Bar area at The Grand Hotel in Cape May, NJ
Next stop, head to the shore and the Victorian coastal landscape of Cape May, NJ. As the largest resort and convention center along the cape, The Grand Hotel is poised to recreate bygone grandeur as the backdrop for meetings of all sizes. Small meet- ing planners are particularly fond of all that this area has to offer.
“I could write a book on the groups who hold meetings at The Grand Hotel,” declares Sandy Messina, group sales manager for the hotel. “I had no idea that so many people hold meetings for so many things. We, of course, see lots of SMERF constituents. Then the mix of organizations runs from scrap bookers to tax boards, CEOs to birdwatchers. They like us because other shore sites are closed and we are hopping all year long.”
It’s clear why such bustle occurs when you contemplate count- less advantages associated with The Grand Hotel and Cape May. Meeting guests look out windows to see sweeping 360-degree views of the beach, Atlantic Ocean and incomparable architec- ture. The hotel is home to 172 guestrooms and 9,686-square feet of meeting space suitable for receptions, banquets and business of all kinds.
Cape May, among the nation’s top 10 beaches, is one of the old- est vacations resorts in the U.S., with an historic district that is designated a National Historic Landmark. Small meeting oppor- tunities here are nearly limitless, too.
“The Grand Hotel is an easy sell,” says Messina. “Everybody talks about their event or meeting and we get calls asking for a re-cre- ation of what another group did. There’s something for everyone here. Meeting attendees love to bring their families. We have two
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Olympic-size swimming pools, a workout center and some of the best fishing in the world is just outside our door. There are tons of trolley tours of Victorian homes and even ghost tours.”
Messina indicates that after meetings conclude, guests are eager to go outdoors and explore. The hotel customizes packages that highlight Cape May with side trips to the Air Naval Museum and Lookout Tower. Stores are open year-round, so shopping is a big draw, too. “We’re all very well versed in what is available and can tailor small meeting packages around favorite shore pastimes. What more can I say - this is a great place.”
Another great waterfront place is Harbourtowne Resort and Conference Center in St. Michaels, MD. Strategically centered at the crossroads of the Chesapeake Bay and the Miles River, it is convenient to Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Delaware, New Jersey and northern Virginia. Its guest rooms number 111, and each looks out on scenic waterfront views.
“Small meetings make up a large portion of our business,” states Cheryl Alfes, hotel manager for Harbourtowne Resort. “We have very positive, personalized relationships with planners who book here again and again. Because we are independent, decisions are quick to be made. Planners don’t have to deal with rules, poli- cies and procedures. That saves time and energy, allowing them to be productive - not overwhelmed.”
When Alfes is asked for unusual team building programs, she’s off and running with ideas. “Because there is so much water near our property, teams can schedule kayak races or boat building exercises. These types of activities just are not available in metro
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