Twenty-twenty might have had the industry slow down, but it gave plenty of time to introduce new hotels and for existing ones to pause, renovate and revamp.
Following are 10 new hotels and renovations that are ideal for meeting and incentive groups.
1. Resorts World Las Vegas
Resorts World Las Vegas is the first new resort to open on the Vegas Strip in 11 years. The property, which is expected to open later this year, will offer groups 350,000 sf of flexible, technology-driven meeting space within six ballrooms, a 100,000-sf pillar-less Events Center, and outdoor breakout spaces. In addition, there will also be a 5,000-person theater that can accommodate large general sessions and meetings.
This 3,500-guest room and -suite property, located across from the Las Vegas Convention Center Expansion, offers attendees an array of options to unwind after a busy day including 117,000-sf gaming floor, an array of restaurants including a Michelin-star venues, nightlife entertainment, and retail, plus a 27,000-sf spa, and a 5.5-acre pool complex with views of the Las Vegas Strip.
2. Lyle Washington D.C.
Lyle Washington D.C. is set to open in the Dupont Circle neighborhood in April 2021. The 196-room hotel features an onsite restaurant and bar, plus several meeting and event spaces.
The guest rooms and Penthouse Suite feature Art Deco headboards and rattan seating, while the bathrooms offer D.S Durga amenities. In addition, 56 of the guest rooms feature kitchenettes, perfect for long-term stays. The property’s restaurant and bar—Lyle’s—features an open kitchen while serving American fare for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.
Event spaces, such as The Private (240 sf), can accommodate private dinners—it features red tones on the walls, ceiling, and floor, and a custom black-and-white dining table. The Parlor (720 sf), located on the first floor, is a less formal space that can be used for meetings or private dinners for larger parties. The lower ground area offers several event and breakout room spaces that feature a more residential decor, rather than a traditional meeting space, for a more apartment-like feel.
3. The Rally Hotel
Located in Denver, The Rally Hotel is expected to open spring 2021. The new property, which is developed by the part owner of the Colorado Rockies baseball team, pays homage to its baseball roots as its name comes from a baseball superstition—the rally cap, where fans where their caps backwards or inside out as a talisman for their team to pull off a come-from-behind victory.
The Rally features 176 guest rooms, including 29 suites, a rooftop pool and deck that overlooks Coors Field with views of the Rocky Mountains. The eighth floor will be known as the Mile High Floor and will feature a collection of rooms with an elevated design featuring dark woods and deep purples. Attendees can enjoy three onsite eateries including The Rally: The Grandstand, The Rally Bar, and a yet-to-be-announced full-service restaurant. And, the 21,000 sf of flexible meeting and event space can offer a range of boardrooms and ballrooms.
4. The Ridley
Kimpton Key West, a collection of five boutique hotels located in and around Old Town and Duval Street. Is welcoming The Ridley House, set to open March 15, 2021.
Ridley House features 23 guest rooms spread across three historic homes—two Victorian and one Bahamian Eyebrow. Located in Key West’s Old Town, near Duval Street, Ridley House provides groups easy access to numerous water activities, as well as Key West’s nightlife. The property features private porches, picket fences, a pool, two poolside bars, and hammocks. Attendees also have access to the property’s loaner beach bikes to explore Key West. Complimentary offerings include a welcome beverage, high-speed WiFi, access to 7,000 newspapers and magazines on the attendees’ smart device via the Press Reader app, in-room yoga mat, and a snorkel kit with a mask and snorkel.
For group events, Kimpton Key West offers A Hemingway Affair, a private culinary experience available for small groups at the Lighthouse Hotel—recently opened in 2020 and located within walking distance. Parties of up to 14 guests can reserve this private dining experience in Hemingway Suite, which features a full kitchen where private chefs will cook a multi-course meal right in front of attendees. Groups can choose to dine al fresco and enjoy their meal under the stars.
5. Hyatt Centric Memphis
Located on the corner of Memphis’ Beale Street and Front Street, the new Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis is expected to open March 2021.
Located a 15-minute drive from Memphis International Airport, this property is located near Downtown Memphis. The 227 guest rooms, including 12 suites, feature oversized windows with views of the Memphis skyline and the Mississippi River. Rooms also feature Bluetooth-enabled alarm clocks, 55-inch HDTVs, and rainfall showers. Onsite, attendees can enjoy a resort-style pool with an expansive sun deck, and private poolside cabanas. There are also two onsite dining experiences—CIMAS, a Latin-American inspired eatery with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the “M Bridge” and Beck & Call, located eight stories high, offering a rooftop whiskey bar and small plates.
For events and meeting spaces, the property features 9,000 sf of flexible space. The meeting space can accommodate up to 450 attendees for meetings, and up to 500 for receptions and social events. In addition, the Event Lawn offers 3,500 sf of outdoor space overlooking the Mississippi River and pool deck.
6. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, located in Northeast Florida, is currently undergoing a renovation, which will offer refreshed meeting and event spaces, upgraded rooms and suites, and three new restaurants.
The resort’s 446 guest rooms and suites will be upgraded with Smart TVs, bedside charging stations, and redesigned living areas. Guest room bathrooms are also being renovated with dual vanities, enlarged showers, and suites offering free-standing bathtubs.
There are some new eateries joining the recently opened Coquina, an al fresco restaurant with a terrace lounge and ocean view bar; Salt a five-diamond dining venue; and Coast, offering local seafood. These include Tidewater Grill, offering American grill classics; and First Drop, offering an artisanal beverage experience including locally roasted coffee, fresh juices, milkshakes and smoothies, plus carry-away options and small bites.
7. Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is expected to open this summer in the Warehouse District. The new-build hotel will feature 230 guest rooms, the Common Club, a rooftop pool and lounge, a gym, and dedicated meeting and event spaces.
8. Grand Bohemian Hotel Greenville
Located in Greenville, S.C., the Grand Bohemian Hotel Greenville is set to open November 2021. The property is located at the entrance of Greenville’s Falls Park, where the Reedy River begins. The property will look like a traditional park lodge in order to preserve the nature of its surroundings. This 187-room and 30-suite property features balconies in many guest rooms, and will also feature Poseidon Spa, indoor and outdoor event spaces, and a 2-story restaurant and bar.
There will be indoor meeting and pre-function space available for groups, as well as an outdoor lawn for special events.
9. The Don CeSar
The Don CeSar has unveiled its multi-million-dollar renovation, which includes a refresh of meeting spaces, guest rooms, a new pool bar and rooftop deck, a full-service restaurant, and the 71-room, all-suite Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar.
The renovated guest rooms incorporate a beach-inspired aesthetic and blush tones reflective of the hotel facade’s signature pink.
10. Margaritaville Hotel Jacksonville
Margaritaville Hotel Jacksonville, the first Margaritaville property to open this year, offers meeting spaces for an array of events ranging from business meetings, to corporate events and everything in-between. The Seagrass Meeting Room offers 1,700 sf with room for 118 attendees. Plus, groups also have access to a business center.
The 202-room oceanfront property, located near the Jacksonville Beach Amphitheater, offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean or hotel grounds from private terraces and patios. Guest rooms include King and Double Queen rooms, plus Oceanview rooms and Oceanfront Suites with wraparound balconies. Attendees can enjoy dining at three Margaritaville–inspired venues with ocean views and outdoor seating. When it’s time to relax, groups can head for the pool or sit near one of the outdoor fire pits.