Rankine Advisors of Atlanta

Review of InterContinental Amstel Amster...

I just checked into this hotel and I am giving thi...

I just checked into this hotel and I am giving this hotel a 1 star. I arrived at this hotel with 2 very heavy bags a heavy book bag and a small shoulder bag. I was sadly disappointed that as a guest, no one was available outside to assist me with my luggage. After sweating and juggling up a flight of stairs with my luggage, once inside I was then approached by a bell man asking did I need assistance. I was so upset that I kept my mouth closed because I was tired and sweaty. Furthermore I was greeted by Kimberly who I complained to about my luggage but all I received was an apology in which I felt was not sincere at all, very robotic. To give her the benefit of the doubt she was not the manager so maybe it was out of her scope to do something for my struggles but I do feel strongly it is within her scope to advocate on my behalf and communicate with management on my luggage situation. Nonetheless with a very bright smile I indicated to Kimberly that this was my first time in Amsterdam and I decided to stop here for one day. I requested as a Spire Elite member could I be provided a complimentary upgrade to a suite if available. She made a phone call and stated to me that she does have a suite available for only an extra charge of a $150 Euros extra I may have it. I was a little surprise she replied with this as I have never been offered an upgrade with a fee associated with it. She then indicated to me that I booked my reservation using points and because of that I am not entitled to the same benefits. Once again this was news to me since I had just booked a night under points in Paris at a boutique Hotel Indigo IHG property and was provided a Junior suite upgrade with no issues. I replied to Kimberly that I was only staying one night and all I want is a nice room upgrade if possible and now that I know you have it may I be provided the upgrade. She refused kindly and I suggested I speak to a manager. A Bonny came out who I am not sure if she was a manager or not but she was the one who decided to discuss with me further on my concerns and needs. Immediately Bonny made reference to me booking with points and me not being a Ambassador. She stated if I had the Ambassador membership I would be guaranteed an upgrade but because I am only Spire Elite those benefits at her hotel are not available under points. I explained to her that through the IHG website and on paper it indicated that a complimentary room upgrade is part of the benefits. I must say Bonny and the hotel made me feel very insignificant. Apparently Spire Elite at Intercontinental means nothing and ones loyalty to the IHG brand is irrelevant. No one even thanked me for being Spire Elite or offered me an Spire benefits. Nonetheless the communication back and fourth continued with me and Bonny as she continued to make me feel even more insignificant as her staff watched me be denied benefits. She eventually said as a courtesy she will offer me a river view instead of a city view. I replied just please check me in I am so tired and frustrated right now and I don't have the energy. I maintained my professionalism but Bonny just kept making shots at my status. She even inappropriately asked "oh so what other hotels have you stayed at?" What do you do for work?' I guess if you are not walking around with millions of dollars or White in color then you are nobody. I do not like to throw the race card but as CEO of my own company and Heavy IT consultant, i have invested over hundred thousand dollars between various hotel chains and never have I felt so insignificant at a hotel. Let us not forget the alleged manager Bonnie was aware of luggage struggles and offered nothing. She did so inappropriately offer Ambassador membership at a heavy fee to upgrade me to a suite. SMH...simply ridiculous. In the states no such thing like this would have occurred. I think after this experience I am done supporting this IHG brand. They are simply not loyal, Marriott, SPG & Hilton Worldwide would never have treated me like this. I can't stress enough to save your time & money!