Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in the world
IHG Hotels & Resorts is one of the world’s leading hotel companies, with around 325,000 employees working across more than 100 countries hospitality. IHG owns several well-known brands, with a portfolio of distinctive offerings that stretch across categories and regions. One of its brands, InterContinental, is considered the world’s largest luxury hotel brand. InterContinental hotels cater to higher-end travelers with heritage elegance, resorts, and prestigious locations in cities all over. Hospitality and excellent service are cornerstones of the brand offering. Here are my 10 favorite InterContinental Hotels and Resorts across the globe.
Think I forgot one? What is your favorite InterContinental Hotel or Resort in the world? Leave a comment.
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10. INTERCONTINENTAL PORTO – PALACIO DAS CARDOSAS, PORTUGAL
InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas offers a privileged location right in the heart of the city of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Only steps away from the city’s main attractions, the hotel inherits the elegance and history of an iconic 18th-century palace. Inside the hotel, guests can relax in the intimate wellness center, have a drink in the intimate library bar, or enjoy a culinary journey at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant Astoria. The property features 105 spacious rooms, including 16 executive suites, all of them characterized by high ceilings and a classic style of great warmth.
- Hotel website: InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas
- Other accolades: InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Portugal.
- Tip: get complimentary benefits when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people).
- Review: read my review of InterContintental Porto here.
9. INTERCONTINENTAL LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN, CALIFORNIA, USA
InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown is located in the Wilshire Grand building, standing 73 stories tall in the core of Downtown’s historic, entertainment, financial, arts, and sports districts. High-speed double-decker elevators provide a 40-second ride to an innovative Sky Lobby on the 70th floor which greets guests with large, panoramic views along with art and design inspired by L.A.’s unique culture. Each of the 889 elegantly appointed guest rooms features floor-to-ceiling windows providing spectacular views, and comes equipped with an in-room entertainment system.
- Hotel website: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
8. INTERCONTINENTAL SHANGHAI WONDERLAND, CHINA
Opened in 2018, the Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland is housed in an abandoned quarry in Songjiang, China, about 50 km ( 30 mi) from Shanghai. In contrast to China’s traditional architectural concept of building high-rises, InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland adopts an unconventional design of extending space beneath ground by reflecting the natural landscape of the quarry. The 18-story, 336 rooms hotel has two floors above ground, and 16 below ground, including two floors that are underwater in an artificial lake. The latter floors feature underwater suites that are two stories tall as well as a swimming pool.
- Hotel website: InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland
- Other accolades: Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland features in my top 10 list of the most spectacular underwater hotels in the world.
7. INTERCONTINENTAL BORDEAUX LE GRAND HOTEL, FRANCE
InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel is a favorite hideaway in the extraordinary city of Bordeaux. The property occupies an enviable position directly opposite the Opera National de Bordeaux. Having undergone a complete restoration in 2015 – without losing its original beauty and character – the hotel now offers a Michelin star gourmet restaurant ‘Le Pressoir d’Argent’ by Gordon Ramsay that serves fresh seafood and fine local wines, as well as a casual brasserie Le Bordeaux Gordon Ramsay, which draws upon the best local ingredients with big cuts of meat. Each of the 148 rooms and suites is equipped with a flat-screen TV, marble bathroom, and complimentary Internet. The hotel’s sublime, lavishly decorated spa is inspired by Roman baths.
- Hotel website: InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel
- Other accolades: InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in France.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).
6. INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY DOUBLE BAY, AUSTRALIA
It’s all in the neighborhood at InterContinental Sydney Double Bay. The city’s only five-star hotel outside the central business district is tucked within the leafy confines of this upscale village, noted for its European-style promenades and café culture. Enjoy the views from one of 140 luxury rooms, with their charming European-residence feel, or soak in the panoramic harbor from the rooftop pool. Indulge in expertly curated cocktails from award-winning bar Stillery, known for its 1940s atmosphere and focus on limited-edition gins. The florals and spices of featured gins are incorporated in Stillery restaurant’s seasonal menu.
- Hotel website: InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
5. INTERCONTINENTAL HAYMAN ISLAND, AUSTRALIA
Hayman Island is a private island resort in the heart of the Whitsundays, managed by the InterContinental Hotel Group. The nearest island to the Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island is ideal for nature based activities and exceptional guest experiences. Featuring 160 guest rooms, suites, villas and penthouses across three main accommodation wings, the property presents guests the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Restaurants and bars offer an array of local and international cuisines, while the spa is a heaven for the body and soul. The resort’s on-island experiences range from nature-bound walking trails, immersive wildlife tours, fish feeding, cultural weaving classes and a curated collection of sports and fitness activities including yoga, tennis lessons, state-of-the-art golf simulator and more.
- Hotel website: InterContinental Hayman Island
- Other accolades: Hayman Island also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Australia, the world’s most amazing private island resorts, and luxury hotels with private helipads.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: read my review of Hayman Island here (I visited the property when it was still managed by One&Only).
4. INTERCONTINENTAL OSAKA, JAPAN
Located steps from Osaka station and in one of Osaka’s most vibrant dining and shopping destinations, InterContinental Osaka offers luxurious rooms, suites and residences, all overlooking beautiful views of the glittering city skyline. The hotel offers a host of culinary experiences to tempt any palate, including Michelin starred cuisine at Pierre restaurant, whilst guests can unwind at the spa, the fitness center replete with indoor swimming pool, jet bath and sauna, and at the traditional Japanese bathhouse. Ideally placed for day trips to discover Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, the hotel is also just minutes away from many of Osaka’s attractions, including Universal Studios, Osaka Castle and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
- Hotel website: InterContinental Osaka, Japan
3. INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA RESORT & THALASSO SPA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Opened in 2006, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is located on a virgin beach on Motu Piti Aau, a coral island on the barrier reef along the eastern side of Bora Bora. The view of the main Island from the resort is unique, especially towards Mount Otemanu, rising majestically across the blue crystal waters of the spectacular lagoon. Comfortably chic bungalows jut out over the turquoise lagoon, each with a furnished sundeck with direct access to the water and an outdoor, freshwater shower. The resort boasts the region’s first thalassotherapy spa, using South Pacific marine ingredients in luscious skincare treatments.
- Hotel website: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
- Other accolades: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa features in my top 10 list of the best resorts in French Polynesia.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one dinner for two).
- Review: read my review of the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa here.
2. INTERCONTINENTAL DANANG SUN PENINSULA RESORT, VIETNAM
On a 700 m (2300 ft) private beach and wrapped in rainforest, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is nothing short of magical. Designed by famed architect Bill Bensley, the resort (with 185 rooms, suites and villas), is a whimsical take on traditional Vietnamese architecture, with captivating design details everywhere. Each room offers a panoramic view of the East Sea; the seaside villa collection includes private pools and 24/7 Villa Host service. On a lush tropical lagoon, relax body and mind in a prestigious resort spa, and dine on French cuisine led by three-Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire.
- Hotel website: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
1. INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES MAAMUNAGAU RESORT, MALDIVES
Located in the crystal clear waters of the pristine Raa Atoll, the sublime InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is a short boat ride away from one of the Maldives’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserves – Hanifaru Bay; a protected sanctuary teeming with a rich array of marine life, most notably manta rays. The property features private beach, overwater and lagoon villas and residences. Each villa has Maldivian inspired interiors alongside resort facilities such as Avi Spa designed to recharge the soul by awakening the senses. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, every guest enjoys an elevated experience of personalised service and complimentary privileges throughout the island.
- Hotel website: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
- Review: read my review of the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort here.
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The IC DaNang is easily a top contender to any 5 star resort in Asia. We stayed there in 2017 and it was such a nice place! Everything about the resort was excellent. The APEC conference was held shortly after our stay.
I absolutely love and appreciate every single review you do. You take the time to present thoughtful information which I appreciate so much. I am Currently planning a trip to Namibia as a direct result of watching your amazing videos from your trip there.
I am wondering how would a private villa start the conversation with you about reviewing their property?
Thank you for continuing to share your amazing travel experiences. So inspiring!
The IC Danang is indeed a spectacular property. Not without its problems though, as “design” rather than “user-friendly” seems to be the priority. The food at the French restaurant is sublime – I ate there thrice during a 6-night stay.
Speaking of which, the food at a similar hotel missing from this list, the IC Baan Taling Ngam in Koh Samui, is the somewhat weak feature in an otherwise stunning property.