InterContinental Dhaka by IHG — Restaurant in Dhaka Metropolitan

A Five-Star Spotlight: InterContinental Dhaka

Overview & Heritage Opened in 1966, the InterContinental Dhaka holds the distinction of being Bangladesh’s first international five-star hotel. It has witnessed pivotal moments in history—including being designated a neutral zone during the 1971 Liberation War . After a significant renovation, the hotel reopened in 2018, blending its storied legacy with contemporary luxury .

Location & Accessibility Strategically located in Ramna, central Dhaka, the hotel offers easy access to major landmarks such as Ramna Park, the National Museum, Suhrawardy Udyan, University of Dhaka, and various government institutions .

Facilities & Amenities The hotel provides spacious rooms, an excellent pool and gym, a varied and tasty buffet breakfast, and standard hospitality amenities—though food and drink prices are on the higher side .

226 guest rooms, including multiple suite options

Two elegant ballrooms and seven large, tech-equipped conference rooms

Fine dining, all-day restaurants, a pool bar, and a lobby café

Reputation & Prestige Reddit voices echo with admiration: one user noted, “Definitely prestigious. It's the oldest 5-star hotel in the country, and was recently renovated and reopened,” while another mentioned, “Not a bad choice for a venue; it’s prestigious as long as it’s expensive” .

Verdict: Why This Hotel Stands Out

The InterContinental Dhaka is more than just luxurious accommodations—it’s a revered institution in Bangladesh’s hospitality scene. With its rich heritage, prime central location, refined amenities, and historic significance, this hotel delivers a uniquely elevated experience. It’s especially ideal for travelers who value a blend of tradition and sophistication.

Notable Mentions: Other Five-Star Hotels in Dhaka

For those looking to explore other premier options, here are a few top contenders:

Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka One of the oldest five-star properties in the country, centrally located near Gulshan and embassy zones. Offers lush gardens, a large outdoor pool, spa, health club, and a range of dining venues like Jharna Grill and Café Bazar .

The Westin Dhaka The tallest hotel in Bangladesh (24 floors), located in Gulshan. Includes five restaurants, an award-winning spa, fitness center, and an outdoor heated pool. A modern favorite for both business and leisure guests .

Amari Dhaka A contemporary standout in the business district, known for its Asian-inspired design, rooftop lounges (Deck 41 and Cascade), Breeze Spa, and multiple live kitchen dining concepts . Guests frequently highlight the warm service—one even praised the staff by name for “personalized service” and “hospitality of world class” .

Le Méridien, Six Seasons, Lakeshore Hotel & Apartments, and Dhaka Regency also earn recognition for their luxury stays, each offering distinct experiences ranging from themed design to breathtaking rooftop pools and holistic wellness facilities .

Summary Table

Hotel Highlights

InterContinental Dhaka Iconic heritage, central location, historic significance,...

My stay at Intercon, Dhaka from 1 May to 1 July 2024 was my longest continuous stay in a hotel. My first feedback is that I never felt that I was out of home. Right from the security person Mr Saddam to the receptionists (Ms Sushmita Roy, Ms Rabaya Islam, Mr Suvra Dhar, Mr Saiful) and others) are so warm and welcoming. They are always cheerful, positive and ready to lend a helping hand. The duty manager Mr Zakir Hossan regularly checks about my well-being. The sales executive Mr Saif ul Alam Tanzu was supportive and considerate to give me a very good deal for my long stay at the Intercon.

Now I should make a special mention about the dining staff who made my stay so comfortable and enjoyable. The biggest challenge in a hotel is to get food which is customized to my taste and requirement. The dining staff of Intercon worked hard to make every dish taste like home cooked food. Moreover, they are always very courteous and cheerful. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Manager Mr Jamshed, Supervisor Mr Shaiful Alam for their excellent service and supervision. The staff at the dining have become more like friends than hotel staff. My special thanks to Ms Fatima Akhter (an additional point for her big smile), Mr Faridul, Mr Asim Kumar, Ms Nadia, Mr Ujjal Mondal, Ms Tania Mony, Mr Sabbir, and Mr Momin.

In the gym I would like to make a special mention about Mr Albino who is so friendly and supportive.

My review will remain incomplete without expressing my gratitude to the club lounge staff of Intercon- Mr Md.Rokon Uddin, Mr Kamal Hossain, Ms Samia Rahman and two very hard working and courteous staff Ms Maria Gomes and Mr Antor Mia. Every day they went out of the way to ensure that I get my customized food without any oil, or butter or cheese.

I'm really touched with the hospitality and excellent service provided by the hotel staff. I'll staying here for another four months. I'm sure that I'll be missing these staff when I...

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞, 𝐇𝐒𝐈𝐀 managed by Intercontinental Dhaka.

Decembe 4, 2024, I was traveling from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). After completing immigration and baggage drop, I went to Balaka Executive Lounge, managed by Hotel Inter Continental Dhaka, to wait for my flight.

While at the lounge, I stepped out twice— for washroom and for the breakout room—leaving my carry-on bag on my seat. Upon reaching my final destination I discovered that USDs had been stolen from my another wallet, which was inside the bag.

Imagine being in a foreign land and realizing you have zero Dollars. Anyways I somehow managed the situation , but upon returning to Dhaka the same day, I immediately filed a formal complaint to the Executive Director of HSIA, with the assistance of the Civil Aviation Security team.

HSIA’s Civil Aviation Security was very cooperative. When the Balaka Lounge authorities were contacted, I requested the CCTV footage covering my time at the lounge. Initially, they were reluctant to cooperate. After almost two hours of delay and pressure from the Airport DSO, they gave the lamest excuse ever: their 𝐂𝐂𝐓𝐕 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟕 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬.

How is this acceptable? Globally, it’s a standard practice to retain CCTV footage for at least 60 days, especially in a place as sensitive as an airport facility. Seven days is nothing and raises serious concerns about their accountability and security standards.

This experience has left me questioning the safety and management practices of Balaka Lounge managed by another prominent Hotel Chain. I urge Hotel Intercontinental Dhaka to take immediate measures to improve their security protocols and to ensure such incidents don’t happen again. Travelers deserve better, especially in spaces that claim to offer premium service.

Almost two weeks, and still there’s not even a formal apology from the management if not the only thing I demanded the...