The Royal Palms Hotel And
Casitas: The Small Meetings Experts

By Robert Lewis

Wall tapestries, antique furniture, huge stone fireplaces, views of tranquil gardens and natural lighting from the numerous Mediterranean-arched windows and doors give conference attendees the feeling they are the honored guests of a grand estate. All aspects of the hotel’s conference services and venues have been designed to provide a “residential” experience for meeting attendees rather than the traditional commercial ambiance.

In the world of meetings today, most small conferences often take a back seat to larger, concurrent meetings in expansive convention hotels and resorts. However, smaller hotels are seldom equipped to offer the full range of conference services and expertise necessary for a flawless gathering. Royal Palms specializes in small to medium-sized meetings.

The hotel features 9,083 square feet of indoor function space, and 11,370 square feet of outdoor function space, for a total of 20, 453 square feet of distinctive meeting and event venues. Striking architecture and landscaping, superb culinary service, and 116 elegantly designed guestrooms, suites, casitas and villas make this award-winning hotel the perfect choice for unforgettable meetings.

Originally built in 1929 as a summer retreat for Cunard Steamship executive and financier Delos Cooke, this Spanish-Mediterranean-style resort underwent a 12-month, multi-million dollar renovation, re-opening in summer of 1997. Located at the foot of Camelback Mountain on 8.9 acres filled with magenta bougainvillea, lush flower gardens and exotic plants, the Royal Palms Hotel and Casitas combines the graciousness and sophistication of a European estate with the intimacy and privacy of a secluded retreat.

“Small executive groups will appreciate the intimate boardroom facilities and handsome library-like salons. This is a very special spot overseen by an exceptionally gracious staff.” - Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, May 1999

Conference Services and Expertise

With 116 accommodations, 1929 Spanish Colonial architecture and the personal attention of a private estate, Royal Palms is a refined alternative for small and medium-sized meetings or retreats. Services and amenities include:

· Regal boardrooms, intimate salons, a stately library and lushly landscaped outdoor function areas are each distinctly decorated to provide a comfortable, estate-like ambiance.

· The staff is highly trained in gracious service, attention to detail and flexibility, and is available 24 hours a day. The hotel provides three employees for every guest and a Convention Services Manager for each group.

· A la minute food service for all meeting events is provided by award-winning Executive Chef, Derek Morgan. Private dining menus are designed from T. Cook’s, the hotel’s signature restaurant which has been acclaimed locally and nationally. Every dish served at conference events goes directly from the chef’s table to the dining table with no standard detours to warmers. The result is a highly unique restaurant-style table service.

• The Royal Palms Hotel Overview • Summer Is A Swingin’ Time For Golfers at Royal Palms Hotel And Casitas • The Royal Palms: Seasonal Rate List • Past TravelGolf.com course reviews

· Meeting Planner Office: Located adjacent to the Business Center and with French doors leading to a garden, this office is available for meeting planners during their conference. The daily rental fee of $250 provides them with sole access to the office and a computer, private fax and phone.

· A full compliment of audio visual services including video projection systems; sound systems; data projection equipment and software; lighting services; overhead projection and 35 mm slide projection capabilities; several options in overhead screen size, ranging from 8-foot tripods to 9x12 fast fold screens; and arrangements for video recording and duplication. Technical consulting and support staff will customize all audiovisual programs and respond efficiently to last-minute requests. Cellular telephones, modems, facsimile and personal computers for meeting attendees are available for rental.

· Complimentary valet parking, in-room coffee, shoeshine and evening turndown are provided to every guest.

· Swimming, tennis and a fitness center are available on site at no extra charge.

· Private massages and meditations can be scheduled in-room or in a poolside cabana.

Indoor Conference Venues

All meeting rooms and salons feature windows and/or French doors and special residential design features. No two rooms are decorated alike, and all open onto patios and/or gardens.

Estrella Salon:
§ Views of Camelback Mountain and an adjoining open-air foyer overlooking the Reflecting Pool
§ 2,450 square feet
§ 280 people theater-style, 200 for banquets and 300 for receptions
§ Opens to the Estrella Patio overlooking the Reflecting Pool and accommodates 50 for dining and 200 for reception
§ The Estrella Garden, facing Camelback Mountain, accommodates 60 for dining and 100 for receptions.

Palmera Salon:
§ Features an ornate fireplace with an antique wood mantel
§ 2,120 square feet with an attached pre-function foyer
§ Accommodates seating for 220 theater-style, 140 for banquets, and 220 for receptions
§ Adjacent Palmera Lounge accommodates 88 for dining
§ The Palmera Garden, featuring a fireplace, accommodates 50 for receptions and 40 for dinner.

Cervantes Room:
§ 612 square feet
§ Accommodates seating for 40 for dining and 50 for receptions
§ Features yellow-colored walls trimmed in deep blue tiles, antique artifacts and mirrors, and French doors leading to a private patio which accommodates 20 for dining and 30 for receptions
§ Adjoins the Cervantes Library, accommodating 40 for receptions, furnished with a handsome wood bar, hand-carved fireplace mantel and overstuffed leather chairs. The fireplace survived the Chicago fire in an old brownstone building on Michigan Avenue.

The Vernadero Boardroom
§ French doors frame views of the Mansion courtyard, Vernadero Lawn and Reflecting Pool
§ Provides seating for 16 people
§ Features a high redwood beam and board ceiling, a large pietra stone fireplace, oversized French doors and windows with custom designed damask draperies, original chandeliers, a large antique mahogany conference table, and hand-carved chairs.

Outdoor Function Areas

Alegria Garden § A private garden enclosed by four stone walls and surrounded by flowers and citrus trees
§ Contains an elevated stone dais with columns and arched back wall – a natural platform for presentation opportunities
§ Accommodates 50 for dining, 80 for receptions.

Alegria Lawn (Croquet Lawn)
§ Offers a stunning view of Camelback Mountain
§ Accommodates 140 for dinner, 150 for receptions.

Valencia Patio § Nestled in a citrus grove and features a fountain and open-air ramada
§ Accommodates 60 for dining and 100 for receptions

Vernadero Lawn
§ An exquisitely lush venue enhanced by adjoining patios and fireplaces
§ Accommodates 200 for receptions and 160 for dining.

Reflecting Pool
§ A tranquil setting surrounding the unique Reflecting Pool
§ Accommodates 200 for receptions and 80 for dining.

Palmera Patio § Overlooks the Reflecting Pool and lush gardens
§ Accommodates 125 for receptions and 50 for dining

Destination Advantages/Services

The Royal Palms is located only minutes from Scottsdale, Arizona and its shopping, art galleries, fine restaurants and world-famous golf courses. Exciting opportunities to explore the history, culture and terrain of Arizona, including desert Hummer tours, cattle drives, museum tours, soaring and hot air balloon rides can be easily arranged. Professional sporting venues: § Phoenix Suns, National Basketball Association
§ Arizona Diamondbacks, Major League Baseball
§ Phoenix Coyotes, National Hockey League
§ Arizona Cardinals, National Football League.

The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is only 20 minutes from the hotel.