Smart Meetings

Work Hard, Play Hard

August 2007

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WORK HARD, PLAY HARD
If you’re a prime-time TV buff, you might recognize Pacific Palms Conference Resort as a backdrop for such shows as Heroes, where the kitchen played a significant role, and Las Vegas, which transformed the hotel’s entire lobby and entrance into the glamorous “Montecito Hotel.” (It also starred in films like American Pie, The American President and Caddyshack.)

But the resort really shines as a destination where groups can get down to business in 45,000 sq. ft. of newly renovated, IACC-certified meeting space. Located in between Los Angeles and Orange County, this Four-Star-caliber property—which began a $32-million renovation in 2004—features two general-session rooms, including a 12,000-square-foot grand ballroom with a hydraulic stage, 28 meeting and breakout rooms and flexible outdoor space.

The resort’s 292 guest rooms, including six suites and two presidential suites, were also part of the renovation. Debuting in December are the Spa at Pacific Palms Resort, an 11,000-square-foot relaxation and wellness center offering customized treatments, and Elements Grill & Bar, a uniquecombination of dining spaces plus a martini bar and a coffee bar.

The “play hard” bit? Pacific Palms, with all that sunny Southern California weather, has a wide variety of outdoor activities, including two newly renovated championship golf courses: The Dwight D. Eisenhower Course (The Ike) and the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Course (The Babe), the new home of the 2007 ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic, sponsored by Team ESPN. The resort is officially located in Los Angeles County’s City of Industry—inspiration perhaps for all that positive energy. pacificpalmsresort.com

BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST
While size can be a matter of perspective, we’ve got to admit that the Sheraton Seattle has one irrefutable claim: with the opening of its new Union Street Tower in June, it is now the largest hotel in Seattle.

The much-anticipated opening represents a major milestone in a two-year, $130-million expansion that added 420 guest rooms to the downtown property, for a grand total of 1,258 rooms. Conveniently neighboring the Washington Convention and Trade Center, the Sheraton will now have the ability to commit a block of 1,000 rooms.

In addition to a contemporary design with rich chocolate and cream tones, the tower’s deluxe kings have a separate dressing area—all the better to primp for your opening or closing gala.

An earlier phase of the renovation included the expansion of pre-function areas and the ballrooms, including a significant redesign of the Grand Ballroom that enlarged it from 14,200 sq. ft. to 18,300 sq. ft. Function space at the Four-Diamond hotel now totals 75,000 sq. ft., including 47 meeting rooms.

Along with the Sheraton’s “largest” Seattle moniker comes another: it’s the largest hotel in the Pacific Northwest. starwoodhotels.com