Summer 2019

72 Jan19428 Proven Excellence in European Hospitality InterContinental hotels have long been considered one of the finest establishments in the luxury hospitality sphere, delighting with its dedication to outstanding guest services. InterContinental Bucharest is no different. On the back of their recognition in LUXlife’s 2019 Global Luxury Hotel & Spa Awards, we spoke with Dana Chiriac, Marketing & PR Manager for InterContinental, to find out more about the hotel’s extraordinary offerings. Nestled in downtown Bucharest, this InterContinental hotel makes a remarkable first impression, dominating the skyline and drawing the eye up its impressive façade. Inside the décor swings from art deco and classical European, to the contemporary and the avant-garde, yet, still feels seamless. This is a hotel that is, fundamentally, as interesting as it is vast. Across its 257 elegantly furnished rooms and amenities, guests are sure to find the usual InterContinental touches, guaranteeing satisfaction at every visit. One of the InterContinental Bucharest’s most appealing of features is its exclusive 21st Floor lounge, perfect for intimate and private gatherings. But, as Dana explains, the hotel has many more treasures to entice guests. “When it comes to great cuisine, the hotel stands out with its Corso Brasserie, offering the best Sunday Brunch in Bucharest and the first Summer Terrace by Veuve Clicquot in the city. Intermezzo Lobby Lounge is the perfect place for a morning coffee while at the Intermezzo Bar guests enjoy their preferred drink accompanied by live piano music in the evening. The famous Ronda Ballroom, the unique Fortuna Ballroom on the 21st floor, the elegant Rapsodia Ballroom or the meeting rooms with open terraces and natural light are venues where our team organises memorable events.” As part of the InterContinental Group, guest expectations will always be exceptionally high. As a result, InterContinental Bucharest has become adept at going above and beyond what is expected, creating experiences that are sure to be remembered. “The promise of the brand is to offer true hospitality to everyone and to enrich our guests’ knowledge with information about each destination they visit. At InterContinental Hotel & Resorts we believe international travel should always be alluring. We are dedicated to those who appreciate and enjoy The InterContinental Life – the glamour and exhilaration of fascinating places, mixed with our international know-how and local cultural wisdom.” Throughout it all, the guest remains a focal point, with efforts made to continuously improve their offerings to reflect the ever-changing nature of guest needs. “To permanently improve our level of services we use the company’s online guest satisfaction (IHG Reviews) and we are carefully considering the reviews on the main social channels, from travel review sites to social platforms, following specific standards in answering all reviews. As a result of this approach, our ‘Gest Love’ score was 93.15 (out of 100) ranking us as a top InterContinental hotel in Europe.” Perhaps more impressive is InterContinental Bucharest’s efforts in championing the city’s position on the global tourism landscape, as Dana discusses in more detail. “Hoteliers in Bucharest are currently reaping what has been sowed over the past few years due to our hard work and dedication to developing the market and turning Bucharest into a more appealing destination for international travellers. The market has steadily grown year on year and has reached a maturity that leads to an annual average occupancy rate above 80%. Demand continues to be there, which is the sign of a healthy market and can drive the revenues needed to cover cost increases. Now is the moment to further strategize our approach and aim to win the right business while striving to provide the best services and most memorable experiences in town. “Ultimately, tourists are interested in discovering the history of Bucharest and its Old City Centre. They want to visit legendary places like Dracula’s Castle and the world’s second largest administrative building – our Parliament Palace. Bucharest is famous for its nightlife and entertainment options for young people. Some of our tourists are also interested in the authentic village life or discovering nature, as Romania is renowned for its beautiful landscapes. Our concierge program, InterContinental Concierge offers the best authentic and traditional experiences in Bucharest and in Romania.” Name: Dana Chiriac Address: 4, Nicolae Balcescu Boulevard, Bucharest, Romania Website: www.intercontinental.com/bucharest Telephone: +40 21 310 2020