Introduction: Short Trip to Central America
Review: Hilton Anatole – Dallas
Review: Air France Lounge – Houston Intercontinental Airport
Review: Executive Club – Houston Intercontinental Airport
Review: Air China (777-300) Business Class – Houston to Panama
Review: The Westin – Panama
Review: Nacion Sushi
Review: Le Meridien – Panama
Review: Avianca (A320) Business Class – Panama to Bogota
Review: Avianca VIP Lounge – Bogota
Review: LATAM VIP Lounge – Bogota
Review: Copa Club – Bogota
Review: El Dorado Lounge – Bogota
Review: Avianca (A319) Business Class – Bogota to San Salvador
Review: Intercontinental Hotel – San Salvador/Metrocenter Mall
Review: Avianca (A320) Business Class – San Salvador to Dallas
After exiting the plane, I made a right turn for immigration near gate 6. I, as long with every other foreigner, stood in line for 30 minutes to be told to go to a counter on the far left to pay an “impuesto” (foreign arrivals tax). I could not believe to El Salvador began that way.
Booking
I booked a King room at the hotel for $85 per night at the government/military rate plus tax. As an IHG Rewards Platinum Member, I earned 4,585 total points (1,935 base, 967 bonus, and 1,683 credit points) by using my IHG Rewards card Citi, which offers 5X points on hotel visits.
Arrival
I finally exited the airport and made my way to left towards the main entrance to meet the Uber. It took about 50 minutes, $22 USD and I finally arrived at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Salvador. It was very dark so I could not get a good look at the facade, but the bellman, Felix, took care of me from the moment I arrived, until I left.
Check-in
I approached the counter in the beautiful lobby, provided my passport and IHG Rewards Card. The staff welcomed me back as a Platinum member, but told me that I could not experience any additional amenities. This meant I could not get a room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, lounge access, or anything else offered to elites. This is normal for IHG. It was not a big deal because I was staying across from the Metrocenter Mall, which had a ton of eateries.
Room
I made my way to the elevators because I was staying in the seventh floor, but I could not help checking out the three restaurants and cafe the hotels had to offer (more on them later). There was a small gift shop just before the elevators.
Upon exiting the elevators, I encountered two small chairs and made a right towards the room.
The room was average size but had more than enough space for me.
The bathroom was to the left. The room itself was average, but I appreciated all of the amenities. There was a basket with any toiletry I could needed, all complimentary, of course. There some Agraria soaps and shampoos waiting in the shower.
The closet was just outside of the bathroom. It contained an iron, ironing board, and a bag for cleaning services.
I turned left into the room. On the right side of the room was a flat screen television and desk. The in room safe and mini fridge were located just below the television.
To the left was the bed and a chaise. I found the bed to be very comfortable and spacious.
I did not have a good view from my room. There was smog covering the city and the windows also appeared dirty.
Dining
There were quite a few dining options at the property: 1) Fiasca de Brazil, 2) Picasso Stone Oven, and 3) NAU Lounge. All of the restaurants were located on the far side of the lobby, next to the elevators. Room service and a café were available as well.
Fiasca de Brazil
Fiasca was a Brazilian steakhouse. It was the typical steakhouse where meat was delivered on skewers tableside. Fiasca was open from 7pm to 11pm from Monday to Saturday and open for brunch from noon to 5pm.
Picasso Stone Oven
Picasso offered pizza, burgers, pastas, and a few other items for lunch. There was a special Sunday dinner as well from 5pm to 10pm.
NAU Lounge
NAU was my favorite dining option on the property. It felt like a Japanese izakaya, but in Central America. The ambience was nice, but the sushi was better. I was seriously impressed with this “lounge”.
Room Service
I used this the morning after a arrived. The American Breakfast was less than $20 USD. A healthy portion was offered. I could not eat all of it.
Lobby Café
The café offered tea, coffee, assorted juices, and pastries for breakfast. I did not eat there, but it had plenty of other business.
Fitness
The fitness, or wellness, area was located past the cafe, outside and down to the right. It included a pool, fitness center, and spa. There was a nice courtyard pavilion just outside of the door.
Pool
The pool was a decent size and appeared to be clean, but I did not see anyone use it. It felt kindy beachy, while being in the heart of the city.
Fitness Center
The fitness center was located to the right of the pool. There was one room, which was filled to the brim with equipment. I felt the hotel should remove some of the equipment or increase its size.
Spa
The spa was located to the right of the fitness center. Services offered were manicure pedicure, waxing, massaging, and a few others. I got my eyebrows trimmed there for $15 USD.
Final Word
I wish I had more time to spend at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Salvador because I do not feel I was able to experience everything. The was an abundance of amenities at the property which gave guests the option to stay in if they feared for their safety in El Salvador. Thanks to Felix and the other concierges for taken care of me during my stay, I will definitely visit again.
