HotelChatter

Unlike many other hotels, which set aside certain blocs of rooms, or even entire floors, for guests who opt for executive club—usually at a higher cost than a standard room—the system at this flagship property operates a little differently. Guests who want access to the club can select any room type in the property, and just pay a supplement of HK$900 ($115 USD) single occupancy, or HK$1,100 ($140 USD) double occupancy.

So why is that worth it? Well, rather than checking in with the hoi polloi in the lobby, club members can proceed directly to the second-floor lounge for a private check-in with one of the on-duty concierges. At the end of their stay, they also get express check-out.

In the meantime, club entry means access to and use of the lounge’s free laptops and internet service, use of the private meeting facilities and the executive boardroom and teleconferencing capabilities…and, of course, access to the hotel’s signature iPads, on which guests can interact in real-time with the hotel’s concierges and plan their outings for the day.

The lounge also hosts daily buffet breakfast with treats like fresh-baked pastries, yogurt parfaits, and a selection of eastern and western hot and cold items (think eggs Benedict, and also shrimp dumplings). In the afternoon, there’s informal tea service (we got a cappuccino) with mini sandwiches and finger foods that extends into evening canapés and cocktails (though we opted for a flute of Moët & Chandon).

In their rooms, club guests’ baths are stocked with L’Occitaine products, and they receive free fresh fruit and bottled water in their room daily (though we also came home one night to find a huge chocolate ship loaded with flavored truffles and cookies, plus free in-room broadband internet and local phone calls.)

Sometimes it’s hard to find a home-away-from home at a hotel. But the Club InterContinental Hong comes close by providing a great respite from the hectic city, and overall, it's just a nice place to hang out, work, and treat yourself to some gourmet snacks.

Rates at the InterContinental Hong Kong start at HK$1,990 ($255 USD).

Full disclosure: Eric Rosen was a guest of the InterContinental Hong Kong for three nights, but all opinions expressed are entirely his own.