By Robert Kraus, owner of SmallConferences.com
The Hotel Champlain in Burlington, VT is highly regarded for meetings and groups – and a particular favorite for my clients who do “retreats” – from corporate to team building to yoga!
The hotel is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection and for sure fits the definition of a “rare and intriguing” high-end (yet surprisingly affordable), unique hotel that has a distinct local flavor and independent vibe.
Key reasons my groups love this property include:
Unique, extensive and very flexible event space: Over 19,000 sq feet of event space much of which offer natural light, lake views, plus outdoor space – all of which is so important to my groups.
For my larger groups – the Adirondack Ballroom can accommodate over 600 guests – and is elegant enough for an annual black-tie gala. Yet – I find it too formal for this property. I much prefer the more contemporary and intimate Green Mountain Ballroom which allows for up to 500 guests.
My favorite larger space, because of its natural light, would be the Lake Champlain Conference Room (with space for up to 250). This room offers direct access to the extensive Mezzanine Level which offers space for receptions of 300 or more, amazing lake views, and multiple connecting outdoor spaces.
Speaking of which, those outdoor spaces include the flexible Hops & Harvest, which is great for receptions or even a wonderful barbeque! Garden Terrace, an expansive lawn area great for your morning stretches. Plus, the Clover Lawn that’s all set up for your mediation, yoga or relaxing with a book!
Of course, there are also a variety of smaller, flexible rooms, perfect for breakouts, board meetings, or more intimate gatherings.
For both individuals and groups, the Hotel Champlain offers excellent dining options, with a focus on local and inventive cuisine – plus other amenities with a focus on wellness.
Original Skiff Fish + Oysters is the hotel’s signature restaurant, conceived by visionary restaurateur Eric Warnstedt and is described as Burlington’s first oyster bar. It offers inventive seafood, farm-fresh veggies, and other New England-core dishes for dinner plus live entertainment nightly in the bar area. Lily May’s Coffee & Café is “playful, elegant, and welcoming” featuring fresh-baked goods and creative casual beverages.
Resort like amenities at the hotel include state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool with hot tub, yoga classes and more! In particular, my groups love the Hotel Champlain Lake Shed, a storefront located on the lobby level. Guests borrow outdoor games and sports equipment free of charge including bikes, snowshoes, and outdoor games.
I would be remiss to not mention the great location in the heart of Downtown Burlington and all it has to offer including the Burlington Waterfront Park (where you can go sailing on a classic sloop) and the vibrant Church Street Marketplace (for shopping, dining, and entertainment).
All of the above makes the Hotel Champlain my number one choice for both groups and independent travelers looking for a unique true Vermont experience in Burlington! Overall Rank: 4.6 Keys
Robert Kraus, owner of SmallConferences.com, has over 20 years of nonprofit event planning experience, producing over 300 meetings, events and conventions from 30 to 3000 attendees. He gives back by sharing his knowledge – teaching Hospitality at local Miami homeless shelters as well as “Make Your Own Job – Entrepreneurship.” He also teaches Event Planning for Nonprofits, and Intro to Nonprofit Accounting as part of PhilanthropyMiami’s Social Impact Pop-Up Workshop Series. Robert’s been featured in USA Today, Corporate & Incentive Travel, NonProfit PRO, Hotels Magazine, Hospitality & Tourism News, & on the Today Show because of his expertise in hospitality.
