InterContinental Kunming

The InterContinental Kunming, recognized as a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its luxurious offerings, exceptional service, and serene lakeside setting. Guests frequently describe it as a top choice for a comfortable and memorable stay in Kunming.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The InterContinental Kunming garners overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an impressive overall rating of 9.0 out of 10 on Agoda, and 9.6/10 based on over 8,600 reviews on Trip.com, often described as "Outstanding" or "Exceptional". The sentiment is consistently positive, highlighting the hotel as a luxurious and relaxing retreat.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the InterContinental Kunming:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff's "outstanding" and "five-star" service, marked by attentiveness and helpfulness, is a recurring highlight.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's modern grandeur, incorporating Dai-style architecture and intricate patterns, alongside lush water features, creates a beautiful and tranquil environment. The lobby, rooms, and bar area are frequently praised for their aesthetic appeal.
• Location: Its "quiet" and "wonderful" location by Dianchi Lake, within the Dianchi National Holiday Resort, offers picturesque views and a sense of escape, making it an ideal base for exploring sites outside the city.
• Amenities: The extensive spa and wellness center, indoor pool, fitness center, and yoga room are well-maintained and appreciated by guests, all available free of charge. The Club InterContinental lounge, with its outdoor terrace, is also a favored amenity.

3. Room Quality

The hotel boasts 536 spacious rooms and suites, many equipped with private balconies that offer views of the gardens, greenery, and waterways. Rooms are described as "comfortable," "luxurious," and "beautifully designed," featuring contemporary and minimalist interiors with wood accents and sometimes butterfly murals. Deluxe features often include extra-large king beds, walk-in closets, sitting areas, and oversized bathtubs, with some offering sliding glass doors for an open-plan design.

4. Dining Experience

The InterContinental Kunming offers a diverse gastronomic experience across its multiple venues. The Shang Tao Chinese Restaurant specializes in Cantonese and Yunnan flavors, while The Market provides all-day dining with a selection of Chinese, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisines, also serving breakfast. The Butterfly Bar offers international cuisine. Guests particularly commend the breakfast buffet, describing it as "highly-rated," "excellent," and "amazing," with a wide variety of Asian and Western options. The Club InterContinental Lounge also provides buffet spreads, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails and snacks. The Chinese restaurant's food, especially the clay pot rice, receives positive mentions.

5. Service & Staff

The service at InterContinental Kunming is consistently rated as "outstanding" and "five-star." Guests report that staff members are "very helpful, friendly," "attentive," and "professional," often going the extra mile to accommodate needs, such as offering room upgrades, welcoming guests with tea and gifts, and promptly assisting with requests. Specific individuals, like the Club InterContinental Manager, Mr. Alex Ai Bin, and Lobby Manager, Mr. Cao, have been highlighted for their thoughtful and reassuring service.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is nestled in the Dianchi National Holiday Resort, a "quasi-rural lakeside district" next to Dianchi Lake, providing a quiet and scenic "garden-style" environment away from city noise. It offers convenient access to local attractions such as Haigeng Dam, Yunnan Nationalities Village, and Haigeng Park, which are within walking distance. A nearby subway station also connects guests to the Kunming Railway Station and the bustling downtown area. However, some guests note that the hotel is "remote" and "far away from the city itself," with potentially congested roads to the airport, which can take up to an hour to reach. Kunming Changshui International Airport is approximately 48.3 KM away.

7. Value & Pricing

The InterContinental Kunming is generally considered to offer "great value" for its cost, with a value for money rating of 9.0 out of 10. Room prices typically start from around US$111 to US$117. The average weeknight price is about $159, while weekend nights average $134. April is noted as the cheapest month to stay, with prices dropping by an average of 9%, whereas August is the most expensive, with a 12% rise.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Language Barrier: Some guests have noted that not many staff members speak English, or only speak it poorly, which can be a challenge for international travelers.
• Room Design: A few reviews mention "see-through bathrooms" in some rooms, which may compromise privacy for certain guests.
• Air Conditioning: An isolated complaint about the air conditioning being difficult to adjust, leading to rooms being either too hot or too cold.
• Location Drawbacks: Despite its scenic appeal, the hotel's "remote" location can make it "hard to find" and commuting to the airport prone to congestion.
• Public Area Smoking: One guest expressed a desire for no smoking in public areas like the lobby.

Sources

1. trip.com
2. agoda.com
3. booking.com
4. christravelblog.com
5. fodors.com
6. michelin.com
7. ihg.com
8. luxurylaunches.com
9. ihg.com
10. kayak.com
11. traveloka.com