Arizona
- Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix debuted its Highland Center in December. The new addition included 12,200 square feet of indoor meeting and conference space and 8,500 square feet of adjacent outdoor space. The Highland Center is the final phase of a multimillion-dollar renovation and enhancement project at the resort and complements the existing 65,000 square feet of meeting space. Designed to accommodate groups up to 1,200 attendees, the Highland Center features 18-foot ceilings, upgraded sound and lighting systems, and may be divided into three equal sections. The adjacent outdoor plaza provides another alternative for banquets or receptions. The resort boasts 584 all-suite accommodations, four themed restaurants, a spa, swimming pools, waterfalls, private cabanas and the Lookout Mountain Golf Club. For more information, call 602.866.7500 or visit www1.hilton.com.
- The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch recently completed the third and final phase of a $50 million transformation. The final phase included the renovation of guest rooms, suites, 1,000-square-foot casitas, the redesigned Vaquero Ballroom and a new executive boardroom, as well as the addition of a $575,000 solar hot water system. The resort’s three-phase renewal project includes the Spa Avania, a new lobby bar and two new restaurants. The resort offers a total of 70,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor function space. The Vaquero Ballroom is a 14,000-square-foot space that can be transformed into 10 individual breakout rooms. In addition, the resort’s 12,000-square-foot Arizona Ballroom can host 800 people for a seated event or 1,200 for a reception. For more information, call 480.444.1234 or visit www.scottsdale.hyatt.com.
California
- The Hilton Sacramento Airport-Natomas recently opened with studio, one- and two-bedroom suites. The three-story, 123-suite hotel offers complimentary high-speed Internet access and a business center. Other amenities include an outdoor swimming pool with a Jacuzzi, sports court, 982 square feet of meeting space and an additional executive boardroom with 252 square feet. For more information, call 916.263.9510 or visit http://homewoodsuites1.hilton.com.
- La Costa Resort and Spa, in Carlsbad, recently completed 136 villas and villas suites, bringing the resort’s total guest room count to 610 from the previous 474. The villas offer groups an option for board meetings or small gatherings as well as incentive groups, VIPs or senior management attendees. Earlier last year, the resort introduced the Vista Terrace, an outdoor venue overlooking the golf course, and the Garden Pools for cocktail receptions. Also for groups are the 18,000-square-foot Costa Del Sol Ballroom, the La Costa Conference Center with 15 rooms of varying sizes on two levels, the 8,140-square-foot Poinsettia Ballroom and the Executive Learning Center, a high-tech meeting arena. The resort offers a total of over 100,000 square feet of meeting space and is situated on 400 acres. For more information, call 760.438.9111 or visit www.lacosta.com.
Colorado
- Aloft Denver International Airport debuted in December in Gateway Park, a mixed-use business park. A year in the making, this $25 million, 90,000-square-foot property houses 144 loft-style guest rooms. The hotel offers a connectivity center in each room featuring a digital camera, wireless Internet access and a plug-and-play station for multiple electronic devices, all linking to a 42-inch flat-panel television. The hotel also features its re:mix lobby for socializing. For more information, call 303.371.9500 or visit www.alofthotels.com/denverairport.