Unfortunately they were sold out for Wednesday night. When I checked in on Monday I was hoping that someone would cancel. I checked on Tuesday evening with the front desk and they told me that they can’t extend my stay. Reason for being sold out was a golf tournament at Shula’s Gold Club. They offered me to book a room at their sister property – Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club. I accepted to be moved over there for one night and then come back to the Hotel Indigo.

I checked in right after work, around 5 p.m. There was nobody at the front desk and they looked up my reservation. Everything worked out with the reservation made by Hotel Indigo. I walked back out to my car and grabbed my suitcases and went past the lobby to the elevators. My room was on the second floor and facing the outside of the hotel, not the amazing courtyard. It was only for one night, so I didn’t mind. I took my car and parked it in front of my room. My room was next to the elevator and right across from the stairs. The room was very spacious and I liked the interior design of the room as well as of the hotel. Both matched one another. Reviews on Google Maps talked about outdated rooms, but honestly, I think the room interior was perfect, it was rustic like the rest of the hotel. Also worth noting, there was no carpet in my room. I just had tiles and the rest of the room was a hardwood-floor-imitation. It looked nice and fit well in the overall atmosphere of the room and hotel.

After I settled in, I walked around the hotel to explore the grounds. The property is large and the courtyard features a large pool and a pond with a fountain. The pond is located in front of the restaurant and lobby area. Guests staying at the ground level and facing the courtyard were able to use their room key to enter the room from the courtyard side instead of the hallway. All the rooms facing the courtyard had a terrace or balcony.

After finishing exploring the grounds I went for dinner. I decided to eat at the hotel restaurant – Shula’s Steak 2 (Menu). I didn’t have to wait to get seated and my waiter told me that the restaurant is famous for their steaks. That said, I had to try their Filet Mignon and man, this was the best steak in a very long time. I can highly recommend that you try one of their steaks. You will love them. They even have their own Steak Sauce.

After that I went to my room and did some work on my laptop and soon after that headed straight to bed. Because of checking out early, I was not able to try the breakfast at the hotel.

Besides the restaurant, there is also a French-themed bakery right on the property. It’s called VIE DE FRANCE. For a great workout and relaxation visit the 44,000 sq-ft state-of-the-art fitness facility across the street of the hotel. It’s complimentary for all hotel guests. Upon request, the hotel offers a shuttle service to the Hotel Indigo, which is situated right at the edge of the golf course. Next to the hotel is Shula’s Steak House – The Original and the Bull Pen. The Bull Pen offers great views of the golf course and serves a variety of gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

As mentioned, I had to check-out early. They didn’t slipped the bill under the door as some hotels do, I had to get it from the front desk. This was no big deal, it was too early for most people and the concierge was helping me out quickly.

Overall an amazing stay and pleasant experience. Unfortunately, I am working on my IHG Share Forever Promotion for some Bonus Points. That’s why I wanted to move back to the Hotel Indigo. Shula’s Hotel also has a Loyalty Program. With only 25 nights a year, you become a member of the Signature Membership Program.

SIGNATURE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Complimentary Continental Breakfast in the Signature Lounge
• Cocktail Reception every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 5:30-7:30 pm in the Signature Lounge
• Complimentary Upgrade to Signature Room, based on availability, upon check-in
• Complimentary late check out (2:00 pm)
• Complimentary drink voucher upon check-in
• Complimentary Valet parking
• $45.00 Golf Rate at The Senator Course at Shula’s Golf Club
• Exclusive Signature Member Rewards Program Card (Good for discounts throughout Main Street and the Miami Lakes area.)

The hotel is close to various shops and restaurants in Miami Lakes, all within walking distance. There is even a movie theatre just a few footsteps away. Try “Pizza Scene” in Miami Lakes. They have a giant, and very delicious Pizza. They are also member in the Rewards Network, if you are participating in one of the Hotel or Airline Dining Programs.