Recently I traveled to Miami to celebrate the Leisure Lifestyle Awards at The Intercontinental Miami alongside some of the GT team. Since I was driving in from the Sarasota area, I decided to bring along my two-year-old basset hound, Red, rather than board him or hire a sitter. It felt especially fitting, as we were staying at the hotel our readers voted “Best Pet-Friendly Hotel” for the Leisure Lifestyle Awards.

After the three-hour drive down to Miami, we finally made it to The Intercontinental Miami, where Red was ready to check the place out. After checking in and taking Red for a walk at the dog park across from the hotel, Red was ready to make his way in to the Intercontinental. After an elevator ride up to the 30th floor and meeting multiple people along the way, we made it in to our room. As soon as we walked in, I noticed just how nice the room and the view out the window was. Breathtaking. I also noticed a fluffy dog bed, two dog bowls and a small basket. In the basket we found a complimentary “Intercontinental Miami” reversible dog bandana, as well as a cold dog food bowl from a local in Miami. Sadly, Red could not try the complimentary food due to his diet, but he enjoyed his new bandana accessory.

During our stay, Red was met with nothing but kindness from guests and workers. He enjoyed meeting people in the elevators and gaining smiles from those in the lobby. Red even became a celebrity during our Leisure Lifestyle Awards as we filmed a video of him in our hotel room to be shown while they announced the award for “Best Pet-Friendly Hotel.” Safe to say Red will be on the lookout for more event booking gigs and more hotel stays after how great this stay was.

As a pet owner, I know that traveling with a dog can sometimes be stressful. But The Intercontinental Miami made it seamless and enjoyable. Red and I had a fantastic time, and judging by his reaction, he’s now ready for more hotel stays and maybe even a few event gigs.

— Megan Gragg, account executive