If you’re seeking a sense of adventure, these new and renovated hotels are where you’ll find it.
If you want to take your attendees on the journey of a lifetime, these new and renovated hotels are the place to do it. Whether you prefer to stay a little closer to home or venture far away, you’re certain to find an experience way outside your day to day here.
A Century of Stories Before Your Eyes
If you’re looking for a space with a story, look no further than The Lodge at St. Edward State Park. Once a seminary, it is now a Michelin Key-awarded 84-guest room luxury hotel.
Although just 20 minutes from downtown Seattle—meaning easy access to and from both city experiences and the airport—visitors enter a world all its own in the heart of a lush 326-acre old growth forest.
Bishop Edward John O’Dea purchased the lot the late 1920s and later donated the land to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, which constructed the Saint Edward Seminary in 1931. Its notable design can be attributed to celebrated Seattle architect John Graham Sr.—whose firm, John Graham & Company, is also to thank for the iconic Space Needle. When the seminary closed in 1976, Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen worked with the state of Washington to preserve the grounds as Saint Edward State Park. Today, it’s beloved for its trails, lake views and lush fir, cedar and maple trees. Though an iconic symbol of the park, the building fell into disrepair—which you can see immortalized in the 2016 Macklemore music video to “Kevin” filmed onsite prior to the restoration!
In 2017, Daniels Real Estate entered into a public-private partnership to restore and transform the building into The Lodge at St. Edward State Park, which opened in 2021. The result of the adaptive reuse project was a Pacific Northwest-inspired lodge, with the building’s exterior façade, roof and original windows restored. What were once dormitory rooms became the 84 guest rooms; former classrooms became meeting and event spaces; the dining hall became the acclaimed Cedar + Elm restaurant, while the social hall became Remington Ballroom. It also offers a world-class spa, three on-site restaurants and bars and even a Gallery of Fine Arts in the Grand Hallway, which features a rotating showcase of works by Pacific Northwest artists.
Today, the property celebrates its achievement of a One Michelin Key for hospitality excellence—one of the highest distinctions available to hotels, which identifies properties that stand out within their categories for their character and quality of service, accommodation, amenities and guest experiences.
Cliffs and Canyons at Your Door
After completing a full property renovation, Red Cliffs Lodge Zion joins Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio. The redesign amplifies Zion’s natural beauty and the adventurous spirit that draws visitors to the region. Less than a mile from Zion National Park, in the heart of Springdale, Utah, it is an ideal home base for adventures throughout the park and immersive experiences in Springdale’s local culture. For those who want to take advantage of the proximity to the incredible park, the hotel’s premier activities partner and long-time National Park outfitter and guide service Zion Guru makes it easy to do so.
If you’ve ever seen Zion National Park, you know that the great sandstone formations feature everything from warm oranges and browns to bright ruby reds—the color scheme of the hotel reflects it, with bold pops of color against neutral hues. Custom artwork is inspired by the animal kingdom and Zion’s spiritual significance. The lodge feel truly comes to life when gathering around the expansive lobby fireplace. All 132 guest rooms continue this aesthetic with features like walking stick-inspired mirrors and backpacking benches with petrified stone elements. Abundant natural light alongside amenities like mini-refrigerators, coffee makers and flat-screen TVs blend style with functionality.
Alongside this renovation launch, the property debuts a new signature restaurant with Scout Bar & Grill. Whether visiting for breakfast, lunch or dinner, guests are immersed in a space inspired by a crackling campfire, with an open-flamed grill and global comfort food. Meetings and events can enjoy over 1,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; plus, post-meeting, there’s nothing like gathering around one of the many campfire pits under a clear sky filled with stars.
Read More: National Parks: A Natural Choice for Meetings
The World at Your Window
If your heart is set on venturing a bit further from home, set your sights on W São Paulo. One of the first W Hotels in Brazil, the property marks a significant milestone for the brand. The sleek modern skyscraper stands in the center of the city’s bustling southern business district and features a design inspired by the city’s art and music scene with a Brazilian modernist architecture style. Angular lines, sinuous curves and a vivid color scheme of greens, blues, metalics and golds characterize the space, alongside features like unique design pieces, rich textures and organic materials including Brazilian stone and wood. The 179 stylish guest rooms, including 16 suites, begin on the 25th floor, offering incredible views of the city skyline and the Pinheiros River, which are certain to inspire. From the 22nd floor, the hotel also offers 216 W residences.
São Paulo is a gastronomic hub of Brazil, and the hotel’s three dining experiences bring that high regard right inside the hotel. Each offers its own unique atmosphere. Head to L40 Cozinha de Latitude on the 40th floor for a blend of culinary traditions from countries along the 40th latitude, including Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, China, Japan and the United States, while seamlessly integrating Brazilian ingredients and techniques. Baio Cozinha Sulista offers an innovative, contemporary take on Southern Brazilian cuisine with seasonal, local ingredients, while Yōso Bar and Café offers a Japanese mixology experience in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Visitors also enjoy plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind. At the AWAY Spa, guests can enjoy personalized spa experiences crafted with Brazilian ingredients including açaí, bacuri, buriti, umbu and butià for an immersive wellness journey. The property also offers a FIT Gym and WET deck with an outdoor pool. Meetings and events can take advantage of five event spaces, including the 4,305-square-foot Great Room. When not exploring the city—which is easy to do with the ornate walkway that bridges Rua Funchal to Rua Helena—guests can enjoy a curated selection of programs, including the Sunset Ritual at the WET Deck, Stretching Bozza Nova at FIT, wine tasting at Baio Restaurant, and more.
