One of my collegues spoke to Enrique to request to have an international newspaper to be printed in advance and have it readily available at the front desk for me. I made this small request in advance because I know that it takes a good twenty minutes for this special newspaper to print; and I couldn't be late to work. Once I arrived to the front desk I speak to Lauren Perez and advise her that I'm here for the paper. She replies, "There's no paper here!" and her response was accompanied with urban hand gestures, the rolling of eyes, and a clear view that she seemed bothered. I explained that I made this request in advance about 30 minutes ago. She asked if I spoke to someone and I told her. Lauren called Enrique and asked, "Did anyone request a paper?" Once she recieved the response she hung up the phone turned to me and abruptly said, "Nope! No paper!" I continued to say that I'll still wait for the paper because I HAD to show up to work with it. I also added if there was anywhere that I can eat breakfast in the mean time. Lauren suggested Starbucks. I replied, "Is that it?" So then Lauren replies, "Well, everything else in here is too expensive!" That left another bad taste in my mouth. Why is she assuming its too expensive for me? Isn't she supposed to promote the hotel? Who is she to judge? Is she implying that I can't afford it? I ignored her and proceeded to the hotel restaurant for breakfast which clearly was not expensive. The restauarant was very good and the waiter Vincente was very clean, prompt, and attentative. The eggs benedict were cooked perfectly with a correct portion of potatos. Overall a good experience at the restaurant. When I was done I went back to the front desk to pick up the paper and another agent Patricia helped me. Patricia was very kind, attentive, and professional by asking if there was anything else that she can assist me with. I thanked her very much and went on my way.

Was here for a conference that was split between the main convention center and opera house/hall that collectively comprise the Arsht Center (previously known as the Carnival Center).

The hotel's location is probably the best location of any hotel downtown. Across the street from a Metromover station, right on the waterfront (with wonderful views of Biscayne Bay), 5-minute walk to Bayside Market. This area of downtown probably has the most restaurants/shopping of anywhere in downtown (as the area north of the causeway is a wasteland and Brickell is pretty much a business district). Not exactly convenient to Miami Beach or South Beach, but $1.50 direct bus ride gets you to both in about 1/2 hr.

Didn't try the restaurant or bar as I had heard they were extraordinarily expensive. For us, the Starbucks worked as an acceptable breakfast option and all the restaurants at Bayside Market provided plenty of variety and prices ranges.

Room was small but with a view to die for and convention rate was reasonably priced. Furnishings were in good condition and housekeeping was thorough (although slow, they typically didn't start working until mid to late afternoon and we needed to hang out in the lobby more than once while they were finishing up).

Unfortunately, the pool is only open during daylight and one must walk through the spa in order to get to it (very odd layout). Nothing special about the pool area but attendants were attentive.

Now to the nickel and diming. A $3/day housekeeping fee was added to the final bill. When asked about it, we were told that it was in lieu of a housekeeping tip and it was only added on the final five days of our stay (we were there nine nights altogether). So apparently, if you don't tip housekeeping staff, you get reported and it is added to your bill. We were also billed for a bottle of red wine (which we never even saw in the room) and a number of items from the fridge (which was opened and items removed to make space for a gallon of milk but the items were replaced by us the next day). We explained to reception that we didn't consume any of the items and that housekeeping never 'replenished' anything (as we put the original items back in the fridge) and reception was very good about taking the charges off our bill. Didn't go for the $12/day internet access because the conference provided internet terminals (what is it with 4 & 5* hotels charging an arm and a leg for wireless, but motel chains give it to you for free?).

As long as your careful about the nickel and diming, this is a stylish hotel in an excellent location.

This hotel is quite expensive. I was travelling on business, the hotel is luxury and well located, this is ok. However the remaining it does not worth the high prices. The service is just regular, the vallet price (if you rent a car) is out of this world - too expensive, the breakfast too. Even if you travel on business, I recommend you to save some dollars and patience staying at hyatt regency next to it.

Won't repeat the many good reviews of the overall conference/business aspects of the Intercontinental, but a few things were minor but consistent hassles throughout a recent five-day stay:
1) The Internet access is painfully slow, buggy, and unreliable, with webpages sometimes taking three or four refresh attempts in order to load at all. Would be fine at a Motel 6 for free, but nowhere close to par for a high-end conference hotel that charges $10.95 per day for Internet access on top of the room charge.
2) The hotel restaurant is severely understaffed, at least at breakfast. Long waits to order, longer lines at the Starbucks dealing with customers who gave up on the restaurant, etc. Makes it a challenge to get to conference sessions or out touring on time.
3) Hotel gym is brand new but extremely underequipped and small for a $10.95 per day supplementary charge. Great for basic cardio machines and free weights, but if you need balls, mats, or other equipment you'll have to look elsewhere.