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Short Takes

Programs & Packages

    • JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, featuring 950 guest rooms and 240,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, is offering a special group package called "Meetings Matter." For any group requiring more than 50 cumulative room nights arriving prior to March 31, the resort is offering 25 percent allowable attrition and one per 35 comp rooms. Any group requiring more than 100 cumulative room nights during the same time period will also receive a 2 percent rebate off of the master bill. The offer is valid on new contracts only. For more information, call 480.293.5000 or visit www.jwdesertridgeresort.com.
    • The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver is offering a new meeting package. Groups booking meetings with the hotel receive 5 percent off the master account for any meeting booked and held in 2009, and 10 percent off the master account for a second meeting booked and held within 12 months of the first program. The package also includes one complimentary room night for every 40 rooms booked, and a 10 percent discount on audiovisual services. As a further incentive, groups that book a program worth $15,000 or more receive a complimentary two-night stay at any Sutton Place Hotel. For more information, call 604.682.5511 or visit www.vancouver.sutton place.com/summer_meetings.htm.

Kudos

    • The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel recently planted a 120-square-foot seasonal garden on the fourth-floor deck of the 31-floor hotel. The seasonal rooftop garden is currently growing chilies, okra, mint, peppers and a variety of herbs that will be incorporated into dishes served in District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, the restaurant located on the bottom floor of the hotel. District will also return compostable items, such as fruit and vegetable peelings, to Singh Farms, a local grower. In addition to the development of the seasonal garden, the hotel has also made a commitment to utilize the most energy efficient lighting possible and developed a comprehensive recycling program that extends throughout the entire hotel. Guests can recycle in their rooms, associates can recycle in their offices and meeting planners can customize plans and amenities to reduce waste. Also, an internal "Green Team" is responsible for identifying, implementing and training fellow associates on new sustainable practices, which included the roll-out of digital menus. In addition, the hotel works with other community partners such as Waste Not to donate unused items rather than send them directly to a landfill. For more information, call 602.262.2500 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com.