Arizona
L’Auberge de Sedona unveiled new group experiences, including the interactive L’Apothecary spa experience, fireside concierges for in-room fireplaces with an accompanying treat menu, and foraging chef tours of the Verde Valley. Venues include the 325-person Cottageside Lawn.
British Columbia
The Victoria Public Market at the Hudson is now open on Vancouver Island. In addition to food, shopping and cooking classes, the culinary venue offers space for groups of up to 400 people, as well as a smaller community kitchen that seats 20 people.
California
San Jose’s McEnery Convention Center celebrated the grand opening of its $130 million renovation in October. The project added 125,000 square feet of additional function space, bringing the center’s total to 550,000 square feet. Upgrades also included public art and lobby seating where attendees can charge their gadgets and network.
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa in the Sierra Nevada mountains east of Los Angeles completed a renovation and is now part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. The 173-room property offers 23,00 square feet of function space.
Harrah’s Rincon Casino in San Diego will debut a $160 million property renovation this month, which includes a new 23,000-square-foot convention center and a new wine and craft beer bar. In April 2014, a new 400-room hotel tower will be completed, bringing the total guest room count to 1,065.
Landmark’s 94-room Hotel Normadie Los Angeles, in Koreatown, is now open. The boutique property was built in the 1920’s and stands out because of its iconic rooftop neon sign. The interior of the hotel welcomes guests with a grand lobby entrance and huge staircase, warm nooks for gatherings and updated guest rooms.
Colorado
In the red rock canyons of western Colorado Gateway Canyons completed its multimillion dollar expansion, unveiling the new 3,200-square-foot Kayenta Conference Center, Palisade Casitas accommodations and new pools. Founded by John Hendricks, the creator of the Discovery channel, the resort offers more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space, with several outdoor venues, a sunset atrium and 56-seat HD theater. The property also offers conservation programs and an auto museum curated from Hendricks’ personal collection.
Oregon
The Holiday Inn Portland Airport completed a $7 million renovation. The 284-room property is located adjacent to the 15,000-square-foot Columbia Conference Center and also recently debuted a new restaurant. Event facilities at the Holiday Inn include a 250-person ballroom and several smaller meeting spaces.