Intercontinental MSP

Just spent last night there on a points stay (33k) as a Diamond Ambassador. Sadly, as a Flyertalker, I have started United segment runs for the year. 3 segments up yesterday and 3 back down today. While the air fare was cheap, spending the night hurts the value.

I only had a small bag and was planning on using the air side skywalk to get there. Arriving at 10pm, I was not excited about the walk from the E gates. A golf cart driver saw me and gave me a ride. This saved me. Indeed, the walk from the E gates, which is really center of the terminal, is about a mile. I could not have walked it. Again, you can only do this with no checked bags. Next time, I might just go out front and call for the shuttle.

They had upgraded me from my base room to a “Junior Suite, Runway View”. This room was dramatic in size and view. It was actually a real 2 room suite with 2 bathrooms. Floor to ceiling windows across both walls of the corner room. The cash price for this room only seems to be about $50 more, at least in the winter.

The free Diamond breakfast was quite good. Much better than the menu makes it appear. Quick service.

The bar was pretty lively when I checked in, and looked like a good place for a beer.

No lounge at this property.

I scheduled the shuttle for 8am but was down early and took the 7:40. There were 2 shuttles loading. I don’t know if the other one was for terminal 2. A very fast 3 minute ride. TSA Precheck was fast. By 7:47, I was thru security and headed to the lounge.

Really one of the better on-airport hotels that I have stayed at. I am not sure, tho, that the air side entrance is worth the pain. At least from center terminal gates.

As an aside, I see that the downtown St Paul Riverside IC is remarkable inexpensive, like $110 or 16k points/ night. It has a lounge and would be interesting to try if time permit. Ubers have their own loading zone right next to where the hotel shuttle drops off.