The past year has most definitely put people’s plans on hold. From family gatherings, holiday celebrations, the concept of a normal workday and our most favorite moments, traveling; life has changed quite a bit from the normal we all were so used to.  If you are anything like me, then you have a travel bug – a constant thirst and desire for seeking adventure and exploring this oh so beautiful world. Well, thanks to IHG Hotels & Resorts  , your vacation plans no longer have to wait. You can enjoy all the rest, relaxation and rejuvenation with your favorite people while enjoying the beautiful properties of IHG Hotels & Resorts. Our stay at the Even Hotel, in Alpharetta, GA provided just what our hearts, minds, and bodies needed, and this property made our local staycation a weekend absolutely worth it.

Choosing IHG Hotels & Resorts for your next weekend away

I am a strong believer in a weekend away. Weekend destinations have always been a big thing for J and me, and a big part of the blog here at gracefulandfree from the very beginning. And while traveling to different cities to escape the stress of life and truly embody the weekend spirt is something we are definitely here for, the circumstances of living life in a pandemic don’t always make that feasible. Fortunately, IHG Hotels & Resortshas gone over and beyond to ensure that all their properties are equipped with the highest standards of cleaning with backing from science to ensure that all guests and staff at each and every property are safe.

The IHG Hotels & Resorts Standard of Excellence

IHG Hotels & Resorts offers so much for each and every guest. Whether you want a complete city-escape experience or feel more locally rooted, at every IHG property, you and yours will find just what you need in a weekend away. Additionally, as an added bonus, IHG’s current promotion allows for members to earn an additional 2,000 bonus points for every two nights stay. This allows you to gather the points to help reach Elite Status faster. And after experiencing the safety precautions taking place at all IHG Hotels & Resorts property, you will most definitely be booking your next stay quickly.

A Staycation in Alpharetta

Thankfully, it is now even easier to sneak away for a weekend, all thanks to a staycation and IHG Hotels & Resorts commitment to safety and quality. For us, our weekend away came at just the right moment in time. Between teaching in a pandemic, pregnant, coupled with J working his busiest season of the year, our hearts and minds desired and definitely deserved a weekend to ourselves. One that was full of relaxation, rejuvenation, and ultimate wellness. This weekend away at the Even Hotel Alpharetta was most definitely worth it. From the moment we checked in on Friday night, we found ease and comfort at the Even Hotels property. And after a delicious dinner at Campania, it was straight to relax in the extremely comfy queen size bed in our suite. There is always such a special feeling when you first lay down on a hotel bed, one that I wish you could replicate every night falling asleep at home.

The Even Hotels Difference

It wouldn’t be a weekend away full of complete R&R, without dedicated moments to wellness. Whenever J and I travel, we love to be active, because we feel the best versions of ourselves when we are moving and doing the best for our bodies. Well, Even Hotels make this even easier by providing in-room exercise equipment, complete with all the tools for a great workout. And if a more in-depth workout is required, the fitness center at Even Hotels is of the utmost quality, full of the fitness world’s best equipment. Additionally, you can feel safe and certain while exercising at the fitness center as face masks are required and an additional cleaning protocol is followed rigorously.

The location of the Even Alpharetta Hotel is situated perfectly close to the city’s best dining, shopping, and outdoor exploring. Directly across the street from the Even Hotel is the Avalon. A top-notch destination for Georgians living north of perimeter. The Avalon is full of amazing shopping and dining experiences, another place that is safe to enjoy during the pandemic, thanks to mask and cleaning guidelines. From delicious eats, to the best shopping experiences, J and I had such a quality afternoon exploring one of our favorite places. From our delicious lunch at Superica – definitely worth ALL the hype, shopping the sale rack at Madewell, and an afternoon sweet treat at Jeni’s Ice Cream, this Alpharetta afternoon, spent directly across the street from the Even Hotel was quality.

Also, near the Even Alpharetta Hotel is the super cute, trendy, and walkable downtown Alpharetta area. Full of breweries, shopping, and top-rated dining experiences, downtown Alpharetta is a place to be – all within a five-minute drive of the Even Hotel. For outdoor lovers, the Alpharetta Greenway is another quick five-minute drive away, and the perfect place to spend the start of your day. The location of the Even Alpharetta Hotel is absolutely top notch, thus making it the top destination for your Georgia staycation.

If going out is not your thing, the outdoor entertainment space, Cork and Kale restaurant and in-room quality experiences are more than enough to qualify this staycation as a weekend worth it. Definitely one worth adding to your list. This year has been hard, no doubt – so do yourself a favor and take a weekend to yourself. Head to your favorite city for a long weekend away and enjoy everything that a staycation and IHG Hotel & Resortshave to offer. Enjoy the rest, the relaxation, and the rejuvenation. You most definitely deserve it!