Inspiration Hotels The 9 Best Intercontinental Hotels of 2023 By Cathy Brown Cathy Brown Cathy Brown is an Argentina-based travel writer who covers hotels, destinations, and products. She also contributes to Lonely Planet, Fodor's, and Luxury Latin America. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 02/21/23 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Getty Images / sakchai vongsasiripat The Rundown Best in the USA: InterContinental New York Time Square – See Rates at TripAdvisor "Set in the epicenter of the Broadway theaters, dining scene and cocktail bars of Midtown Manhattan." Best Luxury: InterContinental Almaty – See Rates at TripAdvisor "Rooms are comfortably furnished with thick, intricate carpets, simple furniture and a color theme of earthy browns." Best Golf: InterContinental Cascais-Estoril – See Rates at TripAdvisor "It has an enviable oceanfront location, with elegantly designed gardens and two infinity pools looking out over the Atlantic." Best Romance: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa – See Rates at TripAdvisor "Many romance-seeking couples come to stay in one of the 84 overwater villas." Best Ski: InterContinental Mzaar – See Rates at TripAdvisor "Has ski-in, ski-out access to the snow fields and trails during the winter." Best in Mexico: InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa – See Rates at TripAdvisor "An idyllic tropical destination suitable for the whole family." Best in Asia: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort – See Rates at TripAdvisor "The resort is secluded and within Vietnam's Son Tra Peninsula Nature Reserve." Best for Families: InterContinental Mauritius – See Rates at TripAdvisor "Has both an enviable beachfront position and numerous activities and amenities." Best in the USA: InterContinental New York Time Square Courtesy of InterContinental New York Times Square Buy on Tripadvisor.com Located just one block from the bustling streets and dazzling lights of Times Square, the InterContinental New York Time Square is set in the epicenter of the Broadway theaters, dining scene and cocktail bars of Midtown Manhattan. Guest rooms and suites are smart and luxurious, with well-appointed bathrooms with spectacular panoramas of the city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The best views can be found from upper-floors suites which come with lounge and dining areas and contemporary art decorating the walls. Views can also be enjoyed in the fitness center, which is equipped with cardio machines and free weights. The Stinger cocktail bar and kitchen has a sleek modern style made cozier with a fireplace and serves a gourmet food and drink menu. Foods include shareable plates accompanied by a diverse drinks selection that features red and white wines, top-shelf spirits and a collection of both classic and house-specialty cocktails. The names of many menu items are inspired by the hotel’s rooftop beehives, the honey from which makes an appearance in several dishes. See what else the city has to offer with our reviews of the best New York City hotels. Best Luxury: InterContinental Almaty Courtesy of InterContinental Hotels and Resorts Buy on Tripadvisor.com Across from the bustling Republic Square in the financial and cultural capital of Kazakhstan, the InterContinental Almaty is set in a proud and historic city backed by a range of snow-capped mountain peaks. Guests walking into the lobby will find cushioned antique armchairs, polished marble floors, and crystal chandeliers. Stately guest rooms are comfortably furnished with thick, intricate carpets, simple furniture and a color theme of earthy browns. Restaurants include Bosphorus, which serves authentic Turkish fare amid traditional décor, and the refined Belvedere Grill. For a more relaxed environment, the lawns of Sunset Effs Beer Garden have giant bean bags during the day and picnic tables and benches in the evening for alfresco dining. Guests stay active with the outdoor tennis courts or in the large lap pool, protected by glass walls and ceilings for all-year swimming. Best Golf: InterContinental Cascais-Estoril Courtesy of InterContinental Hotels and Resorts Buy on Tripadvisor.com With the region around Estoril winning numerous golfing accolades for its scenic and well-maintained courses, the InterContinental Cascais-Estoril positions players to make the most of their time on the coast of Portugal. Guests who prefer hanging off the course have access to the hotel's indoor swimming pool and sauna as well as sophisticated onsite eateries like Bago du Vin and Ocean Spot. As for the location, it has an enviable oceanfront one, with elegantly designed gardens and two infinity pools looking out over the Atlantic. Many of the guest rooms and suites also have ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows, some with private balconies. Best Romance: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa Courtesy of InterContinental Hotels and Resorts Buy on Tripadvisor.com Overlooking calm turquoise waters towards the soaring peaks of Mount Otemanu, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa offers guests an exclusive island paradise and spa experience. Many romance-seeking couples come to stay in one of the 84 overwater villas, which are in high demand thanks to their stunning location, private terraces with direct water access, deep soaking tubs and mix of modern and traditional Polynesian styles. Another notable feature is the spa, where water drawn from deep in the Pacific is used in saltwater treatments alongside a range of signature hydro-massage therapies. The intimate Le Corail restaurant allows couples to enjoy a refined gourmet French dining experience. For a more casual environment, Sands serves an international menu ranging from salads and seafood to barbeque grill from under a wooden palm-thatch gazebo set on the beach and lit with flickering tiki torches. Looking for more options? Take a look at some of the best overwater bungalow resorts in Bora Bora. Best Ski: InterContinental Mzaar Courtesy of InterContinental Hotels and Resorts Buy on Tripadvisor.com A hotel set in the Middle East may not be the obvious choice for a ski holiday, but the InterContinental Mzaar, located just one hour from Beirut, sits amid expansive mountain slopes with challenging terrain and thick falls of snow during the December-April season. In the summer months, the hotel remains open to cater to the visitors coming to enjoy hiking, rock climbing and white-water rafting on the Al Assi River. The hotel, built in the style of a Swiss ski chalet, has ski-in, ski-out access to the snow fields and trails during the winter, and in summer is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens with lawns, flowerbeds, gazebos and jetted fountain displays. The heated indoor pool, outdoor pool and a full-service spa are great ways to relax after an active day. Guests can enjoy American fare, traditional Lebanese dishes and mountain specialties such as raclettes and cheese fondue, and apres-ski drinks can be had at the social lobby bar. Guest rooms are simple but comfortable and come with balconies overlooking the slopes or gardens. Suites come with a variety of extras that include multiple bedrooms and private dining areas. Best in Mexico: InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa Courtesy of Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Buy on Tripadvisor.com Set on the island of Cozumel, just off the coast of the highly popular Riviera Maya region in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa is an idyllic tropical destination suitable for the whole family. At the front of the hotel, there is a stretch of wide sandy beach with plentiful sun lounges and shade umbrellas. Overlooking the beach, an infinity pool and beach club are a popular spot to relax in the sunshine. Guest rooms are spacious and well-lit with natural light that enters through sliding glass doors that lead onto a private balcony area with views of the ocean, pool or gardens. Restaurants include Italian, Mediterranean and international dining options in a variety of scenic locations, and a spa offers a full menu of services as well as oceanside massage huts, an outdoor soaking tub, and a Jacuzzi. Some of the best diving in the region can be found just off the coast; inquire with the team for guided scuba and snorkeling tours out to vibrant coral reefs. See other accommodations in the region with our selection of the best hotels in Mexico. Best in Asia: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Courtesy of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Buy on Tripadvisor.com Set on the shores of a sheltered bay, with a wide sandy beach surrounded by rocky, forest-covered hillsides, the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is within Vietnam's Son Tra Peninsula Nature Reserve. The property is crowned by the impressive main building, set on a hilltop with panoramic views. It houses several restaurants, including La Maison 1888, where the Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire produces gourmet French cuisine in a refined atmosphere. Citron offers an international buffet in the mornings and Asian dishes in the evening. Circular dining booths, shaped like inverted cones and lined with plump cushions, are set against a stunning ocean backdrop, making for a unique dining experience. There is also the classy Buffalo Bar, and down on the beachfront, the Long Bar and Barefoot offer more casual dining and drinks. Stylish guest rooms are spread along the shore of the bay, which provides convenient access to the beach while still having sweeping bay views from private balconies. Suites are the most luxurious, with beachfront locations that come with private pools and personal butler service. Best for Families: InterContinental Mauritius Courtesy of InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort Buy on Tripadvisor.com Perched on the northern coast overlooking white sand beaches, rocky outcroppings and the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, InterContinental Mauritius has both an enviable beachfront position and numerous activities and amenities. All the guest rooms face out over the sea and come with furnishings including padded couches, private terraces and stone bathtubs and separate rainfall showers in the bathrooms. Water sports include kayaking and water skiing above the waves and snorkeling and diving below. There is also a glass-bottomed boat that takes tours of the coral reefs, and fishing charters and cruises through the marine national parks can be arranged. On the land, guests can play beach volleyball, beach soccer, and tennis, or explore the jogging trails around the resort. Guest can also see more of Mauritius on bike tours of the nearby countryside. The spa has a full service of treatments, from Balinese, Swedish and Thai massages to Ayurvedic treatments that use essential oils and chakra balancing with hot stones. And when you're hungry, dining venues offer a variety of cuisine that includes international, Asian, Indian and local dishes. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! 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