InterContinental Baku by IHG

The InterContinental Baku by IHG, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a blend of contemporary luxury and historical inspiration in the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for InterContinental Baku is largely positive, with an impressive overall rating of 9.1 according to some sources. Guests frequently describe their stays as "exceptional" and "very nice". While generally highly recommended, some experiences vary, indicating a "decent hotel overall" for others. The hotel aims for a 5-star luxury experience, though some facilities might not always meet the highest luxury standards compared to other hotels in Baku.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of the InterContinental Baku:

• Service & Staff: The hotel is lauded for its professional, friendly, and helpful staff who often go "above and beyond" for guests, particularly at the front desk and in restaurants. Specific mentions include Rabiyya and Zahid for their exceptional service. Elite IHG members, especially Diamond Elite, appreciate the excellent treatment, including complimentary Club Lounge access and suite upgrades.
• Location: The hotel boasts an "excellent" and "central location," being just a block away from the seaside Baku Boulevard and within walking distance to the Old City, Nizami Street, and other major attractions.
• Design & Cleanliness: The hotel features "modern and clean" rooms, with an overall attractive design and comfortable hardware. The lobby is also noted for its beauty.
• Amenities: The Club Lounge, while small, is described as cozy with a terrace offering some views. The hotel also offers a spa with a hammam, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a children's pool.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at InterContinental Baku are described as "modern and clean," with everything feeling "new" to provide a comfortable and luxurious experience. They are generally "well-proportioned and light-filled". Guests frequently highlight the "comfy bed" and "large bathroom". Some rooms offer balconies with views of the Caspian Sea. While attractively designed with comfortable hardware and amenities like Agraria toiletries and gold trims, some guests noted unusual window placement with two windows at each end of the wall rather than a larger central one, and doors that felt a bit light. Welcome gifts in suites have been generous, including wine, sweets, nuts, and fruits.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience receives mixed but generally positive feedback. Breakfast, served in the Khamsa Restaurant, is described as "multinational" and able to "satisfy every demand," with helpful staff, good food, and fresh produce. Options include Continental, Halal, American, and buffet choices. However, some reviews have found the breakfast to be "not good" or "mediocre" compared to other luxury hotels in Baku. The hotel's restaurant blends Mediterranean and local cuisines, and there is also a rooftop bar. The Club Lounge offers substantial "snacks" during evening hours, which some guests found to be a full plate of carbs and protein.

5. Service & Staff

The service at InterContinental Baku consistently receives high praise, with staff earning a remarkable rating of 9.5. Guests commend the "friendly and professional staff" who are "always ready to accommodate your requests". Check-in is often smooth, and the front desk staff are noted for being welcoming and explaining benefits, especially for IHG elite members. Particular individuals like Rabiyya and Zahid have been singled out for their exceptional assistance. The restaurant staff are also described as very helpful and attentive.

6. Location & Accessibility

InterContinental Baku is ideally located on Zarifa Aliyeva Street, one block from the Baku Boulevard. Its central position in Sabayil provides "easy access to popular attractions, shopping districts, and dining options". It is within walking distance to the Old City, Nizami Street, and the Caspian Sea. The hotel is next to a Lamborghini dealership and escalators to an underground pedestrian pathway, allowing safe access to the Boulevard.

7. Value & Pricing

The hotel is generally considered to offer "good value for money". With an average price for a one-night stay around $154.73 for two adults, it compares favorably to the average hotel room price in Baku of $105, suggesting that despite its luxury amenities, it remains accessible to a range of travelers. Benefits like complimentary Club Lounge access for IHG Diamond Elite members add to the perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While highly rated, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Noise Insulation: Rooms facing the main street, particularly on lower floors, can suffer from significant street noise due to insufficient sound insulation, making it difficult to rest or sleep.
• Facilities (Gym & Pool): The gym and indoor pool are sometimes perceived as "disappointing" or looking more like they belong to a Holiday Inn rather than a luxury hotel, contrasting with the modernity of the rooms.
• Breakfast Quality: Although often praised, some guests have found the breakfast to be mediocre or not up to the standard of other luxury hotels.
• Room Size/Balcony: Some standard rooms might be considered small, and the lack of a balcony in certain room types has been a disadvantage for some guests.
• Service Lapses: While generally excellent, isolated incidents of poor room cleanliness (e.g., missing bathrobes, delayed sheet changes), slow room service, and initial unhelpful front desk responses have been reported. There was also a complaint about undercooked food from room service.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. sealthedealtravels.com
4. wheree.com
5. booking.com
6. michelin.com
7. agoda.com
8. flyertalk.com
9. expedia.com
10. booking.com