For planners that keep encountering top-tier properties and destinations that seem just a bit out of their budgetary reach, it might not be where they’re looking but when.
Through some flexibility on their seasonal timing—often enhanced of course by days-of-week scheduling—groups can save substantially, and open the door to some superb meetings-friendly properties all around North America, from boutiques to large resorts.
Meetings Focus checked in with settings and properties near and far in an effort to spotlight some top seasonal values. Following are a few of the finest gems we uncovered.
New England Nuggets
Groups heading to New England can find savings during the winter season—especially when avoiding popular ski areas—and often in parts of the summertime as well.
Hotel spokesperson Stephanie Seacord touts the historic Hanover Inn Dartmouth, in Hanover, N.H., which boasts 11,000 square feet of conference space at its Minary Conference Center and also offers a “Pick your Perks” special from January-March and July-August, saving groups 10 percent, in addition to special bonuses based on total room nights.
Seacord also suggests Maine’s Spruce Point Inn in Boothbay Harbor, a sprawling 57-acre escape offering a dramatic waterfront setting—and special 2015 “Hot Dates” based on room nights that provide an array of free perks ranging from massages and wine receptions to oceangoing harbor tours.
Santa Fe Savings
New Mexico’s charming capital is especially budget-friendly for planners when Jack Frost comes to town, says John Feins, who serves as Tourism Santa Fe’s public relations manager.
“The dollar is stronger in general during the Santa Fe winter, and many notable, highly rated properties also offer incomparable value to groups who book or host their event during this time,” Feins remarks.
He also shared information on several elegant local properties offering price-saving group winter packages, including the Native American-owned Hotel Santa Fe. The downtown venue launched a meetings special on Jan. 15 that runs through April 30 and provides discounted lodging in addition to numerous perks.
Elsewhere about town, the iconic La Fonda on the Plaza, home to more than 21,000 square feet of stylish function space, offers a package from November through March (also available for next winter) that includes no guest room attrition and waives rental fees.
Other top properties around the city offering special winter packages include the Inn and Spa at Loretto, an enchanting adobe structure by the iconic Loretto Chapel, and the Drury Plaza Hotel, a handsome recently launched hotel housed inside a former hospital.
Chicago Sure Things
A host of top Hilton properties are making the Windy City more affordable for groups, during value dates that extend beyond wintertime.
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The celebrated Palmer House, for example, offers a meetings special drastically cutting rates at the elegant property—in addition to reduced audiovisual, breakfast upgrades and other perks. While the availability in 2015 does include Feb. 8 through 25, planners heading to Chicago during warmer months will discover numerous other value dates throughout the year.
Similar bargains can also be found at the Conrad Chicago, set along the Magnificent Mile and offering 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, and The Drake, with 30,000 square feet of function space of its own. For planners handling a large event, the Hilton Chicago presents more than 234,000 square feet of meeting space in addition to numerous value dates, and groups on the lookout for affordable convenience might consider the various specials at the HIlton Chicago O’Hare.
Frugal Florida
Groups with the Sunshine State on their agenda will discover balmy weather—and vital values—throughout the year.
Summertime sojourns can become more budget-friendly at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club along the Gulf of Mexico, where Director of Sales Charles Mullins shared news of mid-week packages running over select dates from June through September. Drastically reduced room rates are also bolstered by a waived resort fee and complimentary self- and valet parking.
Planners pondering the Florida Panhandle might consider the 602-key Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, the recent recipient of a $30 million makeover and host to 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. The popular property offers meeting groups reduced rates from November through February that range from 30 percent to 50 percent less than the standard rates. Its function areas are highlighted by the brand-new, 7,500-square-foot Crystal Ballroom.
Big savings can also be found at smaller properties along the Emerald Coast, including the boutique collection of St. Joe Club & Resorts. The group’s managing director of resort operations, Andrew Czarnecki, advises making plans from Sundays through Thursdays between November and February for substantial savings, at an array of meeting-friendly boutiques that include The Pearl and the WaterColor Inn & Resort. Bonuses range from free bike rentals and free Beach Club access to golfing and kayaking.
Various Values
Checking in with Destination Hotels, we uncovered a trove of tempting lodgings offering seasonal savings across all regions of the U.S.
Options include the Gant Hotel in Aspen, Colo., with 25 percent room discounts March 19-31 and April 5-18; The Tarrytown House in Tarrytown, N.Y., with special perks and savings through March 31; and the Resort at Squaw Creek, in Lake Tahoe, Calif., with reduced group rates during the spring and fall.
David Gabri, head of the Associated Luxury Hotels International collection, emphasizes that off- or shoulder-season group specials can lead to highly affordable elegance. He specifically highlights such choices as The Lodge at Pebble Beach and Inn at Spanish Bay, in Pebble Beach, Calif., where guest room rates can fall as far as 50 percent off peak season for groups gathering from December through March.
