Florida Keys
Undisturbed Tropical Beauty, Uncommon Experiences
Once visited, it becomes a benchmark for future meetings, said Jack Meier, sales manager for The Florida Keys and Key West, the destination marketing division of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. "When a group has a meeting down in the Keys, everything else begins to get compared to the experience they had in the Keys," Meier said. "We end up doing very well with repeat business. Groups come back and go deeper into the islands."
Connected by 43 bridges via the Overseas Highway (U.S. Hwy. 1) that stretches south from Miami, the Florida Keys are divided into five distinct regions: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and Key West. Each island offers its own special flavor and natural, tropical atmosphere, Meier said, adding that the area continues to evolve as a meetings destination.
Of the current improvements to the area, the Key West International Airport (EYW) is expanding. "They are working on a new terminal," Meier said. "It's going to make it a little more comfortable flying in and out." Slated for completion in fall 2008, the new McCoy Terminal Complex will add an additional 30,000 square feet to the existing 24,000-square-foot building and include second-level ticketing, baggage and security areas for departing passengers, a restaurant, concessions and restrooms. A planned skyway will lead to a 300-seat departure lounge, a 160-seat restaurant and tavern in the existing terminal building.
Additionally, an extra lane along the 18-mile stretch of U.S. Hwy. 1 leading into the Upper Keys is being constructed to improve traffic flow to the region, according to Meier.
New properties are also entering the marketplace. In Key West, the 222-room Beachside Resort and Conference Center opened its doors last October. According to Sales Manager Rebecca Gleason, the resort boasts the "largest ballroom in Key West" at 5,600 square feet of space along with 2,500 square feet of additional outdoor banquet space. Emphasizing the luxurious and modern touches of Beachside, Gleason said, "all of our guest rooms include king-sized beds, LCD flat-panel TVs and state-of-the-art sound systems. Plus, many rooms include a spiral staircase leading to the beach and pool or up to a private sun deck."
The new 74-room Parrot Key Beach House Resort is set to open this month in Key West. Offering more than 1,500 square feet of space, the property will be best suited for small corporate meetings, executive retreats, incentive travel, family reunions and other intimate events, said General Manager Karl Compton. "Parrot Key Resort is a unique meetings venue offering the ideal location for a wide variety of events in a gorgeous setting."
Key Largo
As the northernmost and longest island of the Keys, Key Largo is also known as the "Diving Capital of the World" and is home to the Florida Everglades and North America's only living coral barrier reef.
Continuing momentum after a $17 million makeover of two of its oceanfront lodging buildings, the Ocean Reef Club will follow suit with its third building in 2008. "While it takes commitment and service by management and owners to achieve a Four- or Five-Star or Diamond rating, it's even more difficult to maintain it," said David Gabri, president/CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International. An exclusive, 2,000-acre private club community, the resort houses more than 30,000 square feet of function space to accommodate groups of up to 750. Among the recreational activities are a culinary arts school, a golf course and a marina.
The Key Largo Grande Resort and Beach Club became the Hilton Key Largo Beach Resort in mid-April and is nearing completion of a $12 million renovation and expansion that doubled the meeting space to 17,000 square feet, said Bill Hofmann, general manager. "With redesigned and increased meeting and event space and enhanced guest rooms, lobby, and dining outlets, we believe our waterfront resort is poised to set a new standard as a leading meetings destination in the Keys."
Additional meeting hotels on Key Largo include the 130-room Holiday Inn Key Largo, which offers 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, and the 153-room Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort, which houses 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, much of which is within the Largo Key Conference Center. The center's Largo Key Ballroom offers 3,000 square feet of space.
Islamorada
Marketed as the "Sportfishing Capital of the World," Islamorada features the Keys' largest fleet of offshore charter boats and boasts more sportfishing world records than any other destination in the world. The area is also home to the 203-room Cheeca Lodge and Spa, which features a 4,000-square-foot conference center.
Marathon
Key Info · Sales Tax: 7.5 percent
· Hotel Tax: 4 percent
· Transportation: From the Miami airport, the Keys Shuttle is available to the islands. A one-way fare from Miami to the Upper Keys is $70. |
Marathon is located in the heart of the region and is home to the historical and archaeological wonders of Crane Point Hammock, the seven-mile bridge—"the world's longest fishing bridge"—and The Florida Keys Marathon Airport.
Located on the 60-acre island of Duck Key north of Marathon, Hawks Cay Resort recently completed a $35 million renovation that included all 177 guest rooms, the lobby, and the addition of Alma Latino restaurant and Rum Bar. "The renovations," said Managing Director Stephen Bello, "are crucial to maintain the standards of Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, the group of independently owned, upscale properties to which Hawks Cay belongs." The property houses 25,000 square feet of flexible waterfront event space in 10 separate rooms and a full-service marina, five pools and a natural saltwater lagoon.
Key West
The final stop on the Overseas Highway, Key West is likely the most recognized island in the Florida Keys. On the island is the historic neighborhood of Old Town Key West along with numerous shopping, entertainment outlets and hotels.
One of the more notable hotel makeovers has taken place at the 311-room Casa Marina Resort and Beach Club in Key West. The resort property recently completed a $43 million renovation that included virtually all aspects of the property, according to Steve Silverman, area director of sales for LXR Luxury Resorts and Hotels. "The enhancement offers an effortless blend of modern sophistication with the unique flavor of Key West through completely transformed and redesigned guest rooms, lobby, pool, terrace and meeting space," he said. The property's 11,500 square feet of meeting space was also updated.
Also an LXR property, the 150-room Reach Resort in Key West reopened its doors following a $37 million renovation effort that included guest rooms and a number of new amenities. "Reach Resort is now home to the island outpost of famed Manhattan steak restaurant Strip House," Silverman said. "The culinary team at the Strip House is also responsible for in-room dining and catered events." The Reach Resort offers 4,700 square feet of function space.
According to Julie Furhman, director of catering and group sales at the 100-room Ocean Key Resort and Spa, "construction is now complete on our beautiful new connector bridge in the courtyard of the resort. Now, guests are able to access all suites and guest rooms as well as our spa and fine dining at the restaurant without walking through the courtyard." The property also recently announced new oceanfront suites. The resort offers an 870-square-foot ballroom and a number of outdoor venues.
The 118-room Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa recently completed an $11 million redesign that included the new Jala Spa and is now certified by the state as a green lodging property. "These enhancements bring an exciting new dimension to the design, amenities and guest experience of Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa," said Susan Santiago, general manager. "But more than this, they reflect the resort's commitment to responsible environmental practices." The property houses more than 2,000 square feet of function space.
According to Andrea Anapol, director of community and media relations, the 216-room Doubletree Grande Key Resort recently set up an online planning tool called e-Events for meeting planners through the Hilton Family of Brands. "Additionally, the resort creates personal online group pages—or POGs—at no cost to the group," she said. The resort houses 7,000 square feet of function space, including two 300-square-foot boardrooms, two 1,000-plus- square-foot conference rooms, and a flexible 3,500-square-foot conference center.
The 178-room Westin Key West Resort and Marina recently secured the Westin flag after a transition from a Hilton property. "Soft goods changes happened that included the addition of the Heavenly Bed, Heavenly Bath and Heavenly Crib amenities," said Rebecca Hysell, director of marketing. "Guests may also enjoy the Westin brand signature evening ritual, 'Unwind,' at the Sunset Deck." The property houses more than 6,000 square feet of function space and is scheduled for a complete renovation in the next 12 to 18 months, Hysell said.
Additional hotels in Key West include the 142-room Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa, which offers a 2,500-square-foot conference center, and the 160-room Crowne Plaza Key West La Concha, which provides spaces for small gatherings.
