From the category archives:

Property Reviews

Hidden Gems

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Stuck in a rut of mainstream meeting-site selection? Leave homogenous hospitality behind and discover these tucked-away treasures. From open-range opulence to Spanish Colonial couture, the following offer a wealth of amenities and activities far from the madding masses. Royal Palms Resort and Spa  Constructed in 1929 as the vacation villa for New York money-man Delos Cooke, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa still makes business moguls feel right at home. [...]

by Viju Mathew on December 6, 2011

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Restorative Retreats

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“To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the last product of civilization,” said Nobel Prize–winning philosopher Bertrand Russell. Perhaps that’s why mindful meeting professionals make spa sessions their savvy selection during downtime. We bet Bertrand would have loved the list below. After all, resorts that make events easy and offer mind-body balance between business⎯well that’s just brilliant. Hotel Park City  For groups that ski, Hotel Park City in Park [...]

by Viju Mathew on December 6, 2011

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High Tech Titans

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Success demands that progress be perpetual. In an age where companies can be run on smart phones, and nano-seconds feel like forever, expectations have risen exponentially when it comes to ease and efficiency. For planners, staying ahead of the curve is a constant, which is why you’ll go gaga over the following high-tech hospitality providers that make state-of-the-art status quo. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago  Despite its ninety-two-story stature, [...]

by Viju Mathew on October 18, 2011

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Fairway Favorites

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Since golf and business share the same skill-set for success⎯focus, drive, and consistency⎯it’s no wonder some of the more memorable networking and deal-making opportunities land on the links. Let these ten fairway favorites caddy your next conference or special occasion and a great event is a gimme. Park Hyatt Aviara  Ranked among the top resort golf courses in America by both Golf Digest and Golf magazine, Park Hyatt Aviara’s 18-hole [...]

by Viju Mathew on October 17, 2011

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Par Excellence

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If golf keeps your group in the swing of things then the beachfront beauties below are hospitality’s version of a hole-in-one. Along with gourmet dining, enviable event space, and championship courses on-site or nearby, this selection of seaside settings will have even the most dedicated duffer eventually aiming for the sand. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay  “Beautiful property. Gorgeous views. Spectacular golf. The first 5-diamond property to have the meeting [...]

by Viju Mathew on September 6, 2011

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Warm Winter Retreats

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If your last winter function felt more like a penguin huddle, and was about as productive, then maybe migrating to warmer climes is the call. When the mercury falls, try these hot spots for meetings and incentive travel that will keep your group glowing while you bask in the glory. Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower  Just opened in July,Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower in Panama City, [...]

by Viju Mathew on August 29, 2011

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Hub-City Hospitality

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An axis for air travel, hub cities attract the attention of savvy planners for the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and concentration of available venues. Taking center stage when it comes to hub-based hospitality, these definitive hotels and resorts—featuring exceptional ambience, amenities, and accessibility—prove ideal focal points for the finest functions. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek  Host to society’s select from presidents to playwrights—including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Tennessee Williams—Rosewood Mansion on Turtle [...]

by Viju Mathew on August 29, 2011

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Tropical Testimony

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A mantra from Maui to Molokai, “Aloha”—and the spirit it inspires—defines paradise in the Pacific and is reflected in its premier lodging locations. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s what your peers are saying about these heralded Hawaiian hotels and resorts. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa  “I compliment them on one of the most impressive staffs I have seen at any of the hotels I have ever [...]

by Martha Brooks on August 24, 2011

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Desert Delights

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Pastel skies and painted desert provide the breathtaking backdrop for groups gathering in the southwest, but it’s the vast palette of amenities and attention to detail at the following destinations that add the brilliant brushstrokes to masterful meetings. Whoever said a picture’s worth a thousand words didn’t read what the following planners have to say about their stay. Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North  “The resort itself is spectacular, but [...]

by Martha Brooks on August 23, 2011

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Southern Comfort

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In a region already synonymous with hospitality, these southern charmers seduce even the most cynical business travelers with their storied attractions and white glove service that make every attendee feel like the belle of the ball. But we’re not just whistling Dixie—read below. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino  “Beau Rivage is absolutely the best — the facilities, the food, and especially the staff will keep you going back. You’re made [...]

by Martha Brooks on August 22, 2011

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Winter Wish List

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With its opportunities for bundled bonding on the slopes, or cozy camaraderie found fireside, there’s nothing quite like a snow-laden landscape to bring groups closer together. These world-class retreats—in the nation’s finest winter wonderlands—meet any event’s needs with a mountain of activities and amenities that promise to keep future expectations elevated for years to come. Equinox, A Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa   Our exclusive East Coast callout on [...]

by Viju Mathew on June 27, 2011

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Epicurean Enclaves

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Planners know that the way to curry favor with any group is through gastronomy. And in this age of culinary consciousness, when terms like “farm-fresh,” “organic, and “responsibly-raised” are among the lingua franca of foodies everywhere, these four faves feed the gourmet-minded magnificently. Bellagio Known for it’s famed fountains, Bellagio is also the fountainhead of fine dining in Las Vegas. The sumptuous hotel’s recipe for excellence includes James Beard Award-winning [...]

by Viju Mathew on May 16, 2011

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International Airport Ease

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With attendees flying in from all over the world, the last thing you want is for them to land and still have to sit in a car for another hour or two.  These hotels and resorts offer easy access to international airports–all within 20 miles of the property. Now your guests can immediately start enjoying the meeting.  Check out the reviews about each of them. Atlantis, Paradise Island “Beautiful property, [...]

by Amanda Smith on May 13, 2011

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Entertainment Assortment

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Looking for options to entertain? These hotels and resorts offer both on site and off site entertainment to suit all your groups’ needs.  Plus, the reviews help you know your group will be the star of the show. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas “Fantastic new property in Las Vegas. Very hip vibe.” Hilton Waikoloa Village “Our experience with Hilton Waikoloa Village was exceptional throughout the planning and execution of the [...]

by Amanda Smith on May 6, 2011

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Earning Eden

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Nothing powers productivity and dedication like an atmosphere of appreciation. That, and the possibility of earning a really cool trip somewhere, especially when incentive programs feature any of the seven wonders of the hospitality world listed below. If these destinations aren’t motivation itself, better check for a pulse. Terranea Resort The irresistible synergy of stunning location and Mediterranean-styled sophistication makes palatial Terranea Resort, on Palos Verdes Peninsula, a new standard [...]

by Viju Mathew on April 26, 2011

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Not Your Normal Locale

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Take a look at these hotels and resorts in fabulous locations that you might not think of first for your events, but you should!  They all come with great meeting professional reviews so you know that your group will get a retreat from the normal locations but still get the service you expect. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel “Our guests truly enjoyed their stay in your hotel, and I heard many [...]

by Amanda Smith on April 22, 2011

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Outside the United States

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Take your group outside the United States for these great getaways.  From Mexico to Europe, these locations provide excellent amenities and service.  Check out the reviews from others just like you. Casa Velas Hotel Boutique “Very well kept property, meeting room at the time was a little small, for breakouts we used sleeping rooms, overall experience was excellent.” Club Med Ixtapa Pacific “This was, by far, the best international conference [...]

by Amanda Smith on April 14, 2011

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A look around North America

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Not sure where your group wants to go?  These hotels and resorts provide a wide range of options across North America.  Plus, they come with great reviews so you know you can’t go wrong. Club Med Sandpiper Bay “This all inclusive resort offers a huge bang for the buck without any hidden costs. The food is remarkable for it’s freshness, variety and quality.” Encore “Our event was a complete success! [...]

by Amanda Smith on April 5, 2011

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Beachfront Beauties

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These hotels and resorts won’t leave your group wondering: “Where’s the beach??” The properties are all in prime beachfront locations so your group will be enjoying the beautiful beaches and ocean views.  And as if you needed any more reason to book a meeting there, check out the reviews from meeting professionals: Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun Resort & Spa “Lovely location. Best beach in CANCUN. Wonderful ambiance, very [...]

by Amanda Smith on March 24, 2011

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Serenity Awaits your Next Meeting

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Whether you’re planning a corporate meeting or a team-building retreat, these hotels have what it takes to make your event successful and enjoyable. Due to their serene, panoramic landscapes, they provide a spectacular backdrop for an event along with an abundance of recreational activities such as golfing, horseback riding, hiking, and so much more. Dolce Norwalk “My client was amazed—he truly thinks you are miracle workers. The meeting was a [...]

by Amy Weitz on March 8, 2011

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