Make The InterContinental Miami Your Pre-Cruise Hotel

Accommodations abound in Miami, and we not too long ago had a really nice keep on the InterContinental Miami, earlier than we boarded a cruise to the Caribbean. We will actually suggest it to our readers, particularly those that are going to embark on a “Bon Voyage” out of the port, which is simply 5 minutes away. This AAA 4-Diamond property is ideally located between the Brickell Monetary District and the Port of Miami, and steps away from the bustling Bayside Market, and American Airways Area. The 34-story resort options 653 luxurious visitor rooms together with 72 Membership rooms, and two Presidential suites designed by Venus Williams’ interior-design firm.

Here’s what we skilled. We stayed in Suite 3101, a big space with a Dwelling/Eating Room, two marble loos, and one bed room that includes a desk and workplace space. The Dwelling Room included an enormous 65-inch TV display, sofa, and minibar space that includes sweet and electrical adapters in your pc. Facilities are from Elemis, which is definitely one of many main manufacturers to have a presence in spas on cruise ships. There are additionally fluffy robes for 2, to enhance the plush bedding. We have been fairly comfy.

We’re IHG members, and so, we got admission to the Membership Ground. The Membership Ground, up on the 29^th, options an Government Lounge the place meals displays happen all day lengthy. Breakfast is served from 7-11AM, and this obviates your going to the restaurant or ordering room service within the AM. It is available in actually useful. Right here you will discover a Lavazza espresso machine, recent oatmeal, scrambled eggs and bacon, a large assortment of pastries and breads, and a fridge full of yogurt, for your entire morning meal wants. It is vitally handy, and is mainly a “dwelling” inside a resort. A Membership Ground corresponding to this prices about $30 greater than the worth of the common resort room, and for lots of people, it’s actually value it. The common room prices $239 per night time, whereas the Membership suite is priced at $269, after all, relying on the season.

Personally, I’ve blended emotions about Membership Flooring, on the whole – nothing particular to this one on the InterContinental, which, for essentially the most half, was glorious. However I’m a fussy eater, and after we went upstairs for the 5-7PM dinner hors d’oeuvres, all three entrees have been fried meals, and it was nothing I’d have ever eaten. What would I’ve given for a kale-and-quinoa salad! The buffet delicacies that was not fried included cheese and fruit. The lounge itself is a stupendous space with fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and the port of Miami.

At lunchtime, the Membership Ground additionally options easy snacks, cookies, and nuts. And you’ll all the time discover a wide array of alcoholic drinks and top-shelf premium manufacturers, that are nice for individuals who favor cocktails. Drinks embody wine, beer and spirits.

The one different glitch that occurred for us throughout our keep was that administration had informed us the Membership Ground closes at 8PM. On the day of our arrival, at about 5 minutes to eight, proper after we checked in, we had Reception name the Government Lounge to apprise them that we might be there in about 5 minutes. Alas, alerts acquired crossed and after we arrived on the Membership Ground, it was closed. We have been upset and ravenous.

I’ll say, nevertheless, that we as an alternative had a really good meal in Toro Toro, the Latin-inspired bar/bistro downstairs adjoining to the foyer that’s run by acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval. Right here you will discover every kind of cocktails, and a large assortment of appetizers. We have been very impressed with the tuna ceviche, the truffle fries, the wonderful wild-mushroom flatbread, and the avocado salad. I might eat there any day of the week and really feel very glad.

The resort additionally has a really good spa. The MySpa, because it’s known as, helps you to rejuvenate in one in every of 10 remedy rooms together with {couples} suites and hydrotherapy suites. A number of posh pamperings right here embody the $260, 80-minute Champagne Mud Wrap, a $300 Elemis 80-minute Hydrafacial, and the signature “Raindrop” therapeutic massage, 80 minutes for $260. We have been unable to partake of any of the spa providers, and so may have to take action subsequent time. Particularly the 80-minute in-room therapeutic massage, $225! {Couples} massages are $150-$225 per-person. One of many beautiful discoveries I made within the MySpa was the number of attractive Finchberry soaps. All the pleasant, whimsical soaps are handcrafted regionally in its Northern Florida studio, which is full of piping baggage, baking racks, ovens and dough mixers, and which seems as very similar to a bakery because the soaps resemble baked items. Every particular person bar incorporates pure, food-grade elements, a decadent look, and a lush, light lather. As well as, the soaps are gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and made with none harsh chemical preservatives. The bestseller Sampler Tin, $40, is sort of cute.

Health, anybody? The InterContinental has an enormous indoor pool, and a big health heart. Right here you will discover a wealth of treadmills and stair steppers, free weights, Nautilus tools, and extra, that will help you get the job performed.

The on-site concierge can help with every kind of requests. To notice, there’s a each day luxurious megayacht expertise proper there in Chopin Plaza, aboard the SeaFair Miami, one of many 10 largest privately owned yachts in the USA. The $40 Million vessel options 20 outlets, a espresso bar, an open-air champagne bar, a number of eating places, pus a sky deck cocktail space. You possibly can take a specialty cruise in the course of the day, at sundown, or simply benefit from the house dockside. Every day excursions can be found Tuesdays by Sundays.

Regardless of the way you set sail, on the InterContinental, you’ll do it in model.

For extra about my Wanderlust travels, please Observe me on Instagram at @DebbiKickham.