-up paddleboarding lessons. The concierge can also organize half- or full-day tours to neighboring islands, sunset cruises and more.
Rates start at $202 or 36,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
InterContinental Paris – Le Grand
9th Arrondissement, Paris, France
Best for: History buffs and foodies looking to stay in the heart of the French capital.
Why stay here: This historic hotel actually predates the neighboring Palais Garnier opera house, and its restaurant, Cafe de la Paix, is designated a national monument.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn IHG One Rewards points while enjoying elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking directly with IHG.
Grande dame hotels are a dime a dozen in Paris, but this one is special, and not just because you can actually redeem points to stay there. Located on the Right Bank, just up the block from the Palais Garnier opera house and a short walk from the sprawling classic department stores on Boulevard Hausmann, it originally opened in 1862 and still charms guests with exquisite luxury and attentive service.
Classic Parisian style reigns in the rooms and suites, some of which are livened up with cardinal-red, sapphire or canary-yellow cushions. The best rooms have balconies with breathtaking views of the city’s rooftops. Sumptuous suites have one, two or four bedrooms.
The Cafe de la Paix — which is designated a national monument — is a Parisian institution once frequented by luminaries like Victor Hugo and Ernest Hemingway. It still buzzes with guests all day long, starting with breakfast and going right through to dinner. The cafe and terrace menu focuses on lighter fare like Caesar salads, club sandwiches and croque monsieurs, while the restaurant menu has a full oyster bar and serves classic French dishes like onion soup and sole meuniere.
The spa includes a Balmain hair salon and offers beauty treatments, facials and massages. Hotel guests get free access to the sauna and hammam in addition to the fitness center.
Rates start at $488 or 80,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
InterContinental Barcelona
Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
Best for: Travelers who love a cool new hotel in an Old World city.
Why stay here: One of the brand’s newest openings, this sleek hotel is a modern urban retreat with a restaurant by Spain’s youngest Michelin-starred chef and a buzzy poolside rooftop bar.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn IHG One Rewards points while enjoying elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking directly with IHG.
Located off the beaten path in the quiet, hilly neighborhood of Montjuic, the InterContinental Barcelona is a reflag of an old Crowne Plaza hotel that’s been revamped. With its massive gold art installation representing a map of Barcelona and eye-catching lighting fixture, the lobby and public spaces are especially striking.
The hotel touts itself as having the largest standard rooms in the city, and at 450 square feet, they are indeed very spacious. Plush beds, comfy sofas, floating desks, large closets and Chromecast TVs come standard, though the stark white bathrooms might feel clinical to some.
There are five restaurants and bars, though the most impressive by far is Quirat, the restaurant helmed by Victor Torres, Spain’s youngest Michelin-starred chef. Gebre, the lobby bar, serves creative cocktails like a Negroni riff with Spanish whiskey, vermouth and Campari. 173 Rooftop Terrace serves tapas and mains along with panoramic views.
The spa has a fitness center and water circuit, which comprises a hydrotherapy pool, waterbeds, water jets and a sauna. There’s also a range of treatments including facials, scrubs and massages.
Rates start at $213 or 39,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa
Beppu, Oita, Japan
Best for: Wellness-focused travelers who want to experience Japan’s onsen culture in a modern, international setting.
Why stay here: This beautiful new-ish resort has both public and private onsens, so guests uncomfortable with public nudity can still experience Japan’s famous hot springs.
Best way to book: Book directly with IHG to earn or redeem IHG One Rewards points and enjoy any elite benefits.
Opened in 2019, this is the first luxury resort by an international brand in Beppu, a city on Japan’s southernmost island of Kyushu, which is known for its natural hot springs. It’s the ideal place for travelers who seek the comfort of international standards (including Western-style beds rather than tatami mats) but want to immerse themselves in Japan’s famous onsen (hot spring and bathing) culture.
The design throughout the hotel is minimalist and modern, with a gray color palette warmed up by accents made of natural materials like wood, bamboo and stone. Rooms and suites have contemporary furnishings and nice touches like custom yukata robes and geta sandals for guests to wear at the onsen.
Breakfast at the all-day restaurant Elements includes both traditional Japanese and Western items. The elegant Atelier restaurant serves European cuisine with Japanese influences. Sitting at the counter allows guests to observe the chefs working in the open kitchen.
The resort’s calling card is the spa with both public and private onsens. Mineral-rich thermal water is pumped into the resort from the nearby hot springs. Following Japanese custom, nudity is de rigueur, but travelers uncomfortable with public nudity can book the private family onsen. There’s also a gym, outdoor pool and Harnn spa for treatments like facials and massages.
Rates start at $416 or 71,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
Los Angeles, California, USA
Best for: Business travelers with expense accounts.
Why stay here: Housed on the upper floors of the Wilshire Grand Center in downtown L.A., this luxe modern hotel has a trendy rooftop bar and a French-inspired steakhouse in addition to amenities like a huge gym and indoor pool.
Best way to book: Book directly with IHG to earn or redeem IHG One Rewards points and enjoy any elite benefits.
Part of the new Wilshire Grand Center—the tallest building in L.A. and the tallest hotel west of the Mississippi River—the InterContinental Los Angeles occupies the top floors of an office building owned by Korean Air. When you arrive at street level, an elevator whisks you up to the triple-height 70th-floor sky lobby, which has incredible views.
The 889 rooms and suites are located on the 31st to 68th floors. The decor is modern and fairly corporate, but there’s some nice California-inspired artwork. Of course, the main appeal is the view, which stretches all the way to the Hollywood sign, Beverly Hills and even Santa Monica and the Pacific to the west.
There are five restaurants and bars, including the No Dive Bar (i.e., the pool bar) and the lobby lounge. Breakfast is served at Dekkadance, which has several chef stations where you can get eggs and smoothies made to order. La Boucherie is the big-ticket restaurant where business travelers with expense accounts go to indulge in pricey steaks. Spire 73 (on the 73rd floor) claims to be the highest open-air bar in the U.S. It has a fun vibe with mod seating and fire pits, but requires a minimum spending of $60 per person.
The 7th-floor pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and cabanas. It’s worth noting that this hotel has a $30 facility fee per night, which covers 24/7 access to the fitness center with steam room and sauna, complimentary bottled water, priority access to Spire 73, a discount card and special offers for local merchants, access to a digital newsstand and Wi-Fi.
Rates start at $266; award nights are not currently available at this property.
InterContinental Dubai Marina
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Best for: Travelers looking for good value in pricey Dubai.
Why stay here: Near Jumeirah Beach, this hotel has a great location and plenty of amenities for very reasonable rates.
Best way to book: Book directly with IHG to earn or redeem IHG One Rewards points and enjoy any elite benefits.
In a city known for over-the-top glitz, the InterContinental Dubai Marina offers a dose of restrained glamour. Set in a glass skyscraper just a few minutes from Jumeirah Beach, it has some eye-catching features, like oversized artworks in the lobby, but the decor in the rooms and suites is tastefully restrained.
Seven restaurants and bars offer plenty of choices, from coffee and pastries at Accents Deli to refined British fare at Marina Social by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. There’s also a gin bar called Ginter.
The wellness center comprises a gym that’s open 24 hours, a hair salon and a spa by Beauty Spot with six treatment rooms for massages, facials and more. Guests love the outdoor pool, which serves shisha and sharing plates with fantastic views of the city.
Rates start at $154 or 24,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
