With leftover Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts credit expiring at the end of 2023, I was struggling to find something reasonably priced within the US for the rest of the year or anytime in 2024. Luckily with this planned trip to Vienna, and with Europe having mostly reasonable prices, I was able to snag a last-minute hotel reservation at the InterContinental for one of my days.

What is Fine Hotels + Resorts?

Every year, Amex Platinum cardholders get a $200 credit towards Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) or The Hotel Collection (THC) hotels. Fine Hotels + Resorts are normally the highest quality hotels, typically between 4-5 stars. THC hotels are still good, but a little lower quality and therefore cheaper. Cardholders using the card must book 2 nights for THC but only need 1 night for FHR.

Also, when booking these hotels through Amex, you get additional benefits like a guaranteed late check-out, early check-in upon availability, free breakfast, and a $100 experience credit normally in the form of food or spa credits. For this stay, I was given a food credit (95 Euros, which was a little extra).

In total, this stay cost $259.40. With my $200 credit it cost me $59.40 out of pocket. Account for the $100 credit, and I was essentially paid 40 dollars to stay here. Not a bad deal!

Checking In

I checked out of the Doubletree in Schonbrunn and headed straight for the InterContinental. At least if the room wasn’t yet ready, I would drop my bags off and wander after since the hotel was right near the heart of the city. The hotel is right across from Stadtpark and the U-Bahn station, which was very convenient. Upon arrival, they notified me that my room was ready, so I was able to get fully checked in! Small win for me.

The manager on duty welcomed me and provided me with the following information paper about my Amex benefits.

At the opposite end of the lobby was a large bar and dining area. The bar boasted an extremely impressive chandelier. In face, the entire lobby had impressive wood trims and chandeliers. The coffee area next to the bar was a large real gingerbread house. How they maintain that is beyond me.

The Room

The staff got me a room on a high floor, specifically second from the top. Going upstairs, the room was fancy but a bit small. Waiting on the table was a fruit plate and two bottles of water.

The room itself strays from modernism and embraces the elegance and grandeur of royalty. The whole room was gold as opposed to white. The bathroom had all soft white (yellow-ish) lights.

After returning in the evening, I was able to capture the view overlooking the park and beyond. It wasn’t sweeping, but still stunning.

The hotel has a turndown service every evening. While I missed the hot tea, the staff left a chocolate behind and folded the comforter. There was also a complimentary shoe shine service available, but it was too late for me to take advantage of it.

The Breakfast Nook

Breakfast was served in the Parlor, which is their main restaurant dining area. It used to be open for a full dinner service but has since been closed to only breakfast every day. The area was spacious with plenty of tables open.

The buffet area was exhaustive with hot meats, waffles, pancakes, noodles, and made-to-order omelets. On the other side were a bunch of cold cuts, pastries, and desserts. The corner had an impressive wine, espresso, and tea selection. All items were complimentary for consumption.

In my excitement to try everything, I unfortunately forgot to take photos. But luckily the Frequent Miler did when they visited back in August. Now you’ll understand how truly large this breakfast place is.

Look I’m from Vegas. Is this as impressive as the Bacchanal? No, definitely not. But for a hotel breakfast, it was a pleasant surprise. And I like good surprises.

Final Thoughts

This was a very short 1 night stay, but I truly enjoyed it! The room was decent though a bit on the smaller size, the lobby was impressive, and the breakfast was super tasty. Bottom line, it checked all the boxes for me and then some.