California
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton recently opened as Southern California’s only all-suite direct beachfront resort in Oxnard. The 250-suite hotel sits on nine acres of Mandalay Beach’s coastline and features architecture and design inspired by the ocean and surrounding dunes.
Guests at Zachari Dunes can dine at Ox & Ocean, a restaurant inspired by the bounty of the Oxnard Plain and nearby waters that offers coastal cuisine and craft cocktails for poolside dining during the day or an elevated dinner experience as the sun sets.
[Related: Outdoor Teambuilding Excursions and Activities Unique to California]
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach offers over 23,000 square feet of meeting space both indoors and out. The Tides Ballroom measures just over 6,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 400 for a banquet or 350 for a seated dinner, while the smaller Coastal Ballroom, measuring 3,735 square feet, comfortably hosts 220 standing. Outside, up to 50 guests can gather at the hotel’s retro, converted-Airstream beach trailer near the pool area, with seating next to waterfalls and streams.
Orange County recently welcomed a new boutique hotel, The Richland, located in the heart of the historic Old Towne district and plaza in the city of Orange. The intimate property features 12 guest rooms and suites, a living room lounge and a bar offering craft cocktails, local Chapman Crafted Beer selections and a menu of seasonal small plates.
[Related: How California Is Helping Green Your Event's F&B Plan]
The Richland can host up to 150 guests in The Estelle Ballroom, named after Hattie Estelle, one of the first brides to be married on the property in 1914. The ballroom’s design includes exposed wood-beam ceilings, polished concrete floors and tiered chandeliers. Full property buyout options are available. www.therichland.com
The beachside Viceroy Santa Monica hotel on Ocean Avenue announced the completion of a $21 million top-to-bottom renovation. The hotel opened as the first Viceroy Hotels & Resorts property in 2000.
Viceroy Santa Monica was reimagined with an edgy touch across all 169 guest rooms and suites, common areas and outdoor space, as well as the hotel’s signature restaurant and bar, Sugar Palm. The enhancement brought a new collection of commissioned works and “interactive augmented reality pieces” from local artists.
[Related: Diverse and Immersive Event Experiences in Oakland, California]
Groups of up to 150 can opt for a Sugar Palm & Backyard Pool buyout for nearly 3,500 square feet of space, or book Sugar Palm Santa Monica Restaurant for a banquet of up to 170 guests. Smaller groups can book breakout rooms like Merryvale, with a full library wall, floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass door leading to a semi-private patio.
Nevada
Las Vegas’ AAA Five-Diamond Bellagio Hotel & Casino recently revealed details regarding the $110 million transformation of all guest rooms and suites within its Spa Tower. Renovations aim to create contemporary accommodations inspired by Italy’s Lake Como and will encompass all 819 guest rooms and 104 suites in the hotel’s Spa Tower, following a recent remodel of more than 2,500 guest rooms in its main tower.
Bellagio Hotel & Casino’s Spa Tower suites range from 850-square-foot Salon Suites to 2,500-square-foot Executive Hospitality Suites that feature billiards lounges and home-theater living areas. King rooms are set to be updated with a color palette inspired by the sunrise reflecting on Lake Como while Two Queen Rooms will feature a palette centered around the lake’s sunsets.
The first collection of renovated Spa Tower rooms will be available for stays beginning in July, with the entire project slated for completion in October.
Read this next: 3 California Tourism DEI Leaders Who Are Making a Difference
