The focus is on the wine country, but choosing the right hotel property for a small luxury corporate event applies to almost any company in the world. For this discussion, corporate events are applied to extraordinary meetings, such as: corporate planning meetings, directors' meetings of directors, customer entertainment programs, reward / recognition programs, team building, and the list can go on and on. However, the correct location and property of the hotel are just as important as the content of the meeting. Just like a realtor tells everyone - it’s all about whereabouts; Now I also add the atmosphere.
The definition of the hotel can also be misleading. When planning a luxurious corporate outing to Napa Valley, understand that you have a choice: guest houses (high-class B & B), 4 and 5-star resorts, In Town hotels and private estates that come with a private chef; s and concierge. We will cover all of this in more detail. Just remember, resorts and spas are in general discussion of hotels in Napa Valley.
Quotation Aldo Gucci, which I often use, is valid when choosing any property for a corporate event: “Low quality bitterness is remembered long before the sweetness of a low price disappeared from memory,” Aldo Gucci. Therefore, be wise about the goals of the event, because it pays dividends to expect and demand excellence.
After some time, we will look at some of the properties that can be used for luxurious corporate meetings (25 and several participants), where there is a certain level of business. will be connected. But first go through a bit of planning, because it will manage the requirements of the property / property. Never explore properties or visit a site without checking the checklists of your requirements; take notes and record your impressions.
Here are some items of the checklist that you plan to plan on all aspects of choosing a hotel: (This will make your thought move in the right direction.)
- The purpose of the meeting is a confidential planning meeting, recognition of the supplier, etc.?
- How big will be the list of participants; Will they include spouses / significant other? We only work with groups of up to about 25 people, but when most of them are going to be couples, this is important.
- Focus on the desired tone of the expected meeting. For example, is this a coincidence for its essence? Are the invitees invited and, as expected, present, accustomed to formal elegance, who are frowned upon in a country environment? (Obviously, there are 5-star properties that are a bit rustic, for example, based on a rounded location).
- Are there any security requirements that dictate privacy and smaller places?
- Duration of stay.
- Comfortable amenities: 24-hour room service, swimming pool, gym, spa, gourmet restaurant (s).
- Access to relevant activities for spouse / significant others.
- Evaluate meeting facilities and equipment. Let me explain in more detail. Most mass-production conference rooms use narrow width tables or large round tables with some type of tabletop and a very soft, cushioned chair. This is unacceptable for a luxurious corporate meeting. You will need spells / tilt and soft chairs; are they available? Conference rooms are NOT suitable for everyone.
- Accommodation must be commensurate with the socio-economic level of the participants.
Now, if you think I'm a bit picky, let me tell you a brief story about a hotel chain where my wife Ritz Carlton once worked. Service requirements provided by the corporation are often viewed as trifles. However, a true 5-star property, even in restored rural areas such as Napa Valley, awaits a demanding customer. When you look into the room, comment if you see fingerprints on a window or a dirty window; they will appreciate customers who know what they want and what they want. Spots, stains and even the purity of the solution should be noted in 5-star properties. Oh, well, this is a subject that I could talk about for quite a while; but will not.
This raises the second point about the choice of properties; these are ratings that we all read, they are similar to wine ratings - most of them are just opinions. I see; Most of the ratings on the Internet are determined by the reader / visitor rating. Simply put, there is no consistent science underlying the online valuation of any property. Star ratings are in fact incorrect if you are not using a Forbes guide (for example, Mobil Travel Guide) or American Automobile Assoc. Star ratings for a hotel that you find on the Internet are consumer reviews, and the reviewer assigns a rating based solely on their opinion. From these entries, the automatic system evaluates the rating to give a final rating. The problem is that the majority of readers of these reviews do not know the specific factors underlying the reviews. For example, it was a bachelor party, a honeymoon, a family retreat, etc.
Here we focus exclusively on the functions of senior management ... mainly on level C level management in small groups.
So who and what reviews can you trust? You can only trust yourself. That's why you need a very concise and detailed set of criteria for evaluating every property you find through: online research, links, and a good event planner. In any case, the final decision remains in the company. As noted in my other posts, each company has places for people and events that need to be filled with that person.
In Napa County, I think there are several exclusive and luxurious facilities designed for small corporate groups (25 or less participants who are executive caliber level C). However, there are probably 12 that are considered 4 and 5 star properties, some of which easily handle the events of 500 participants. I would not consider objects that accept pets, romantic getaways or family activities suitable for executive / corporate events.
Enough qualifiers, here is my short list of properties for small luxury “C” meetings in Napa Valley. Service levels and attention to detail, transmitted in the form of "conquered waiting"; something had to be done and it was a 5 star service that works with the atmosphere of the property. (There is no definite rating.) They are well suited for high-level meetings for 25 or more participants.
Calistoga Ranch , Calistoga, California
Environment: Natural luxury in the countryside. Big property.
48 large square feet, 24-hour room service / concierge, restaurant (gentlemen’s coat required) and spa. 24-hour room service is available.
Extremely personal with a remarkable degree of security and privacy. Aged six.
Auberge du soleil , Rutherford, California
Atmosphere: natural modern / official french
50 rooms in a cottage format, which is located in a natural country.
Coats (for men) are required in restaurants.
Free in-room bar, 2 restaurants and spa, gym and 24-hour room service.
Hotel North Block , Yountville, CA
Environment: modern. modern boutique hotel. Positioned as “relaxed.”
20 rooms - approximately 400-500 square meters. Feet Hotel 3 years.
Award-winning restaurant, private spa, 24-hour gym and 24-hour room service.
Others, which are also highly valued, but are large objects and provide a more universal approach to the services of guests:
Meritage Resort -400 plus numbers. Good for large gatherings and meetings. Napa California
Meadowood Resort - Another resort with a great concentration on sporting events. The hotel has a golf course with 9 holes. Not private. St. Helena, CA
Bardessono Hotel -Modern approach to sustainable development. Property in the city. Yountville, CA
62 rooms and adopt pets.
Silverado Resort - for families, conventions, with a relaxed atmosphere. Reminds me of Del Coronado in San Diego.
450 rooms, restaurant, spa, star golf, pleasant atmosphere service. Napa California
Honorable mention The Poetry Inn.- Napa California
With only 5 rooms, they are not ideal for meetings, but for this reason they are not the best in Napa Valley. This property, which has the atmosphere of a villa with rooms of 1400 square meters. Feet The conference room accommodates only 8 people. They also have a swimming pool and spa rooms. They also have a luxury home on a 3-bedroom property and are equipped with a personal chef. Get ready for a 3-day minimum stay if you want this elegance.
Disclaimer: I have never received any financial reward or free stay from any of these sites. Information taken from interviews and personal visits. There is no financial incentive in this information. Send me an email if you want my personal favorite.
