Let me start first by explaining I have never done such an extensive review and photo capture before in any of my existing reviews. But our stay at the InterContinental was truly unforgettable and disserves appreciation. The InterContinental Phuket is a 5 star hotel delivers 6 star service and I would rate it 10/10!
Over a decade I am an active member of the Tripadvisor community and an established Top contributor (level 6), part of the 1% most influenceable contributors on Tripadvisor. My contributions are objective, independent and unbiased. My reach on Google reviews is over 21 mln views to date. Be advised this review is my personal opinion, based on our personal experience during our stay at the InterContinental Phuket.
We were the first family from the Netherlands, spending 10 nights in October 2019. As a seasoned and frequent traveler experienced in high-end hotels across North America, Caribbean, Europe and South-East Asia I can conclude as follows;
From start-to-end the overall customer experience and every touch point in it are beyond expectations!
"Start point" - during the initial contact with the InterContinental Phuket - as a SPIRE Elite member of IHG (highest tier) - I was recognized, welcomed and thanked by mister Courage (the General Manager) for my loyalty to IHG brand; "To start thank you for patronage as a valued IHG SPIRE Elite member, your loyal support is most appreciated".
"End point" - and at the end of our stay, the InterContinental's impeccable (brand new) BMW limousine transfer service (with in-car San Pellegrino and Evian waters) to the airport including luggage check-in assistance by InterContinental's Airport hostess (I have never experienced such caring service after you already checked out from the hotel!). When we arrived back in Amsterdam, we received a very warm and personal "thank you" e-mail from the Club Lounge staff.
We booked the Club InterContinental Ocean view including Club Lounge access (which also includes other additional VIP benefits and amenities). First of all the hotel is brand new, opened in July / Aug 2019. The hotel is situated at Kamala beach and located in the area where other high-end properties are also being developed. The InterContinental Phuket is a combination of a brand new (and high finishing) luxury estate, a high-end resort, yet not remotely located and direct access to a beautiful and natural beach. But let me be clear a real nice beach! The beachfront of the hotel has direct access to the (public) beach. The beach is clean and has daily high and low tide and is part of the Kamala bay. This is not a sort of artificial small hotel beach. It's rare in Thailand to have best of both worlds; a great beach and an exclusive luxury resort.
For our arrival, I booked the BMW 5 transfer service offered by the hotel (2500 Bath one-way) in advance and I highly recommend. Normal taxi transfer would be about 1000 Bath one-way. The hotel is divided in Club InterContinental Ocean View ~ 45 rooms (direct access to the beach and beach side pool). The main building, and other ~ 180 rooms and poolvilla's do not have direct access to the beach. You can easily walk from the main building to the beach and the hotel offers club car transfers. The attention to detail and representation of the InterContinental brand is impressive. We first stayed at the Pool villa, which is designed like a high-end Maldives resort villa and includes a private pool. However, we preferred Ocean View and changed to an Ocean View Club suite on the first floor (only 10 meters away from the beach!!). There are very limited Ocean View suites available and I can assure you that suite nr 2109 is the best.
You can have breakfast at the main restaurant, which serves the best coffee ever. Breakfast is good and the restaurant looks amazing. As part of the Club benefits you can also have breakfast in the Club Lounge, which includes an extensive and high quality made-to-order a-la-carte menu on top of a buffet. We also had two dinners at the Jaras. Jaras restaurant is truly one of the best restaurants on Phuket. As a New York / London vibe, service is outstanding and the food the the best I have had in Thailand so far. The Club Lounge is a great benefit. Complimentary cocktails are served and are better quality than I experienced in any other Lounges (e.g. Belvedere and Ketel One Vodka). During the day, Afternoon Tea is served with home made sweets and savories. The team of the Club made us feel the lounge was like a "living room" extension of our suite.
As a family we like to give back to the local community. The concierge advised "The Phuket Sunshine Village". This foundation accommodates about ~ 60 orphan children that are in need. The hotel was kind enough to provide a complimentary transfer to the Village. One of the Club Lounge's staff members Mayom, offered us to assist us with doing the groceries on his day-off and also coordinated shopping requirements with the Foundation, so we were able to buy items in highest need.
Finally, I would like thank Sea and her team (especially Mayom) for the warm and personal care provided in the Club Lounge. Air, the barista in the main restaurants provided us with "daily moments of happiness" with her fantastic cappuccino's (which can compete with hipster coffee bars in Amsterdam and London). And a huge compliment to the GM of the InterContinental as well. Of all InterContinental's I've stayed so far, our experience at the InterContinental Phuket was by far the best. The Ro
There is no doubt that your team will create unforgettable experiences for other guests as well!
