Across the region, properties are investing in elevated guest experiences, flexible meeting venues, and top-tier amenities blending local charm with contemporary design. From boutique hotels in historic downtowns to sleek and convenient properties near convention centers, we bring you some of the South’s newest meeting spaces and hotels since our last roundup of new and renovated meeting spaces, in our February 2024 issue. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat or an intimate gathering, these new and newly refreshed spaces offer the perfect backdrop for memorable and productive events.
ALABAMA
Graduate by Hilton Auburn
Located downtown, just steps from Auburn University, the 177-room Graduate by Hilton Auburn combines hometown history and Tigers’ traditions with collegiate-themed interiors. Guests can look forward to nostalgic foods and stadium views at the War Eagle Supper Club rooftop and Bo Jackson’s Beans. Graduate by Hilton Auburn offers 10,568 square feet of event space, including eight meeting rooms and the 3,808-square-foot Magnolia Ballroom—all drawing inspiration from local history to give gatherings an Auburn flair.
The Painted Lady Hotel; Birmingham
The Painted Lady Hotel brings historic charm to downtown Birmingham, set in the restored Eyer-Raden Building near the University of Alabama-Birmingham’s medical campus. This boutique hotel offers 22 uniquely designed guest rooms and blends vintage character with modern comfort. Conveniently located near the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Regions Field, and other local attractions, it’s also pet-friendly and offers a unique and memorable stay. Due to the historic nature of the property, the hotel does not have any formal meeting and event spaces, but it’s available for group bookings and full hotel buyouts of all 22 boutique-designed guest rooms.
ARKANSAS
Hotel Avail Rogers, Tapestry Collection by Hilton; Rogers
Located across from the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion, Hotel Avail Rogers, Tapestry Collection by Hilton offers easy access to dining, entertainment, and major businesses. The hotel is less than five minutes from Rogers Convention Center and Pinnacle Hills Promenade. Guests can enjoy scenic views from the rooftop restaurant, Oak Steakhouse, or a balcony suite. The hotel has 168 guest rooms and more than 8,000 square feet of event space, including two ballrooms that can be divided into five breakout rooms, an expansive pre-function area, and 2,900 square feet of outdoor event space. The Horizon Ballroom on the 6th floor offers sweeping views of Rogers and the surrounding Ozarks.
The Star on Spring; Springdale
The Star on Spring brings boutique luxury to the heart of downtown Springdale. Located only steps from Walter Turnbow Park, the Razorback Greenway, and the city’s growing lineup of event venues, restaurants, and breweries, this reimagined 1920s-era, 13-room hotel offers standard rooms, deluxe adjoining options, luxury suites, and an ADA-compliant unit, all with upscale amenities. Planners who reserve the entire hotel may host intimate gatherings within the main lobby and lounge spaces, which can comfortably accommodate up to 35 guests.
FLORIDA
Balfour; Miami Beach, Miami
Balfour, a historic Art Deco 82-room boutique property on Miami Beach’s iconic Ocean Drive, has been revitalized by Bigtime Design Studios and Ennismore, blending historic charm with modern elegance. Original terrazzo floors and brass elevator doors preserve its heritage, while new amenities, including a rooftop deck, a plunge pool, and complimentary bikes, enhance the guest experience. The refresh also introduces two new dining concepts: SoFi Coffee and Cleo, an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant. With more than 2,000 square feet of flexible event space, The Balfour Hotel is ideal for intimate gatherings, celebrations, and stylish social events in the heart of South Beach.
Saddlebrook Resort; Tampa
Saddlebrook Resort has completed a major renovation of its 70,000 square feet of flexible indoor meeting and event space. Enhancements include new chandeliers, modern lighting, and plush carpeting throughout the ballrooms and meeting rooms, creating a refreshed, upscale environment for corporate events and social gatherings. For planners seeking indoor-outdoor versatility, the resort’s Sports Village accommodates more than 5,000 guests, with amenities including a pool deck, a 60-yard turf football field, a golf course, pickleball courts, and scenic courtyards. Saddlebrook Resort blends world-class sports facilities with expansive event spaces for an active, resort-style meeting experience.
Renaissance Orlando Resort at Disney Springs; Lake Buena Vista
The newly renovated Renaissance Orlando Resort at Disney Springs, an Official Walt Disney World® Hotel, blends sophistication and whimsy just steps from Disney Springs®. The resort features 394 stylish guest rooms and suites, including select rooms offering spectacular fireworks views. With 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including the 10,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom and a 5,000-square-foot outdoor terrace, it’s ideal for unforgettable events. Planners can also access exclusive Disney Institute® development programs for a uniquely inspired experience.
GEORGIA
Hotel Bardo Savannah
Hotel Bardo Savannah offers a serene retreat in Forsyth Park, with guest rooms featuring natural textures and select outdoor spaces. Inspired by the Mediterranean coast, this urban resort blends historic charm with modern luxury, creating an ideal backdrop for memorable events. The 2,940-square-foot Savannah Ballroom accommodates up to 240 guests, while The Courtyard, a 1,140-square-foot covered garden oasis, serves as a picturesque setting for ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours in the heart of the property. The property recently earned a prestigious Michelin Key for excellence in hospitality.
Municipal Grand; Savannah
Located in the heart of Savannah, Municipal Grand offers 44 stylish rooms, a restaurant, two bars, and a rooftop pool surrounded by lush greenery. The exclusive rooftop pool and bar—open to hotel guests only—offers cocktail service from mid-morning to late afternoon. Just minutes from Oglethorpe Square, Johnson Square, and the Owens-Thomas Museum, the property blends comfort and convenience. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is approximately 11 miles away, making this a vibrant new destination for meetings and events.
KENTUCKY
Hotel Bourré Bonne; Louisville
Hotel Bourré Bonne was designed with a playful nod to Louisville’s horse-racing heritage and bourbon culture, blending history with bold, modern design. Created by Zyyo and designer Mark Zeff, the hotel features a dramatic black façade, a bourbon barrel-inspired lobby, and a striking horse-head sculpture. The 6,000-square-foot Rooftop Bourré Bonne offers panoramic views, cabanas, and elevated Southern bites. With more than 7,000 square feet of event space, including a 4,032-square-foot river-view ballroom, boardrooms, and a rooftop space with skyline views and French-inspired charm, it’s a standout destination for weddings, meetings, and social gatherings in the heart of historic Whiskey Row.
The Ashbrook Hotel; Frankfort
Located near the Bourbon Trail in downtown Frankfort, The Ashbrook Hotel is a beautifully restored mansion with 14 charming guest rooms. Known as “The Queen on the Corner,” this historic property offers refined hospitality in Kentucky’s capital. The Ashbrook features flexible event spaces, including a 64-seat dining area, a bar, a library venue, and a courtyard space for up to 12 guests. It’s an ideal setting for intimate gatherings in the heart of bourbon and horse country.
LOUISIANA
The Celestine; New Orleans
The Celestine, a boutique hotel in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, features 14 thoughtfully designed European-style rooms in a restored 1791 property. Created by hotelier Robért LeBlanc with Neal Bodenheimer of Cure Co. and The Chloe team, the hotel blends French, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences with 1950s flair, thanks to designer Sara Ruffin Costello. Ideal for intimate gatherings, The Celestine offers both indoor and outdoor event spaces, including a romantic courtyard. Peychaud’s onsite cocktail bar honors New Orleans’ cocktail legacy, named for Antoine Peychaud, the bitters creator who once lived in the building.
The Hotel Monroe
The Hotel Monroe in northeast Louisiana offers a unique blend of comfort, class, and culture. Housed in two historically preserved buildings from the late 1800s, the boutique hotel features thoughtfully designed guest rooms, the Lobby Bar, rooftop Star Bar, Heirloom restaurant, and Sugar Brothers Provisions. The buildings—once home to the Star Hotel and Sugar Brothers grocery—offer a distinctive stay rooted in local history and charm. The Opera House Ballroom, once a 19th-century opera house, now serves as the hotel’s largest and most elegant event venue. This 5,000-square-foot space accommodates up to 300 guests.
MARYLAND
86 State Circle; Annapolis
Nestled on State Circle in historic Annapolis, 86 State Circle blends Victorian charm with modern luxury. Originally built in the late 1800s by Congressman Alexander Randall, the Queen Anne-style mansion is now a boutique hotel featuring richly detailed architecture, from fish-scale shingles to ornate chimneys. Meeting planners will appreciate its unique mix of elegance and exclusivity, including The Black Pearl—an invitation-only lounge reserved for guests. Inspired by 1920s’ glamour, the lounge features warm wood tones, mirrored walls, and ambient lighting, offering a refined setting for private gatherings and intimate events.
MISSISSIPPI
OS Hotel; Ocean Springs
Located in the heart of Ocean Springs’ historic art district, OS Hotel blends boutique charm with modern amenities, just minutes from scenic Front Beach. The hotel features 32 thoughtfully designed rooms and a beautiful courtyard, perfect for relaxing or socializing. Its standout feature is THE GALLERY, a 1,500-square-foot indoor event venue. Ideal for special events and meetings, the space seats up to 80 people banquet style. With its elegant design and attention to detail, THE GALLERY provides a stylish, intimate setting for gatherings in one of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s most charming coastal towns.
Hotel Vela; Gulfport
Just steps from Gulfport’s beaches and casinos, Hotel Vela is ushering in a new era of boutique accommodations on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. The 16-room hotel, housed in one of the city’s most historic buildings, blends modern luxury with a nod to Gulfport’s past as a port city and cultural hub with jazz-era roots. The original building was built as a mortuary in the 1920s, then turned into a menswear store. It sat empty for many years until it was transformed into Hotel Vela, a sultry boutique hotel, while keeping the original brick walls and charming vintage architecture. For gatherings, the first-floor restaurant, Siren Social Club, can seat 49; the private dining room seats eight people. The outdoor patio, which seats 36 people, and bar can also be bought out for events.
MISSOURI
Cherry Warehouse Hotel; Kansas City
Step into history at Cherry Warehouse Hotel, a revitalized 1930s landmark in Kansas City’s Union Hill neighborhood. With a mix of vintage décor and modern design, the boutique hotel offers spacious rooms with spa-inspired bathrooms. The hotel also places guests minutes from downtown, Crown Center, the Crossroads District, and Country Club Plaza. With its rich history and elevated comfort, Cherry Warehouse Hotel offers a unique Kansas City experience.
AC Hotel St. Louis Clayton
AC Hotel St. Louis Clayton offers sophisticated yet uncomplicated design in the heart of Clayton, St. Louis County’s government and financial district. Guests can easily walk to restaurants, shops, and Shaw Park, with attractions like Washington University, Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo, Busch Stadium, and the Gateway Arch just a short drive away. Guests can enjoy a diverse breakfast at AC Kitchen and handcrafted cocktails at AC Lounge. The rooftop High Bar Clayton offers stunning city views. Elevation Ballroom, the largest event space in the hotel, features floor-to-ceiling windows with a great view from the 11th floor and room for up to 200 guests.
NORTH CAROLINA
Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville
Following a careful restoration after Hurricane Helene in September 2024, the Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville reopened with renewed charm and enhanced offerings. The property’s Kessler Intuition Meetings are tailored for flexibility, offering packages for quick morning meetings to full-day sessions in serene, artfully designed spaces. Beyond the agenda, planners can surprise attendees with creative add-ons like art gallery happy hours, local beer tastings, or spa breaks. The Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville’s natural setting inspires both productivity and creativity.
Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown
Located just two blocks from the Raleigh Convention Center, Red Hat Amphitheater, and the Warehouse District, this modern hotel offers convenient access to downtown’s top venues. Guests can stay on track with a state-of-the-art fitness center and enjoy skyline views at Urban Oak rooftop bar and restaurant, serving cocktails and tapas. Moonsong, the hotel’s lobby-level eatery, offers breakfast in the morning and light bites and drinks in the evening. With stylish accommodations, walkable access to Music City Center, and versatile dining options, the hotel is well-suited for meetings, conferences, and after-hours gatherings in the heart of Raleigh.
OKLAHOMA
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark; Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s new OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark offers immersive amenities, such as a 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, 13 dining outlets, and direct access to the First Americans Museum. For meeting planners, it offers approximately 27,000 square feet of flexible meeting space designed for both visual appeal and functionality. This includes the 9,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, the 5,000-square-foot Junior Ballroom, four breakout rooms, two executive boardrooms, and 7,500 square feet of pre-function space with custom furnishings and regionally inspired design. Outdoor options include a landscaped amphitheater for up to 1,500 guests and additional outdoor venues accommodating up to 3,000 guests.
Citizen House Hotel; Oklahoma City
Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, Citizen House Hotel is a boutique retreat on the second floor of the Citizen Building. The hotel’s 16 uniquely curated suites, ranging from 250 to 990-plus square feet, offer a luxurious, intimate stay. Guests enjoy access to a premium fitness center and Citizen House’s exclusive members-only social club, where art, culture, dining, and community come together for an elevated OKC experience—ideal for discerning travelers or local staycations.
SOUTH CAROLINA
The George Hotel; Georgetown
In Georgetown’s historic waterfront district, The George Hotel offers a modern take on Southern hospitality, with event spaces that reflect the charm of the surrounding sea islands. The boutique hotel features several versatile venues for meetings and gatherings. The Indigo Room, with views of the marina and event lawn, accommodates up to 74 guests for theater-style presentations or 60 for seated banquets. Eliza’s Lawn, a 2,483-square-foot outdoor space along the dock, is ideal for receptions or dinners of up to 130 guests. For smaller events, Eliza’s Waterfront Bar offers 923 square feet for receptions of up to 50 guests.
TENNESSEE
The Timber at Holly Branch; Gatlinburg
Tucked into the Smoky Mountains, The Timber at Holly Branch is a new boutique hotel offering a serene setting for meetings and retreats. Blending rustic charm with modern comfort, the property features whole log cabins equipped with Italian tile showers, curated coffee stations, and private firepits. A cozy lodge bar with a fireplace and bar bites adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Cabins are designed for privacy yet remain close to downtown. With an onsite innkeeper providing personalized service, The Timber offers a quiet, elevated escape ideal for small gatherings and executive retreats in a scenic mountain setting. It’s also a five-minute drive to Gatlinburg Convention Center, a 15-minute walk to SkyCenter, and a 10-minute drive to Ober Mountain.
The Bankers Alley Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton; Nashville
The Bankers Alley Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, located in downtown Nashville’s Bankers Alley, is just steps from Broadway’s live-music venues. The 124-room hotel is housed in the former Gray & Dudley Hardware Co. building, merging art, music, and dining in a setting that reflects Nashville’s creative spirit. Onsite amenities include Gray & Dudley restaurant and bar, art galleries, a fitness center, and 9,249 square feet of event space. The property features multiple flexible meeting areas, including a terrace, a private dining room, and gallery space. The hotel is also within one mile of Nissan Stadium, Bridgestone Arena, and Ryman Auditorium, offering easy access to many of the city’s major attractions.
The Printing House Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton; Nashville
Located downtown at Third Avenue and Peabody Street, The Printing House blends modern style with Nashville’s literary and printing heritage. Just four blocks from the Broadway strip and historic Printers Alley, the LEED-certified hotel features mid-century design elements that nod to the city’s storied past. With 3,894 square feet of meeting space and a rooftop terrace offering skyline views, the property is well-suited for business events and social gatherings. From its design to its food and beverage offerings, every detail celebrates Nashville’s creative spirit, making The Printing House Hotel a distinctive venue for meetings in the heart of “The Music City.”
TEXAS
Hotel 1928; Waco
Hotel 1928 in Waco—by Chip and Joanna Gaines and AJ Capital Partners—blends timeless charm with modern amenities for memorable meetings and events. It also received the top honor in the Best Boutique Hotel Under 50 Rooms category in 2024. The hotel features 33 guest rooms and flexible spaces like a library, a boardroom, and inviting dining areas for group gatherings. The third-floor, 5,800-square-foot ballroom offers views of Washington Avenue and access to a 704-square-foot terrace, ideal for receptions and presentations. Groups can also explore Waco’s unique attractions, from Magnolia Silos tours to local museums, exclusive shopping, and teambuilding experiences beyond the boardroom.
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston has completed a $1 million+ renovation to its meeting and event spaces, enhancing lighting, upgrading furniture, adding Bluetooth-enabled monitors, and installing new artwork throughout several venues. These updates follow earlier enhancements to the resort’s larger spaces, including the Compass and Del Lago ballrooms. The Del Lago Ballroom recently earned the prestigious Olympian Award for outstanding design and functionality. Ideal for groups of all sizes, the resort also offers all-suite accommodations, an 18-hole golf course, six dining venues, the Jolly Mon Waterpark, and the St. Somewhere Spa for post-meeting relaxation.
W Austin
W Austin has unveiled a multimillion-dollar transformation, now offering the city’s largest suite—Penthouse I. Four of the hotel’s 32 premium suites feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and separate living areas. Penthouse I spans 1,798 square feet with panoramic views, a marble bathroom, and amenities ideal for private events. Penthouse II offers similar luxury with lake views and a private bar. The hotel also features nine flexible venues totaling more than 12,000 square feet, with sunlit breakout rooms and custom event options. The hotel also connects to ACL Live at The Moody Theater, which adds 10,000 more square feet of meeting and event space.
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa; San Antonio
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in central Texas is set to debut several major enhancements in 2025. Highlights include the 2.2-acre Crystal Lagoons, featuring white-sand beaches, cabanas, water sports, and a poolside bar. A new 5,600-square-foot indoor-outdoor event venue will offer vaulted ceilings, natural light, and stunning lagoon views, ideal for weddings and corporate events. These additions join the resort’s already impressive lineup of outdoor pools, a lazy river, a waterslide, and the FlowRider wave machine.
VIRGINIA
Hotel Petersburg, Tapestry Collection by Hilton; Petersburg
This boutique property in the heart of Old Towne features 64 guest rooms and more than 2,200 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor venues for meetings and social gatherings. Highlights include Shirley’s restaurant and bar, 20 West rooftop lounge with great city views, and the Boiler Room spirits bar. An outdoor courtyard offers a relaxed green space. Located near the Petersburg National Battlefield and Trapezium Brewing Company, the hotel is steps from local shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it a convenient stay for meeting attendees.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
SIXTY DC
SIXTY DC is a new 73-room hotel in Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle neighborhood, located near Embassy Row, major museums, and downtown meeting venues. The property features a rooftop lounge with skyline views, 24-hour front desk service, and two onsite dining options: Reynold’s, a cocktail bar with a retro design, and Casamara, a Mediterranean restaurant suited for business lunches and private dinners. Guest rooms are globally inspired with modern finishes. With its central location and flexible amenities, SIXTY DC offers event planners a stylish, full-service option for both lodging and small social gatherings in the nation’s capital.
WEST VIRGINIA
Tygart Hotel; Elkins
The recently reopened Tygart Hotel is now part of Choice Hotels’ Ascend Boutique Hotel Collection, offering 56 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites. The property features artwork from West Virginia artists, celebrating the region’s heritage and natural beauty. Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel includes a conference room for up to 60 guests, named in honor of poet Louise McNeill. On the ground floor, Oxley House offers full-service dining and cocktails featuring a locally sourced, seasonal menu.
