NORTHEAST
Photo Credit: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
From 10-person executive meetings to 2,000-guest galas, the food and beverage team at the 750-room Baltimore Marriott Waterfront strives to make every meal a culinary masterpiece. Vegan receptions, locally inspired Chesapeake Bay crab feasts, international
fusion lunches — each menu is crafted with client goals in mind, incorporating sustainability, dietary needs and regional flair without compromising flavor or presentation. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, apropoe's, features seasonal, locally-sourced
American cuisine served waterside in a skylit dining room and Prohibition-inspired bar.
In the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the 750-room property also features state-of-the-art fitness facilities and a total of 50,527 square feet of
event space spread among 42 dedicated areas, the largest able to accommodate up to 2,800 people. Just steps away lies the city’s historic district, where charming cobblestone streets and squares are lined with quaint cafes, boutique shops and colorful
murals.
At the heart of the boutique, 16-room Henson in Hensonville, N.Y., is Restaurant Matilda, a chef-driven dining destination helmed by Michelin-starred chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hauske Valtierra. Their vision brings a fresh, seasonal expression
of the surrounding Catskill Mountains to life, with over 85 percent of ingredients sourced from local farms and producers, with vegetables, herbs and edible flowers harvested from the hotel’s on-site gardens. Guests seated in the 2,200-square-foot
dining room (60 seated, 100 mixed) enjoy a front-row view of the open kitchen. Glass-paneled doors lead directly to the gardens, where service extends to the outdoor patio (seating 32) in warmer months for alfresco meals surrounded by herb beds and
sweeping lawn views.
The 1,408-room Philadelphia Marriott Downtown offers a thoughtfully curated food and beverage program, servicing four dining outlets and both large and small-scale events in the property’s nearly 100,000 square feet of meeting space. Executive chef Robert
Price and his team work with planners and attendees to create innovative and inspiring fare, using ingredients from fresh vegetables to succulent meats and artisanal cheeses, all sourced from local farms. In addition, a rooftop garden and apiary houses
approximately 60,000 honeybees who pollinate the garden’s fresh herbs and spices used in the hotel’s culinary creations.
SOUTHEAST
Photo Credit: The Embers Hotel
In Blowing Rock, N.C., dining at the 36-room Embers Hotel is a full-on sensory experience, with its restaurant’s menu reflecting the bounty of the region. This translates to fresh fish from local streams, produce from mountain farms and a cocktail list
that tells stories in every pour. At the helm of the property’s culinary team is executive chef Matthew Betlach, a nearly 20-year veteran of fine dining and culinary management, who takes pride in celebrating Appalachian ingredients with bold creativity
from corporate dinners to intimate incentive-group tastings. The restaurant itself was designed for connection, with shareable plates, warm lighting and a bar program that draws locals and guests alike.
Overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains,
the hotel has Appalachian-inspired art lining the walls, and guests linger in common areas that feel like living rooms. For meetings and events, a variety of spaces can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 500 people, along with a dedicated sales and catering
staff to assist with the planning.
Food and beverage always play a big role in meetings that leave a lasting impression, and that’s the guiding principle at the 516-room JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa. Seven distinctive dining venues are anchored by Sear + Sea, the signature
steak and seafood Michelin-recommended restaurant, which delivers prime dry-aged cuts, fresh seafood and inventive pairings in a refined setting. Illume is an Asian-inspired lounge and restaurant, serves contemporary Japanese fare and handcrafted
cocktails in a stylish indoor/outdoor setting with panoramic views of Walt Disney World’s nightly fireworks. In addition, the resort’s catering options extend from energizing breakfast buffets to elegant three-course dinners.
With eight diverse dining and entertainment venues, the 369-room Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort offers something for every taste. From vibrant beachfront bars to upscale restaurants, the resort promises dining experiences that blend authentic flavors
with the laid-back charm of Hollywood Beach, Fla. At JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, for example, the spotlight is on premium seafood, prime cuts of meat and an extensive selection of world-class wines and handcrafted cocktails. The LandShark Bar & Grill
and Margaritaville Restaurant similarly offer up signature dishes accompanied by a full range of beach-inspired beverages and classic cocktails.
MIDWEST
Photo Credit: Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Within the scenic grounds of the 390-room Lincolnshire Marriott Resort in Lincolnshire, Ill., Three Embers offers a refined dining experience that blends Midwestern comfort with Southern European flair, highlighting bold seasonal flavors crafted from
locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. The restaurant’s intimate ambiance is elevated by its dramatic wood-burning grill, which serves as both a visual centerpiece and a source of rustic, smoky depth to many of its signature dishes. Attendees are
treated to a warmly inviting atmosphere that encourages connection.
During the warmer months, guests can enjoy al fresco dining at the resort’s Lakeside Plaza, a serene outdoor setting with picturesque views, fresh air and a vibrant seasonal
menu. In all, six distinct food outlets and a dynamic banquet and catering division are at the ready to serve meeting and incentive group needs, as is a total of 65,000 square feet of event space.
Guests at the 170-room InterContinental Indianapolis have two stunning restaurants to choose from. On the second floor, Serliana serves morning omelets, toasts and fresh fruits accompanied by an impeccable espresso program with local roasters. Afternoons
and evenings find light bites and pre-dinner drinks at the ready. Meanwhile, atop the 11th story, the Astrea Rooftop Bar is a glass-encased indoor and outdoor space where patrons enjoy shareable bites, bespoke cocktails and local craft beers, along
with the city's finest views of downtown Indianapolis and Monument Circle. Near to the Indiana Convention Center, the hotel has its own 15,000 square feet of event space.
In Lake Geneva, Wis., the 358-room Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers guests several of the area’s best restaurants and fine dining options. For those seeking a more upscale experience, the Geneva ChopHouse, with its fine cuts and quality wines, proves
most satisfying. The Ristoranté Brissago exemplifies fine dining with fresh ingredients flown in weekly from Italy, while the Grand Café offers a seasonal menu crafted using ingredients grown a little closer to home. For happy hours, the resort’s
Links Bar & Grill and Leinenkugel's Mountain Top Lodge provide a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite with views of the golf courses or mountains.
SOUTHWEST
Photo Credit: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Eight unique dining choices mark the culinary scene at the 1,002-room JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Among them: Overlooking TPC San Antonio's PGA Tour championship golf courses, 18 Oaks is a luxurious steakhouse that utilizes local
produce and premium beef, delivering an authentic taste of Texas. For creative Mexican cuisine, Cibolo Moon is the go-to, also serving ice-cold margaritas from an extensive tequila selection. The recently opened Fiamme Pizzeria offers an elevated
selection of Neapolitan pizza and Italian-inspired cuisine, while the resort’s signature bar Crooked Branch presents specialty craft cocktails, fine whiskeys and Asian-inspired dishes.
Extending beyond the dining venues, a 5,000-square-foot
garden provides a bounty of fresh produce used to elevate the resort's cuisine, contributing to desserts, healthy snacks, house-smoked meats and more. It’s also home to beehives that produce honey for the restaurants and play a vital role in supporting
the local ecosystem. For events, a full 268,000 square feet of space includes elegant ballrooms and outdoor pavilions.
Southwest cuisine enlivened with globally inspired nuances is the hallmark of Michelin-recognized executive chef Andrés Padilla, newly installed at the 351-room Hotel Paso del Norte in El Paso, Texas. The chef works his magic at such In-house outlets
as Sabor, an indoor/outdoor venue open for three meals a day, with a new menu centered around an eclectic fusion of Southwest Texas and Southern comfort foods that bring bold flavors to the forefront. The 1700 Steakhouse has its own butchery, daily
fresh seafood and handcrafted desserts. For attendees seeking a deeper culinary experience, the hotel’s monthly chef’s dinners feature intimate dining hosted by chef Padilla himself.
Located atop the stylish Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtown, the recently opened Annex has quickly become one of the most sought-after rooftop venues in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, blending breathtaking skyline views, a curated cocktail menu and an energizing
yet sophisticated ambiance. The 188-room hotel also offers Parisian elegance and Texan charm at Bouvier Brasserie, serving French cuisine with regional ingredients, fine Texas beef, curated wines and nightly specials. For meeting planners, 16,000
square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor space awaits.
FAR WEST
Photo Credit: Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
Following a $64 million property-wide renovation last fall, the 531-room Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas stands out as a top-tier destination for meetings and incentives, its popular food and beverage outlets helping to lead the way. Guests can
enjoy breakfast and dinner at Tia Carmen by famed chef Angelo Sosa, who pays homage to Southwest cuisine via an upscale dining experience. Carmocha specializes in small plates from around the world, along with a variety of craft cocktails.
There’s
more: In the lobby, Camino Spring Market is an all-day oasis for on-the-go guests, featuring a selection of fresh coffee, teas, sandwiches and treats infused with locally harvested fruits, while the Vista Square Kitchen is a poolside outlet serving
a selection of flavorful shareables, salads, wraps, sandwiches and flatbreads. The resort also has 88,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including the 20,000-square-foot Indian Wells Ballroom, able to accommodate up to 2,200 people.
In Renton, Wash., the dining scene at the 347-room Hyatt Regency Lake Washington ranges from award-winning restaurants to dynamic banquet experiences, all reflecting the rich flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Here the chefs prioritize local, sustainable
ingredients and seasonal inspiration to create menus that are both nourishing and exciting. On-site dining at Water's Table, the resort’s signature restaurant lead by Chef Brandon, showcases ingredients sourced from local farms, fisheries and ranches,
along with exclusive private-barrel spirits such as a single-barrel tequila from Amaitan, Mexico.
Whether it’s a welcome dinner on the terrace, a multi-day incentive program or a high-profile board retreat, the 327-room Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa delivers exceptional culinary experiences marked by creativity, precision and top-grade
service. The Carlsbad, Calif., resort’s signature dining venues Ember & Rye, a modern steakhouse by chef Richard Blais overlooking the golf course, and Ponto Lago, which highlights Baja-inspired coastal cuisine, offer deliciously memorable group and
à la carte experiences. Along with the Aivara Golf Club, designed by Arnold Palmer, the property features 200,000 square feet of meeting space spread among 21 meeting rooms.
INTERNATIONAL AND U.S. TERRITORIES
Photo Credit: Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman
In the Western Caribbean’s Cayman Islands, the new 282-room Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman takes guests on a special journey especially curated to reflect the island’s vibrant culture and global culinary influences. Award-winning executive chef Massimo De
Francesca draws on Grand Cayman's multicultural flavors to craft unforgettable dishes. It all begins at the Catalina Bar and Lounge, an inviting all-day social space highlighting fresh island ingredients with a clean, California-inspired menu, while the
adjacent Catalina is a refined dining room serving contemporary coastal cuisine.
Guests also can explore the exceptional Asian-influenced offerings at Milkberry, a sushi counter with bold small plates; the exhibition kitchen Rasa, meaning "blank slate," where global flavors shine through a dynamic rotating menu; the poolside Bata
Bar, serving Caribbean-inspired cocktails and California coastal fare, and Pom Pom, a rooftop lounge serving South American small plates in an lively setting with sunset views.
Designed for groups seeking both modern comfort and innovation, the all-inclusive Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun has 1,005 Suites,10 Bars, a water park and more, along with a modern convention center spanning 25,000 square feet that includes a ballroom
able to host up to 1,500 guests. Among the highlights of the dining scene (with a dozen themed restaurants in all) is The Cove, a private venue sporting a Mayan-inspired menu, the Hunter Steakhouse, the Grazie Italian Trattoria and Taj, an Indian
restaurant led by a local chef.
Awash in sweeping water vistas and lush tropical gardens, the 264-room Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa offers memorable dining options such as Ave, perfect for breakfast, dinner or Sunday brunch, where the simple yet vibrant cuisine of the Mediterranean
meets the bounty of Grand Cayman’s land and waters. Avecita is an exhibition-style “restaurant within a restaurant,” where a nightly tasting menu is a culinary tour de force; communal seating is available for additional guests who are treated to a
modern Spanish tapas-style menu. On the resort’s beach, Coccoloba is part Mexican street-taco joint, part beach hut with its own creative menu and happy hour.