Hotel Universe Expanding in the U.S.

December 6, 2023

Chicken gets creative at the new Dena Hotel Pasadena.

The hotel universe keeps expanding around the nation, whether new builds or new additions. With meeting space in mind, the following properties are exploring new and improved ways to connect with planners and attendees.

Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, New Orleans

With its recent expansion, the 235-room Kimpton Hotel Fontenot now has over 12,000 sf of flexible meeting and event space in New Orleans’ Central Business District, just steps away from the French Quarter and Arts District and nearby the Convention Center, Superdome, Smoothie King Center, and Harrah’s.

The Evangeline Boardroom at the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot.

Located just up a custom-built handmade staircase above the hotel’s new restaurant King Brasserie and Bar, the second floor features beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for corporate meetings, private parties, association reunions, and everything in between.

There’s the 5,500-square-foot Canray Ballroom (whose namesake, Canray Fontenot, was a legendary fiddler), as well as the more intimate 554-square-foot Evangeline Ballroom. But one of the building’s more unique and rare features is an outdoor Terrace (one of the few available in the area) overlooking Tchoupitoulas Street, perfect for group dining or a cocktail reception. The third floor has additional meeting space, with the 1,000+-square-foot Lala room. Catering for events is available by Kimpton Hotel Fontenot’s Executive Chef Samuel Peery. hotelfontenot.com/meetings-and-events/spaces

AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu

A new urban retreat is coming to Honolulu’s revitalized city center—AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu, set to open on Dec. 12 as the first AC hotel on the island of Oahu and one of the first business-traveler-driven concepts in the area.

Set among the skyscrapers of Hawaii’s capital city and adjacent to important landmarks like the ʻIolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue, the 112-room boutique hotel is also located near Oahu’s Chinatown, with easy access to the area’s vibrant nightlife, art and budding restaurant scene.

For meetings and events, the hotel offers 2,500 square feet of dedicated indoor and outdoor meeting and event venues, along with public gathering spaces that include the AC Lobby, AC Library, and AC Lounge, all drenched in natural light with sleek furnishings and curated artwork.

AC Kitchen offers fresh, European-inspired cuisine each morning, while a tapas menu with light bites, craft beers, signature cocktails, and wines are featured at AC Lounge. For attendees looking to recharge in a relaxed atmosphere, Yours Truly is a hidden speakeasy set within an old post office (earning its name from the classic letter sign off), offering hand-crafted cocktails in a secret space. marriott.com

Hotel Dena Pasadena, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Pasadena

Speaker Wall at the Hotel Dena Pasadena.

Recently opened in the heart of downtown Pasadena, the Hotel Dena Pasadena, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, aims to be the ultimate creative retreat, blending with and adding to the thriving performing arts scene in Pasadena, where diverse voices and perspectives collide to create a rich tapestry of art, music, and culture.

The new hotel features two exciting restaurant & bar concepts, Lyric and Agents Only, signature works by LA-based street artist WRDSMTH, dynamic murals by Ian Schuler & Leah Tumerman, a retro-inspired screening room, and evening performances by local musicians. Guests seeking to unwind and recharge can take a beat and reset by the pool, hit up the fully-equipped fitness center, or sign up for a wellness pop-up class. Just steps away from iconic sites like the Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, and Old Town Pasadena, Hotel Dena allows guests to take center stage and let their creative spirit soar in a space that’s as bold and daring as they are.

Touting its emphasis on shifting dynamics, Hotel Dena aims to make group events productive and stylish. The hotel’s versatile meeting spaces span over 21,000 sf and include a ballroom, boardroom, and outdoor venues. Guests also can experience the art of boundary-pushing culinary creations at Hotel Dena. The hotel’s catering menus are a fusion of inventive expressions and classic banquet cuisine that will leave your group wanting more. hoteldena.com