In this post I’ll detail a trip report to the InterContinental Tampa. We recently returned from a short trip to Tampa where we stay there for 1 night.
Check In / Lobby
The hotel was fairly busy the weekend we stayed at the hotel, apparently there was a “Buy American Real Estate” convention. The lobby was well decorated and modern. We stayed on points, and as a Royal Ambassador I asked the check in person what benefits would be provided and the associate suggested a welcome amenity, late check out, an upgrade and free mini bar beverages. This was a surprise because mini bar privileges are not supposed to be provided on award stays, but we rolled with her suggestion and the free Patron and martinis!
Hotel Room
The check in process was quick and we were upgraded to a nice corner suit. The suite had a nice sitting area, large bathroom to the right, and a bedroom accessible from the bathroom and sitting room. A neat trick to battle the Florida heat is to work the InCom thermostat VIP code trick I described here and here to override the thermostat control making the room colder.
Area
The hotel is situated on a fairly busy corner for Tampa, on the corner of West Shore and Kennedy about 5 minutes from the airport. The benefit of the location is it is just across the street from one of the Tampa malls and a few restaurants are near by. We went to the Seasons 52 across the street and really enjoyed it. Parking is not free at this hotel, but at the back of the hotel you can park for free in the Urban Parking Center spaces with no problems.
Bottom Line
The hotel is definitely worth visiting if you are in town for a short visit and need a place to stay near the city or airport. I’m not sure it was worth the points since you can easily pick up a low $100 rate at this hotel, but the free mini-bar access definitely helped make up the difference.Â
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The Weekly Flyer writes about travel from a business traveler perspective. He travels the world every week accumulating points and miles along the way.
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A few notes:
We’ve stayed here a dozen times. Self-parking has always been free.
This is one of the cheapest ICs around, so unfortunately it is not a good use of points.
Contrary to the “official” policy, almost every IC gives RAs free minibar on award stays.
This hotel called me in my room to inform me that the check in person made a mistake. So I was given the impression an acception was made. This was actually the first stay with RA status. The next and probably last is at the IC Bora Bora. I’m usually a Hyatt or Marriott guy.
You should give the IC Bali a try!
Thanks for the report. Checking in tomorrow for a two night stay.
@carson
Hope you enjoy your time in Tampa.
checking in Fri for a one night stay
Great, hope you enjoy Tampa. Hit me up if you need any local recs.