The antithesis of modern, cookie-cutter chain properties, many historic hotels are engaging, emotion-inducing, well-preserved inns and lodges with modern meeting options.
Groups are drawn to the following historic properties, which have consistently renovated and added high-tech amenities with meetings in mind.
CAROLINA INN
Chapel Hill, N.C.
www.carolinainn.com
Set on the picturesque University of North Carolina campus in Chapel Hill, the Carolina Inn (800.962.8519) was built in 1924 by John Sprunt Hill, a distinguished alumnus and businessman.
Incorporating design elements from George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the elegant property has undergone five major renovations since its opening and a sixth is under way.
Located less than 10 minutes from Research Triangle Park, the Carolina Inn offers high-speed Wi-Fi access throughout the property, an award-winning gourmet restaurant, a fitness center and valet parking. Guest rooms have working desks and dataports.
While it features amenities of a major modern hotel, the Carolina Inn’s prime appeal to groups is its distinctly non-hotel ambience.
“The most frequent comment we receive from guests is they feel like they’re staying in a luxurious private home rather than a hotel,” says Director of Sales and Marketing Jack Schmidt.
“Our location directly on campus is an obvious attraction,” he continues, “and we’re situated two blocks from Franklin Street, which is lined with restaurants, art galleries, bars and boutiques.”
Rooms: 185
Meeting space: 13,000 square feet
Largest meeting space: 5,148 square feet
Fun Fact: The Inn has a longtime resident ghost, Dr. William Jacocks, a friendly spirit who plays jokes on those staying in room 256.
CASA MONICA
St. Augustine, Fla.
www.casamonica.com
Since opening in 1888, the Casa Monica (904.827.1888; 888.213.8903) has been integral to daily life in St. Augustine, Fla.
Casa Monica—a castle-like structure combining Moorish Revival and Spanish Baroque Revival design styles—served as a county courthouse for 30 years before being restored to its original grandeur in 1999 by innovative hotel developer Richard Kessler.
Event venues at Casa Monica include lavishly appointed ballrooms featuring gold leaf details, private dining rooms at its signature restaurant 95 Cordova and the Sultans Pavilion, a Moroccan draped tent appointed with Austrian chandeliers.
Amenities include Wi-Fi access in guest and conference rooms, complimentary use in public areas and the pool deck, a 24-hour business center and privileges at the Oceanfront Serenata Beach Club.
“Casa Monica has an atmosphere of intimacy where groups never become ‘lost’ as one might experience in a larger property,” says Anthony Lazzara, general manager. “In most cases, because of the size of the property and its meeting space, your group would be the only one at the property and have our full attention.”
Rooms: 138
Meeting Space: 12,000 square feet
Largest meeting space: 3,560 square feet
Special event opportunity: Casa Monica can cater functions across the street at the Spanish Renaissance-style Lightner Museum (the former Hotel Alcazar built in 1887), which is brimming with Victorian art glass, Tiffany stained glass, furnishings, sculptures and artwork.
MANSION ON FORSYTH PARK
Savannah, Ga.
www.mansionforsythpark.com
In the traditional sense, The Mansion on Forsyth Park (912.238.5158; 888.213.3671) is not a historic hotel.
Built in 1888, the mansion was in such disrepair that a major renovation was done recently to replicate the original structure.
Sophisticated audiovisual services, Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center are now seamlessly incorporated and the Mansion has other amenities, including a spa, fitness center and gourmet restaurant.
The Mansion’s Grand Bohemian Gallery, where 400 pieces of original artwork are displayed, is an impressive space for meeting attendees to visit.
Outside the hotel, Savannah’s dynamic historic district, restaurants and other entertainment are easily accessible.
“Guests are engulfed by history,” says Michael Gordon, general manager of the property.
For formal events for up to 200 people, the Viennese Ballroom features 15-foot ceilings, black candelabras, antique mirrors and cut-crystal chandeliers.
Rooms: 125
Meeting Space: 8,500 square feet
Largest meeting space: 3,456 square feet
Special feature: The on-site 700 Kitchen Cooking School, a professional-style facility with hands-on culinary classes for groups of up to 16 people and interactive demonstrations for up to 24, is ideal for team building.
PLANTERS INN
Charleston, S.C.
www.plantersinn.com
A popular boutique hotel in Charleston, S.C., for over 150 years, the Planters Inn (843.722.2345; 800.845.7082) offers charm with high-ceilinged rooms, period furniture, four-poster beds and marble baths.
Anchoring the northeast corner of Charleston’s famed City Market, the Planters capitalizes greatly on its location. The climate-controlled Great Hall at City Market is brimming with mini-boutiques and a couple of food vendors. Within a short walking distance from the hotel are a bevvy of restaurants, antique shops and art galleries.
One of the Planters’ homey touches is the complimentary orange spice tea and fresh apples served daily in the parlor. Among the property’s list of modern amenities are Wi-Fi access, a business center featuring laptops with complimentary Internet access, valet parking and flat-screen televisions in every guest room.
“The layout of our property is intimate, which provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for small groups,” says Nick Saltmarsh, managing director of the property. “We have some superb outdoor venues as well.
“Our enclosed, private courtyard with a fountain and foliage like Japanese maples, palmetto and crepe myrtles is popular for receptions,” he adds. “We also have a small terrace for guests to congregate in the evenings.”
Rooms: 64
Meeting Space: 2,754 square feet
Largest meeting space: 1,475 square feet
Special feature: The hotel’s Peninsula Grill is an acclaimed AAA Four-Diamond restaurant specializing in Low Country cuisine with delicacies like mushroom grits and grilled peach-glazed jumbo shrimp.
Edward Schmidt Jr., a freelance writer, loves staying at historic hotels, especially those with dataports and Wi-Fi access.
