InterContinental New York – which one?

[Richard Peters]

Peeps looking to book a surprise trip to NYC for wife’s birthday.

Which is better the I/C in Times Square or the I/C Barclay and why based on your experience?

TIA

[TGLoyalty]

Any reason why it must be an IC rather than other IHG property?

Also what’s your expectation of better?

Do you have Royal Ambassador for example that gets you lounge benefits etc

[Rob]

Time Square has decent views if you are high up. However the owner is desperate to leave IHG – it has filed lawsuits to break the management agreement, which have been rejected I think – and I’m not sure what state it is in.

Biggest issue = zero public space. It is the definition of a bed factory.

You walk in, there is a reception desk and the lifts. That’s it. You probably have more circulation space in your living room.

Barclay was refurbed recently and is ‘old school’ – a huge lobby, big open areas across the ground floor etc. No real views as its fairly low rise compared to neighbours. Quieter location (just north of Grand Central, close to Waldorf Astoria) with no Times Square madness, although the IC is not directly on Times Square.

I might take a top floor room at TS, for the views, over the Barclay but otherwise it would be the latter.

[Richie]

IC Ts Sq is good for the edgy night life in Hell’s Kitchen, IC B’clay is good for Grand Central high end drinking opportunities and flexing the credit cards along Fifth Avenue.

I have not stayed at the IC B’clay since the refurbishment.

[BA Flyer IHG Stayer]

Rob wrote a review of the Barclay but it’s from 2016 so take that into account.

https://www.headforpoints.com/2016/07/15/review-intercontinental-barclay-new-york-hotel/

[Phil H]

I stayed at IC The Barclay in June last year and really enjoyed it, for the reasons already mentioned. Traditional hotel, large public spaces, good location. I would stay there again. Free breakfast as Diamond was excellent.

[Parklife]

Any experience of connecting rooms at either of these?

[Richard Peters]

TGLoyalty wrote:

Any reason why it must be an IC rather than other IHG property?

Also what’s your expectation of better?

Do you have Royal Ambassador for example that gets you lounge benefits etc

OH likes the IC brand and have Diamond Status

[NorthernLass]

Parklife wrote:

Any experience of connecting rooms at either of these?

If you’re travelling with children, my experiences at the ICs in Boston and Washington DC have been that if you can wangle an upgrade (paid or otherwise) they have immense one-bedroom suites which are ideal for families and much cheaper than booking 2 separate rooms. Not sure how the NYC properties would match up here as rooms might be smaller and management less generous!

[Richard Peters]

Richie wrote:

IC Ts Sq is good for the edgy night life in Hell’s Kitchen, IC B’clay is good for Grand Central high end drinking opportunities and flexing the credit cards along Fifth Avenue.

I have not stayed at the IC B’clay since the refurbishment.

Thanks for the inside knowledge Rob and feedback from others and methinks it will be B’clay. Probably make a points booking and see if any crazy offers come out between now and November

[Parklife]

NorthernLass wrote:

Parklife wrote:

Any experience of connecting rooms at either of these?

If you’re travelling with children, my experiences at the ICs in Boston and Washington DC have been that if you can wangle an upgrade (paid or otherwise) they have immense one-bedroom suites which are ideal for families and much cheaper than booking 2 separate rooms. Not sure how the NYC properties would match up here as rooms might be smaller and management less generous!

Older children so even a suite upgrade would not be workable as sharing a bed would be intolerable for me!

[NorthernLass]

You don’t need to share beds if there’s a sofa bed in the (separate) living room, which is often the case. If 2 older children don’t want to share, ask them to put an additional rollaway in. The suite we got in BOS was bigger than some apartments people live in and had 2 bathrooms. Cost me roughly 60k points per night plus $160 pn night upgrade fee, which was still loads cheaper than the cash price of a 2nd room.

[Aston100]

Stayed at the IC Times Square at New Years 2021.
Would not stay again.
Cold & indifferent robot-like staff; stingy about everything; rooms are dated (but in good condition).

Though to be fair, Rob is exaggerating about the space, unless of course he is comparing it to the country estate that HfPrs obviously all own.

[K3v]

I’m staying at the ic times square later in the year. Chose it over the barclay for the views and that I had read the sound proofing at the barclay could be an issue.

[Richard Peters]

IHG website only offering lower floors so relying on upgrade for a decent view so gone with B’clay for now until summer sale 🙂

[Shazza12]

Stayed 4 nights last April at IC Times Square using points, bookd standard room, emailed manager to say it was a birthday trip and got upgraded to King Premium Corner Midtown View on the top floor. Views were amazing. No resort fee charged on points stay.