California
In October, Hilton Anaheim unveiled a rebranded fifth-floor space, Anaheim Rooftide Terrace, as part of its multimillion-dollar renovation. The social hub features lush landscaping, flexible lounge zones, fire pits, lawn games and a 1,200-square-foot pool. As part of the property-wide renovation, a new al fresco dining outlet opened on the terrace, Saltflower. Saltflower’s menu features coastal-inspired fare, hand-crafted tiki-style cocktails and fresh-pressed juices. The bohemian-inspired design includes warm wood accents and a coastal color palette. This new dining concept is a part of the complete F&B overhaul at the property.
Later that month, Hilton Anaheim announced the full-property renovation was complete. The comprehensive renovation began in July 2024. Beginning in the hotel lobby, the communal hub features open seating and a custom LED lighting system that evokes a California sky. The more than 1,500 guest rooms were redesigned to include modern furnishings. The earth tones and blue accents were inspired by California landscapes. Upgrades to the hotel’s meeting offerings include expanded capabilities for AV and technology, flexible seating for conferences, enhanced lighting and modern desks and chairs. The Hilton offers 105,595 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space across 58 rooms. The largest space—the 28,542-square-foot California Ballroom Combined—has the capacity for 2,800 guests.
[Related: 2 Hawaiʻi Resorts See Multimillion-Dollar Renovations and New Leisure Resort Emerges in Santa Fe]
Montana
Larch House, a 39-room luxury hotel in Glacier County’s resort town Whitefish, opened following the new year. The guest rooms are spread across 10 buildings. Guests will also find a courtyard with fire pits and a heated pool located on the rooftop.
Larch House offers five private event spaces—Enga, The Antler Room, The Oak Room, Terrace and a private courtyard. Enga is an indoor-outdoor dining space with a menu inspired by Alpine cuisine. The ingredients are sourced locally from nearby ranches and farms. The private courtyard is an outdoor space that can be fully tented and can accommodate 175 guests. Terrace and The Antler Room will debut this spring.
Utah
The 510-room Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown at City Creek completed a multimillion-dollar renovation transforming its guest rooms, public spaces, restaurant and bar, and meeting spaces. Located in Utah’s capital city, the Marriott is steps away from a historic landmark, Temple Square and high-end shopping at City Creek. The property offers nearly 25,000 square feet of meeting space, and its location is directly across the street from the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Enhancements to the hotel’s meeting spaces include advanced technologies, seamless flow to pre-function areas and a modern aesthetic. The 22 meeting and event rooms plus 22 breakout rooms accommodate gatherings from board meetings to large-scale banquets. The largest capacity at the property is 1,600 guests in the 13,350-square-foot Grand Ballroom.
A new addition to the hotel, Destinations Lounge, is a vibrant cocktail bar that is another option for planners to host onsite gatherings.
All Aboard the RailSpur
A new venue in Seattle, The Rooftop at RailSpur, is located above Pioneer Square in a building that was originally constructed in 1907. The 15,000-square-foot venue spans two levels and features both indoor and outdoor space. The Rooftop at RailSpur combines historic character with modern flexible furniture in its double-height gallery, mezzanine lounge and two rooftop patios. The venue also features a catering kitchen and two bars, serving 250 guests.
More amenities in the space include AV equipment, onsite support services, staging, meeting rooms, full-service catering and green rooms for executive professionals and talent.
