Stella Awards 2024: Best Hotel/Resort Event Space

NORTHEAST

Photo Credit: Resorts Casino Hotel (Mohegan Sun Property)

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Resorts Casino Hotel (Mohegan Sun Property)

A short drive from both Philadelphia and New York City, the 942-room Resorts Casino Hotel on the Atlantic City Boardwalk has a total of more than 64,000 square feet of high-tech space that features 24 meeting and event rooms (14 with natural light and ocean views) and four beautiful ballrooms, the largest of which spans approximately 13,000 square feet. The resort’s Conference Level alone provides 17 meeting and function rooms, while the Tower Conference Level (ideal for groups of 10 to 300) features four rooms providing breathtaking views of the ocean and the Atlantic City skyline.

The property’s new Resorts Conference Center added 12,500 square feet of technologically advanced conference space in 12 new meeting rooms, making on-site function space able to accommodate anywhere from 10 to 1,350 people. An 80,000-square-foot casino and Jimmy Buffet’s dazzling Margaritaville Entertainment Complex help enhance the offerings.
 
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The Hotel at the University of Maryland

The independently owned, AAA Four-Diamond Hotel at the University of Maryland in College Park has everything a planner could one in one location, including 43,000 square feet of customizable event space spread across 28 rooms, from ballrooms to intimate areas, all complemented by modern décor, comfortable chairs and neutral walls. State-of-the-art A/V equipment and superior Wi-Fi ensure seamless presentations, even when accommodating breakout sessions or hybrid events. The hotel has 297 spacious guest rooms, four on-site restaurants, a spa and the Hair + Space Blowdry and Beauty Bar.

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Normandy Farm Hotel & Conference Center

In the Western Philadelphia suburbs near King of Prussia, Lansdale, Conshohocken and Valley Forge, Pa., the 153-room Normandy Farm Hotel & Conference Center is known for its exceptional 20,300 square feet of event space, including two ballrooms, 17 meeting rooms and picturesque outdoor areas, accommodating events of all sizes and types. An on-site restaurant offers the private Wine Room, the Dowry and the Orchard Room for more intimate gatherings. The hotel's experienced event planners work closely with clients to tailor the details and customize a wide array of catering menus.


SOUTHEAST

Photo Credit: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

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Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

On a beach consistently rated one of America’s best, the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach in Florida has 22,000 square feet of flexible meeting and function space, including the 10,632-square-foot Dunes Ballroom, one of the area's largest, which can host up to 720 people. More intimate events can take place in the Sandpiper room, which can hold up to 140 or be broken out into two smaller spaces; the Pelican Room, with impressive Gulf views and space for up to 150 people; and the Heron room, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beach.

The hotel has 342 guest accommodations that combine modern new décor, thoughtful amenities and spectacular waterfront or marina views. Also on-site are an award-winning Asian-fusion restaurant, a lively poolside bar, on-site yoga classes and personal fitness training, and arrangements can be made for group sunset cruises and dolphin-watching excursions.
 
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Orlando World Center Marriott

The largest Marriott-brand property in the world, the Orlando World Center Marriott is home to 2,010 guest rooms and more than 500,000 square feet of flexible meeting space that can be broken down into 104 meeting rooms of various sizes. Among five spacious ballrooms, the 105,000-square-foot Cypress Ballroom has attached loading docks and expansive foyer space. The resort also has space to accommodate executive meetings and dinners for 200 attendees, while several unique outdoor areas include the Hawk’s Landing Golf Club, with indoor space overlooking the course. 

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Mint House

In a vintage 1901 building once home to both the Liberty Bank & Trust and the National Life and Accident Insurance Co., the boutique 62-room Mint House at the Reserve has 2,000 square feet of fully equipped meeting space in The Vault, ideal for any sessions, cocktail hours and private dinners for up to 24 people. This flexible, residential-style space includes a full kitchen, breakout areas and smart TVs. Outside are two lawns and an outdoor garden, with all the vibrant energy of downtown Nashville just a five-minute walk away. 

Finalist: The Diplomat Beach Resort

Near Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the 36-story, 1,000-room Diplomat Beach Resort offers 209,000 square feet of flexible function space, including the 50,000-square-foot unobstructed Great Hall, four ballrooms ranging from 9,000 to 20,000 square feet, 39 additional breakout rooms, an outdoor special-event area and comprehensive technology with on-site IT, A/V and transportation services. When not at work, six dining outlets, a full-service spa, an oceanfront pool and complimentary water sports await attendees.


MIDWEST

Photo Credit: MotorCity Casino Hotel

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MotorCity Casino Hotel

When it comes to functionality, location and atmosphere, the 67,500 square feet of meeting and event space at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit scores a perfect 10. Divided among state-of-the-art ballrooms, boardrooms, a large theater and myriad rooms with views of the surrounding cityscape, all meeting spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, including video and teleconferencing capabilities. The property’s Grand Ballroom alone spans 19,600 square feet and can divide into seven smaller spaces, and the lighting here can be programmed to the color palette of the event.

During downtime, attendees can enjoy the hotel’s lively casino, offering a variety of more than 2,400 games. The D.Tour Spa includes steams rooms, dry saunas and thermal whirlpools, while three on-site restaurants are supported by a food court whose options include Grand Tour Deli & Burgers, Little Caesars and the eponymous Chinese Food.
 
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Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago

The versatile 28,000 square feet of event space at the 334-room Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is designed to accommodate a wide range of events, from corporate conferences to social gatherings. The Atlantic Ballroom has 12,025 square feet with a seating capacity of nearly 600 people, along with cathedral ceilings and 20-foot windows. The adjacent foyer has a spacious built-in bar illuminated with colorful lighting that sets the perfect ambiance for cocktail receptions. The hotel also has a fully equipped fitness center and a large outdoor recreation deck complete with hot tubs, fire pits and a running track.

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Marriott Lincolnshire Resort

The 390-room Marriott Lincolnshire Resort in Lincolnshire, Ill., stands out as a premier destination for hosting events due to its extensive and versatile 65,000 square feet of event space. The resort has 48 flexible meeting rooms, each equipped with top A/V technology and high-speed Internet, while outdoor gatherings can take place in any of four stunning pavilions. The standout space is the 12,000-square-foot Grand Marquee ballroom, where up to 650 guests can enjoy floor-to-ceiling views and a luxurious atmosphere that can be customized to a planer’s satisfaction. 


SOUTHWEST

Photo Credit: Hotel Viata

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Hotel Viata

The state-of-the-art facilities at the Hotel Viata in West Lake Hills, Texas, are designed to cater to a multitude of functions, from corporate meetings and conferences to social gatherings of all kinds. With 14,000 square feet of space spread among six versatile rooms, plus multiple expansive outdoor areas overlooking endless rolling hills, the property blends modern amenities with Italian charm to work magic for planners. Among the most notable settings is the 3,540-square-foot Cypress Ballroom, with three designer chandeliers and French doors that open onto a central courtyard.

Exclusive packages and a range of perks and special deals are available to add a touch of luxury to events. Options include a $200 Spa Viata gift card, discounted resort fees and suite upgrades. The 194-room hotel also has a stunning pool, a fitness center and the Laurel Restaurant & Bar, which masterfully serves traditional Amalfi Coast Italian dishes. 
 
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Arizona Biltmore

A recent extensive restoration of the iconic 700-room Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix seamlessly blends modern luxury with the property's architectural heritage, including supervision by Frank Lloyd Wright during construction a century ago. Meeting professionals will note upgrades to the Conference Center, which now sports large interactive LED screen walls, and the McArthur Ballroom, refreshed with an eye-catching new chandelier in the prefunction space, among other enhancements. In all, the landmark hotel has 200,000 square feet for meetings.

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The Wigwam

In Litchfield Park, Ariz., the 331-room Wigwam presents more than 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space for groups in flexible venues able to accommodate hybrid and in-person gatherings. Exclusive packages and programming such as Wigwam Wellness, which includes group fitness classes, wellness menus and curated break options, give planners and attendees healthy choices for meals and active options for meeting breaks. Attendees will enjoy downtime dining in four distinctive restaurants and playing on three 18-hole championship golf courses.

Finalist: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Meetings at the sprawling 600-acre, 1,002-room JW Marriott San Antonio Hill County Resort & Spa unfold in the property’s 268,000 square feet of dedicated space, including 40 event rooms, 52 breakout rooms and extraordinary venues like the 40,500-square-foot Grand Oaks Ballroom with a seating capacity of 6,300, ideal for conferences and large-scale social gatherings. For a more intimate setting, the Sunday House is a charming one-story, freestanding building accented with limestone walls, distressed wood floors, indoor fireplace and spectacular Texas Hill Country views.


FAR WEST

Photo Credit: Hyatt Regency Westlake

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Hyatt Regency Westlake

The Mediterranean-inspired Hyatt Regency Westlake in California has 263 sleekly refined guest rooms, including 17 sophisticated and adaptable suites. For meetings, the hotel devotes approximately 25,000 square feet that includes the Grand Plaza Ballroom, divisible into four smaller spaces and able to accommodate a total of up to 450 people with banquet-style seating or 900 for a cocktail reception. Another impressive space is the five-story, sky-lit Atrium, adorned with classical sculptures and a stunning fountain, able to host up to 400.

Outdoors, the Waterfall Patio has a lush garden ideal for informal receptions for up to 70 guests or a formal banquet for 50. The hotel’s newest venue is the Vista Ballroom, with 2,528 square feet of event space, panoramic windows allowing natural light and views of the picturesque waterfalls.
 
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Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

On gorgeous Ka’anapali Beach, the 779-room Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa has 100,000 square feet of flexible function areas that include the 18,375-square-foot divisible Monarchy Ballroom, able to accommodate up to 1,400 reception guests, while the attached Grand Promenade and Monarchy Terrace extend the ballroom to the Hawaiian oceanfront to host an additional 1,175 guests. Also on-site, the Maui Suites are a group of five flexible meeting areas totaling 4,218 square feet, for gatherings of 20 or to 400 when used in combination. 

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W Los Angeles – West Beverly Hills

A contemporary hub for events of all kinds, the 297-room W Los Angeles – West Beverly Hills offers highly personalized service, flexible layouts and cutting-edge technology across its 10,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. This includes the newly renovated Gallery A, complete with an intimate outdoor patio and advanced A/V capabilities, along with spiraling light fixtures, wood-toned backdrops, oversized glass walls and water-inspired elements to emulate a Southern California vibe.

Finalist: Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Located along the iconic Embarcadero waterfront, the 821-room Hyatt Regency San Francisco has a number of stunning settings for corporate gatherings in 72,000 square feet of space. The ornate 11,125-square-foot Grand Ballroom creates an atmosphere of grandeur and sophistication, while smaller boardrooms, banquet rooms, breakout spaces and the Garden Room (with waterfront views) are designed to inspire productivity and foster meaningful connections. The hotel’s culinary offerings are well up to the task of keeping attendees happy and well-fed.


INTERNATIONAL AND U.S. TERRITORIES

Photo Credit: The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center

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The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center

In the heart of Lima’s bustling San Isidro district in Peru, the 301-room Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center has more than 49,000 square feet of meeting and event space with 19 diverse venues from which to choose. This includes a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,600 guests, an ideal choice for large conferences and conventions. Each meeting room is equipped with the latest A/V technology, high-speed Internet access and customizable lighting.

The hotel also is home to a dedicated and experienced event-planning team that can assist with every detail, from conceptualization to execution, while catering services offer a diverse and sophisticated menu created by top chefs. Other on-site features include a full-service spa, a fitness center and a swimming pool.
 
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Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

With 134,642 square feet of versatile meeting space and 1,372 guest rooms, the Sheraton Centre Toronto is Canada’s largest conference hotel. The property’s 63 function rooms include 43 Down, a chic lounge ideal for receptions or corporate mixers, and the 43rd-floor Club Lounge, where guests can take in breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline. For larger events, the Grand Ballroom can host up to 2,000 attendees. A stunning 2.5-acre outdoor waterfall garden and an award-winning in-house conference team also are available in the service of groups.

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Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico

With 579 guest rooms and more than 40,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space, the AAA Four-Diamond Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is the largest group resort in Puerto Rico. Here are two main ballrooms, the larger totaling almost 12,000 square feet for up to 800 guests; two junior ballrooms and seven breakout rooms, which offer attendees the highest in high tech, including the only video-mapping wall on the island. Outdoor spaces include a private oceanfront beach, gardens, private villas, an Old San Juan-style courtyard and more.

Finalist: The Europe Hotel & Resort

The event spaces at the 180-room Europe Hotel & Resort on the shore of scenic Lough Léin in Southwest Ireland include a 13,500-square-foot conference center with eight meeting rooms and direct access to outdoor terraces overlooking the iconic Lakes of Killarney. Outdoors, the Boathouse at The Europe, nestled in the manicured gardens on the tranquil lakeshore, is a private venue for meetings, group BBQs, cocktails receptions and lawn parties. On-site meeting spaces also are adaptable for both informal and formal dining.