Choosing the right hotel to host a convention is always a difficult feat and it often comes with a lot of pressure. After all, travelers worldwide spend a total of $249 billion on business travel annually, and a large portion of that goes towards hotel stays. But with over 458 million Americans attending overnight business trips annually, conventions are an everyday occurrence and planning one is merely a rite of passage in many companies. So we here at Oyster.com have created a little cheat sheet for those of you who may feel overwhelmed by the task. Whether your main goal is to impress your boss -- or you want to use your planning power to find a spot where you can bring the kiddies along -- this list will help you find the best convention center hotel for your company.
Best Hotel For Impressing the Boss: Four Seasons Hotel Denver
Few hotel chains are as impressive as the Four Seasons, and this one in Denver is no exception. Ultra-luxurious rooms (starting at 400 square feet and featuring up-to-date amenities), a heated outdoor pool, and a massive spa are all features that grant this hotel its five-pearl status. Plus, the Four Seasons is not only just a 5-minute walk from the Colorado Convention Center, but it offers a free shuttle and has over 17,000 square feet of meeting space on-site.
Standout feature: The on-site conference coordinator can not only assist with all of your convention needs, but will also plan day excursions, such as shopping trips and hiking, for spouses and families that come along.
Downside: Though special deals can be made for convention groups, Wi-Fi normally comes at an additional fee per device.
Best Hotel for Getting Down to Business: The Westin Copley Place, Boston
If your company means business and you’re looking for a spot with tons and tons of business amenities at your fingertips, the Westin Copley Place is a great choice. Connected to the massive Hynes Convention Center via skybridge, the hotel features 29 of its own meeting rooms, as well as a business center with secretarial services.
Standout feature: With a trendy bar and breakfast restaurants of its own, plus a sushi bar, a Starbucks, and an upscale fish restaurant, the Westin offers some of the best dining in the area.
Downside: A variety of good-but-not-great features, the Westin’s amenities — such as the pool and fitness center — don’t quite compare to those at the nearby Sheraton.
Best Hotel for Bringing Along the Fam: Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center, Puerto Vallarta
Why not plan your conference in a balmy locale that your family will also enjoy? With an attractive free-form pool, multiple restaurants, a kids’ club, and easy access to the charms of Vallarta, the Sheraton is a great spot for those who like to mix business with pleasure. The resort also includes business staples such as expansive meeting space, 24-hour room service, and a Link@Sheraton business center with multiple computers, free coffee, and a lounge/meeting area.
Standout feature: The freebies here are seemingly endless, and include everything from Wi-Fi to tennis to yoga.
Downside: Room decor has a dated feel, except in Club Level rooms.
Best Hotel for a Romantic Getaway: The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center
Opened in 2011, the Westin Lima Hotel is one of the newest and (with 301 rooms) largest hotels in the city. The hotel houses the largest events facility in Peru, complete with 17 meeting rooms featuring high-end technologies and services, and a dedicated meeting staff. The on-site convention center can accommodate meetings and events of all sizes, from small business meetings to 2,000-guest corporate events. But if your significant other is coming along, the hotel includes plenty of amenities — including the sexy bars and sleek pool — to set the mood, and its upscale, resort-like vibe appeals to couples.
Standout feature: The gorgeous, 3,000 square-foot spa features fourteen treatment rooms and romantic signature treatments for couples.
Downside: Some feel like the sexy look — complete with dimly-lit halls — isn’t as conducive for a work-related trip.
Best Hotel for Getting Out of the Office: Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center
With 50,000 square feet of meeting space, this resort is one of the most business-friendly spots in Scottsdale, located next to the high-end McCormick Ranch Golf Course. Beautifully landscaped grounds are expansive, and host plenty of activities for when you’re ready to leave the boardroom and close some deals in the great outdoors. The resort features tennis courts, a basketball court, a 7-mile bike path (with loaner bikes available), and two pools.
Standout feature: The hotel goes above the norm with its environmental initiatives — gotta love that! It not only takes part in the Clean The World campaign, which donates unused toiletries such as soap and shampoo to third world countries in need of hygiene, but has also eliminated Styrofoam use.
Downside: There is a daily resort fee.
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