The Aruba Sonesta Resort offers in-town convenience, an ocean-front setting, plus the new Seaport Conference Center, with 22,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Two of the resort's special beach events, which can be held on it's private island, include Beach Olympics and Barefoot Blacktie. For a dine-around, Oranjestad's restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Location: The Queen Beatrix International airport is two-and-a-half miles or five minutes from the resort. Taxis and buses are available, with cabs costing $8 one way.
Accommodations: Of the resort's 550 guest accommodations, 250 are suites. In-room amenities include hair dryers, minibars, voice mail, and safes. Room service and concierge amenities are also available.
Meeting Facilities: At Sonesta's recently opened conference center, the largest meeting room accommodates 2,000 persons theater-style or 1,200 banquet-style. In addition, the resort has several excellent outdoor areas for meetings or theme events. The property best serves groups of up to 500 persons. Value season runs from April to December.
Recreation: On-property recreation includes tennis courts, a fitness center, two outdoor pools, ocean water sports, and a casino. Nearby is the Tierra Del Sol Golf Course, an 18-hole, par-71 course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Also available are two malls with 130 stores, six cinemas, two casinos, and five bars.
Dining: L'Escale is one of four restaurants on site. Some dozen restaurants, serving a variety of fare, are nearby.
The Disneyland Hotel The Disneyland Pacific Hotel A winning combination of meeting facilities and services makes the Disneyland Hotel and Disneyland Pacific Hotel duo a best bet for corporate meeting and incentive planners. Situated in a lush, tropical setting, minutes from the Disneyland theme park, they have become one of Southern California's leading meeting and convention destinations.
Located on the resort's 65 landscaped acres are meeting facilities totaling 180,000 square feet of space; 1,638 guest rooms, including 77 plush suites; a diverse array of specialty shops; and an island marina that offers a variety of recreation, dining, and shopping. Among the resort's award-winning restaurants are Granville's Steak House, featuring fine dining and generous portions; The Shipyard Inn, offering a wide catch of fresh seafood specialties; and the resort's newest dining experience, Disney's PCH Grill, featuring such contemporary entrees as sake-marinated sea bass and wood-fired specialty pizzas.
Disney-quality meeting experiences are found at the resort's two hotels: the 1,136-room Disneyland Hotel and the 502-room Disneyland Pacific Hotel. Located next to one another and connected by a landscaped walkway, the hotels are a short walk to Disneyland's tram stop. For each day of their stay, guests of either hotel receive early admission (up to an hour and a half) to Disneyland.
Both hotels offer upgraded services in their concierge-level rooms, with nightly turn-down service, upgraded in-room amenities, daily newspaper delivery, and Concierge Lounge privileges.
Business services, such as faxing, copying, and computer rental, are also available, as is state-of-the-art audiovisual support. In addition, the vast creative resources of the Disneyland entertainment organization can add a delightful twist to any business function, with themed events ranging from banquets with Disney's live entertainment to private parties within the theme park.
Location: The resort is 16 miles or 20 minutes from the John Wayne Airport, and 39 miles or 45 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport.
Accommodations: The Disneyland Hotel has 1,136 guest rooms and 62 deluxe suites. The Disneyland Pacific Hotel has 502 recently remodeled guest rooms, including 15 suites.
Meeting Facilities: The Disneyland Hotel has 52 meeting rooms, including an exhibit hall that accommodates 3,200 persons theater-style. The Disneyland Pacific Hotel has 15 meeting rooms, the largest of which holds 700 persons theater-style or 600 banquet-style.
Recreation: On-property recreation at the Disneyland Resort includes a fitness center, four swimming pools, a spa, and a white sand beach.
Dining: The Disneyland Resort has 16 restaurants and lounges throughout its 65-acre property, ranging from fine dining to casual buffets. The California Wine Cellar offers wine tastings, while the authentically decorated Victorian Tea Room serves high tea.
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas 2101 North Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 828-3074, Fax: (407) 934-6692
This year-round resort hotel is located on the shore of Crescent Lake in the EPCOT resort area. Orlando International Airport is a 20-mile, 30-minute drive from the property. Low-rise buildings surround private landscaped courtyards and house 378 guest rooms, including 20 suites and 532 villa units. All have air-conditioning, direct-dial phone with message alert and bathroom extension, and more. Groups can be preregistered. There are three heated outdoor swimming pools, a health club, marina, beach, sailing, and waterskiing. Ten lighted tennis courts and 99 holes of golf are available on Disney property nearby. Meeting facilities in the resort's first-floor conference center can accommodate up to 1,120 persons for a reception. There are six restaurant and/or entertainment facilities.
Disney's Contemporary Resort 4600 North World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 828-3074, Fax: (407) 828-2184
Beginning in 1990, Disney's landmark Contemporary Resort has been rebuilt as a convention hotel, with new features and renovations completed on a regular basis. The resort is 25 miles or 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport. There are 1,041 guest rooms, including 35 suites and 50 rooms on a concierge level. Value season is July to November. The Contemporary Resort has 33 meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 5,000 persons theater-style and 3,500 banquet-style. The group size best served at the resort ranges from 100 to 1,000 persons. On-property recreation includes golf, tennis, a marina, swimming polls, and a health club. All of the fabulous Disney theme parks are nearby. Four restaurants include the California Grill, the Concourse Steakhouse, Chef Mickey's, and Food & Fun Center.
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort 1000 West Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 828-3074, Fax: (407) 828-5392
Due to open in summer 1997, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort will feature southwestern architecture and design. Located 20 miles or 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport, the resort will have 1,967 rooms, including 46 suites. Portable walls will provide up to 45 meeting rooms in its convention center, with the largest ballroom in the Southeast at 60,214 square feet. On-site recreation will include five outdoor heated pools, a health club, and marina. Guests will also have access to Walt Disney World golf and tennis nearby. Besides its two restaurants, lounge, and pool bar and grill, there will be a direct transportation link to both the BoardWalk entertainment district and Pleasure Island/Disney Village Marketplace, offering a variety of dining and entertainment venues.
Disney's Grand Floridian Beach Resort 4001 Grand Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 828-3074, Fax: (407) 828-3019
Disney's Grand Floridian Beach Resort is located 20 miles or 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport. There are 897 guest rooms, including 25 suites. Value season is May to September. The resort has 16 meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 2,000 persons theater-style and 1,500 banquet-style. The group size best served at the resort is 250 to 300 persons. Recreational options at the resort includes swimming, tennis, a health club and spa, five golf courses, and horseback riding. Guests also have easy access to all of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks located nearby. Dining and entertainment at Disney's Grand Floridian Beach Resort includes five restaurants that serve a variety of cuisine: Victoria and Alberts, Flaglers, the Grand Floridian, 1900 Park Fare, and Narcossee's.
Disney Institute 1960 North Magnolia Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 828-3074, Fax: (407) 828-2402
The Disney Institute is located 20 miles or 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport. There are 580 guest rooms, including 264 townhomes/villas. Value season is May to September. Eight meeting rooms can accommodate up to 415 persons. The group size best served at the resort is 60 to 120 persons. On-property recreation includes a Sports and Fitness Center; tennis; golf; golf cart, canoe, and bicycle rentals; six swimming pools; and a full-service spa. In addition, there is an outdoor, 1,100-seat amphitheater on the green; a broadcast-quality, 225-seat Performance Center; 26 studios including closed-circuit TV and radio stations; a 415-seat cinema; and a youth center. Disney Institute is also home to a series of professional development programs, focusing on business and management topics.
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts 1700 Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 828-3074, Fax: (407) 828-2184
Disney's 630-room Yacht Club Resort and 583-room Beach Club Resort reflect an 1870s New England seaside atmosphere. They are located on a 25-acre lake adjacent to EPCOT, with easy access to the other Disney theme parks. Orlando International Airport is 20 miles or 30 minutes away. Meeting facilities include the Grand Harbor Ballroom that can accommodate groups of up to 6,092 persons for a reception and is divisible into ten rooms. Dining and entertainment options include the Yacht Club Galley, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Cape May Cafe, Ariel's, Beaches and Cream ice cream parlor, and four lounges. The resorts share a unique mini waterpark, a health club, a marina, and a beach. There are four tennis courts on-site, plus ten more courts and 99 holes of golf on Disney property nearby.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort 7000 North Resort Drive, Tucson, AZ 85750
Phone: (520) 299-2020
Toll-free phone: (800) 234-5117
Fax: (520) 299-6832
Director of Sales: Greg Leeper
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort has a new full-service spa; 398 guest rooms, including 27 suites; and five restaurants/lounges. The abundant meeting space features three ballrooms, breakout rooms, hospitality suites, and outdoor function areas. The largest room holds 1,000 persons theater-style or 800 banquet-style. In-room amenities include minibars, three phones, computer jacks, oversized tubs, hair dryers, and terry robes. Tucson International Airport is 27 miles, or 35 minutes, away. Taxis are $35 one way. Recreation includes two championship PGA golf courses, tennis courts, a 2.5-mile par course, hiking trails, and biking. Old Tucson Studios, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, and the Pima Air Museum are nearby.
Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa 2727 West Club Drive, Tucson, AZ 85742
Phone: (520) 297-2271
Toll-free phone: (800) 528-4856
Fax: (520) 297-7544
Director of Sales: Don Jackson
The intimate Omni Tucson features a 27-hole PGA golf course, full-service spa, tennis courts, and convenient access to I-10. The resort is located 17 miles or 35 minutes from Tucson International airport and shuttle transportation costs from $25 to $40. The 167-suite resort features such in-room amenities as minibars, coffee makers, irons and ironing boards, hair dryers, and beautiful mountain views. The largest of its 13 meeting rooms seats 322 theater-style or 240 banquet-style, and its ideally sized for groups from 150 to 250 persons. Value season is June through September. Its several restaurants include Janos and Anthonies. Off-site recreation includes jeep tours and ballooning.
Rodeway Inn 1365 West Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85745
Phone: (520) 622-7791
Fax: (520) 629-0201
Director of Sales: Wes Clark
The centrally located Rodeway Inn is a small property with plenty of Southwestern charm and hospitality. Convenient to the area's finest restaurants, shopping, and attractions, it offers free parking, discounted rates for weekday rental, and 92 additional guest rooms at the adjacent Hampton Inn. Tucson International Airport is ten miles or 20 minutes away, and shuttle service is $10 one way. Its 147 guest rooms feature cable television and coffee makers. Ideal for groups up to 200 persons, its events center features 14,400 square feet of space and four breakouts, with its largest room seating 800 persons theater-style or 500 banquet-style. Value season is May to December. Its Sonora's Restaurant seats 130 persons. The resort has a heated outdoor pool and a spa; golf is nearby.
Sheraton El Conquistador Resort and Country Club 10000 North Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85737
Phone: (520) 544-5000
Toll-free phone: (800) 325-7832
Fax: (520) 544-1222
Director of Sales: Kimberly A. Guggino
Meetings executives quickly discover the Sheraton El Conquistador's strong commitment to service. The 500-acre resort has 428 guest rooms and suites, each with mountain, desert, or pool views. Tucson International Airport is 20 miles or 30 minutes away. Seven restaurants/lounges serve cuisine ranging from international to
family-style. Its 34,000 square feet of meeting space features 18 meeting rooms, the largest of which holds 1,400 persons theater-style. All conference space has recently undergone renovation. The resort ideally serves groups of ten to 400 persons. It offers golf, tennis, jogging trails, and other recreation. Shopping and museums are nearby.
Westin La Paloma 3800 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718
Phone: (520) 742-6000
Toll-free phone: (800) WESTIN-1
Fax: (520) 577-5887
Director of Sales: Ed Schwitzky
The Westin La Paloma nestles in the picturesque foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson. It has 42,000 square feet of meeting space. The largest of its 23 rooms holds 2,000 persons theater-style or 1,470 banquet-style, and it features abundant outdoor theme areas. On-site recreation includes three swimming pools, a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, tennis, racquetball, and sand volleyball. Tucson International Airport is 30 minutes or 20 miles away, and shuttles and taxis are available. Some 31 of its 487 guest accommodations are suites. In-room amenities include balconies/patios, seating areas, and large bathrooms. Off site, horseback riding, jeep tours, and hot-air ballooning are available.
Westward Look Resort 245 East Ina Road, Tucson, AZ 85704
Phone: (520) 297-1151
Toll-free phone: (800) 722-2500
Fax: (520) 742-1573
Director of Sales: Mary Caswell
An 80-acre oasis of natural beauty, the world-class Westward Look is 23 miles or 45 minutes from Tucson International Airport. Transportation costs $20 one way. Some 155 of its 244 guest accommodations are suites and feature a wide array of in-room amenities designed to pamper guests. Ideal for groups from ten to 200, the resort's more than 10,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor function space offers nine meeting rooms, the largest of which seats 400 persons theater-style or 300 banquet-style. Value season is May through September. Some of the resort's recreational facilities include trail rides, three swimming pools, and award-winning tennis facilities, as well as a new spa, the Wellness Center.
The Villas of Grand Cypress The Villas of Grand Cypress, part of the 1,500-acre Grand Cypress Resort, offers something that's rare in Orlando--peace and privacy. The secluded Villas nestle among the waterways and fairways of the Jack Nicklaus-designed North Course and offer guests spacious accommodations and first-class service.
The Villas gives meeting executives plenty of group recreational functions to enhance their events. Groups can take advantage of outstanding golf facilities by customizing clinics or scheduling private golf tournaments. These can be arranged through the Grand Cypress Golf Club, which designs approximately 600 events a year for groups as small as 16 persons or as large as 250. The tournament staff orchestrates every aspect of a group event from pairings to awards presentations. For lighthearted competition, groups can also book the Villa's nine-hole pitch and putt course (lit for night play) or its nine-hole putting course for special events.
The Grand Cypress Equestrian Center provides an exceptional backdrop for themed events, such as a buffet-style dinner followed by an exciting show-jumping and dressage exhibition. "We are always seeking more creative ways for meeting planners to set their meetings apart from typical functions," says Mark Cox, director of sales. "Our Equestrian Center offers programs that can't be found at any other resort in North America." Instruction, trail rides, and children's programs can also be arranged for groups.
The Academy of Golf can provide three half-days of lessons for groups as small as ten persons. The Academy provides state-of-the-art instruction in every aspect of golf, including putting, chipping, and bunker play. It also offers video and computer swing analysis. Instruction can be tailored to fit group needs, and the resort will cater casual outdoor luncheons near the practice green.
Location: Orlando International Airport is 18 miles or 20 minutes away. Town car transportation costs $45 one way.
Accommodations: The 146 guest accommodations range from one- to four-bedroom villas, as well as club suites. In-room amenities include coffee makers, robes, hair dryers, premium cable channels, 24-hour room service, and twice-daily housekeeping, which includes nightly turndown. Value season runs from June through September.
Meeting Facilities: There are seven meeting rooms, the largest of which holds 220 persons theater-style or 200 banquet-style. Ideal group size ranges from ten to 200 persons.
Recreation: In addition to 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus-
designed golf and professional golf instruction, on-property recreation includes horseback riding, tennis, jogging trails, in-room massages, and a swimming pool. Such famous Orlando attractions as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World are minutes away.
Dining: The 88-seat Fairways serves fresh fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The 80-seat Black Swan offers the latest in continental cuisine.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, between EPCOT and Disney-MGM Studios, are the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, a culmination of imaginative design and magical service. The hotels feature a whimsical yet sophisticated style. Impeccable service from a staff trained by Westin Hotels and Resorts and Sheraton, plus a full range of recreation, restaurants, and leisure amenities, provide everything necessary for a successful meeting.
Location: The hotels are 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport. Bus fare is $12.50; cab fare is about $33. It's 20 minutes to downtown, ten minutes to the convention center.
Accommodations: The two hotels have a total of 2,267 guest rooms and 195 suites. Guest room amenities include minibars, coffee makers, hair dryers, remote-control color televisions with cable, movies, irons and ironing boards, individual climate controls, safes, voice mail, and modem hookups.
Meeting Facilities: The hotels offer state-of-the-art technology, a premium Walt Disney World Resort location, and an award-winning staff. A three-level facility adjoining the Dolphin features more than 202,000 square feet of meeting space, the largest room seating up to 6,800 persons theater-style. There is also a 51,000-square-foot dedicated exhibit hall. Audiovisual equipment includes all the basics plus installed and portable PA systems, VCRs, cameras, computer monitor projectors, closed-cable television equipment, and much more. All convention service managers are certified meeting professionals (CMPs).
Recreation: On-site recreation includes outdoor pools and an expansive rock grotto swimming pool with white sand beach, two full health studios, tennis courts, Camp Dolphin youth activities, and Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf. Preferential tee times are available at Disney's six nearby 18-hole golf courses. The resort is adjacent to Disney's BoardWalk entertainment district.
Dining: There are 17 restaurants and lounges, among them Juan and Only's, specializing in Mexican cuisine; Palio, an Italian bistro; and Kimonos, featuring an authentic Japanese sushi bar and oriental hors d'oeuvre. The Copa Banana lounge features karaoke.
Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa The Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa has the facilities and expertise to host meetings and incentives of all types and sizes. Located across the street from the Disney Village Marketplace and within walking distance of Treasure Island, the resort features 90,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and has a reputation for quality food and beverage service. Also on-property is a 10,200-square-foot, European-style spa and fitness center.
Location: Located at Walt Disney World Village, the resort is 20 miles or 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport. Mears Transportation charges $25 round-trip for adults and $17 for children ages 4 to 11. One way is $14 for adults and $10 for kids.
Accommodations: Some 115 of the resort's 1,014 guest accommodations are suites and all offer new Direct Inward Dialing telephones, which allows guests to receive faxes and e-mail directly into their rooms. In-room amenities also include private balconies or patios, minibars, speaker phones, and voice mail. There is also 24-hour room service. Value season runs from May 1 to December 23.
Meeting Facilities: Meeting facilities consist of two major ballrooms, an expansive exhibition hall, spacious prefunction areas, breakout rooms, banquet rooms, boardrooms, and three executive meeting rooms for attendees staying in the elegant Palace Suites. The versatile design allows comfortable seating for a group of 2,000 persons while accommodating smaller groups in an intimate atmosphere. The 18,125-square-foot Empire Ballroom, the largest of the resort's 44 meeting rooms, holds 2,080 persons theater-style or 1,530 banquet-style. The Business Center features translation and secretarial services, fax machines, computers, and photocopying.
Recreation: There are three heated swimming pools, a whirlpool, a sauna, three tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, a marina with boat rentals, and jogging trails. In addition, the spa and fitness center includes a lap pool with resistance jet stream and a full-service beauty salon. Minutes away are five Disney golf courses, where resort guests can arrange tee times up to 30 days in advance. Universal Studios, Pleasure Island, and Planet Hollywood are nearby. Guests receive complimentary scheduled transportation to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney-MGM Studios.
Dining: The resort features numerous cafes, restaurants, and lounges, including the Australian-themed Outback Restaurant, the Watercress Cafe, and the Spa Courtyard. The five-star Arthur's 27 serves fine fare and offers diners a panoramic view of Walt Disney World Resort and nightly fireworks from the area's theme parks.
Peachtree Executive Conference Center & Resort Only a half-hour from downtown Atlanta, the Peachtree Executive Conference Center & Resort offers a relaxing business environment in its meeting and guest rooms, as well as a less-traditional approach to corporate education and team building in its Adventure Course. The only permanent, on-site ropes course operated by a Georgia hotel, the Peachtree facility has been specially developed for group teambuilding exercises and adventure-based training. Using a variety of activities and games, the Peachtree staff delivers customized single and multi-day programs for clients.
Location: The resort is 20 miles or 22 minutes from Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport. Van service is available upon request.
Accommodations: Of the resort's 250 guest rooms, 14 are suites. In-room amenities include coffee makers, screened balconies, and data ports.
Meeting Facilities: The Peachtree's 25,000 square feet of conference space includes 24 meeting rooms. The largest accommodates 600 persons theater-style or 450 banquet-style. The property's ideal group size is 100 to 200 persons.
Recreation: On-property recreation includes a 10,000-square-foot health facility offering exercise equipment, indoor and outdoor pools, racquetball courts, steam and sauna facilities, and massage service. There are also three lighted tennis courts and 74 miles of paved paths for bikers and walkers. The resort is minutes from the championship, 18-hole Braelinn golf course.
Dining: Of the resort's five restaurants and lounges, Hunt Club offers fine cuisine, and the Billiards Sports Bar serves lighter fare.
The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort 1054 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA 93464
Phone: (805) 688-6411, Toll-free phone: (800) 425-4725
Fax: (805) 688-4725
Director of Sales: Dianne Calderon
The 10,000-acre Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, a working cattle ranch and full-service resort, evokes the romance and majesty of the Old West. Its wide-open spaces and unspoiled natural beauty combined with its outstanding recreational and meeting facilities make it an ideal setting for groups of up to 200.
Location: Santa Barbara Airport is 35 miles or 40 minutes away.
Accommodations: There are 73 guest cottages. In-room amenities include coffee makers, refrigerators, irons and ironing boards, and hair dryers.
Meeting Facilities: There are four meeting rooms and eight breakout sites. The largest room holds 200 persons theater-style.
Recreation: The wide array of on-property recreation includes two championship golf courses, seven tennis courts, a heated swimming pool and spa, horseback riding, and the 96-acre lake. It also has rodeos, barbecues, wine-maker dinners, and kid's activities.
Dining: Dining ranges from hearty Western-style to traditional American fare.
Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort (formerly Fess Parker's Red Lion Resort)
633 East Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone: (805) 564-4333, Toll-free phone: (800) 879-2929
Fax: (805) 564-4964
Director of Marketing: Tony Diraimondo
Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort makes an excellent choice for planners seeking a touch of the exotic within a self-
contained, seaside conference setting.
Location: Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is 12 miles or 15 minutes from the resort. Complimentary airport transportation is available.
Accommodations: The 360 guest accommodations feature honor bars, patios or terraces, double vanities, and complimentary coffee and newspapers. Value season is November and December.
Meeting Facilities: The resort has 40,000 square feet of function space, including the 20,000-square-foot Plaza Del Sol. The largest of its 14 meeting rooms holds 1,000 persons theater-style or 1,000 banquet-style.
Recreation: The resort has three lighted tennis courts, massages, a basketball court, bicycle rentals, a putting green, and workout facilities.
Dining: Both the Cafe Los Arcos and Maxi's serve California cuisine and feature fresh seafood entrees.
Four Seasons Biltmore, Santa Barbara 1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Phone: (805) 969-2261, Toll-free phone: (800) 332-3442
Fax: (805) 969-4212
Director of Sales: Sue McLain
The Four Seasons Biltmore has 217 rooms, suites, and cottages set on 20 lush garden acres overlooking the Pacific. Santa Barbara offers sailing excursions and trips to the wine country.
Location: Santa Barbara Airport is 12 miles or 15 minutes from the resort.
Accommodations: There are 217 guest rooms, including 17 suites. In-room amenities include VCRs and televisions, hair dryers, robes, minibars, and voice mail. Value season is November and December.
Meeting Facilities: The largest of the resort's 13 meeting rooms seats 350 persons theater-style. The resort has more than 16,000 square feet of meeting space and extensive facilities for outdoor functions.
Recreation: On-property recreation includes two health clubs, swimming, sauna, massages, biking, tennis, a putting green, and croquet.
Dining: La Marina seats 80 persons, and Patio, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seats 150.
Rancho Santa Barbara Marriott 555 McMurray Road, Buellton, CA 93427
Phone: (805) 688-1000, Toll-free phone: (800) 638-8882
Fax: (805) 688-3807
General Manager: Fred Stadler
The Rancho Santa Barbara Marriott, nestled at the gateway to the magnificent Santa Ynez Valley, has a luxuriant health club, gracious accommodations, and excellent conference facilities.
Location: Santa Barbara Airport is 40 miles or 40 to 45 minutes away.
Accommodations: It's 149 guest rooms, including 27 suites, offer dual-line speaker phones with data ports, voice mail, irons and ironing boards, and coffee makers. Value season is November to March.
Meeting Facilities: The resort has 12,000 square feet of total meeting space, including seven meeting rooms. The largest room holds 550 persons theater-style or 400 banquet-style.
Recreation: A fitness center, outdoor pool, tennis, game room, and racquetball and squash courts are on property.
Dining: Dining selections range from the elegant, 150-seat Jockey Club to the casual, 80-seat Starting Gate Restaurant.
Grand Traverse Resort Grand Traverse Resort has a reputation for superior service and attention to detail that is rivaled only by its spectacular landscape and extensive summer and winter recreation options.
As part of its $1 million restaurant renovation, the resort is building the new Sweetwater Cafe. Also under construction is a 17,000-square-foot clubhouse and the Gary Player signature golf course, Northern Knight. The resort is also adding a new golf school, CompuSport, GPS Distance System, and Proshot to enhance the golf experience at Grand Traverse.
Expanded programs for children feature the new Cub Camp, a day camp for kids ages seven to 12, while licensed day care is available for younger children.
As one of the Midwest's largest year-round, full-service properties, Grand Traverse specializes in theme parties and events for groups large and small in its numerous meeting rooms, exhibit halls, and outdoor function spaces.
Location: The resort is six miles or ten minutes northeast of Traverse City's Cherry Capital Airport and provides a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport.
Accommodations: Grand Traverse's 660 rooms, suites, and condominiums incorporate such amenities as wet bars, coffee makers, and whirlpool baths. Value season is November to April.
Meeting Facilities: There are 34 meeting rooms and exhibit halls incorporated in 49,000 square feet of dedicated meeting space. The largest room, the 20,160-square-foot Governors' Hall, seats 2,250 persons theater-style or 1,750 banquet-style. With a total of 30,000 square feet of space, the resort's indoor tennis court areas can be reconfigured for use as exhibition halls, while the permanently canopied Traverse Pavilion offers an additional 8,000 square feet of outdoor function space. In addition, there are outstanding audiovisual facilities, private boardrooms, and executive suites. The resort makes an ideal venue for groups ranging from ten to 2,500 persons.
Recreation: Sailing, racquetball, a fitness club, indoor and outdoor swimming, fly fishing, and tennis are but some of the many recreational choices. The Tower Gallery features 20,000 square feet of specialty shops. In addition to the new Gary Player signature golf course, the resort has the 18-hole Spruce Run course and the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course, The Bear. When the planned Lee Travino signature course opens in 2000, Grand Traverse will be the only location in the world to feature courses designed by these three legends of golf.
Winter recreational pleasures include cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Some of Northern Michigan's finest downhill ski areas are but a 30-minute drive away.
Dining: A variety of restaurants and lounges provide an excellent range of dining options, from hearty American fare to Northern Italian cuisine to sandwiches served poolside.
The Registry Resort & Spa The deluxe Registry Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale is situated on 1,200 lush tropical acres of Florida's southwestern coast. Since Registry took over the property in January 1997, the resort (formerly the Bonaventure Resort & Spa) has enjoyed a whirlwind of upgrades. Phase two of a $15 million renovation will be complete in late summer 1997. A four-star, four-diamond resort, the Registry is known for its casual elegance and world-class health spa, as well as two PGA
championship golf courses. A complete destination resort, the Registry is ready to meet all of a corporate or incentive planner's needs.
Location: The Registry Resort & Spa is 17 miles or 25 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale Airport. Shuttle vans, cabs, and rental cars are available. One-way transportation averages $15 per person.
Accommodations: The resort has 492 guest accommodations, including 106 suites and 96 junior suites. In-room amenities include cable televisions and minibars. Value season runs from May through September.
Meeting Facilities: There are 25 meeting rooms, the largest of which holds 2,000 persons theater-style or 1,500 banquet-style. Ideal group size ranges from 350 to 500 persons.
Recreation: In addition to its world-class health and fitness spa, the Registry offers two 18-hole golf courses, five swimming pools, bicycles, in-line skates, and pool and lounge entertainment. Horseback riding, bowling, Everglades tours, beaches, and parks are nearby.
Dining: The Registry Resort serves an array of cuisine from casual to gourmet. Italian delicacies are available at the 65-seat LaCucina Toscana, while spa fare is served at the 55-seat Choices. Dine poolside at the Falls Cafe or in the larger, 204-seat Garden Bistro.
Chateau on the Lake The Chateau on the Lake Resort Hotel and Convention Center prides itself on service and style. Set in the Midwest's country- and live-music hub, the area's newest resort and only convention center rests on 128 acres atop an Ozark bluff overlooking beautiful Table Rock Lake. The luxury resort's ten-story atrium is surrounded by more than 300 guest rooms, each with an old-world European decor.
Its 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting space can accommodate up to 3,000 persons. A special-events coordinator, as well as a concierge, can facilitate any type of conference or convention. The Chateau's on-site recreation ranges from scuba diving to parasailing to fishing, available at the resort's full-service guest marina. The Chateau's extensive kids-to-teens program and 36-seat movie theater makes
designing children's programs at conferences a breeze. A wide array of dining options, which include deli picnic lunches, are available.
The town of Branson is filled with entertainment options featuring such stars as Andy Williams and Mel Tillis, as well as live magic shows, the Ozark's Discovery IMAX theater, and a spectrum of other amusements.
Location: The Chateau is 42 miles or 45 to 50 minutes from the Springfield, MO airport. Prearranged shuttle service costs $60 one way, for one or two passengers. Coach, limousine, or van service is also available.
Accommodations: Of the Chateau's 301 country French-style guest rooms, 57 are suites, 150 singles, and 86 doubles. Eight are handicapped accessible. In-room amenities include lake or mountain views, coffee makers, remote-control televisions, two data ports, irons and ironing boards, and bathroom scales.
Meeting Facilities: The Chateau's Great Hall offers 32,000 square feet of space and divides into seven meeting rooms. Eight additional meeting rooms range from 750 to 2,000 square feet. The largest meeting room holds 3,735 persons theater-style or 1,936 banquet-style. The resort has a business center on site.
Recreation: Some of the marina's recreational highlights are snorkeling, sailing, and waterskiing. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a 24-hour-access fitness center, a spa, and a gift shop. Nearby is a golf course, Branson's numerous entertainments, and the Table Rock damn and trout hatchery.
Dining: From the expansive 156-seat Chateau Grille to the scrumptious 44-seat Sweet Shoppe and the relaxing 56-seat Library Lounge , the Chateau offers dining experiences to suit any mood or palette.
Boyne Highlands 600 Highlands Drive, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Phone: (616) 526-3000
Toll-free phone: (800) 862-6963
Fax: (616) 526-3095
Director of Sales: Michael Choiniere
Location: Pellston Regional Airport is 20 miles or 20 minutes from the resort.
Accommodations: The resort has 360 beautifully decorated guest rooms and suites.
Meeting Facilities: Boyne Highlands has 22 meeting rooms.
Recreation: On-property recreation includes golf, tennis, swimming pools, biking, hiking, and shopping. Fine dining, shopping, beaches, boating, hiking, and biking are nearby.
Dining: Its restaurants and lounges include the main dining room, the Country Club of Boyne, and seasonal food service for skiers.
Boyne Mountain P.O. Box 19, Boyne Falls, MI 49713
Phone: (616) 549-6030
Toll-free phone: (800) 862-6963
Fax: (616) 548-6094
Director of Sales:, Michael Choiniere
Location: Pellston Regional Airport is 35 miles or 45 minutes away.
Accommodations: There are 240 guest rooms and suites.
Meeting Facilities: Some 13 meeting rooms provide flexible function space for attendees.
Recreation: Recreation on site includes golf, skiing, tennis, swimming pools, Jacuzzi, biking, hiking, volleyball, water sports, and shopping.
Dining: The resort's restaurants and lounges include Ericksen's dining room, the Deer Lake Beach House, and seasonal food service for skiers.
The Inn at Bay Harbor 3600 Village Harbor Drive, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
Phone: (616) 439-2500, Fax: (616) 439-2522
Director of Sales: Michael Choiniere
Location: Pellston Regional Airport is 45 miles or 50 minutes from the resort.
Accommodations: Opening in 1998, the Inn will boast 200 lavishly appointed guest rooms and suites.
Meeting Facilities: There will be ten function rooms and a total of 14,000 square feet of meeting space.
Recreation: On-property recreation will include golf, lawn croquet, a beach club, heated pools, and a full-service spa.
Dining: The Inn's restaurants and lounges will offer both fine cuisine and casual fare.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa, nestled in the scenic Laurel Highlands, is a perfect blend of luxury and service. A complete four-
season resort, it has more than
20 conference rooms and nearly 40,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space.
Nemacolin provides optimum conditions for learning, training, problem
solving, and teambuilding. The lavish, 124-room LaFayette Wing, modeled on the Paris' Ritz, opens this June.
Location: Pittsburgh International Airport is 79 miles or 90 minutes away. Vans, buses, and limousines provide transportation.
Accommodations: There are 262 guest rooms, including 25 suites and 40 condos. Rooms feature computer/fax hook-ups, minibars, and custom-designed furniture. A number of rooms also have whirlpool tubs. Value season runs from November through April.
Meeting Facilities: There are 23 meeting rooms, the largest of which accommodates 900 persons theater-style or 750 banquet-style. The hotel also has a 210-seat amphitheater.
Recreation: On-property recreation includes two PGA golf courses, a world-class spa, swimming, ski slopes, an adventure center, an equestrian center, and a themed shopping village. White-water rafting, biking, historic landmarks and homes, and shopping are nearby.
Dining: The new Lautrec joins the resort's array of restaurants, including The Golden Trout, Caddyshack, Fat Bread Pizza, the Tavern/ Paradise Pool.
The Greenbrier For more than 200 years, The Greenbrier has sat amidst 6,500 acres of
Allegheny Mountain woodlands, serving its guests with courtesy and efficiency. Soaring ceilings, priceless art, and glistening chandeliers reflect the resort's beauty, as well as its stately heritage. Accommodations range from well-appointed guest rooms to luxurious suites and guest houses. Dining facilities run from
formal to contemporary casual, and staff emphasis is
on pleasing the guest.
Boredom is impossible at The Greenbrier. Included among this resort's more than 50 activities are three, 18-hole championship golf courses; 20 tennis courts; a spa, mineral baths, and a salon; fly fishing; a wing-shooting preserve; and a falconry academy. It also hosts numerous activities for children, from toddlers to teens.
The Greenbrier's self-contained conference center has more than 30 meeting rooms, all of which have audiovisual presentation aids. It features a complete business center available seven days a week, a 16,500-square-foot exhibit hall, and satellite teleconference capabilities. Unusual theme parties include culinary demonstrations, Mountaineer Party evenings, and special tours of the famed Greenbrier Bunker, the former Cold War Government Relocation Center.
Location: The Greenbrier is 12 miles or 15 minutes from the Lewisburg, WV airport. Cost for limousine or van service to the property varies. Amtrak train service is also
available.
Accommodations: There are 639 individually decorated guest rooms, including 121 guest houses and cottages and 33 suites. In-room amenities feature valet refreshment bars; direct-dial speaker/fax phones with computer hook-ups, voice mail capability, and message alert; remote cable color televisions; room climate controls; robes; hair dryers; twice-daily maid service; 24-hour room service; and laundry/dry cleaning service.
Meeting Facilities: Ideal for groups from ten to 1,500 persons, the conference center's three-level hotel wing comprises more than 70,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Among its outstanding features are enclosed projection rooms, a technical and audiovisual support staff, and Dolby Surround Sound. Its largest room seats 1,500 persons theater-style or 1,000 banquet-style.
Recreation: Those with an active bent find The Greenbrier has plenty to offer, including ice skating, cross-country skiing, a fitness trail, and horseback riding. For guests seeking more mellow pursuits, the resort provides a variety of activities, including historical slide presentations and grounds tours, first-run movies, and 30 on-site shops.
Dining: Of the resort's many dining choices, the main dining room serves breakfast and dinner daily. Sam Snead's at The Golf Club offers dinner with a more casual flair from April through October. Slammin' Sammy's features food, beverages, live entertainment, and dancing every evening.
The Desert Inn Hotel The Desert Inn is a five-star casino resort that offers luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and distinctive service in an elegant gaming atmosphere. A 200-acre oasis set in the heart of Las Vegas, the resort is currently undergoing a $200 million renovation and expansion, which will elevate The Desert Inn to ITT Corporation's exclusive Luxury Collection status. The project is slated for completion by autumn 1997.
The resort expansion includes a new three-story building, which features nine 2,500-square-foot and two 7,500-square-foot luxury poolside suites. A new five-story reception atrium will be adjacent to the existing hotel structure and a new nine-story tower featuring 76 mini suites.
Highlights of the resort include the recently renovated Lawrence Hughes golf course, the largest spa in all of Las Vegas, and a complete fitness center. Its showroom seats 530 persons and features a variety of headline entertainers.
Location: The Desert Inn is four miles or ten to 15 minutes from McCarran International Airport. Bell Transportation charges $3.75 per person, one way.
Accommodations: The Desert Inn features 715 sleeping rooms; 50 are suites and three are villas. Standard in all rooms are hair dryers, ironing boards and irons, remote-control televisions, round-the-clock room service, electronic telephone message services, valet laundry and dry cleaning services, data port telephones, and express hotel check-outs via in-room televisions. Smoking and non-smoking floors are available.
Meeting Facilities: The resort's 32,000 square feet of meeting and function space features the 7,900-square-foot Grand Ballroom, which is
divisible by four; a 600-square-foot boardroom; a 12,500-square-foot ballroom; 3,200 square feet of prefunction space; and additional flexible meeting rooms. Its concierge services and business center operations can assist meeting attendees with everything from regional tour information to computer laser printing. The resort has a wide array of audiovisual equipment. A new
lagoon-style pool/garden area, which opens this summer, will be a perfect setting for theme events.
Recreation: The spa incorporates more than 22,000 square feet of space, and its 2,000-square-foot fitness center features treadmills, stair climbers, bikes, and computerized circuit-training equipment. It also offers body treatments, massages, and facials. The new lagoon pool area will feature a sandy beach and an adjacent beach volleyball court. Additional recreation includes four tennis courts and a par-71, 18-hole championship golf course, the only one on the Las Vegas Strip. The Fashion Show Shopping Mall is across the street from the hotel.
Dining: The four-star Monte Carlo features classic French cuisine. Other restaurants include the 24-hour Terrace Point, the Chinese HoWan, and the Mediterranean Portofino.
MGM Grand Hotel/Casino Located at the busiest corner on the famous Las Vegas Strip, the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino is a 113-acre resort comprised of 5,005 rooms and suites and 171,500 square feet of casino space. The resort's approximately 125,000 square feet of existing meeting, banquet, tradeshow, and conference space will grow by an additional 334,000 square feet when its new tri-level conference facility comes on line in April 1998.
The resort also features a 17,000-seat concert and sports arena and several live theaters, one of which headlines the $45 million extravaganza, EFX, starring David Cassidy. The MGM Grand's own theme park is home to the SkyScreamer, the world's tallest Skycoaster. In addition, the resort has opulent pool and spa facilities and seven signature restaurants, which showcase world-renowned chefs and restaurateurs.
Location: It is approximately one mile or five minutes from McCarran International Airport. Taxis cost approximately $5 one way.
Accommodations: The more than 5,005 guest accommodations include deluxe rooms, one-bedroom, and two-story suites. Marble bathrooms, spacious closets, and remote-control televisions are among the many in-room amenities.
Meeting Facilities: At present, the resort has 12 meeting rooms, the largest of which holds 4,000 persons theater-style or 3,200 banquet-style. By April 1998, with its tri-level conference/convention expansion completed, the MGM Grand will have 61 meeting rooms. The largest room will seat 5,200 persons theater-style or 4,000 banquet-style. The resort is equipped and staffed to service all group sizes.
Recreation: The resort has a theme park with 12 major rides and shows, a swimming pool complex, a health club, an amusement center, and four lighted tennis courts. Studio Walk is its new retail and restaurant row. Inspired by famous Hollywood icons, it
offers sound-stage decor, several high-end apparel and jewelry shops, a character
merchandise store, and The Art of Entertainment gallery. Star Lane Shops retail area has souvenirs and travel-related
items.
Superstars entertain nightly. In addition to the award-winning EFX, its Hollywood Theatre plays host to a stable of stars, including Tom Jones, the Righteous Brothers, Gladys Knight, Carrot Top, and Rodney Dangerfield. Its Center Stage Cabaret hosts the world-renowned comedy club Catch A Rising Star, and its Garden Arena is the site of world championship fights and superstar concerts.
Dining: Its seven signature restaurants include the Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Mark Miller's Coyote Cafe, The Brown Derby, Dragon Court, and Gatsby's.
Fripp Island Resort Fripp Island Resort is a private island blessed with a warm climate, 3.5 miles of Atlantic beach, acres of exquisite scenery, and abundant wildlife. All of the island's recreational treasures, including three championship golf courses, are available to Fripp Island Resort guests.
Location: The resort is 55 miles from Hilton Head
Island Airport and 65 miles from the Savannah Airport. Airport limousines cost approximately $95.
Accommodations: Fripp Island Resort has approximately 350 rental units, which range from one to five bedrooms and accommodate up to 18 persons. Amenities vary, but all include free tennis, 24-hour front desk service, voice mail, in-unit modem/fax links, and access to resort facilities. In summer, houses are rented on a weekly basis only.
Meeting Facilities: There are ten meeting facilities at the resort. The largest facility seats 175 persons theater-style and 250 persons banquet-style. Ideal group size ranges from 50 to 125.
Recreation: On-island recreation includes three golf courses; ten tennis courts; seven pools; a fitness center; fishing; boat, bike, and golf cart rentals; and sightseeing. The resort specializes in a full range of recreational programs for groups, adults, spouses, and children. The children's program features a nature day camp.
Dining: The island's year-round restaurant and banquet facilities include the 150-seat Beach Club and the 70-seat Sandals Bar & Grill. There are also several seasonal food and beverage establishments.
Hotel de Fregate Route de Bandol-RD 559
83270 St-Cyr Sur Mer, France
Phone: 011-33-4-94-29-39-39
Toll-free phone: (800) WWDOLCE
Fax: 011-33-4-94-29-39-20
Director of Sales: Eric Lelouch
The Hotel de Fregate, located on the coast of Southern France, has 100 guest rooms with views of the sea and 12 meeting rooms, the largest of which accommodates 150 persons theater-style.
Heritage Inn Heritage Road, Southbury, CT 06488
Phone: (203) 264-8200
Toll-free phone: (800) 932-3466
Fax: (203) 264-6910
Director of Sales: Jayne Williams
Heritage Inn features 27 holes of golf, tennis, biking, swimming, a fitness center, and hiking. It has 163 guest rooms and 25 meeting rooms, the largest of which can hold 225 persons banquet-style.
Lakeway Inn 101 Lakeway Drive, Austin, TX 78734
Phone: (512) 261-6600
Toll-free phone: (800) LAKEWAY
Fax: (512) 261-7322
Director of Sales: Martha Menn
Lakeway Inn offers two championship golf courses, tennis, swimming pools, a fitness and spa facility, and numerous water sports. It has 137 guest rooms, each with a fireplace. The largest of its ten meeting rooms holds 360 persons theater-style.
Salishan Lodge 7760 Highway 101 North
Gleneden Beach, OR 97388
Phone: (541) 764-3605
Toll-free phone: (800) 890-9316
Fax: (541) 764-3510
Director of Sales: Tim Paulus
Salishan Lodge, located on the Oregon coast, has an 18-hole, par-72 Scottish links golf course; 205 guest rooms; and 14 meeting rooms, the largest of which accommodates 500 persons banquet-style.
Skamania Lodge 1131 Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, WA 98648
Phone: (509) 427-7700
Toll-free phone: (800) 376-9116
Fax: (509) 427-2548
Director of Sales: Joe Williams
Skamania Lodge, set in the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, has 195 guest rooms. The largest of its nine meeting rooms holds 600 persons theater-style. On property is a complete fitness center, tennis, horseback riding, volleyball, trail hiking, and mountain biking.
Opryland Hotel Convention Center Louthern hospitality is alive and well at Nashville's Opryland Hotel. Offering gracious service and unparalleled facilities, the hotel also is enhanced by other aspects of the Opryland USA entertainment resort, including the Grand Ole Opry, the Opryland Themepark, the Wildhorse Saloon, and the television studios of TNN: The Nashville Network.
One of the most captivating projects in the hospitality industry in recent years is the just-completed Delta expansion at the Opryland Hotel. The project features 988 new guest rooms (for a total of 2,883), more than 300,000 square feet of new meeting and exhibit facilities (for a total of more than 600,000 square feet), and the Delta--a 4.5-acre, glass-roofed interiorscape complete with shops, restaurants, meeting rooms, and, yes, a river.
Location: The Opryland Hotel is a seven-mile, 15-minute drive from Nashville International Airport. Motorcoach service is $11 one way or $15 round-trip. Downtown Nash-ville is ten minutes from the hotel.
Accommodations: The Opryland Hotel has 2,883 guest rooms, including more than 200 suites, located in several wings--none higher than six stories. Garden Terrace rooms with
balconies overlook tropical gardens and waterways in the Conservatory, the Cascades, and the Delta.
Meeting Facilities: Among the Opryland Hotel's 600,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space are the Ryman Exhibit Hall (289,000 square feet of divisible space on one level), more than 85 meeting rooms, and five ballrooms (the largest covering 55,465 square feet). The Opryland Hotel has more meeting, exhibit, and public space under one roof than any other hotel.
Recreation: Opryland's Springhouse Golf Club offers an 18-hole, links-style course that is
home to the BellSouth Senior Classic at Opryland on the Senior PGA Tour. The
facility also has a fitness center, three
swimming pools, and two wading pools. Incorporated into the resort are 30
specialty shops, and the Dancing Waters laser light show can be seen nightly in
the Cascades. A special diversion in
the Delta is a relaxing boat ride on the Delta River aboard flatboats that take guests past palms, magnolia trees, and fountains.
Dining: The Opryland Hotel offers ten lounges and 15 restaurants. Dining choices range from the festive atmosphere of Beauregard's in the Delta and the quiet surroundings of the Old Hickory Traditional Steakhouse to the all-day service in Rachel's Kitchen and the specialty coffees and fresh-baked pastries of the Conservatory Cafe and the Biegnet Cafe. Live entertainment is featured in many locations.
The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center in Texas is now even better, having recently completed a $17.5 million renovation. Additions include 96 new guest rooms and suites, more than 60,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, and a superb children's recreation program.
Location: Houston Intercontinental Airport is 18 miles or 20 minutes away. The hotel shuttle is $20 per person, one way; cabs are also available.
Accommodations: Some 50 of the resort's 364 beautifully appointed guest accommodations are suites. All rooms include hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, coffee makers, data ports, and voice mail. Value season runs from June 15 to September 5 and November 23 to December 31.
Meeting Facilities: The resort features 34 airy meeting rooms, with its Woodlands ballroom seating 600 persons theater-style or 300 banquet-style. In addition, its 14,400-square-foot function area holds 1,600 persons banquet-style or 825 classroom-style.
Recreation: On-property recreation includes two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis, volleyball, basketball, two swimming pools, and 80 miles of hiking, biking, and running paths. Its Health Spa has saunas, steam rooms, massages, a salon, and a fitness center. Fishing, bowling, skeet/trap shooting, and sailing are nearby.
Dining: The five restaurants and lounges include the full-service Woodlands Dining Room, the Glass Menagerie for fine fare, and the casual Mulligans Bar & Grill.
Del Lago Golf Resort & Conference Center Situated just 45 minutes north of Houston Intercontinental Airport, the elegant Del Lago Golf Resort & Conference Center is a self-contained property set on 300 acres amidst majestic pine and oak trees. Hugging the shores of 22,000-acre Lake Conroe, the resort hosts a variety of meetings, ranging from teambuilding exercises to brainstorming sessions. Its 60,000-square-foot conference center includes several ballrooms, the 125-seat Granada Amphitheatre, kitchen facilities, the Grandstand Sports Bar, business center, and 22 meeting rooms. The lobby has a specially designed registration area and atrium.
Del Lago's outdoor meeting and theme party areas are another plus. A specialty of the resort, theme events come in a variety of easily customized shapes and sizes, including Western towns, Mexican villages, island retreats, beach parties, and renaissance celebrations. The highly trained staff is known for its excellence in food quality, service standards, attention to detail, and creativity. Also outstanding are the resort's extensive recreational facilities and lavish, Texas-sized suites, cottages, and villas.
Location: The resort is located 40 miles or 45 minutes from Houston Intercontinental Airport. Limousine service costs $25 one way.
Accommodations: The all-suite, 21-story Lakeside Tower features private balconies, lake views, and phones with data ports and voice mail. Additional in-room amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers, as well as irons and ironing boards. Its 35 Golf Course Cottages and 13 Lakeside Villas each come with two bedrooms, large living areas, and full-sized kitchens. Value season includes August, November, and December.
Meeting Facilities: The resort's 60,000 square feet of meeting and function space includes 22 private conference rooms. The largest room seats 1,000 persons theater-style or 810 banquet-style. Ideal group size ranges from 100 to 250.
Recreation: On-site recreation includes an 18-hole championship golf course, 11 lighted tennis courts, a full-service health spa, racquetball, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, a white sand beach, a 300-slip marina with boat rental and fishing opportunities, and a challenging ropes course designed for team building.
Dining: Largo Vista, with its grand views of the lake, seats 300 persons. Overlooking the marina, the casual Grandstand Sports Bar seats 200 persons. P.G.A. Pizza seats 65, and Kiva seats 160.
Kingsmill Resort The historic grounds and meandering river remain unchanged. But the renowned Kingsmill Resort has enlarged, added, and improved facilities to become the new Kingsmill. Set on more than 2,900 gently rolling acres beside the James River, the resort is first and foremost a conference center, with more than 6,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Kingsmill now has the room to accommodate larger groups with the opening of its elegant James River Ballroom, which overlooks the magnificent river below. Kingsmill's superior catering and impeccable service need no improvement.
Recreation is a year-round pursuit. The resort's new golf course has been designated one of the "top ten new courses available for public play," by Golf magazine, and it's now possible to play a total of 54 holes of championship golf. Tennis can be played indoors or out, night or day. The state-of-the-art sports club's new, full-
service spa is ideal for winding down after an intense day of meetings.
Location: The Richmond and Norfolk airports each are 40 miles or 45 minutes from the resort. Taxis cost $27 per person, one way.
Accommodations: Some 168 of the resort's 405 guest rooms are suites. Guest room amenities include decks, safes, coffee makers, and televisions. In addition, suites have kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas. The resort's value season runs from December 1 through March 15.
Meeting Facilities: The largest of the resort's 25 meeting rooms seats 570 persons theater-style or 450 banquet-style. The resort is ideally suited to serve groups of 12 to 500 persons. Cookouts, theme parties, and banquets are prepared by a staff ready with creative suggestions and peerless service.
Recreation: On-site, the resort has three 18-hole championship golf courses and one par-3, nine-hole course. It also has 15 tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, the Sports Club and Spa, a boat marina, and a sandy beach. Living history is right around the corner, with Colonial Williamsburg a few miles down the road. For more contemporary thrills, Busch Gardens Theme Park and Water Country USA's Wet and Wild Water Park are minutes away.
Dining: The Bray Dining Room serves a sumptuous buffet for breakfast or lunch, and its exhibition kitchen caters to special requests. A fine array of exceptional regional and contemporary fare is available in the resort's other dining areas, including the Sports Club Grille and Eagles.
Banff Springs Hotel The Banff Springs Hotel, the "Castle in the Canadian Rockies," boasts a century of hospitality. Framed by peaks and glaciers, the resort's dramatic Rocky Mountain location alone practically guarantees memorable meetings and incentive programs and exciting team-building adventures.
Banff Springs Hotel offers the unusual Rediscover the Adventure Attitude, a program developed in conjunction with One Step Beyond and the Pacific Center for Leadership. Designed to help professionals exceed their personal expectations and build highly effective work teams, the program has courses crafted for all fitness levels and presents them in a variety of settings, from classroom to mountaintop. In the works is an additional adventure program that will focus on orienteering.
The year-round resort, a scenic hour-and-a-half drive north of Calgary, has 770 guest rooms and 15 restaurants and lounges and can accommodate groups of ten to 1,600 persons. It offers an abundance of activities, including its full-service European Spa, Solace; golf; hiking; tennis; skiing; dog sledding; and ice fishing.
Location: Banff Springs is 80 miles or 90 minutes from Calgary International Airport. Airport shuttles, coach lines, rental cars, taxis, and limousines are available.
Accommodations: Some 70 of the resort's 770 guest accommodations are suites. Room amenities include minibars, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, and 24-hour room service. Robes are available on request. Value
season runs from mid-October to mid-
December and January through April.
Meeting Facilities: The resort has a total of 55 meeting and function rooms, of which 17 are in The Conference Center, built in 1991. The center features the 15,070-square-foot Van Horne Ballroom, which holds 1,500 persons theater-style or 1,200 banquet-style and can be broken into three equal-sized meeting rooms. The center's amphitheater has permanent seating for 250 persons, a large projection screen, sound equipment, and a stage. A full range of audiovisual and business equipment and services are on property.
Recreation: Spring, summer, and fall, guests enjoy the resort's 27 holes of golf, tennis, horseback riding, and biking. White-water rafting, canoeing, heli-hiking, sightseeing, boat cruises on Lake Minnewanka, interpretive art walks, and shopping are nearby. Winter brings downhill and cross-country skiing, curling, ice skating, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. Bowling, billiards, and simulation golf are available year-round, as well as aquatic and aerobic facilities.
Dining: Dining and lounge options include the 450-seat Alberta Dining Room, well known for its Sunday brunch; the Deli; the Alhambra Dining Room; and the Ramsay Lounge. Dining and dancing are available in the Rob Roy room.
Crowne Plaza Resort 130 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head, SC 29928
Phone: (803) 842-2400
Toll-free phone: (800) 334-1881
Fax: (803) 842-9975
Director of Sales: Alvin Bettcher
Set on 11 acres bordered by a 12-mile stretch of sugar-white beach, The Crowne Plaza Resort Hilton Head Island has championship golf courses, top-ranked racquet clubs, and elegantly appointed meetings facilities.
Location: Hilton Head Airport is seven miles or ten to 15 minutes from the resort. Transportation costs approximately $7 each way.
Accommodations: Of the resort's 340 guest rooms, 25 are suites and feature such in-room amenities as coffee makers, hair dryers, and safes.
Meeting Facilities: The Crowne Plaza has 20,000 square feet of flexible group meeting space, including an outdoor pavilion. The largest of its 13 meeting rooms holds 1,100 persons theater-style or 800 banquet-style.
Recreation: On-site recreation includes a fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and Jacuzzis. Van der Meer Tennis University/Shipyard Racquet Club and Shipyard Golf Club are nearby.
Dining: The Mediterranean-accented Portz seats 120 person indoors and has a 40-seat terrace. Bella's Cafe offers lighter fare.
Hilton Head Island Hilton Resort 23 Ocean Lane, P.O. Box 6165
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (803) 842-8000
Toll-free phone: (800) 845-8001
Fax: (803) 842-4988
Director of Sales: Chuck Salvo
Recreational opportunities abound at the Hilton Head Island Hilton Resort. A tropical getaway, the hotel's peaceful
lagoons and sparkling pools are surrounded by lush flower gardens.
Location: Hilton Head Airport is seven miles or ten minutes from the resort. Low Country Adventures, Ltd. shuttle costs approximately $7 one way.
Accommodations: The resort's 323 guest rooms include 28 suites, and its value season runs from November through March. All guest rooms feature fully equipped kitchenettes, private balconies, and separate dining areas.
Meeting Facilities: The largest of the resort's 13 meeting rooms accommodates 420 persons theater-style or 330 banquet-style.
Recreation: There are 22 tennis courts and five championship golf courses on property. The resort also has two swimming pools, an exercise room, and two outdoor whirlpools. Horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, in-line skating, and a dolphin watch tour are available nearby.
Dining: The Regatta Lounge seats 200 persons and features entertainment. Fine dining is found at Mostly Seafood, which seats 86.
Hyatt Regency Hilton Head Resort P.O. Box 6167
Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
Phone: (803) 785-1234
Toll-free phone: (800) 233-1234
Fax: (803) 842-4695
Director of Sales: Robert Purdy
Set in Palmetto Dunes, a self-contained resort and private residential community, the Hyatt Regency Hilton Head was the island's first hotel. Today, this landmark resort continues to set standards for impeccable service, exceptional cuisine, and luxury accommodations.
Location: The Savannah Airport is 40 miles or 45 minutes from the resort. Round-trip transportation costs approximately $48.
Accommodations: Half of the resort's 505 guest accommodations are suites; all rooms feature irons and ironing boards, hair dryers, safes, and coffee makers.
Meeting Facilities: The 18,000-square-foot ballroom is divisible into ten sections. There are seven smaller meeting rooms and in-house audiovisual facilities. The largest room holds 1,900 persons theater-style.
Recreation: On-site recreation includes beach activities, three swimming pools, HyattSpa, and Camp Hyatt. Golf, tennis, deep-sea fishing, mini golf, parasailing, cruises, windsurfing, and shopping are within walking distance or an easy shuttle ride.
Dining: The resort's restaurants and lounges offer some of the island's finest dining, including Hemingway's elegant fare and J.J. Pepperonio's, an oceanfront pizzeria.
The Westin Resort Two Grasslawn Avenue
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (803) 681-4000
Toll-free phone: (800) 228-3000
Fax: (803) 681-1017
Director of Sales: Glenn W. Kornahrens
The Westin Resort, reminiscent of the turn-of-the-century's grand seaside resorts, has some 243 holes of world-class golf and a racquet club. Conference facilities are on one level and a professional conference services staff is available.
Location: The resort is three miles or five minutes from Hilton Head Airport and 35 miles or 45 minutes from Savannah International.
Accommodations: Of the 412 guest rooms, 40 are concierge-level rooms. All rooms have balconies and scenic views, air conditioning, minibars, safe boxes, coffee makers, hair dryers, robes, and irons and ironing boards.
Meeting Facilities: There are 16 meeting rooms within 25,400 square feet of space. The 13,200-square-foot Grand Ballroom holds 1,600 persons theater-style or 1,000 banquet-style.
Recreation: On-property recreation includes three PGA championship golf courses and 16 tennis courts, as well as a fitness center, walking trails, a white sand beach, and extensive water sports.
Dining: The Carolina Cafe features seafood, while the Barony Grill offers American fare.
Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Set in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean, the twin-tower Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun is this fabled locale's first five-
diamond resort. The balmy breeze, warm sun, and turquoise sea, coupled with the resort's more than 30,000 square feet of flexible function space, make it a perfect setting for business or incentive getaways.
The resort lies mere steps from Cancun's recreation and commercial centers, as well as a day trip away from the sources of Cancun's thousand-year-old cultural heritage. All of the resort's elegant wood- and marble-decorated suites have ocean views. For all its arresting setting and luxury appointments, the resort's finest asset is its staff. A dedicated conference staff pays meticulous attention to detail in order to make incentives, meetings, or conferences successful and rewarding experiences.
Location: Cancun International Airport is 12 miles or 20 minutes away, with taxis costing $15 one way. Shuttle buses are $9 one way.
Accommodations: All of the resort's 602 guest rooms are oceanfront suites. Some 187 have king beds, and 331 have double-bed accommodations. Each guest suite has a separate living area and private balcony. In-room amenities feature color satellite televisions with remote control, movies, and music channels; hair dryers; minibars; and direct-dial telephones. The resort's value season runs from May to June and from September 1 to December 20.
Meeting Facilities: The resort's flexible meeting facilities encompass more than 30,000 square feet of space, which includes 16 meeting rooms. The largest room holds 2,000 persons theater-style or 1,200 banquet-style. In addition, it has a fully equipped audiovisual department and its Commercial Program features photocopying facilities and fax machines. The resort best serves groups ranging in size from ten to 2,000 persons.
Recreation: On-site recreational facilities include a spa, tennis courts, numerous water sports, and a 650-foot, free-form pool. The resort also has a variety of children's programs. Nearby, Cancun's wide range of recreational offerings include golf, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, and excursions to the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum.
Dining: Dining runs from casual to gourmet fare at the resort's four restaurants, featuring the award-winning La Joya and the new Fiesta Club. The resort also serves food by the pool and on the beach, and offers 24-hour room service.
Sandals Resorts Ten tropical hideaways tucked away on Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, and the Bahamas are the ten Sandals Resorts--ideal settings for corporate incentives or meetings where spouses are also invited. Each of Sandals' all-inclusive resorts serves gourmet fare, has acres of sugar-sand beaches, and features an attentive staff bent on pampering guests.
Sandals Resorts specialize in land and water sports, including equipment and instruction, and feature waterskiing, scuba diving, golf, and tennis. Each resort offers luxury accommodations, features lavish suites, and emphasizes a constant concern for the environment.
All Sandals feature meeting rooms. In spring 1998, Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Spa will open its new 8,000 square feet of function space. This additional meeting space will accompany 200 new guest rooms and three more dining options.
The new Beaches resorts are not only for couples, but also for singles and families, and make ideal conference venues. Beaches are located in Negril, Jamaica, and Providenciales on Turks and Caicos. Beaches Turks and Caicos has two large meeting rooms that can accommodate 200 persons, as well as an executive boardroom and spacious prefunction area.
All meetings, audiovisual equipment, group cocktail parties, and group dinners are included in the group rates.
* Sandals Royal Bahamian has six restaurants. Its theater accommodates 250 persons. When open, its 6,500-square-foot meeting room will seat 600 persons theater-style or 300 banquet-style. Its 3,500-square-foot Crystal Room seats 300 persons theater-style or 160 banquet-style.
* Sandals Dunn's River has a full entertainment theater with stage, sound, and lights, accommodating 300 persons. Meeting rooms seat 150 to 250 persons. It can seat 350 persons banquet-style.
* Sandals Ocho Rios has four restaurants. Its amphitheater seats 300 persons, while its meeting rooms hold 100 to 200 persons. It can seat 300 persons banquet-style.
* Sandals Royal Jamaican has four restaurants. Its Hampton Court seats 50 persons theater-style. The resort can also seat 175 persons banquet-style.
* Sandals Montego Bay has four restaurants. Its Oleander Room seats 100 persons theater-style. Its conference room seats 25 persons, and the resort can seat 160 banquet-style.
* Sandals Negril has four restaurants and a 20-person meeting room. It can seat 200 persons theater-style or 280 banquet-style.
* Sandals Antigua has four restaurants. Its meeting capacity is 100 persons. It can also seat 200 persons theater-style or 200 banquet-style.
* Sandals Halcyon Beach, St. Lucia has three restaurants and a 20-person meeting room. It can seat 100 persons theater-style or 150 banquet-style.
* Sandals St. Lucia has five restaurants. Its conference room holds 150 persons. It can seat 200 persons in its amphitheater, and 150 persons theater-style or 170 banquet-style.
* Though not used for groups, Sandals Inn, Jamaica makes an outstanding site for incentive trips.
Indian River Plantation Marriott Resort Indian River Plantation Marriott Resort is a 200-acre oceanfront resort on Hutchinson Island, FL, a barrier island nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Florida's Intracoastal Waterway. The resort's acclaimed lodging and dining complement its recreational options, which include golf, tennis, swimming, and fishing, as well as family, teen, and children's activities.
Location: The resort is 35 miles or 45 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport. Shuttle transportation costs $23 per person, based on double occupancy.
Accommodations: Of the resort's 297 luxury guest accommodations, its one- and two-bedroom suites feature fully equipped kitchens and private balconies. In-room amenities include mini refrigerators, irons and ironing boards, wet bars, and hair dryers. Room service is available around the clock. Value season runs from May 1 through December 19.
Meeting Facilities: Indian River's more than 24,000 square feet of meeting and function space includes 15 meeting rooms, and its spacious outdoor function and event sites range from oceanside to dockside venues. The 4,700-square-foot Plantation Ballroom, the resort's largest, seats 510 persons theater-style or 460 banquet-style. The Elliott
Amphitheater has 80 tiered seats, a floor-to-ceiling rear projection screen, and a sophisticated sound system. There are also individual breakout rooms, boardrooms, and hospitality suites. Its Guest Services Office provides a full range of business services.
Some of the resort's outdoor events include clambakes, Olympiad team events, and chartered excursions on the 150-seat Island Princess.
Recreation: The resort has three challenging golf courses, including its Jack Nicklaus signature course, and also serves golfers with a driving range, putting green, lakeside clubhouse, and the 19th Hole Restaurant and Lounge. Additional recreation includes 13 championship tennis courts, four swimming pools, ecology tours, jogging, bicycling, a full-service marina, water sports, and a game room.
A trained recreation staff provides year-round programs for children, teens, and adults. Highlights include the Pineapple Bunch Children's Camp, theme nights for teens, and excursions for adults. Museums, sea turtle watches, reef scuba diving and snorkeling, Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge, and downtown Stuart's historic district are all nearby.
Dining: Scalawags offers fresh seafood and indoor/outdoor seating for 200 persons overlooking the marina, and its lounge features live entertainment. The Emporium Cafe has a relaxed, turn-of-the-
century atmosphere, while the 19th Hole serves lighter fare
