LLyleHeI came for a staycation the night before school started, and I was torn between the InterContinental Economic Development Zone and the InterContinental High-tech Zone. Since I hadn't been to the High-tech Zone one, I decided to give it a try.
The hotel opened in 2019 and was renovated in 2023. It's located next to Yanping Gate, with plenty of good food nearby, though it's a bit far from tourist attractions.
As a Platinum Ambassador, I was pre-upgraded via email to an open-plan suite, but due to a cleanliness issue, I was moved to a one-bedroom suite. The room featured Byredo BLANCHE toiletries and a Dyson hairdryer. It's worth mentioning that the bathrobes in the room were unique and very comfortable to wear. The overall decor of the room was dominated by dark-toned stone, a classic InterContinental style. The biggest highlight of the one-bedroom suite was a huge circular bathtub, about a meter in diameter, which was incredibly comfortable for soaking. This bathtub might just be the best in Xi'an.
Before checking in, I had heard that the hotel's F&B was excellent, and my experience confirmed it. The lounge's afternoon tea was decent, though it did include carbs like Liangpi or Liangmian (cold noodles), which is very Xi'an. However, the happy hour was fantastic, with about 7-8 hot dishes, many cold dishes, and a wide selection of drinks. A bartender from the lobby bar even came specifically to mix drinks during happy hour. The overall quality of the lounge could rival the Ritz-Carlton Xi'an. The breakfast selection was even more outstanding, with freshly made Roujiamo (meat burgers), Cheong Fun, and beef noodles, all tasting delicious and full of local flavor. And because it's in the High-tech Zone, there were fewer children in the lounge, making the overall experience much better than Marriott's lounges.
The service is another aspect of this hotel that deserves high praise. It's truly surprising that a hotel in Xi'an, which is often considered a service 'lowland,' can provide service standards comparable to luxury brands. All the staff were very enthusiastic, professional, and attentive. At breakfast, all staff members would kindly greet you, and because the breakfast area is quite large, they would also help you get some food. Regarding service, I must specifically commend Fiona & Rita from the lounge, and the duty manager Jennifer.
Due to staying up late watching the US Open, I only got a quick glimpse of the fitness facilities. The changing rooms had plunge pools, and the pool water temperature was moderate, though the length was a bit short. It meets standard five-star expectations.
Overall, the hotel industry in Xi'an is very competitive, with the W Hotel flagship, the Hualuxe and Westin near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, two JW and InterContinental hotels in the High-tech Zone and north of the city, and two Grand Hyatts and one Hyatt Regency already open, with Park Hyatt also on the horizon. The name InterContinental High-tech Zone might easily be overlooked among these, but among all the hotels I've stayed at in Xi'an, this one definitely ranks in the top three.
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