Stella Awards 2025: Best Hotel Chain

gold3

Margaritaville-Hotels-and-Resorts 3
Photo Credit: Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts

Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts

Just the name "Margaritaville" conjures up ocean breezes, palm trees and a frozen drink in hand. But for groups seeking unique, high-quality experiences without the formality, the brand's growing portfolio of suppliers is a prime resource. The company has spent the last decade expanding from its first opening in Hollywood, Fla., into a collection of 30+ resorts that cater to everything from intimate executive retreats to large-scale incentive programs.
 
At the 520-room Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, for example, 76,000 square feet of flexible meeting space includes two ballrooms, a large conference hall and 27 meeting rooms, plus all the land- and water-based recreational options an attendee could want. Whether a planner is looking for a beachside boardroom, an energizing team-building experience or a full buyout, the Margaritaville portfolio offers options that meet a variety of needs while staying true to the brand's signature spirit.

silver star Stellas winner

Rosen Hotels & Resorts

Celebrating more than 50 years as an independent leader of guest services in Orlando, Rosen Hotels & Resorts comprises properties that total more than 6,300 guest rooms and suites, and over 740,000 square feet of high-tech, creative meeting space. Each convention hotel features beautifully designed and expansive ballrooms, next-level cuisine and expansive views either overlooking the heart of Orlando's entertainment district or across 255 acres of lush Florida flora. The chain's associates are empowered to think creatively and make on-the-spot decisions to provide planners and attendees with immediate satisfaction.

bronze star Stellas winner

Gaylord Hotels

Flexible event spaces and exemplary expertise are at planners' disposal at Gaylord properties in prime meeting destinations across the United States. The sixth and newest addition to the company's portfolio is the 1,600-room Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista, Calif., which has a 4.25-acre water park and approximately 477,000 square feet of convention space. In total, the chain has more than 3.2 million square feet for gatherings, presided over by "Teal Coats," a moniker for the company's signature experience managers who offer tailored on-site coordination and support to meeting planners.