Touted as “Florida’s best-kept secret,” Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach on the Sunshine State’s southwest coast has more than
100,000 square feet of meeting space and nearly 2,500 guest accommodations.
“Whether you are hosting a small executive retreat or a large conference, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach has you covered,” says Jeff Berg, senior sales manager, meetings and conventions, for the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach CVB. “Our charming islands, crystal-clear water, and peaceful community provide the ideal backdrop and amenities that event planners want.”
The Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center has a 20,000-square-foot main hall that accommodates 1,517 theater style or 112 exhibit booths. The conference center also has an 18,000-square-foot lawn space on the harbor for receptions of 2,000 guests.
The Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside recently completed a total renovation of all its guest rooms, adding new furniture, flooring, décor, and other amenities. The property’s 2,500-square-foot tiki, the Harborside Garden, is a popular venue for cocktail parties, weddings, and other events. The recently completely renovated 63-room Wyvern Hotel Punta Gorda – Ascend Hotel Collection Member offers a 650-square-foot event space suited for small board meetings, conferences, and retreats. The hotel’s new Skydeck observation tower overlooking Punta Gorda’s historic downtown district and Peace River accommodates 125 people.
New hotels include the 785-room Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, featuring 60,000 square feet of indoor meeting space—including a 14,500-square-foot main hall—for a capacity of 1,200 people. Amenities include a golf course, unique dining options, a rooftop bar and pool overlooking the harbor, and a 7,500-square-foot wellness center.
Waterfront dining, shopping, and entertainment district Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda boasts 26 shops and boutiques, six restaurants, a marina, boat tours, shuffleboard, and other activities. The Suites at Fishermen’s Village features 950-square-foot suites—complete with roomy living rooms, dining areas, and balconies—ideal for overnight accommodations and small gatherings. The village’s 11,000-square-foot private beach is also available for private events, with catering available from local restaurants, including the Brewhouse and
the Pier.
Englewood’s 82-room Manasota Key Resort offers a secluded, environmentally friendly, luxury-filled option for guest accommodations. From the resort’s five-acre natural sanctuary between the Gulf of Mexico and Lemon Bay mangrove forests, guests can relax on private beaches and watch dolphins play or manatees graze. Other perks include private access to two pools, hiking paths, and complimentary activity rentals, such as bicycles, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. For dining, the resort’s Lemon Bay Market offers a casual breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Palm Island Resort on Cape Haze Peninsula is a six-minute car ferry ride across the Intracoastal Waterway from Florda’s mainland. The resort has 1,209 square feet of event space for 120 people, a theater capacity of 150, and capabilities for tented events of 500. Event staff can also assist groups with teambuilding activities and group excursions.
