ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I drove to Miami from Sarasota to meet with clients and deliver awards to those unable to attend our Wherever Awards, Leisure Lifestyle Awards and The Trazees events earlier in the year. I was looking forward to my stay at InterContinental Miami because of its ideal location near PortMiami and Biscayne Bay.

As I pulled in, William handled my car at the valet station. I saw William several more times during my two nights at the hotel, and each time he was courteous, communicative and kind. Moreover, several additional employees were quick to say hello and assist with my baggage, leading me through the open lobby to the front desk. Although I usually receive great service at hotels like InterContinental Miami, I don’t often see cheerful employees who appear to love their job. William and his cohorts had genuine smiles and an upbeat demeanor worth noting.

GUEST QUARTERS: Earlier this year, InterContinental Miami began a $36 million renovation, and I was eager to see the transformation. As I opened my room on the 18th floor, my eye was instantly drawn to the view through the oversized rectangular window on the far side of the room. Not only was the view from the 18th floor absolutely phenomenal, but a Royal Caribbean ship was leaving port just as I stepped in the door. I asked the bellman how he arranged such perfect timing upon my arrival, and he just smiled, saying, “We aim to please.”

My King Classic Ocean View room featured a king-sized bed with a slate-blue headboard mimicking an ocean wave. Rather than a corner chair, the room featured a cozy L-shaped chaise lounge sofa with several comfortable pillows and a coffee table. A separate glass table for work or in-room dining displayed delicious chocolates and snacks upon my arrival, with a porthole mirror on the wall. A flat-screen TV, large chest of drawers and two end tables rounded out the room. The design of hotel-room-meets-cruise-ship fusion worked beautifully and successfully. I clearly felt the theme of a luxury cruise ship while being grateful for the extra space and upper-level view of a hotel room.

The large bathroom was lined with grey and white tile, set on the diagonal for the floor but straight across the walls. My glass shower and sink featured products from Byredo. My robe, slippers and Nespresso machine all came in handy during my time in the room.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: I enjoyed an in-depth breakfast spread at OLÉ along with excellent service during my two mornings. I’m afraid I wasn’t able to take in the pool or the spa, but both come with rave reviews online.

Finally, the crown jewel of InterContinental Miami is the 18-foot-tall, travertine marble sculpture in the lobby. Designed by internationally renowned sculptor Sir Henry Spencer Moore, the sculpture weighs 70 tons and was placed in the lobby by helicopter while the lobby was still being built around it. Thanks to the glass atrium ceiling, a kaleidoscope of colors spills through the windows, creating a variety of hues I only noticed after reviewing the photos on my phone. Surrounded by plenty of areas to sit and relax, the sculpture is a centerpiece unlike any other I’ve seen in Miami.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• The hotel sits in an ideal location for departing cruisers, with several restaurants, shopping and a mini boardwalk easily within walking distance.
• Don’t miss the excellent breakfast buffet at OLÉ to begin your day.
• Motorized black-out blinds ensure you can sleep as long as you want, even with a highly recommended ocean view.

INTERCONTINENTAL MIAMI, AN IHG HOTEL
100 Chopin Plaza
Miami, FL 33131
tel 305 577 1000
icmiamihotel.com