Feeling classy? These New and Renovated spaces are for you.
These new and renovated hotels all share one fabulous commonality: rich, luxurious spaces that transport visitors to what feels like a European castle, with jewel-toned hues, plush furnishings and ambient lighting. Whether you’re meeting in Washington’s wine country or lively New Orleans, you’ll find your event brimming with a feel of decadence and elegance.
Iconic, Embellished
The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center in Washington state wine country wraps up a widescale renovation, encompassing guestrooms, the lobby and The Marc restaurant. The iconic, historic exterior, however, remains the same—its Historic Tower is the tallest building in the city of Walla Walla.
All guestrooms include new paint or wallpaper, lighting, hardware, carpet and furnishings. The lobby maintains its historic woodworking, flooring and chandeliers but now includes new and reupholstered furniture, rugs, paint and lighting. The renovation also includes the addition of the hotel’s new dining concept, The Marc Café, accessible via the lobby. The more formal restaurant, The Marc, debuts a new Inland Northwest theme, built on a vision of cuisine that is sustainable and relevant to the region. It will celebrate and support local farmers, artisans, ranchers, fishermen and tribal purveyors. In addition, the Vineyard Lounge and Chef’s Table will put forward a refreshed look and feel.
The hotel offers over 13,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space, with grand ballrooms, executive boardrooms and intimate meeting rooms in its state-of-the-art conference center.
Read More: Wine Country Walkie-Talkies and Tips
Dining in Splendor
In the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter is The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, which recently debuted a full multimillion dollar refresh of its Restaurant R’evolution. Founded by award-winning Chef John Folse, it serves classic Cajun and Creole cuisine with modern, imaginative twists. From the menu to the physical space, the restaurant celebrates the diverse historic and cultural influences of Louisiana, paying homage to the seven nations of Louisiana, as well as the French, who built New Orleans into a culinary capital.
The renovation incorporates a collection of art from renowned Louisiana artists, like James Michalopoulos, Robert Rucker and Carol Arabie. A bookable private upstairs dining room overlooks the open kitchen and is decorated with Folse family artifacts and items Chef John has collected throughout his world travels. Groups can also book the private wine room, with a separate entrance, for private tastings and meals, while they gather amongst over 10,000 bottles of fine wine.
The hotel itself is an upscale urban escape, with 483 guest rooms and 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. In addition to Restaurant R’evolution, it houses five other culinary outlets.
A Waterfront Jewel
Georgetown, South Carolina’s first boutique hotel, The George, is a design-forward, waterfront property that recently celebrated its grand opening. Georgetown is just north of Charleston and is known for its historic working waterfront and picturesque streets of antique shops, boutiques and restaurants. The moss-covered oaks and 18th-century architecture creates a destination rich with charm and character. The George offers prime marina access and includes a port for guests to enjoy excursions on the Winyah Bay.
The hotel includes 56 guestrooms, 46 of which are water-facing, plus a variety of meeting spaces, from a dedicated meeting and event room to an outdoor greenspace and bar and bookable spaces for private and semi-private events in onsite restaurant, The Independent.
Guests will find the charm and character of Georgetown continues throughout the hotel, from the surrounding 18th– and 19th-century architecture and, indoors, a collection of European furnishings and custom pieces, such as the jewel-toned, fabric-skirted front desk. Historic fabrics, mural wallpapers and eclectic paintings and décor created by local artists anchor the property’s design.
Read More: South Carolina’s Southern Charm
