These five standout properties are primed to welcome groups with fresh meeting venues, elevated culinary programs and immersive experiences that celebrate their local surroundings.
Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa
A wine country retreat, Wine & Roses in Lodi, California, will debut as Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa in late spring. The rebrand marks the first operational hotel for Appellation, a culinary-first hospitality brand co-founded by Chef Charlie Palmer and luxury hotel veteran Christopher Hunsberger.
The resort remains open during its phased renovation and will continue to welcome guests for overnight stays, spa services and dining experiences. New enhancements include a full redesign of the guestrooms, while the resort’s legacy will be honored through updates that celebrate Lodi’s winemaking and farming traditions.
Chef Palmer and his team will lead the resort’s new culinary program, which includes signature dining concepts. Other highlights include new wellness programming, expanded outdoor gathering areas with fireplaces and patios, Crafted at Appellation hands-on workshops with local artisans and a signature annual food and wine event supporting local causes. The resort’s spa will relaunch as Wine & Roses Spa.
With 7,000 sf of event space and capacity for up to 350 guests, the reimagined resort will also serve as a hub for meetings, retreats and social events.
Set on 405 acres just outside Austin, Texas, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa has long been a favorite for corporate retreats and special occasions. This spring, the resort expands its event offerings with the debut of Riverbend Barn, a brand-new venue designed to deliver an authentic yet upscale experience for meetings, weddings and celebrations in the Texas Hill Country.
Spanning 6,076 sf, Riverbend Barn combines rustic architecture with modern amenities, including a bridal suite, private restrooms and a dedicated catering prep area. The venue seamlessly connects with nature through an additional 2,300-sf patio and a 3,000-sf event lawn, ideal for outdoor receptions, live entertainment or breakout sessions. Culinary offerings feature open-fire cooking for a locally inspired and elevated dining experience.
Located near the resort’s Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens and the Lost Pines Corral, where guests can encounter the property’s resident longhorns and farm animals, Riverbend Barn offers an immersive setting that blends comfort, charm, and connection to the land.
The Scottsdale Resort & Spa has completed a $40 million renovation. This AAA Four Diamond property offers over 85,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor event space.
The 278-room resort has reimagined its entire footprint, including public spaces, guest accommodations and the introduction of four new culinary venues. The transformation also includes upgrades to Luna Spa.
For event planners, the Stillman Villas—a collection of 12 private, two-story villas that sleep up to 14 guests each—offer a VIP experience with private entrances, kitchens and exclusive access to a separate pool and lobby. Ideal for small executive retreats, breakout sessions or incentive groups, the villas offer a rare blend of privacy and community in a resort setting.
Meeting organizers also benefit from a full suite of services, including on-site catering, event planning and transportation logistics. Additional MICE-friendly features include a UPS store, dry cleaning services and wellness offerings for team-building or downtime, such as fitness classes and double pickleball courts.
Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown
Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown has completed a transformative multi-million-dollar renovation. The property now boasts nearly 29,000 sf of revitalized event space, encompassing 13 versatile venues equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, fresh decor and flexible configurations. The renovation extends to the property’s 494 guestrooms and suites.
A standout addition is The Studios—three innovative, on-demand meeting spaces located on the second floor. Designed to foster collaboration and creativity, these spaces are ideal for breakout sessions, private dining or intimate meetings. Complementing these are strategically placed soundproof booths throughout the lobby, offering guests private areas for focused work or confidential conversations.
For dining and socializing, guests can enjoy &More by Sheraton, an all-day venue blending a coffee bar, cocktail lounge and marketplace. Additionally, the Skye Lounge on the 28th floor offers panoramic views of the Nashville skyline and houses Sora Kitchen, a sushi restaurant.
Embracing Nashville’s rich musical heritage, the hotel introduces two state-of-the-art karaoke studios named after icons Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. These studios provide unique team-building opportunities with retro-inspired designs and top-tier audio technology.
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