Even when on a hurried business trip there are times to switch of and relax so it is of interest to see what our Hotels offer.
Basic requirement would be a television in the room, as far as I know all IHG Hotels offer this, but only a few years ago it was an optional extra. Nowadays the Hotels should offer a reasonable selection of programmes in that countries home language. It was interesting in that our most recent stay at a HIX had a better selection of English programmes than the London Intercontinental.
If we regard a restaurant as a leisure facility then I expect it a place to relax in while enjoying the meal not with loud music and a reasonable competent service level.
We will usually expect a bar; a lot of the HI and HIX seem to be setting bars a pub type facilities catering for passing trade by offering big screen televisions offering major sporting events. Some have pool tables. I would like all these bars to have quiet areas so those who would just like to have a coffee and chat can so to do. So in other words a lounge area would be appreciated. The bars should offer snacks and quick lunches for passing business visitors.
Most HI in UK would have a gym and swimming pool while moving to Crown plazas we would expert a little more such as a sauna and steam room. A place to relax is the Jacuzzi. It is most important to have a good leisure club manager who will ensure the highest degree of maintenance as well as regular cleaning of the poolside, changing facilities as well as the reception are. Staff should be as welcoming here as in the Hotel reception.
The higher you go the more you will get. Crowne plazas often have Hairdressers and barbers as well as beauty salons offering a wide range of treatments. After a long journey a back massage can be just the thing.
At the Intercontinentals there is usually a full spa with top rated beauty salons offering top class treatments for a price.
It would be useful if all the IHG hotels gave guests free access to all the spa’s in all the Hotels not making it an extra in some cases. One Crowne plaza we stayed at had an additional charge for the indoor pool and gym. This is a lack of consistency. I am glad to say that as far as I am aware all but one of all the UK IHG hotels give guests complimentary access to the leisure facilities and so they should.
