I have stayed at several IHG properties in Thailand and Japan, including Kimpton, InterContinental, and Holiday Inn hotels, and I have been surprised by how much more upscale many of them feel compared to their counterparts in the United States.
The Kimpton in Bangkok, in particular, is one of the nicest hotels I have experienced. By comparison, properties I have visited in Fort Worth and Austin were perfectly fine but did not offer the same level of luxury or attention to detail. The difference in room quality and overall presentation is quite noticeable. I have even compared photos of standard rooms at the Fort Worth property and Kimpton Bangkok, and the contrast is striking.
I understand that operating costs and labor expenses may differ between regions, but the gap in quality still seems significant. The Kimpton Bangkok often offers competitive rates despite its high standard, and even Holiday Inn properties in Bangkok have provided excellent value, especially when using points.
Why have many U.S. properties not undergone similar upgrades or renovations? Is IHG positioned as a more premium brand in Asia, or are these hotels catering to a different type of clientele?
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