Omni and Pendry recently renovated, restored, and unveiled two historic hotel properties in Indianapolis and Somerset County, NJ, respectively, that offer meeting and event space for small to mid-sized groups. 

Omni Completes $24 Million Renovation in Indiana 

The historic Omni Severin Hotel in the heart of downtown Indianapolis recently completed a $24 million renovation that honors its original architecture and classic style. A city mainstay since it was built in 1913 across from the former Indianapolis Union Station train station, the iconic hotel’s renovation was designed to evoke the glamour and charm of its former Art Deco glory while offering modern luxury and conveniences. 

Big picture: Juxtaposing timeless sophistication with contemporary amenities through the layering of textures, materials, colors, and thoughtful details throughout the property, its newly redesigned spaces include a reimagined hotel lobby that serves as a central gathering space, all guest rooms and suites, two dining outlets, plentiful meeting and event spaces, and a heated indoor pool. 

Where to sleep: Capturing the charm of the bygone era of train travel coupled with contemporary comforts, the Omni Severin’s updated 424 guest rooms include 36 suites with lofts, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private balconies with city skyline views.  

Where to eat and drink: To the left of the lobby and offering dinner and specialty drinks, Bar Cardinale features cardinals throughout the design. This décor nods to the days when guests would arrive on the premier Cardinal train line across the street, welcomed to the city by Indiana’s state bird resting along the train line. To the right side of the lobby and inspired by a high-speed train, the newly opened 8th Notch Café & Market is fashioned in the style of a 1900s corner diner and serves local coffee, full chef-curated meals, grab-and-go food items, and local goods. 

Where to meet: Offering 17,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, the hotel offers a variety of ballrooms, boardrooms, and flexible meeting rooms, including the elegant 2,440-sq.-ft. Severin ballroom. For a complete breakdown on meeting space levels, size, windows, ceiling height, exhibit dimensions, and more, go here.    

Getting there: Located one block from the Indiana Convention Center and connected by overhead skywalks via the Circle Centre Mall, the hotel is a short walking distance from Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.    

Pendry Debuts in Somerset County 

Pendry Hotels and Resorts recently debuted its 10th U.S property: Pendry Natirar in Somerset County, N.J.  

Need to know: Situated on a 500-acre estate approximately 40 miles west of New York City and 70 miles northeast of Philadelphia, the thoughtfully restored and redesigned upscale hotel is located less than one hour from the headquarters of many major pharmaceutical and life-science firms, financial institutions, and insurance companies in the New Jersey suburbs.  

Where to sleep: Fusing traditional and contemporary country influence and style, the retreat-style hotel offers 66 guestrooms, including 21 suites, bedecked with luxurious yet comfortable amenities.   

Where to meet: The centerpiece of Pendry Natirar is a restored 1912 Tudor-style mansion that encompasses most of the 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Featuring vaulted wood-beam ceilings, large windows, and a 26-foot living wall of local flora, the largest indoor space is the 5,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom, which opens to a 2,180-sq.-ft. outdoor terrace and 3,000-sq.-ft. event lawn with elevated views of the wooded countryside (photo at bottom). Additional indoor meeting spaces include the 1,150-sq.-ft. Gallery, the 950-sq.-ft. Parlour, and four breakout rooms ranging from 320 to 715 sq. ft. 

Where to dine: The hotel’s four distinct dining options include Ninety Acres, a fine-dining fam-to-table restaurant; Ladd’s Tavern, serving classic yet contemporary comfort fare; and The Cooking School, where hands-on teambuilding activities culminate in a meal that participants create mostly from ingredients grown on the property’s 90-acre sustainable farm. 

What to do: For downtime activities, the resort offers a 19,000-sq.-ft. spa, an outdoor pool, and an outdoor adventure team to facilitate activities including guided nature hikes, e-bike tours, archery, ax throwing, and fishing on the estate. 

Getting there: Pendry Natirar is located 34 miles and a 45-minute drive from Newark International Airport. 

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

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