Favorite Vacay: Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola

For someone who is barely learning to swim in her 30's, I love vacationing in places where I can easily drown. Living in the south, Florida remains the easiest choice for this crazy activity. We found this gem of a spot because we are loyal Holiday Inn fans. Wherever we are in the world, we almost always stay in their franchise. It's within our budget and we like earning points. We've racked up so many points that we are able to stay in hotels like this for a fraction of the regular going price. This is the Holiday Inn Resort in Pensacola. We just love the Pensacola's white sand and turquoise water.


During the 4th of July weekend madness, one can book this for free. IHG's breakdown is so easy to calculate and does not change whether you are staying during the peak weekends or midweek. We are card members by choice after we've used up all of our points last year. We always opt to use the least amount of points and just pay the difference. While our stay, rooms were going for around $300.00, we paid $70 per night.

I have no clue what is in the area because this is one of those spots we like to vacation to just relax without any type of itinerary. The only things off our checklist are food, sunscreen, beach, drinks, pool, food, nap, and sleep. Throw in the jacuzzi somewhere in there to make it sound more exciting. This is one of those vacation places you take after a vacation somewhere fancy like Walt Disney World, where you walk endlessly.

As far as this awesome hotel? Well, it has a lazy river that we went around on more than 100 times. It boasts 3 jacuzzis. They also provide activities to kids such as the appearances of mermaids and pirates. This specific hotel also feeds every child free throughout the entire day. All of this without a resort fee. My frugal self couldn't contain myself. Using your points does not provide free breakfast, but if your kids eat free, then you really only pay for all the margarita's you choose to partake in poolside. Don't mind if I do. Cheers.