We visit IC Berlin as often as we can and the main reason is the Club Lounge, especially the concept with canapés and Champagne. The club lounge crew has always been fantastic and the service very good.
Rarely we have a late flight home but when that happens we have been invited to stay the evening in the lounge. We have offered to pay a sum, but they would not hear of it, which of course we very much appreciate. This time was no different, we were invited to stay and use the lounge. However, at check out that was challenged by the new club floor manager, "who said", "what" etc. We were allowed to stay anyway, but the situation made us uncomfortable. We were informed that next time that will indeed come with an extra fee.
For >5 years we have stayed 3 people in a club room and payed the extra person charge (we never want an extra bed). This time we payed an extra 2p lounge fee for one extra person. In summary we paid for 4p lounge access, which is higher than before but still ok with us and a good deal for the hotel. I appreciate that the club floor agents can (or rather could) bend the rules a bit with regular guests. At check out the new club floor manager informed us that next time we have to book two club rooms. Unfortunately, this new strict policy means we will not return.
Everything was perfect until after check out. We actually felt so uncomfortable we decided to leave early. But in the last minute Nihal and her colleague saved the day.
Another note: One evening there was no Champagne at all. This did not effect us much since it was after our check out, but several guests made a note of it. It was apparently finished. I think it is strange how Champagne can not be brought in on a Monday. Champagne is a corner stone in the club lounge concept and I can understand the other guests disappointment.
IC Berlin Club lounge has been my favorite IC club lounge. I hope it can stay that way.
Special thanks to Nihal and Melanie for exceptional service! I hope we can return all three of us.