As we approach the new year, the world of hospitality is poised to welcome a wave of exciting new hotel properties offering fresh and inspiring venues for meetings and events. These eight remarkable new-build hotels are charting a course for success in 2024. From urban gems to serene retreats, check out the array of new options for creating memorable and productive experiences.
Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
Opening: Q1 2024
Location: Honolulu
Guest Rooms: 299
Meeting Space: 8,819 square feet across four meeting rooms
Superpower: One mile away from the Hawaii Convention Center
“Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa will offer a seamless blend of sophistication and functionality for meeting and event planners,” said Matthew Grauso, general manager of Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa. “Situated just a mile from the Hawaii Convention Center, this strategically located property is the perfect home base for crafting unforgettable experiences in the heart of Honolulu. With a modern and elegant design, a strong commitment to sustainability and a seasonal food and beverage journey, Renaissance Honolulu is the prime choice for planners aiming to create impactful events that resonate with attendees, offering a complete and enriching experience.”
Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
Raffles Boston
Opened: September 15, 2023
Location: Boston
Guest Rooms: 147
Meeting Space: More than 5,000 square feet of meeting space located entirely on the 18th and 19th floors just above the hotel’s Sky Lobby, including the 19th floor Raffles Main Ballroom with views of the Charles River
Superpower: Meeting rooms with unbeatable views
“As a brand, Raffles is renowned for its gracious service and elevated experiences. Beyond the allure of our spaces, our team is prepared to accommodate any request that comes our way,” said Simon Rodrigues, director of sales and marketing at Raffles Boston. “Our location cannot be beat. We are within steps of the shops at Copley Plaza, exhibits at the MFA, the Boston Public Library, etc., and can fully customize experiences for groups through our dedicated team of Butlers, another Raffles signature. We do not offer cookie-cutter experiences, everything can be fully curated to the group’s desires.”
Meeting Space: 65,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space
Superpower: Waterfront events on Evermore Bay
“Conrad Orlando is unlike any other property in this market, a true paradise retreat just minutes away from the action of the parks,” said Sean McCarron, general manager of Conrad Orlando. “The hotel offers travelers luxury accommodations and amenities such as the private Conrad Beach, pool, Conrad Orlando Spa, a marquee amenity featuring Orlando’s only Spa Water Garden, and five dining venues. Situated on Evermore Resort, guests will have access to all of Evermore’s fantastic offerings. Groups can look forward to exploring the 1,100-acre resort and partake in activities such as swimming and water sports on Evermore Bay, an eight-acre lagoon with crystal clear water and golf on two 18-hole championship courses.”
Conrad Orlando
VAI Resort
VAI Resort AmphitheaterOpening: Q4 2024
Location: Glendale, Arizona
Guest Rooms: 1,100
Meeting Space: 90,000 square feet of indoor space, 35,000 square feet of rooftop space and 150,000 square feet of flexible outdoor space
Superpower: “Boundless creativity”“VAI Resort is more than a destination; it’s an unparalleled canvas for business
“VAI Resort is more than a destination; it’s an unparalleled canvas for business events and meetings. As we unfold a new chapter in hospitality, our commitment is to empower meeting and event planners, offering them a spectrum of opportunities to craft experiences beyond imagination,” said Grant Fisher, president and CEO of VAI Global Development. “Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and adjacent to State Farm Stadium, VAI sets the stage for boundless creativity. Our commitment to excellence extends to turning incentive travel and gatherings into unforgettable moments. At VAI, we’re not just hosting events; we’re orchestrating memories.”
Guest Rooms: More than 1,300 bedrooms comprised of two- and four-bedroom villas, four-bedroom flats and private homes ranging in size from five to 11 bedrooms
Meeting Space: 10,000 square feet of traditional indoor space, over 75,000 square feet of outdoor space
Superpower: “1,400-acre resort oasis”
“Evermore is a first of its kind luxury resort that’s purposefully built for togetherness. Evermore offers accommodations and spaces designed so teams can build camaraderie, bond, focus on business objectives, create memories and be together,” said Lisa Crosby, director of sales at Evermore. “Evermore is a 1,400-acre resort oasis featuring two legendary Jack Nicklaus golf courses, villas, flats and private homes; elevated food and beverage experiences; unique meeting spaces; and above all a personalized and curated meeting experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Orlando. Your meeting and incentive experience is ever-changed at Evermore!”
Evermore Boathouse Interior
Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Opening: December 13, 2023
Location: Las Vegas
Guest Rooms: 3,644 rooms and suites
Meeting Space: 550,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space
Superpower: Accessibility
“The accessibility of the resort is one of our biggest differentiators. Its podium-like shape allows guests to move effortlessly among our rooms and suites, meetings and convention space, world-class shops, 36 first-to-market restaurants and bars, top-of-the-line wellness amenities, six-acre pool district, expansive gaming floor and immersive entertainment and nightlife options,” said Colleen Birch, COO of Fontainebleau Las Vegas. “We had planners involved in designing our convention space. This allowed us a unique opportunity to build this resort from the ground up with a planner in mind. The backend infrastructure is thoughtful and intentional. We have six dedicated freight elevators, which really makes a difference in the overall experience, and for a more efficient load-in/load-out time.”
Guest Rooms: 168 bungalow-inspired guest rooms and suites
Meeting Space: 8,000 square feet of curated meeting and special event space
Superpower: An adults-only suite tower with its own private pool
“Thompson Palm Springs presents an opportunity to blend modern design with the vibrant charm of the destination. The hotel creates a sense of place for meetings and celebrations of all types with the outdoor terraces showcasing mountain views and indoor venues incorporating the natural beauty of Palm Springs,” said Kelly Teo, director of sales and marketing at Thompson Palm Springs. “From the elevated service to intentionally crafted spaces, the hotel will serve as a gateway to all the destination has to offer, including the culture, art scene, culinary offerings and surrounding natural wonders.”
Thompson Palm Springs Lounge
Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa
Opened: November 1, 2023
Location: Indian Wells, California
Guest Rooms: 215 guest rooms and villa suites
Meeting Space: 35,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space
Superpower: “An island state of mind with idyllic desert surroundings”
“Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa is a first-of-its-kind resort concept that blends the ultimate fusion of business and leisure where island living meets desert luxury. Our unique setting allows us to create personalized events for groups up to 500 guests using a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces surrounded by stunning garden and mountain views,” said Rob Hatfield, director of sales and marketing at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa. “Embracing Tommy Bahama’s unique approach to elevated yet relaxed service, meeting planners can tailor an experience unlike anywhere else.”
Taylor
Smith
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Content Developer, Destinations and Features
Taylor Smith joined Stamats in May 2022 as a content developer, destinations and features for Meetings Today. Smith has experience covering everything from travel to breaking news and graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in news and magazine journalism. Previously, she’s written for St. Louis Magazine and worked as an editorial assistant and apprentice for Aubree Nichols, who has been published in premier publications such as The New York Times, ELLE and The Los Angeles Times.
