A signature Las Vegas hotel-resort recently joined a branded collection of premium meetings properties, and an expansive property in upstate New York completed a property-wide renovation. 

Hyatt Convention Alliance Adds Rio Las Vegas to Its Portfolio 

Rio Las Vegas, a Destination by Hyatt hotel, has joined the Hyatt Convention Alliance (HCA), a collection of premier Hyatt-branded hotels in key markets across the U.S. Announced on February 20, the addition marks a significant expansion in the HCA’s offerings, elevating its portfolio to 11 premier properties across 10 U.S. markets while expanding meeting and event venue options for planners. 

The move follows the completion of the first phase of Rio’s $340 million property-wide transformation and its joining of the Destination by Hyatt brand in 2024. With 2,520 guestrooms, including 1,500 newly remodeled suites in the Ipanema Tower, and 220,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the off-Strip resort significantly increases the HCA’s capacity to accommodate a wider range of event groups. 

“With Las Vegas being the top destination for meetings and conventions, Rio Las Vegas provides a strong foothold in a globally recognized hub for large-scale gatherings with our vibrant hotel and casino located one block from the famed Las Vegas Strip,” said Laurae Clifford, Rio Las Vegas executive director of group sales. “We are thrilled to bring our extensive accommodations and event spaces to the Hyatt Convention Alliance, offering event planners more flexibility and convenience in a dynamic market.” 

She also emphasized the added benefit for event planners and attendees to earn World of Hyatt loyalty points while staying at the Rio. 

The addition of Rio Las Vegas to the HCA offers several key advantages: 

• Increased flexibility: Rio’s extensive event facilities allow the HCA to cater to a broader range of event needs, sizes, and types, ranging from corporate meetings to large-scale conventions. 
• Elevated client experience: “The addition of Rio Las Vegas to Hyatt Convention Alliance offers an outstanding option in the high-demand Las Vegas market, which invites our customers to experience a new destination and hotel with unique offerings when rotating their meetings to the west coast,” said Jacqueline Kennedy, HCA director of business development. 
• Streamlined event planning: Event planners will benefit from HCA’s consistent service standards, dedicated support teams, and seamless access to its portfolio of premium venues.  
• Collaborative opportunities: Rio Las Vegas will collaborate with the HCA’s ten additional properties (Grand Hyatt San Diego, Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatt Regency Dallas, Hyatt Regency Denver, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Hyatt Regency Orlando, Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago, and Hyatt Regency Seattle) to attract larger, rotational events, leverage shared resources, and create more opportunities for clients to plan comprehensive, multi-year experiences with greater ease. 

Photos courtesy of Rio Las Vegas 

Sonesta White Plains Downtown Completes Property-Wide Renovation 

Sonesta White Plains Downtown in the heart of White Plains, NY, completed a property-wide renovation across its 403 guestrooms and suites, nearly 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, social spaces, new Sonesta Work Suite, and new restaurant and lobby bar.  

“Our extensive renovation has reimagined every aspect of the guest experience, from the sophisticated new lobby and the meticulously appointed guest rooms to newly introduced dining experiences,” said Monika Henry, general manager of Sonesta White Plains Downtown. “This transformation represents not only an investment in the hotel, but also in our city’s vibrant hospitality scene, and we look forward to welcoming returning guests, new visitors, and local residents to experience the elevated standard of service and comfort in the heart of downtown White Plains.” 

Renewed Lobby and Spacious Accommodations  

The hotel’s refreshed lobby features a warm, energetic, and eclectic design bedecked with deep jewel tones of burgundy, gold, blue and green combined with rich woods to create a welcoming space for guests.  

Residential in scale and offering a restful, nature-inspired yet sophisticated aesthetic, the hotel’s renovated guestrooms and suites feature a design inspired by the naming origin of White Plains, the Native American term meaning “white mist resting on the plains.”  

Meetings and Events 

The hotel’s transformed meeting and event spaces include 17 standalone meeting venues, comfortable common areas with new modern décor, and a brand-new Sonesta Work Suite: a new experiential, multi-zone meeting space concept offering innovative meeting room design and services designed to enhance collaboration. Event clients have access to audio-visual equipment and services, as well as a dedicated convention services and catering team during their stay.  

The largest venue is the Plaza Ballroom at 5,940 square feet, which can accommodate up to 800 guests, followed by the 1,452-square-foot Pleasantville Room for up to 90 guests, which features a private outdoor heated terrace.  

Dining Experiences 

The property boasts three dining concepts: Whisk, a new restaurant serving breakfast and dinner daily; Mix Cocktail Bar + Kitchen, serving classic cocktails, trendy mocktails, and small bites; and Lobby Café, offering hot beverages and easily accessible breakfast items.  

Location 

Sonesta White Plains Downtown is situated just steps away from iconic cultural landmarks, premium shopping, and vibrant nightlife. The hotel is a 30-minute train ride from New York City and just seven miles from Westchester County Airport.  

Photos courtesy of Sonesta Hotels & Resorts 

Have some meetings hotel news to share? Reach out to lisa.savas@informa.com and danica.tormohlen@informa.com.

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