Checking in: InterContinental London – The O2

Sharon O’Sullivan, chartered MCIPD, group HR executive and PA to CEO at Centura Group, gives us a tour around the Greenwich-based hotel.

With tickets to see Mickey Flannigan, who was playing at the 02 and ironically staying at the InterContinental Hotel that had only opened some 18 months ago, I thought it would be a great opportunity to stay there with some of my family and friends. Therefore, we booked for two nights/ three days.

Getting to the hotel was no problem, for example the options of bus, underground or Thames Clipper and plenty of parking – it even has its own helipad.

Before we passed through the door, the door attendant was incredibly friendly and an excellent first port of call and face for the business.

We were so impressed with everything we saw as soon as we walked through the wonderful lobby. We were shown to our rooms, unpacked, pinched ourselves and then went off for a swim and spa treatment. This was followed by lunch and cocktails, which were amazing, and then walked it off before the show.  Walking through interconnecting doors to the 02 was a treat.

On the second day after breakfast, we took a stroll through Greenwich and Greenwich market. We decided to go for the Lady Penelope cocktail afternoon tea. Named after the famous Thunderbirds. It was amazing, yet another delightful cocktail and lots of tea and cakes. However, Lady Penelope Afternoon Tea is only there until October 31st. After a short stroll, we thought it was time to hit the gym before taking a late dip and more spa treatments and relaxing in the spa area before we took a light supper and cocktails.

On our final day I was so impressed with the whole stay and the delightful staff and wonderful food/service, as well as easy access to the O2 and the stunning views, I asked if the events manager/sales director was available to see me before we left on our journey home. Fortunately, she (Deena Amin, sales director), was available and she was more than happy to give me a private show round. I was so impressed that I booked the private dinning immediately for our family pre-Christmas celebration, as we will be spread all over the country on Christmas day and are unable to all get together.

I know I will certainly be using the hotel for business too and this is due to the meeting rooms and event space and accommodation available. With the future summer balls and Christmas parties and other events, for example incentive gifts or afternoon teas, I cannot go wrong with this venue. The Ballroom, London’s largest pillar-less event space and the second-largest in Europe, perfect for large conferences, awards dinners and product launches and each room was to a very high specification.