As I’ve said before, my favorite part of working for a travel company is exposure to so many different hotels. In May I found myself enjoying two Florida hotels that are part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, both with distinctively different styles and attractions.

InterContinental Miami

Global Traveler’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards were held in Miami for the first time, at the InterContinental. An incredible venue and perfectly poised for an awards event that honored the best in leisure travel, the InterContinental is ideal for business travelers, events or cruisers looking to relax before catching their voyage at nearby PortMiami.

It wasn’t my first time to this resort (and it certainly won’t be my last). However, it was my first opportunity to enjoy club level access. A quiet place to work with soaring views, the club level lounge also served snacks, beverages and light meals throughout the day. I enjoyed a couple of hours of time to myself and even bumped into General Manager Glenn Sampert in the lounge before the awards event.

The entire team at InterContinental Miami is a delight, and the facilities are top-notch. We had a stellar event honoring our award winners, and the IHG team ensured it was smooth sailing throughout the night. I can’t wait for my next visit.

Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach S-Harbourside

Within 24 hours of leaving InterContinental Miami, I joined my brother and his family at a different IHG property outside of Tampa in Clearwater, Florida. This Holiday Inn & Suites has a killer location; only a short walk to Indian Rocks Beach and several restaurants. This family-friendly resort has on-site restaurants with live music and a full-on “beachy” vibe.

Next door you’ll also find Splash Harbour Waterpark with giant waterslides, a lazy river, and numerous pools and waterfalls to beat the heat. Another on-site snack bar and restaurant allow you to spend the whole day “cheers-ing and chilling” with your favorite beverage.

Ideal for families looking for an all-in-one experience, there’s plenty to do and plenty to see within walking distance of this resort. We walked with two kids to the beach, to the splash park and to the restaurants without any trouble. The only thing we missed was the miniature golf throughout the center of the resort, but I saw several other families enjoying some Putt-Putt.

I’m sure I’ll have more IHG Hotels & Resorts stays coming before the year closes. Between summer travels and business trips this fall, I’m looking forward to my next IHG overnight experience.

— Carrie Cox, senior account executive