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Grand Hyatt DFW Exhale deeply upon entering this oasis of sophisticated luxury from the hustle bustle of Dallas Fort Worth Airport’s Terminal D. Its 298 soundproofed guest rooms are sleek, modern sanctuaries featuring granite baths. Add a heap o’ meeting space—34,000 sq. ft.—and it’s a star in the Lone Star State. |
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Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel An oasis of calm just off the runways has gotten more reLAXed. A multi-million-dollar transformation added a fresh design scheme, all-new plush furnishings and tech in the 802 guest rooms, and enhancements to its 38 versatile meeting and functions rooms. In total, this property offers 50,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space. |
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Westin Denver International Airport Sleek and dynamic, this property has “oh wow” views of the airfield, Rocky Mountains and downtown Denver, which is easily accessible by rail. Its 519 soundproofed guest rooms feature signature Westin amenities such as Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath products. The new meeting and event space offers 37,500 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space. |
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Best Attraction/Theme Park |
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Monterey Bay Aquarium Where else will 35,000 fascinating creatures in nearly 200 exhibits welcome your event? Whether it’s an intimate reception, black-tie gala or a corporate evening affair, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers an inspired venue for one-of-a-kind gatherings and celebrations. From the lighting and décor to the music and menu, their full-service planners will help design an unforgettable evening. Choose from a range of engaging programs, including dive shows, animal encounters or behind-the-scenes stories from expert guides. Count on a light environmental impact, too. Local, organic ingredients from renewable resources minimize waste and follow the aquarium’s own Seafood Watch guidelines in support of healthy fisheries. 831-648-4916 | Contact: Christine Russo Robertson | National Sales Manager Events | montereybayaquarium.org/ |
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Universal Orlando Resort How to choose? This resort features five distinctly different, onsite hotels and two much-beloved theme parks—Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure—as well as the brand-new Universal’s Volcano Bay. Guests love the unique dining and entertainment at Universal CityWalk. In all, there are 5,200 guest rooms and 295,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. |
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Walt Disney World Resort Count on Disney to take meeting magic to new heights. We’re talking six themed convention resorts at this Orlando destination totaling more than 700,000 sq. ft. of meeting, ballroom and function space, and more than 5,000 guest rooms. Walt Disney World features four famed theme parks, two nighttime entertainment districts, three championship golf courses and much, much more. |
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Best Ballroom |
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Fairmont Dallas This hotel has anchored the downtown arts district since 1969 and features the epicenter of Dallas’ cultural and social glamor, the 18,000-square-foot Regency Ballroom. It boasts 27-foot ceilings, 15 crystal chandeliers and expansive windows. The entire property is newly renovated and offers 545 guest rooms as well as 70,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. |
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The Mirage The Mirage, the original destination resort on the Vegas Strip, still knows how to put on a show. Witness the erupting Volcano out front. The pillar-less, 40,000-square-foot grand ballroom is a venue that challenges your imagination. Overall, the resort has 170,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 3,044 guest rooms. |
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Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort No fewer than four atmospheric ballrooms, including the 55,000-square-foot Hemispheres Ballroom, grace this fanciful Michael Graves-designed property that delights adults and kids alike. Located on 87 acres within the Walt Disney World Resort, this lakefront Florida Green Lodging Property features 2,267 rooms and meeting space totaling 329,000 sq. ft. |
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Best Beach Hotel |
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Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla & La Esmeralda Elegantly appointed Paradisus Playa del Carmen, a leader in the luxury all-inclusive resort category, continues to exceed excellence standards now and into the future. It offers meeting and events professionals access to one of the Mexican Caribbean’s most coveted locations. This luxury resort features spectacular architecture, world-class cuisine and premium services to give your group an unforgettable, luxurious experience. Paradisus Playa del Carmen is ideal for events ranging from world-class business meetings to large-scale conventions. Working with a dedicated group coordinator, meeting planners can customize and create their desired event. Your group can enjoy activities such as beach volleyball, stretching, meditation, yoga and much more. melia.com | 52-984-877-3900, ext. 5401 | Contact: Marco Paramo, Director of Sales and Marketing |
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The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort The first St. Regis property in Latin America, north of Puerto Vallarta in the Mexican state of Nayarit, is luxe in every last detail. It welcomes visitors with 120 elegant guest rooms and 7,806 sq. ft. of meeting space on glorious grounds. Expect to be challenged and energized on its two golf courses (Jack Nicklaus-designed), and delighted by the tennis center, spa and international cuisine. |
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The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa For two deades this has been one of the most sought-after addresses in the Caribbean. Now newly transformed, The Westin Grand Cayman will make your gathering unforgettable. Surrounded by swaying palms and fronting the widest stretch of world-famous Seven Mile Beach, the resort features 351 stunningly remodeled guest rooms and oceanfront suites. An elevated arrival experience introduces a spectacular $50 million enhancement: a soaring Caribbean-view lobby/reception area and a reimagined Catboat lobby bar. The resort’s expansive beachfront pool and deck, fitness center, retail and select F&B outlets are new as well. The Westin Grand Cayman is perfect for relaxation, adventure and memory-making meeting venues. westingrandcayman.com | 345-945-3800 | Contact: Melina Forla, Director of Sales |
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Best Boutique/Lifestyle Hotel |
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The Brazilian Court Roaring 1920s glamour meets boutique intimacy at this historic landmark tucked between swank Palm Beach homes. The beach and Worth Avenue loom, yet attendees may prefer staying on property at Chef Daniel Boulud’s Café Boulud or celebrity sylist Frederic Fekkai’s salon. There are 72 guest rooms. Indoor/outdoor function space totals 3,000 sq. ft. |
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Hard Rock Hotel San Diego Amp up your next meeting with rock-star ambience in downtown San Diego’s fun and lively Gaslamp Quarter. The San Diego Convention Center is right across the street and PETCO Park is a block away. This Hard Rock features 420 rooms and 40,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space. |
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Hutton Hotel Nestled within the desirable West End neighborhood, Nashville’s only Forbes Four Star, AAA Four Diamond property Hutton Hotel remains the city’s standard for true hospitality. The 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting space can be divided into nine rooms and is located on one dedicated, private floor, allowing easy access for all attendees. The ballroom’s 14-foot windows offer abundant natural light and state-of-the-art audiovisual needs are easily accommodated. The Forbes Four Star, AAA Four Diamond onsite restaurant, 1808 Grille, is perfect for anything ranging from inspired happy hour cocktails, to fresh business lunches, or true southern communal dinners. huttonhotel.com/meetings | 615-712-2319 | Contact: Evan Thomas, Sales Coordinator |
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Best City Hotel |
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Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf With its own marina, Boston’s only Forbes Five Star waterfront hotel welcomes guests by land or sea. Its 230 guest rooms are newly renovated to reflect Bostonian sophistication. Some 20,000 sq. ft. of waterfront meeting and event rooms are imbued with character and history yet meet today’s advanced technological standards. |
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The Peninsula Chicago From its “Magnificent Mile” location to the vaunted luxury, service and amenities of the Peninsula brand, this much-honored property makes an impression. Its 339 spacious guest rooms are recently renovated (with advanced technology and touch-control bedside lighting) and more than 9,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. Tip: don’t miss the terribly dignified daily High Tea! |
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The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square “Meet me at the St. Francis,” is what discerning locals and visitors (think business leaders, socialites and royalty) have said for more than a century. This eco-friendly landmark boasts more than 1,200 guest rooms and 56,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, including 33 newly renovated meeting rooms with the newest tech. |
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Best Coastal Hotel |
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Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort Sitting prettily on one of Cabos San Lucas’ only swim-safe beaches, this Baja resort is ideal for combining business with fun in the sun and golf at championship courses created by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Jack Nicklaus. The property offers 375 guest rooms and 11, 843 sq. ft. of meeting space. |
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NIZUC Resort & Spa Formerly a private Mexican presidential retreat, this ultra-luxury, Asian-inspired, beachfront property on 29 acres in the enclave of Cancun’s Punta NIZUC is the perfect intersection of business and pleasure. Open, airy spaces predominate in the 274-suite venue, with nearly 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a state-of-the-art conference center. |
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The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay High on an ocean bluff in Northern California, this luxury property is imbued with Ritz-Carlton elan and embraces local coastal grandeur, wineries and organic farms. The spa, for example, offers the Redwood Forest Ritual, using herbs and wood blends. Its 261 guest rooms are complemented by 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. |
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Terranea Resort Perched on 102 tranquil acres above a secluded beach cove south of Los Angeles, this Mediterranean-style, luxury eco-resort has views to Catalina Island and has starred in Hollywood films and TV shows. Its 582 guest rooms include bungalows and casitas. Indoor and outdoor event space totals 135,000 sq. ft. |
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Best Conference Center |
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Lied Lodge & Conference Center At Lied Lodge & Conference Center, the definition of meeting space is different than most. The meetings hosted there are so much more than conference rooms and the latest technology. It’s about people finding inspiration and opportunities to foster bright thinking. It’s where rich conversations lead to breakthroughs, where the spirit of collaboration thrives, and where doing business becomes more meaningful. Lied Lodge offers 14,000 sq. ft. of adjustable meeting space, excellent accommodations, and an impressive selection of tours and group activities. From world-class indoor spaces to leafy, open-air vistas, visitors can explore the 260-acre, resort-like campus—and redefine what their next meeting should be. liedlodge.org | 402-873-8768 | Contact: Theresa Brown, Director of Sales |
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Monterey Conference Center When reopened this summer after a $60 million reinvention, this 40,000-square-foot facility in the heart of one of the Central California Coast’s most popular destinations will offer even more flexible and attendee-friendly meeting space, upgraded technology and a stylish, modernized building that is LEED certified. |
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The National Conference Center This commodious corporate training facility in Leesburg, northern Virginia, is one of the largest in the region. It features a series of color-coded buildings known as “living learning modules” that comprise 265,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a ballroom, plus 917 guest rooms. Walking trails encourage guests to think on their feet. |
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Best Convention Center |
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Austin Convention Center This handsome, LEED Gold-certified facility sprawls over six downtown blocks—Austin’s many shopping, dining and other attractions are close by, as are 8,500 hotel rooms—and sports native Texas materials, from rustic limestone to polished granite. Open and airy thanks to natural light flooding through window-walls, this venue offers 369,132 sq. ft. of meeting space, with five column-free exhibit halls, seven ballrooms and 54 meeting rooms. The catering team takes pride in meeting any challenge, from gourmet box lunches to cutting-edge culinary experiences. An award-winning, advanced communication infrastructure moves voice, video and data at 1 billion bits a second. austinconventioncenter.com | 512-404-4200 | Contact: Amy Harris, Director of Sales |
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Oregon Convention Center Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is the largest convention facility in the Pacific Northwest. It offers 255,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, 50 meeting rooms, two grand ballrooms, full-service catering and an 800-space underground parking garage. Green components are built into many daily operations, such as event recycling and composting, water and energy efficiencies, waste diversion and purchasing local food for catering. OCC recently installed one of the largest solar arrays on a U.S. convention center to produce as much as 30 percent of the facility’s electricity. LEED certified since 2004, OCC achieved LEED Platinum level, the highest certification offered through the U.S. Green Building Council, in 2014. oregoncc.org | 503-235-7575 | Contact: Cindy Wallace, CMP, CMM, Director of Sales |
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Pasadena Convention Center Just 10 miles from downtown L.A., the stately, LEED Gold-certified Pasadena Convention Center boasts 130,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, with 97,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and an expansive 25,000-square-foot ballroom. The Rose Bowl and other additional event settings are nearby. |
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Best Convention Center Hotel |
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The Broadmoor This grand Colorado Springs resort with the Italian Renaissance façade is as famous as the heads of state who have slept over. The resort features 779 guest rooms and a total of 185,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including the 90,000 square-foot Broadmoor Event Center Complex. |
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Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center The only waterfront resort in the Washington, D.C. region, Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is eight miles from downtown D.C., in National Harbor, Maryland. Under its signature 19-story glass atrium, Gaylord National features 1,996 guest rooms, a variety of dining experiences, an award-winning spa and more. More than 500,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space is customizable for events ranging from 10 to 10,000 people. With a dedicated team of meeting professionals, chefs catering to culinary desires, and expert in-house audiovisual and technology teams, Gaylord National Resort offers flawless, unmatched service. gaylordnationalmeetings.com | 301-965-2300 | Contact: Brad Mettler, Director of Sales and Marketing |
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Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas The resort’s award-winning Mandalay Bay Convention Center is the fifth-largest in North America, with 2 million sq. ft. of meeting space. It has the highest Green Key Meetings Rating— 85 percent of convention waste is typically recycled. |
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Best Cruise Line |
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Celebrity Cruises At sea about where to host your next meeting? How does leading conference technology (at no extra charge), flexible meeting rooms, and multi-purpose lounges and other great function space float your boat? Celebrity Cruises has four-, five- and seven-day itineraries to choose from in the Caribbean, Alaska, Bermuda and Europe. |
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Hornblower Cruises & Events – New York The nation’s largest private passenger vessel company offers six yachts for charter from Pier 40 in Manhattan providing unique spaces for small off-site meetings to large-scale corporate events and conferences. Hornblower’s yachts have a full suite of amenities complemented by in-house catering and dedicated event planners. |
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Royal Caribbean International Float your meeting with the world’s second-largest cruise line operator. Choose from 25 ships with dedicated conference facilities, plus unique team-building and gathering spaces. Theaters can accommodate groups as large as 1,394 and come with complimentary audiovisual services. No charge for lighting and sound gear, either. |
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Best Desert Hotel |
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Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale At Troon North Soaring saguaro cacti. Adobe casitas. The magic of the desert is everywhere in this high-style resort snuggled into the foothills of Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale. Guests enjoy special privileges at world-class Troon North golf course. This property features 188 guest rooms and 35,920 sq. ft. of meeting space. |
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The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale Since 1988, the Phoenician has epitomized Scottsdale elegance in the Sonoran Desert. And now, with three acres of solar panels the 250-acre resort is even more of an oasis. It features 643 expansive guest rooms, and the 64,000 sq. ft. of meeting space is complemented by a new 45,000-square-foot ballroom complex. |
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La Quinta Resort & Club The quintessential desert hideaway since 1926, this Palm Springs classic set on 45 lushly landscaped acres features 796 hacienda-style casitas, suites and villas clustered around 41 pools and 53 hot spas. There are no fewer than five championship golf courses. Indoor and outdoor event space totals 190,000 sq. ft. |
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Best Eco/Green Hotel |
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Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa Even the EPA has honored the eco-efforts of this 6,000-acre ranch resort near Winter Park Resort, Colorado, for geothermal heating, sand filtration water purification and more. The Main Lodge offers 52 rooms. Meeting and event space totals nearly 21,000 sq. ft. |
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Omni Dallas Hotel This LEED Gold-certified hotel is modern and toney—and a sky bridge away from the Kay Baily Hutchison Convention Center. The 1,001 guest rooms showcase work by local artists, as do the restaurants and 110,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. |
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Portola Hotel & Spa The AAA Four Diamond Portola Hotel & Spa reflects the captivating spirit of a rich, historical setting surrounded by everything that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer. As the only U.S. Green Building Council LEED-certified hotel on California’s Central Coast, the hotel boasts 379 guestrooms, 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with the adjacent Monterey Conference Center and experienced meeting professionals offering state-of-the-art technology, and sustainable catering options, all on the coast in the heart of historic, downtown Monterey. portolahotel.com | 831-649-4511 | Contact: Terri D’Ayon Joyce, Director of Sales |
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Best Executive Retreat |
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Boulders Resort & Spa Carefree, Arizona, is home to this enchanting, and newly renovated, resort on 1,300 acres of boulder-strewn Sonoran Desert, where your executive retreat can encompass fishing, hiking, biking, rock climbing—and teeing off at two championship golf courses. An eco-friendly property, it offers 223 guest rooms and 12,000-plus sq. ft. of meeting and event space. |
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One&Only Palmilla A privileged sense of place and exacting attention to detail have been the hallmarks of this luxury resort for generations. Just minutes from Los Cabos International Airport, the resort offers 160 beautifully appointed rooms, and an upscale boardroom and ballroom. Its fine dining is unrivalled in all of Los Cabos. Between meetings, relax in the exceptional One&Only Spa, bask on one of the few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, shop for high-quality crafts in nearby San Jose, scuba or snorkel the Sea of Cortez, or test your luck at sport fishing. Other outdoor options include a 27-hole, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. oneandonlypalmilla.com | 310-407-4408 | Contact: Angela Lockyer, Director of Sales |
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Salamander Resort & Spa Where else can executives uncover their authentic leadership style by communicating with horses? At this LEED-certified Virginia resort with the polish of an elegant country home, there are 168 guest rooms and 12,000 sq. ft. of indoor function space, plus an equestrian center. |
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Best Family-Friendly Hotel/Resort |
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Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas This extraordinary property of 3,805 guest rooms has completed a $1 billion expansion to its conference center. The whole family will love exploring marine habitats of lagoons, caves and coral formations, plus Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park. |
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Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg An indoor water park resort with a modern, 8,622 square-foot conference center? Sure. Your group gets down to business while their families get wet in the zero-depth wave pool. Just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, the lodge features 405 guest suites. |
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Hershey Lodge Not only is this Pennsylvania’s biggest convention resort; kids eat it up, beginning at the separate kids’ check-in. Then there’s Hershey’s Water Works and Hersheypark, with 70 rides and attractions. This property offers 665 guest rooms and 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. |
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Best Gaming/Casino Hotel |
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Aria Resort & Casino The 4,004 spacious guest rooms have cool touch controls for everything from the curtains on floor-to-ceiling windows to the flat-screen TV. Aria’s two sleek towers also house 300,000 sq. ft. of meeting space that features natural light. The property is seriously green, too. |
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Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino Still a standard-setter in the city that always raises the stakes, this iconic property comprises 3,960 guest rooms—including a 13,000-square-foot suite—and meeting space tallying 300,000 sq. ft. Caesars also features the 4,100-seat Colosseum. |
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Tropicana Las Vegas–a DoubleTree by Hilton Tropicana Las Vegas–a DoubleTree by Hilton enjoys a convenient location minutes from the airport, major convention centers and top entertainment venues. Each of the 1,470 guest rooms come with Wi-Fi and luxurious amenities. For VIPs, the Pool and Sky Villas offer an entirely new level of luxury. The conference center offers more than 100,000 sq. ft. of space that can be reconfigured into 38 breakout rooms. The pool and gardens, the Tropicana Theater, Havana Room and Sky Beach Club offer opulent spaces for upscale events. troplv.com | 702-739-2581 | Contact: Gavin Mealiffe, Vice President of Sales |
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Best Golf Resort |
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Kiawah Island Golf Resort Near historic Charleston, South Carolina, Kiawah is on a barrier island with miles of pristine beach, lagoons and marshlands. The resort boasts five championship golf courses certified by Audubon International for environmental management. In addition to private villas, The Sanctuary offers 255 luxurious guest rooms. Total resort meeting space tops 38,000 sq. ft. |
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La Cantera Resort & Spa This is a golfers’ paradise, San Antonio-style. Fairways undulate over Texas Hill Country, with 36 holes designed by PGA legends. The resort, with 498 guest rooms and 52,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, took design inspiration from King Ranch, one of the world’s largest ranches. |
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Streamsong Resort Surrounded by Central Florida nature, your group’s game will be elevated on and off the course. In addition to a trio of acclaimed championship golf courses, find 216 guest rooms, bass-filled lakes and woods—and 24,600 sq. ft. of indoor conference and meeting space. |
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Best Historic Hotel |
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The Breakers Palm Beach Tycoons and socialites have reveled in this Italian-Renaissance-style grande dame in Florida since the 1890s. Today it still epitomizes over-the-top luxury and seaside glamour, but also embraces environmental responsibility. Its 538 elegantly appointed guest rooms and 80,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor meeting space await. Create history of your own. |
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Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac has been lovingly restored to underpin a rich history with modern innovations within the fortified walls of Old Quebec. Imagine yourself in historic Europe in this venue’s 611 elegant guest rooms and 39,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. |
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Hotel Jerome, An Auberge Resort Long before Aspen became an acclaimed ski town, there stood Hotel Jerome—since 1889, in fact. Today this historical gem remains a perfect base camp from which to enjoy Aspen and surrounding recreational options. The hotel features 93 well-appointed guest rooms and 10,000 sq. ft. of renovated meeting rooms and event spaces. |
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Best Hotel Pool |
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Marriott Marquis Houston This bold beauty is new to Houston, with a sky bridge to the convention center. The real showstoppers are the Texas-shaped lazy river and infinity pool, both on the rooftop. The 1,000 contemporary guest rooms boast ergonomic workspaces. Meeting space totals 153,724 sq. ft. |
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Nobu Eden Roc Hotel With its Collins Avenue location, this “hotel within a hotel” flawlessly blends tropical Miami with timeless glamour, offering 624 guest rooms and more than 70,000 sq. ft. of event and meeting space. People watching doesn’t get better than at three distinctive pools. |
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W Fort Lauderdale Embrace the way-out at this beachfront W. As in, a peek-a-boo staircase that gives underwater views as it descends into the pool. Fresh from a major restyle, it’s hipper than ever and glories in its unique design elements. This property offers 430 guest rooms and 12,400 sq. ft. of indoor event space. |
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Best Hotel Spa |
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Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun The sleek, 40,000-square foot Coral Beach Gem Spa offers innovative treatments using chakra-balancing gem stones and a hydrotherapy ritual. This resort offers 602 all-suite, oceanfront accommodations, as well as more than 80,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space. |
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Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa On 400 acres north of Tucson, this resort’s mission is “to inspire a life in balance through mindfulness.” Balance Spa offers ayurvedic and other traditional treatments. Its 118 casita-style guest rooms exude understated luxury. Meeting space totals 4,700 sq. ft. |
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Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Stars such as Sinatra put this San Diego-area resort on the A-list. Today the much-lauded spa offers treatments using organic products, plus barefoot walks on a reflexology pathway. The Spanish Colonial-style property has 607 guest rooms and 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space |
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Best Incentive Hotel |
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Grand Velas Riviera Maya Beyond all-inclusive, beyond compare. That’s the Yucatan’s most spectacular vacation destination. The breathtaking Playa del Carmen resort is the only family-friendly all-inclusive resort in the Mexican Caribbean to be rated Five Diamonds by AAA. The 539 guest rooms feature spa-like bathrooms, private terraces with plunge pools and private butler service. Whether you swim up to the bars at the cascading pool or chill out under a palapa on the white-sand beach, indulge in an ancient healing ritual at the spa or learn to scuba dive, you will feel pampered. The resort also features 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. velasmeetingsmexico.com/grand-velas-riviera-maya | 888 505 8399 | Contact: Jorge A. Meraz Ibarra, Director of Cluster Group Sales–INT |
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The Resort at Pedregal The Resort at Pedregal, a unique luxury AAA Five Diamond boutique resort on the southernmost shores of the Baja Peninsula, specializes in blending sophistication with seaside style. With 1,725 sq. ft. of meeting space, it caters to high-level incentive and board meetings, executive retreats and meetings of various sizes to an intimate venue with fabulous restaurant offerings and personalized concierge services. Our residential-style casitas—113 guest rooms and suites in all—seamlessly blend handcrafted Mexican motifs with comfortable modern amenities, and feature oceanfront views on private terraces with infinity-edge plunge pools. theresortatpedregal.com | 602-330-6147 | Contact: Dawn Benedict, National Group Sales Manager (U.S.) |
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Sea Island Located on the coast of Georgia, Sea Island is the only resort in the world to have received four Forbes Five-Star awards for nine consecutive years, and is the only resort in the United States to host a G8 Summit. With four Forbes Five-Star experiences—The Cloister at Sea Island, The Lodge at Sea Island, The Spa at Sea Island, and the Georgian Room restaurant—Sea Island entices conference attendees, outdoor and activity enthusiasts, and those simply wanting to refresh and recharge. Visit Seaisland.com for more information. seaisland.com | 855-572-4975 | Contact: sales@seaisland.com |
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Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Comfort was key in planning Wynn Las Vegas and Encore’s convention facilities, each focused on a combination of sophisticated design and thoughtful details. Three column-free ballrooms, 35 meeting rooms and five private boardrooms combine to create more than 260,000 sq. ft. of entirely customizable meeting space. Tailored to accommodate any group size, many spaces feature floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning pool and garden views. From start to finish, planning is overseen by your personal meetings concierge, who coordinates everything from personalized menus to tech concerns with in-house production services. These amenities, plus award-winning accommodations, combine to create unforgettable events for your attendees. wynnmeetings.com | 702-770-7800 | Contact: Steve Blanner, Vice President of Sales |
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Best Island Hotel |
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Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Get inspired at this luxury resort, which embodies the true spirit of aloha and reflects the splendor of the island. A standout in meeting and incentive markets, this resort is known for its sheer beauty, graceful grandeur and service excellence. The resort unfolds with a relaxed sense of elegance and classic Hawaiian architecture that embraces Hawaii’s culture and climate. Guest rooms offer the comfort and amenities of home with an island flair. For events, options abound: more than 24,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor meeting space and 40,000 sq. ft. of breathtaking outdoor venues. Gatherings take on new energy amid trade-wind breezes, natural beauty and amazing facilities. kauai.grand.hyatt.com | 808-240-6435 | Contact: Vanessa Yatsuoka, Director of Sales |
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Four Seasons Resort Nevis Your attendees will never want to be kicked off the island after they check into these gingerbread-trimmed cottages set in tropical gardens. On 350 acres, this laidback luxury resort features a buffet of outdoor activities, 179 guest rooms and 9,043 sq. ft. of meeting space. |
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Frenchman’s Reef & Morningstar Marriott Beach Resort Dramatically set on a bluff overlooking the aquamarine Caribbean, this resort is secluded from the hustle-bustle of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. It features 453 island-style guest rooms and 60,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space, including outdoor terraces with dazzling views and 15 meeting rooms. marriott.com/hotels/travel/sttfr-frenchmans-reef-and-morning-star-marriott-beach-resort |
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Best Mountain/Ski Hotel |
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Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is nestled in Canada’s famous Banff National Park. This internationally recognized UNESCO World Heritage site provides a spectacular resort setting for a true mountain experience. An abundance of winter adventures, all available from the resort’s doorstep, can be tailored to any group. Winter-themed group itineraries encourage active participation and exploration of the pristine natural environment. Combine these exhilarating activities with the superb range of flexible, inspiring event spaces for the perfect executive retreat, annual conference, sales meeting, incentive or special event—set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. fairmont.com/lake-louise | 403-522-1509 | Contact: Craig Hudspith, Director of Group Sales |
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The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Legendary mountain man Jedidiah Smith never slept here, but it’s easy to make believe you’re walking in his footsteps at this airy lodge by Colorado’s Beaver Creek Mountain. Bunk down in one of 180 lodge-elegant guest rooms. Roam the 26,000 sq. ft. of event space. |
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The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Situated on 19 acres in Colorado’s Vail Valley by Beaver Creek Mountain and overlooking the Eagle River, this luxury property offers 232 guest rooms and signature Westin amenities such as Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath products, 7,200 sq. ft. of meeting space and an award-winning spa specializing in healing traditions from the mountains. |
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Best Outdoor Event Space |
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Chelsea Piers New York Chelsea Piers calls itself New York City’s corporate headquarters for team-building events such as a “mini-Olympics.” Or how about an activity outing? We’re talking bowling lanes, batting cages, ice skating, rock climbing—more than 25 sports in all. Before or after, groups as large as 2,000 or as few as a handful can get their games on at one this venue’s flexible riverside meeting or reception spaces. |
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The Diplomat Beach Resort Fresh from a top-to-bottom, $100 million renovation, this Hollywood, Florida, classic features 1,000 bright, beachy guest rooms and its own private marina. Function space tops 200,000 sq. ft., with dazzling outdoor event space overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. The 20,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom boasts ocean views. |
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Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa Surrounded by 40 oceanfront acres on Kaanapali Beach, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is the premier destination for your most memorable events on Maui. Above the stunning, free-form resort pool is the breathtaking new Halona Kai event lawn. As many as 500 guests can share the expansive lawn and panoramic views of the Pacific and palm-fringed coast. The resort also boasts additional gardens, terraces, oceanfront lawns and a spacious pool deck for creating unique experiences. Experienced event planning managers are on staff, as is extensive onsite recreation, a brand-new Regency Club, award-winning restaurants and unique Hawaiian cultural activities, including Maui’s most exciting luau. maui.regency.hyatt.com | 808 667 4440 | Contact: Erin Patin, Director of Group Sales |
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Best Special-Event Venue |
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Bowlmor Chelsea Piers Take your group bowling like never before, at 40 blacklight-lit lanes with gigantic laneside video walls. At this Pier 60 location in Manhattan’s Chelsea, you can even reserve a private, eight-lane bowling suite. Not in a Dude mood? Then try the city’s only indoor ropes course, or laser tag and arcade games. Also, check out Bowlmor Times Square. |
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MEET Las Vegas “Productive meets memorable” is how this event/exhibition space describes its mojo. This venue reinvents itself to suit your needs and imagination. Its 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space can accommodate more than 1,000 participants, and it partners with nearby hotels. |
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Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Impressive is the word. At 3.1 million sq. ft., it’s the biggest building in the nation’s capital—and the only federal structure mandated for both government and private use. Almost any event conceivable can—and does—feel right at home in its 65,000 sq. ft. of event space, 625-seat amphitheater or 15-room conference center. |
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