Boutique Hotel

Los Angeles Believes in Magic That Few Will Ever Witness...

Friday, November 6, 2009 by Charity Hill
Be among the few to stand in front of the secret bookcase and say the magic words: "Open Sesame." And poof! The Magic Castle, an elusive LA attraction, will reveal itself as one of the most coveted venues in Los Angeles.

It's not an illusion! World-class entertainment in Los Angeles unfolds right in front of your eyes as you enter this four-story Victorian castle smack-dab in the middle of Hollywood. It holds up to 360 people for meetings and special events.

Combined with the most exciting group dining Los Angeles has to offer and the convenience of a hip hotel right on the property, the Magic Castle is a triple threat. Successful Los Angeles corporate event planning includes a creative conference site or diverse banquet hall, and the Magic Castle holds the cards.

Cvent Planner Insider Tip: Put an ace in your pocket! Befriend a magical member to harness your full Los Angeles event planning potential.

To find more unique Los Angeles venues, visit the Cvent Supplier Network.

Boutique Is Totally Chic in Los Angeles

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Charity Hill
Le Montrose Suite Hotel in LALos Angeles boutique hotels come out on top! Who needs bustling lobbies full of tourists and tour guides when you can be greeted by name and escorted directly to your room like an A-lister? Stand in line to check in? That's so 2000 and late!

There's a new list of 5 star hotels in Los Angeles, none of which have more than 200 rooms. In order to reach the tip top of every meeting planner's list, these swanky boutique lairs must have a luxurious LA conference room and a rooftop to die for.

Cvent Planner Insider Tip: Aim High! Schedule an exclusive meeting in one of these private conference rooms or pitch the perfect party at the top one of these powerhouses—either way, you are guaranteed to raise the roof!

Here's my 'top-heavy" list of luxury boutique hotels LA has to offer:

1. The Thompson Beverly Hills
2. Le Montrose Suite Hotel
3. The Huntley Hotel
4. Petit Ermitage
5. Chamberlain West Hollywood

Find more Los Angeles luxury hotels on the Cvent Supplier Network.

Miami Venue Spotlight: Enjoy Events of EPIC Proportion at Kimpton's New Hotel

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Cvent Staff
EPIC Hotel in MiamiA boutique Miami hotel on a budget? Look no further than downtown Miami's EPIC Hotel. One of the most recent addition to Kimpton Hotels collection, EPIC lives up to its name, offering a level of style and service of unmatched proportions.

Located right on the waterfront, the hotel offers striking views of the Miami skyline from its 411 guest rooms and suites. Vaulted ceilings, glass walls and shimmering pools surround guests as they enjoy some of the hotel's world-class indulgences, such as the hosted evening wine hour in the lobby, a Kimpton Hotels signature offering.

For Miami meetings and events, EPIC has over 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space spread among its meeting rooms, pool deck and EPIC lawn. Events of 300 to 400 guests can enjoy spacious facilities and services that include comprehensive multimedia and audio-visual support, an on-site 24-hour business center, and catering from the hotel's award-winning Area 31 restaurant.

Best of all, EPIC Hotel is offering some great Miami meeting promotions for fall. The Fall Group Sale includes group rates from $139, 10 percent off master account folio charges, and creative meeting concept consultation, all valid from September 3, 2009, through December 25, 2009.

Or, take advantage of its "Power Hour" meetings package. Good for meetings booked and consumed by December 31, 2009, Miami meeting planners can enjoy one hour early check-in, one-hour late check-out, daily hosted wine hour, a Friday happy hour with specialty pricing, a one-hour massage for the meeting planner, and one guest room upgrade for a VIP. Plus, planners can choose from a two-hour cocktail recepection for the price of a one-hour reception, a two-hour boat cruise, or 10 percent off published banquet menu prices.

To learn more about these Miami promotions for your next event, call 1-866-760-3742. And make sure to view more information about EPIC Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network!

Saving Big in Big D! 6 Tips for Great Dallas Events on a Budget

Friday, October 16, 2009 by Despina Karintis
Dallas SkylineIf you're in the midst of planning a Dallas business trip for a large group and the budget is tight, don't fret! We've got some tips and ideas to help save money without skimping on the "umph" your event needs to be a success.

Tip #1: Use Cvent! Cvent is an excellent tool for submitting RFPs to a huge selection of Dallas hotels and allows you an edge when negotiating rates, rentals, and amenities for your upcoming Dallas event. There are plenty of great deals out there, so don't be shy in asking for flexibility with room rental, catering, and/or sleeping room rates—go for as many comp room nights as possible!

Tip #2: Use the hotel!
Dallas hotels are great resources for seeking out popular restaurants, shopping and attractions. Some may even have coupons, passes, or connections at certain hotspots.

Tip #3: Use DART!
Group passes, available for a minimal price per person, allow for travel all over Dallas via rail or bus. Generally, hotels offer complimentary shuttle service within a certain radius (usually five miles) and many are located near DART rail stations. This not only saves money on Dallas transportation for groups, but is friendlier to the environment as well.

Among the Dallas hotels centrally located near rail stations are: Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion, Sheraton Dallas Hotel, Dallas boutique hotel ZaZa, Hotel Palomar Dallas, Renaissance Dallas-Richardson, and Doubletree Hotel Dallas-Campbell Centre.

Tip #4: Be as flexible as possible!
If dates aren't set in stone, flexibility in schedule can really help your bottom line. Many hotels have slower months and days where they have a bit more leeway with rates and package deals.

Tip #5: Don't forget about your rewards programs! Many times meeting planners don't consider the perks and benefits of using your preferred loyalty program as a bargaining tool. If the hotel is unable to go lower with price, but the package and hotel are too great to pass up, ask what they can offer in the way of points.

Tip #6: Enjoy Dallas! Be confident in your selection of Dallas as a meeting destination and enjoy the many wonderful venues, attractions and conveniences this city has to offer. Dallas is booming with business and arts and offers some great outlets for team building and relaxation for business travel.

Philadelphia Venue Spotlight: Hotel Palomar Offers Eco-Friendly Elegance

Thursday, October 15, 2009 by Cvent Staff
Hotel Palomar PhiladelphiaLooking for a boutique hotel in Philadelphia? Hotel Palomar, a Kimpton Hotel, just opened in the posh Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. This LEED-certified Philadelphia hotel offers superior service and warm hospitality for guests and events of all kinds.

The 230-room hotel has 6,000 square feet of meeting space. Its five flexible meeting rooms can accommodate up to 90 seated guests or up to 200 people for receptions. To make sure any event goes smoothly, hotel staff offer multimedia and audio-visual support, an on-site, 24-hour business center, and wireless Internet access. Catering is also provided by the adjacent restaurant.

In addition to meeting space, Hotel Palomar Philadelphia has a host of upscale amenities to pamper its guests, including a 24-hour valet in the on-site garage, complimentary overnight shoeshine, a 24-hour fitness center, and the Mind.Body.Spa in-room wellness and spa program. Hotel guests can also enjoy perks such as complimentary morning coffee and tea bar and the evening wine hour held nightly in the hotel's living room.

View more information about Hotel Palomar Philadelphia on the Cvent Supplier Network

Hard Rock Hotel Rocks a Pinktober Package

Friday, October 9, 2009 by Mallory Szabo
Hard Rock Hotel ChicagoLocated on Michigan Avenue in the historic landmark Carbide & Carbon building, the four diamond Hard Rock Hotel Chicago is part of the distinguished Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Located steps away from the Chicago theater district, museum campus, Millennium Park and the endless array of Chicago restaurants and entertainment hot spots, the Hard Rock Hotel offers unique and upscale accommodations sure to please any guest.

At 40 floors high, the building is a product of Daniel and Hubert Burnham, the sons of famed Chicago architect and city planner Daniel H. Burnham. Popular legend connects the design of the building to a champagne bottle, with its terra cotta exterior corresponding to the green glass bottle and the gold tower alluding to the shiny foil top. It's no surprise that this Chicago hotel is frequently visited by musicians, celebrities and fans wanting to stay in the stylish, contemporary surroundings.

Service at the Hard Rock is top notch. The team of hospitality professionals at this Chicago boutique hotel bled four-star quality and practicality to show guests they appreciate their business. This hotel is great for groups who are interested in architecture as well as music. In fact, the hotel happily offers private hotel tours that highlight the unique architecture of the building. Staff event allows the renting of Gibson guitars to keep their guests inspired.

This month, meeting planners looking for a Chicago hotel promotion can enjoy the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago's Pinktober Package. For the entire month of October, the hotel will be donating 25 percent of room revenue from the package to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

This Chicago hotel deal includes a tower guest room with pink sheets, a collectible 2009 Hard Rock Breast Cancer Awareness pin, two splits of pink POP champagne, pink ribbon temporary tattoo, and a package of pink M&M's.  This Pinktober Package Chicago promotion saves the guest about $35 and goes to a great cause!

View more information about the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago on the Cvent Supplier Network

Dallas Venue Spotlight: American Airlines Training & Conference Center

Thursday, October 8, 2009 by Despina Karintis
American Airlines Training & Conference CenterDolce Hotels & Resorts has just announced a great new promotion geared towards meeting planners all over the world. The "Make Us an Offer... Anything Goes" promotion invites meeting planners to submit requested dates, F&B and other meeting requirements—and then state the price they would be willing to pay for the entire package at any of its 24 upscale hotels, resorts, and conference centers in North America and Europe.

This unique hotel deal gives meeting planners the opportunity to take advantage of some of great venues at competitive prices. The Dolce staff will take any offer and evaluate each request individually. Even if the offered rates are too low, they will map out exactly what can be done for such rates and present alternative and/or creative suggestions to help seal the deal.

This would be the perfect opportunity to try out Dallas' own Dolce spot, the American Airlines Training & Conference Center (AAT&CC). Located just five minutes from DFW International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown, the Dallas conference center is nestled on 30 wooded acres of pure Texas beauty. Known for its superb service and excellent facilities, the AAT&CC offers 75,000 square feet of high-tech, IACC-certified Dallas meeting space complete with ergonomically designed conference rooms, wi-fi throughout the entire facility, as well as a full spectrum of AV equipment with on-site professional help.

The Dallas Dolce property is smack in the middle of the two major cities that make up the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and offers easy access to several area attractions such as Six Flags Over Texas; the Rangers Ballpark at Arlington, home of Texas Rangers Baseball; the brand new Cowboys Stadium, home to the one and only Dallas Cowboys; and several nationally renowned golf courses! The AAT&CC has complimentary shuttle service to and from DFW Airport (a rare find in Dallas), as well as to any location within five miles of the grounds. AAT&CC is obviously a great choice for business meetings in Dallas!

Don't miss out on the "Day Meeting Sale," good for 30 percent off select meeting packages. This Dallas promotion and the "Make Us an Offer...Anything Goes" hotel deal are good through December 18, 2009.

View more information on the American Airlines Training & Conference Center on the Cvent Supplier Network

What’s Happening at the W Atlanta Midtown Hotel?

Wednesday, October 7, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
The W Atlanta Midtown is one of the city's few hotels where people can enjoy much more than a good night's rest. With popular celebrity filled events almost every weekend, why would you want to sleep? This boutique hotel in Atlanta invites its guests to get pampered, get attention and get away, all without leaving the Atlanta city limits.W Atlanta Midtown

The W Hotel was the first location for the ultra-modern, world-class Bliss Spa in the Atlanta area. Here, guests may indulge themselves with decadent treats including the oxygen blast facial, carrot & sesame body buff and the "blissage" head-to-toe massage treatment.

The premier site for celebrity sightings, many of the city's elite can be found at this Atlanta hotel on any given night. The Real Housewives of Atlanta have been spotted here on various occasions, including during their OK Magazine photo shoot. Incorporating LA style with Southern hospitality, the Playboy Pajama Party was also held at this Atlanta luxury hotel.

So why pick the W Hotel for your Atlanta events? Opened in 2008, this hotel paradise in Midtown is complete with 30,000 feet of multipurpose function area, 14 meeting and special event rooms and 466 luxury guest rooms. So whether your event attendees want to have an executive meeting or a glitzy Hollywood-themed party, the W Hotel Midtown has the sophistication to make any function a red carpet event.

View more information about the W Atlanta Midtown on the Cvent Supplier Network

Host a Halloween Event at America's Top Haunted Hotels

Friday, October 2, 2009 by Sarah Larkins
Now that it's October, I'm already thinking about Halloween! If you're hosting an event around the holiday, what better way to get attendees into the spirit than by selecting a haunted hotel as your venue of choice? Check out some of the top hotels across the nation where you may have to account for one or two uninvited guests:

Stanley HotelStanley Hotel

A Colorado tradition since 1909, the Stanley Hotel is tucked away in the gorgeous mountainous terrain of the Estes Valley, located about an hour from Denver and minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park. Its breathtaking setting belies the hotel's ghostly past, which includes serving as the hotel that inspired author Stephen King to write The Shining.

Supposedly, original owner F.O. Stanley and his wife Flora still haunt the hotel, being seen in the Billiard Room or playing the piano in the ballroom. Some guests have also reported hearing children playing in the hallway when none are present.

Today, guests can take one of the historic ghost tours offered by professional hotel guides, who cover the history of the hotel, its connection to King's novel, haunted rooms and more. The Stanley features eight meeting spaces for private events, including Billiard Room where Stanley so likes to make an appearance.


A National Historic Landmark, this San Diego hotel attracts guests with its distinct Victorian charm and modern luxury. An American treasure, it has welcomed greats such as Marilyn Monroe, Charles Lindbergh, eleven U.S. Presidents, and, now, even a ghost.

On November 25, 1892, hotel guest Kate Morgan checked into the Hotel del Coronado, but never checked out. Since then, guests and staff have noticed phantoms, chilly breezes, and strange noises thought to be the ghost of this "Beautiful Stranger," whose story you can read about in the hotel's published book about Kate—talk about a great corporate gift for your next event the hotel!

Hotel del Coronado features 679 recently remodeled rooms (ask for number 3327 to sleep in Kate's room) and 65,000 square feet of San Diego event space. Its function space just underwent a $2 million renovation with new carpeting, drapes, wallpaper, sound system, and audio-visual support provided by San Diego AV supplier Swank Audio Visual.

Carolina InnCarolina Inn

In 1948, Dr. William Jacocks, a physician with the International Health Division of the Rockefeller Foundation, retired to Chapel Hill and lived at the Carolina Inn until his death in 1965. However, legend has it he never really left. He still enjoys playing practical jokes on inn guests, such as locking them out of his former room every now and then. Other ghosts in the hotel have been known to wander the halls and jiggle door knobs.

Visitors can learn all about the inn's ghoulish past this Halloween, as the staff of Haunted North Carolina is hosting an evening of entertainment that includes dinner and a tour of the inn's most haunted areas. Book online using hotel promotion code "BOO" or call 1-800-962-8519.

In addition to a place on the National Register of Historic Places, the Carolina Inn boasts a fine resume including a AAA Four Diamond Award hotel and Mobil Four Star Award-Winning dining at its Carolina Crossroads Restaurant. Located on the campus of the University of Chapel Hill-North Carolina, it boasts 184 rooms and 13,000 square feet of meeting space, making it a popular North Carolina venue for events, weddings, academic conferences and more.

Charlotte Venue Spotlight: First LEED-Designed Hotel Opens in Uptown

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Sarah Larkins
The Ritz-Carlton CharlotteThe Ritz-Carlton Charlotte has opened in the heart of Uptown. As I blogged back in June, this is the city's first LEED-designed new hotel, having achieved LEED Gold certification.

At 18 stories, the hotel offers 146 rooms, each of which has been lavishly furnished with rich, warm woods, 400-thread count Frette linens, a 42-inch LCD flat panel television, and a flat screen television built into the bathroom mirror. The Charlotte hotel also boasts the BLT Steak restaurant and a 13,000-square-foot Wellness Center.

Affording panoramic views of the city, eight meeting spaces at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte provide over 12,000 square feet of space. Planners can take advantage of large spaces such as the 7,000-square-foot ballroom or smaller venues of 464 square feet.

The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte hotel is currently available for booking conferences, weddings and other special Charlotte events. It will begin accepting individual receptions October 1.

View more information about The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte on the Cvent Supplier Network

Atlanta Venue Spotlight: The Ellis Hotel, A Unique Boutique

Thursday, September 24, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
The Ellis Hotel in AtlantaThe new and improved Ellis Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, is a piece of Atlanta’s history. From its luxurious modern guest rooms, fully equipped with iPod docking stations, to its elegant crystal chandeliers, there is a "no holds barred" attitude at Ellis.

Following its $28 million hotel renovation, Atlanta's Ellis offers 21st century conveniences and amenities. Among them are:

• On-site Atlanta event planning service
• High-speed Internet access throughout the entire property
• Two stylish Atlanta meeting rooms accommodating up to 50 guests per room

Not enough to sway your client? Why not mention the women’s only floor? It's complete with necessities for the woman on the go (e.g. snuggly slippers and curling irons).

Or, maybe mention the Terrace on Peachtree Restaurant. This Atlanta restaurant offers its patrons recipes from local vendors, giving a simple escape to America’s finest.

These features make The Ellis not just an Atlanta hotel with meeting space, but also a lavish retreat from the usual chain hotels. This truly unique boutique Atlanta hotel offers its clients options where once stood impossibilities.

Upcoming Atlanta Events: Take a Stroll Through Castleberry Hill

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
After an Atlanta Falcons game, desperately trying to find a new way to get to the highway, I made a detour onto MLK Drive. With a few wrong left turns I stumbled upon one of Atlanta's most precious gems. Nestled in downtown Atlanta sits the historic Castleberry Hill neighborhood.

A collage of restaurants, specialty boutiques and spacious lofts, Castleberry Hill is where you can find many of Atlanta's artsy elite. As I glanced at the storefronts and loft windows, I had the feeling as though I was in another city. It's Atlanta's very own Art District.

Various Atlanta events are held in the area periodically to introduce residents to a more cultured way of life. Consider this weekend's Castleberry Hill Art Stroll event, held Friday, Loft at Castleberry HillSeptember 25. Or, take the Loft Tour, running Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27.

So if your attendees are seeking things to do in Atlanta, Castleberry Hill is a one-stop shop for attractions, restaurants and more. If you want a reminder of NYC pizza, check out Atlanta restaurant Slice. Hosting an LA red carpet makeover? Go to the Glam Bar. Or, just host a classy event in the middle of this artistic paradise at the Loft at Castleberry Hill.

For more information on these Atlanta events in Castleberry Hill, visit castleberryhill.org.

Dallas Venue Spotlight: The Joule Hotel Offers a 'Return to Sophistication'

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Despina Karintis
The Joule Hotel in DallasLooking for posh and totally exclusive? Have clients you want to impress? Try The Joule Dallas!

One of the newest, most elegant Dallas boutique hotels, The Joule is the latest addition to the city’s push to reintroduce sophistication into its hospitality scene. Designed by Adam Tihany, the same man who did Le Cirque in NYC, this Neo-Gothic hotel spared no expense when it came to its design and amenities. Case in point: the in-room phone has a one-touch call button to the flagship Neiman Marcus right next door! This upscale hotel also includes a 1,500-square-foot deluxe gym, in-room spa services, a library, and more than 2,300 square feet of Dallas meeting space.

The Joule is also home to Charlie Palmer’s signature restaurant, Charlie Palmer at the Joule, as well as a retail wine shop Next Vintage, which serves the rooftop lounge. What’s so special about the rooftop lounge? That would be the boldly designed, cantilevered rooftop pool that actually juts out over the edge of the building with only a thick layer of glass separating swimmers from the earth below!

Don’t let this bit of luxury scare you, though. For those looking to truly impress important business clients, or for Dallas event planners who need to plan an upscale off-site event without those pesky getaway fees (like, say, airfare), The Joule is the place. It boasts the air of sophistication the best hotels of NYC, all from the heart of Texas!

View more information about The Joule Dallas on the Cvent Supplier Network

Chicago Venue Spotlight: Meeting Planners Anticipate the Elysian Chicago

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Mallory Szabo
Elysian Chicago HotelMuch to the excitement of Chicago meeting planners and visitors, the brand new Elysian Chicago hotel is approaching opening day! This new luxury hotel is the first in a new series of properties under the management of Elysian Hotels & Resorts. Set in the glamorous Chicago Gold Coast, the Elysian will be located near the posh Chicago restaurant Spiaggia as well as many high-end stores and boutiques such as Barney's, Gucci and Prada.

This 60-story, 188 guest suite hotel (part of a mixed-use development) has combined a sophisticated and timeless setting for its guests to experience. The suites average 890 square feet with only 10 suites per floor. Each guest room is equipped with elegant modern furnishings, both indoors and on the private terraces; white marble soaking tubs; dual vanities; fireplaces; and exclusive Italian linens. As if those amenities weren't enough, the hotel has two on-site restaurants as well as 24-hour room service run by the famous Charlie Trotter.

Additional perks include luxury automobiles for local transportation around the city and airport transfers. Guests are also treated to access to the Elysian Spa & Health Club, home to a mosaic-tiled pool, saunas, steam rooms and, of course, whirlpools.

The Elysian has over 4,500 square feet of function space for Chicago meetings and private events. Its world-class cuisine and intricate decor provides a versatile setting for any type of event, from a business meeting in the Fitzgerald Boardroom, which seats 12 people, to a black-tie affair in the Sinclair Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 270 people. Each event is sure to run smoothly thanks to the Elysian's special attention to top-of-the-line service.

The Elysian Chicago makes it a mission to mimic the "Golden Age of travel" in the early 20th century when a hotel stay was synonymous with luxury. It seems to be right on track!

View more information about the Elysian Chicago on the Cvent Supplier Network

Dallas Venue Spotlight: Cool Days Make for Cooler Nights at The Belmont Hotel

Friday, September 18, 2009 by Despina Karintis
The Belmont Hotel in DallasAs summer slowly starts to loosen its sweltering grip on Dallas, prime real estate starts to heat up. And by prime real estate, I mean being anywhere with a decent patio. One such place is The Belmont Hotel.

This Dallas boutique hotel is supremely located west of downtown and just north of ubercool, and very beautiful, Kessler Park. Sitting atop a stone bluff hill, it boasts one of the best unobstructed views of the Dallas skyline. This mellow Dallas venue plays host to some of the city's hippest, most eclectic crowds who sip on famous Eco-tinis (made with organic vodka) while enjoying poolside music under the stars.

In addition to having undergone a major renovation, The Belmont is located right in the middle of an up and coming neighborhood that is also undergoing a little urban rejuvenation of its own. It’s perfectly situated along the Trinity River, which, once the Trinity River project comes full circle, will be a hub of activity, full of swanky bars, retail shops, and easy access to hiking and biking. With 68 rooms, most of which open onto gardens and courtyards, this Dallas hotel is a great place to bring smaller business groups or to use an an option for escaping the hullabaloo of downtown during busy conventions.

In addition to the hotel’s remodel, the restaurant formerly known as The Cliff Café has undergone a renovation and concept overhaul. The Dallas restaurant re-emerged as SMOKE, an homage to old fashioned barbecue. Bringing hardwood cooking from scratch and authentic Southern flavor to Dallas, SMOKE is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

With competitive rates that afford the close proximity to downtown without the jumble, The Belmont Hotel is definitely a hotel to consider for your meeting attendees when planning a Dallas event!

View more information on The Belmont Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network

New Hotels for Your Georgia Meetings

Thursday, September 17, 2009 by Cvent Staff
Atlanta meeting planners looking to treat their event guests to a day outside the city will be happy to find new hotels in both Athens and Macon, Georgia, both of which are located about 90 minutes outside the city.

The stylish boutique hotel Hotel Indigo Athens University Area in downtown Athens recently opened as the brand's first LEED Gold property. Just five blocks from the University of Georgia, this Athens hotel features 130 guest rooms and 12 suites, each of which offer a clean, contemporary retreat with luxurious bedding, hardwood floors and high-def televisions. The hotel boasts two meeting rooms offering a total of 7,456 square feet of meeting space.

Meanwhile, in Macon, the recently-renovated Macon Marriott City Center has debuted with upscale amenities, 220 guest rooms and suites, and over 5,000 square feet of meeting space. Host an event in the spacious Magnolia room for up to 430 guests, who can then enjoy dinner at the on-site Vintage Restaurant or relax in the indoor pool.

View more information about hotels in Atlanta, Macon, Athens and more on the Cvent Supplier Network

The James Chicago Offers Unique Weekend Packages to Chicago Guests

Tuesday, September 8, 2009 by Mallory Szabo
The James Chicago The James is one of the newer additions to the downtown Chicago hotel scene. Located just a few steps off of Michigan Avenue, or as shop-a-holics know it, the Magnificent Mile, this stylish, luxury boutique hotel offers some of the best weekend packages around. The James has taken it one step further and decided to not only highlight its beautifully modern property with its promotions, but to also highlight its destination city, Chicago.

The Chicago hotel's weekend exclusive packages target guests who come to the city to experience what it is famous for: sightseeing, shopping, and a unique culinary experience. The Magnificent Weekend package shows guests how to shop Chicago-style with complimentary car service to and from your shopping destination, a gift bag of shop items and special offers, as well as a $50 gift card to the famous 900 Shops.

The James Hotel's Weekend Adventurer package includes Chicago city pass tickets to visit major Chicago attractions the John Hancock Observatory, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science and Industry. Also included is a hearty in-room breakfast to start off your day.

Other weekend packages available include dining at the exclusive David Burke's Prime Steakhouse. Guests will receive a private tour of the Chicago restaurant's Himalayan salt-tiled dry aging room or access to the Art Institute of Chicago's "A Case for Wine" Exhibit, with a carefully selected bottle of wine, of course.

Although The James Chicago is part of a new line of hotels set to hit the niche between the luxury brand hotel with the personalized comfort of a boutique hotel, it certainly seems to have a way of bringing in every type of guest with these reasonably priced new promotions. For your Chicago incentives or intimate events, a stay at the The James Hotel may be just what your attendees need.

Read more about The James Chicago and check out the Cvent Supplier Network for other Chicago hotel promotions.

Chicago Venue Spotlight: theWit Redefines Hotels in the Loop

Thursday, September 3, 2009 by Mallory Szabo
theWittheWit, a Doubletree Hotel, opened in the downtown Chicago Loop in May, and since then no one can stop buzzing about it! This new Chicago boutique hotel is located on State Street in the heart of the business and theater districts. A new modern style of hotel, the property features 238 rooms as well as 60 guest suites. It is the first of its kind when compared to other traditional downtown hotels and has set the tone to mirror this effervescent and exciting city.

Not only is the style of this Chicago hotel making headlines, but the unique in-house attractions are bringing in a crowd as well. theWit has three restaurants ranging from dressy to casual. One of the eateries, ROOF, is located on the 27th floor. This 7,000-square-foot Chicago restaurant is a striking indoor/outdoor lounge with large fire pits, live music, telescopes to capture the panoramic views of the city, and, of course, great food!

Other attractions at the hotel include the SCREEN, a high-definition, luxurious multimedia theater. This Chicago special event facility is geared toward corporate groups looking to host product launches and film screenings and Chicago event planners who are planning major broadcasts of athletic events and film premieres. theWit is a new breed of modern hotels in Chicago that has set the standard high!

View more information on theWit on the Cvent Supplier Network

New York Venue Spotlight: Luxury Hotel in Artistic New York Neighborhood

Friday, August 28, 2009 by Katherine Johnston
The Tribeca Grand Hotel, which opened in 2000, marks the first boutique luxury hotel in this eclectic and artistic neighborhood.  Located close to the restaurants and galleries of Tribeca, the Tribeca Grand Hotel provides a state-of-the art meeting facility with style.

The grand screen room, which resembles a luxurious mega movie theatre, is a perfect venue for your meeting. The room fits 100 people and includes classic plush leather seating, surround sound, and a top-of-the-line projection system. For a more intimate event, the penthouse rooftop terrace offers a panoramic view of downtown Manhattan.  The city skyline creates an elegant atmosphere for your New York events.

The luxury New York hotel also offers a variety of other amenities, including an iPod loan program, so guests can use iPods preprogrammed with music selections created by the hotel’s creative director. The lobby desk is adorned with goldfish bowls that welcome the guests. The guests are able to request one of these goldfish in their rooms for the duration of their stay.

View more information about the Tribeca Grand Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network.

New York Venue Spotlight: Trump SoHo New York Transforms SoHo from Trendy to Luxury

Monday, August 24, 2009 by Katie Hollar
This winter, there’s a new luxury hotel coming to the fashionable SoHo area of New York City.  The Trump SoHo New York is an unmistakable forty-six story glass tower hotel-condominium, overlooking the artsy SoHo neighborhood. With floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can take in panoramic views of downtown Manhattan, as well as the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. Each of the 391 guest rooms will also feature designer furnishings by Fendi Casa.

Donald Trump Jr. stated in a March article in NY Residential, “The main difference between Trump SoHo New York and any other properties in NYC is that our project combines uptown luxury and amenities with downtown sensibilities. The property’s amenities are outstanding, and will be available to guests and unit owners alike. This project is certain to raise the level of hospitality downtown from just trendy to super luxury.”

In terms of meetings at this property, your group will be able to access 100 of NYC’s top restaurants, boutiques, and attractions just minutes from the doorstep of the Trump SoHo. However, there’s no need to leave the hotel because the on-site restaurant, Quattro, provides five-star dining with an exquisite menu of contemporary Northern Italian cuisine.  With 12,000 square feet of versatile function space, the Trump SoHo New York will be able to accommodate up to 250 people, a difficult-to-come-by capacity for this busy area of NYC. The available meeting spaces include the exquisite SoHo Ballroom, the luxurious Trump Executive Boardroom, and SoHi, a 46th floor space with dramatic views and an adjacent kitchen. 

View more information about the Trump SoHo New York on the Cvent Supplier Network.