InterContinental Baku, an IHG Hotel 

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the InterContinental Baku, and I can confidently say it is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a luxurious and exceptionally well-located base in the heart of the city. Location The hotel’s location is genuinely unbeatable. Situated just a short walk from Nizami Street, it offers immediate access to Baku’s vibrant shopping and dining scene, while also being within easy reach of the historic Icherisheher (Old City). Baku Boulevard is also close by, perfect for a scenic stroll along the Caspian Sea. It is positioned on a main road, so there can be some traffic noise at times, but for me this was a small and entirely worthwhile trade-off given the central convenience and accessibility. As an added bonus, I made extensive use of the Apar e-bike app during my stay, and the bike docking point located right next to the hotel near the metro station made getting around effortless. Rooms & Facilities The hotel offers modern, state-of-the-art facilities consistent with the InterContinental brand. My room was spacious, immaculately clean, and tastefully designed — blending contemporary elegance with subtle local touches. Large windows provided excellent natural light and pleasant city views. For balance, there were a couple of minor maintenance points worth noting: the plug panel beside the bed was slightly loose, and there was some visible limescale build-up around the base of the shower screen and on the rain shower head. These are relatively small details and did not detract meaningfully from what was otherwise a very comfortable and high-quality stay. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, and the in-room amenities — including a large flat-screen TV, premium toiletries, and a coffee machine — enhanced the overall experience. Common Areas The public spaces are equally impressive. The lobby and lounges are stylish and refined, with elegant furnishings and a real sense of understated grandeur. Whether relaxing with a coffee or meeting colleagues, the environment feels both luxurious and functional. A particular mention must go to the two gentlemen in the lobby who were consistently welcoming, professional, and attentive throughout my stay. First impressions matter, and they set the tone perfectly every time I entered or left the hotel. Club InterContinental – The Standout If you are considering upgrading to Club InterContinental, I would strongly recommend it. The Club Lounge is a real highlight, offering panoramic views across the city towards the Caspian Sea. Throughout the day, it provides a superb selection of food and beverages — from an excellent breakfast to indulgent afternoon tea and well-executed evening cocktails and canapés. However, what truly elevates the Club experience is the people — and in particular, Huseyn. Huseyn was absolutely exceptional. Hospitality ultimately comes down to individuals, and he excelled himself. He was attentive without ever being intrusive, proactive yet relaxed, and genuinely invested in ensuring guests had a memorable stay. His service felt personal and authentic rather than procedural. During my visit — which was centred around watching Newcastle United play Qarabag FK — we spoke about football, and he confidently predicted a standout performance from Anthony Gordon. He was absolutely right. That small but thoughtful interaction summed up his ability to connect naturally with guests and add something genuinely personal to the experience. He is a credit to the hotel and a perfect example of how outstanding service can transform a very good stay into a memorable one. Final Thoughts The InterContinental Baku excels in location, facilities, and overall service quality. Minor cosmetic issues aside, this was a superb stay driven by excellent staff, a refined environment, and an exceptional Club Lounge experience. If I had one broader observation (entirely unrelated to the hotel), it would be that Baku would benefit from additional pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes — but that is a city planning matter, not a reflection on the hotel itself. Whether travelling for business or leisure, the InterContinental Baku provides a luxurious, comfortable, and well-positioned base in the city. I would not hesitate to return and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Baku.