Blissfully anticipating my recent adults-only cruise on Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady from America’s cruise capital, Miami—who would have thought there would be a cosmopolitan luxe hotel that served as the ideal pre-boarding location to one extraordinary cruise?
There is. It’s the InterContinental Miami.
As soon as you arrive at this high-rise hotel, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in downtown Miami, you know you’re in for an experience.
The InterContinental Miami, recently renovated for $40 million, has reimagined the notion of luxury.
Here’s why.
Location, Location, Location
Like the revamped AAA Four-Diamond property that has stood at the foot of Chopin Drive since it arrived in 1983, the neighborhood with its sea wall and mementos like “The Torch of Friendship,” a tribute wall in memory of President John F. Kennedy—its eternal flame burning—has also seen revitalization.
The best part is that notable features are within walking distance. Foodies cluster around the Brickell City Center. Bargain shoppers hit Marshall’s or Ross Dress for Less. Fitness seekers hit the multipurpose sea wall trail at Bayfront Park, passing lagoons and million-dollar yachts. You’ll even find Margaritaville, an ode to the late Jimmy Buffett, for nibbles, drinks, and live entertainment at the Bayside Marketplace. And yes, you are within walking distance (and, in my case, private sedan service) of the great Port of Miami!
InterContinental Miami Highlights
It’s there for all to see in Technicolor LED, the new 20-foot-long MIAMI public art display! Unveiled this past February, acclaimed sculptor Noel Santiesteban has created a piece commissioned by the hotel that fuses the InterContinental logo with the city name. Meanwhile, the hotel’s signature fragrance, a subtle, soothing herbal concoction of lemongrass, instantly sets the mood to “serenity now.” The doorman greets you by one of the steamy glass entrance doors and leads you into a sleek, smooth Florentine marble emporium of cool. AC brings down the temperature from the humid outdoors, the buzz is electric. Some guests are seen hanging out in the stylish lobby. Other guests are taking selfies by the renowned Henry Moore sculpture, “The Spindle,” a hotel fixture and centerpiece from which the hotel was built around. What other hotel brand builds around a priceless piece of artwork?
For wellness seekers, the full-service MYSPA and around-the-clock state-of-the-art Fitness Center are your go-tos. The unbeatable pool is ‘the’ place to unwind as the rustle of palm trees puts you in siesta mode.
For foodies, choose from six restaurants: Toro Toro by acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval, the rooftop bar Bluewater, Freddy’s Speakeasy Bar, private dining rooms at Table 40, and El Matador but it’s at the hotel’s anchor Olé where you’ll go for breakfast. Inquire about the complimentary buffet breakfast for two on offer. There you can enjoy homemade waffles, custom-made omelets, freshly baked goods, and tropical delicacies.
For the experience seekers, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind schedule of events and bayside happenings like yoga, art shows, and even salsa dancing.
For families, there are complimentary connecting rooms when you book a king room so you and your brood don’t have to be crammed into one room.
For pooch owners, this dog-friendly hotel welcomes you! Dog beds, food and water bowls, and even a concierge with Miami’s best dog sitters on speed dial. On Wednesdays, you can join InterContinetnal Miami’s Paws Patio, a hotel signature dog event.
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Suite Pluses
The InterContinental Miami offers 652 newly refurbished rooms and suites. There is a trio of views: bay view, city view, and ocean view. Choose from spacious Club Rooms and 22 renovated Suites that are furnished with marble bathrooms, have personalized concierge service, and access to the rooftop pool deck with VIP cabanas, among other bonuses. In this suite life, guests can indulge at the all-new private Club InterContinental Lounge, where luxury seekers can enjoy benefits like afternoon tea and happy hour. For other guests, inquire about the club lounge day passes available for purchase upon check-in.
My gorgeous Ocean View room (configuration choices are 1 king-sized bed or 2 queen-sized beds) ticked off all the boxes for this cruise gal. A pair of chilled water bottles in the mini-fridge, a set of comfy slippers, and a massive 55-inch flat-screen Smart TV could arguably become the centerpiece. Kick off your shoes after ample sightseeing, sink into the cozy armchair with its well-appointed side table, and scroll through your phone using the free Wi-Fi.
Nautical tones and natural materials blend harmoniously. The spacious bathroom has a large walk-in shower, Byredo toiletries, and amenities if you forgot to pack certain bath items for a true spa-ish experience. The handy in-room Nespresso machine with premium teas and coffees provides a quick morning caffeine fix. Need a drink? Head to the mini-bar only steps away from your bed.
For cruise guests, there’s a complimentary breakfast package.
Hotel Perks
Two-night stays can get a complimentary third night; now, who does that?
After you come off a flight that probably began early morning, think of hitting the spa. Guests can decompress in the steam room, sauna, and relaxation room.
You think you’ll see enough art and glam on a Virgin Voyages cruise, but this hotel is the perfect precursor to all that artsy fun because it has a stunning digital art collection and hotel art in the quirkiest places.
Overall Impression
Cruisers can sleep with full confidence! With a full-window ocean view of Biscayne Bay, steps away from the Port of Miami, the InterContinental Miami’s Ocean View room is the perfect perch to gaze upon Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady.
Booking
With flexible travel becoming a more common hotel trend, InterContinental Miami offers flexible travel with early check-in or check-out for direct bookings. For reservations, visit InterContinental Miami. Room rates are seasonal. For a standard room with double occupancy, the low-season rates start from $214 and in high season from $489.
Check online for the latest prices for the InterContinental Miami at booking.com or hotels.com.
Photography by Ilona Kauremszky + supplied. Virgin Voyages hosted Hotel-Scoop Reviewer Ilona Kauremszky’s stay and did not approve the editorial.
