Magazine Online    The Authority On African-American Conventions, Incentives, & Leisure Travel
Issue: November/December 2011
Airport Hotels Make Convenient Meeting Venues
By: Solomon J. Herbert II
Almost every country in the world has an airport. Some of them are small regional airports and others are enormous international airports designed for large scale traveling. Every airport that deals with passenger travel is going to need places they can refer people to who are in search of overnight accommodations.



For the business traveler, time and location is everything. Typically conferences and major meetings are held in the inner city or downtown section of a destination. The ambiance and location is often fitting for the occasion. However, when it comes to saving time and money, especially during tough financial times, airport hotels are proving to be much more convenient and accessible to conference attendees than some of the hotels further away from the airport.

Here is a selection of some of the nation’s finest airport hotels that are sure to serve as excellent possibilities for holding your next event.

HOLIDAY INN® SELECT GRAND RAPIDS AIRPORT

The Holiday Inn® Grand Rapids - Airport is perfectly poised to make your stay in Grand Rapids a memorable one. Always accommodating, this hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere, convenient location and superior service, whether you're visiting for business or pleasure.

Located just minutes away from Gerald R. Ford Airport, the property offers a more intimate setting to hold smaller functions such as wedding parties, reunions and small scale meetings. This hotel is equipped with 148 guest rooms and 2,400 sq. ft. of meeting space that can accommodate up to 140 people.



You can stay connected during your trip with convenient business features like free Wi-Fi access, an on-site business center and a free airport shuttle. The hotel's business center offers a wide range of tools to help any business traveler including internet access, printing, scanning and faxing services for all guests. The business center is staffed between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.

The west Michigan hotel's guests love having the chance to savor breakfast and dinner at Holiday Inn Grand Rapids on-site restaurant and lounge, Grille 29. If you have some spare time swim in the indoor pool, unwind in the whirlpool or recharge in the fitness center.

If you yearn to get out and entertain yourself while in Grand Rapids then you’re in luck because there is a lot to do within minutes of property’s front door. From a great museum dedicated to Gerald Ford and annual festivals to inspiring art pieces at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Grand Rapids Art Museum, this lively city boasts a rich history, diverse culture and vibrant creativity. For a quality name you can trust The Holiday Inn® Grand Rapids - Airport is the top choice.

For booking contact:
Caffie Klassen
(616) 285-7600
caffie.klassen@whitelodging.com

HILTON CHICAGO O'HARE AIRPORT

The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport hotel is ideally located in the heart of O'Hare International Airport. No need to worry about those early morning flights. This property is located in Terminal 2 and is within walking distance to all O'Hare Airport's domestic terminals.

 

This airport hotel is proud to boast all of its modern services and developments. "Enviro Room Design™" guest rooms are available for customers with allergy related sensitivities that feature hardwood floors, all cotton linens, an air purifying system, foam pillows and non-chemical bath amenities. Hotel Theatre Rooms include a 42" HDTV, Surround Sound, DirecTV, HC channels, XM radio stations and connectivity for your own gadgets. Some other convenient amenities include an on-site athletic club, a UPS Store on-site, a business center and a gift shop.

At the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport you will find unsurpassed meeting facilities. There is an entire floor with 42 conference rooms as well as two ballrooms and additional meeting rooms located on the hotel’s mezzanine and lower lobby levels. There are also nine banquet rooms on the mezzanine level that, in addition to larger meetings, can be used for breakfast, lunch, dinner or receptions. State-of-the-art telecommunications, high-speed Internet access and audiovisual systems are available with full conference capabilities.

The hotel’s convenient location provides easy access to the Donald E Stephens Convention Center, Allstate Arena, Rosemont Theatre and Chicago Botanic Garden. If shopping is your forte then you will be happy to know that the Woodfield Mall is also within close proximity of the hotel.

For you sports fans, access to nearby famous venues are a snap. Some of these venues include the Arlington Race Course, Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, US Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox and United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls & Chicago Blackhawks.

For booking contact:
Marian Fuller
(847) 9286919
marian.fuller@hilton.com

ATLANTA AIRPORT MARRIOTT GATEWAY

Discover the new Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway hotel in the Atlanta area and a two-minute free ride on the ATL Skytrain from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Boasting over 400 ATL airport hotel rooms and Atlanta area hotel suites with sound-proof windows, iHome accessories and spacious work areas, this hotel near the Atlanta airport is a popular choice for business travelers.
The property is the premier location for planners to book various sized events or gatherings. This innovative hotel by the Atlanta airport features over 21,000 sq. ft. of modern meeting space ideal for productive meetings or sophisticated soirees, including Virtual Meeting technology. The adjacent Georgia International Convention Center provides an additional 400,000 sq. ft. of technologically advanced event space. Premier Atlanta meeting rooms provide innovative audiovisual resources for successful meetings. This high-tech Atlanta Convention Center hotel features impressive event menus and an attentive staff. Hotel guests can enjoy eco-friendly corporate gatherings at this LEED Certified Atlanta Airport Conference Center.



As the newest Atlanta Hotel Near the Airport, the Marriott Gateway is a world-class landing, perfect for family reunions, corporate gatherings or your next Atlanta layover. Some more distant local attractions conference attendees can enjoy include Atlanta Motor Speedway, The Georgia Aquarium, Six Flags Over Georgia, World of Coca Cola and The Carter Presidential Library. Other popular sites include The Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Stone Mountain Park, Centennial Olympic Park and the Downtown Area/Fox Theatre.

While at this hospitable hotel make sure to enjoy some of the delectable food at area eateries. Some restaurants within two miles of Atlanta Airport Marriott include The Pecan, The Manchester, Ruby Tuesdays and Spondivits Seafood & Steak.

For booking contact:
Sales Department
(404) 763-1544

SHERATON GATEWAY LOS ANGELES HOTEL
The Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel is conveniently located next door to Los Angeles Airport. The 802-room and 103-suite hotel offers guests a sophisticated ambiance with personalized service. The hotel offers 88 Executive Suites, providing extra living space and king beds, as well as six one bedroom suites, each with a king bed, separate living room with sofa, large dining table, and complimentary continental breakfast. These suites sleep up to six people.



In Los Angeles, where you have your meeting is just as important as the meeting itself. Nowhere is this truer than at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel Los Angeles Airport, the perfect Southern California conference facility. The property offers 50,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space that can accommodate up to 1,500 people (the largest meeting area measuring 11,400 sq. ft.), and an indoor/outdoor meeting space of 55,000 sq. ft.

While at Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles make sure to take advantage of the many services the hotel has to offer. Dine on California cuisine in a casual setting at The Brasserie, serving savory breakfast and lunch dishes. Stop by the full-service Starbucks Cafe located in the hotel lobby for a quick snack.
Other amenities include 24-hour room service, a complimentary 24-hour fitness center, a Grand Ballroom, a business center, a complimentary shuttle service direct to and from LAX Airport, an outdoor heated pool and outdoor whirlpool, a Concierge desk and Valet service as well as self parking facilities.

Being one of the nation’s most exciting travel destinations, Los Angeles offers conference and group attendees a wide array of options when it comes to entertainment and leisure. Some places to see include Manhattan Village Shopping Center, Leimert Park Village, Santa Monica Beach and Pier, Rodeo Drive, LA Live Entertainment District, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Dodger Stadium, The Staples Center and The J. Paul Getty Museum.

For booking contact:
Darryl Stewart
(310) 642-4874
darryl.stewart@sheratonlosangeles.com

CHOICE HOTELS’ SLEEP INN MIDWAY AIRPORT

Ideally located just two blocks south of Chicago Midway International Airport, the Sleep Inn® Midway Airport provides easy access to all the best Chicago has to offer. This Bedford Park, IL hotel provides free shuttle service to and from Midway Airport as well as the CTA Orange Line Midway Rail Station, which takes you into the heart of downtown Chicago.



Sleep Inn Midway Airport is an ideal property to hold smaller scale meetings and conferences. The hotel’s excellent location makes for a convenient option when planning your next event. This property is definitely business friendly with banquet/meeting rooms, a convention center, a guest use copy machine, a guest use fax machine and free airport transportation.

This hotel offers amenities and features like free wireless internet access, free Sleep Inn Morning Medley Breakfast with hot waffles, biscuits, sausage gravy and more, a business center, including copy, fax and scanning services and a 24-hour on-site fitness facility.

During your stay make sure to get out and enjoy some of Chicago’s popular landmarks and venues. Local points of interest include U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, Toyota Park, home of the Chicago Fire soccer team as well as McCormick Place and The University of Chicago.



The surrounding area offers so much to see and do, from historic landmarks and museums to sports venues and shopping. A number of restaurants, including T.G.I. Friday's, Coaches Sports Bar and Dempsey's, are all within walking distance and make deliveries to this hotel. Whether in Illinois for business or pleasure, the Sleep Inn Midway Airport is the perfect place for everyone visiting the Windy City.

For booking contact:
Rachael Crespo
(708) 552-9647
Rachael.crespo@whitelodging.com

DAYS HOTEL OAKLAND AIRPORT

Located near Oakland International Airport and a multitude of California attractions, the Days Hotel Oakland holds tremendous appeal for both business travelers and family vacationers. If you’re considering holding your next business meeting or conference in the Oakland, California area, hopefully you will consider this conveniently located airport hotel.



Business travelers and vacationers alike will find a lot to like about this Oakland Airport hotel, which beckons with well-appointed accommodations, top-flight service and convenient access to the shops and restaurants of Emeryville, CA. Enjoy a wealth of amenities such as an onsite restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and laundry facilities.

For your convenience, this property offers three on-site meeting facilities - the Alameda Room, the Coliseum Room and the Jack London Room. Combined they total 1,102 square feet of flexible space for a variety of meetings, conferences and events. The Alameda Room alone totals 380 sq. ft – 19’ x 20’, while the Coliseum Room alone totals 380 sq. ft – 19’ x 20’, and the London Room alone totals 342 sq. ft – 19’x 20’. The Alameda/Coliseum Room combined totals 760 sq. ft – 19’ x 40’.

The meeting rooms can accommodate up to 80 guests in several configurations. Amenities include television, VCR/DVD player, A/V equipment, whiteboard, projector screens and easel board. Days Inn Oakland Airport also provides banquet facilities as well as complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access.

Guests of the property will be perfectly situated to take advantage of a multitude of fun and interesting activities and attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the hiking trails and breathtaking vistas found on Angel Island State Park. Shopping aficionados will have a field day at Jack London Square. Surely, everyone will be moved by the historic exhibits at the African American Museum & Library in Oakland.

For booking contact:
Louella Wilson
(510) 568-1880 x163
lwilson@daysinnoakland.com

HYATT REGENCY ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Experience the difference between a hotel and a Hyatt at the award-winning Orlando airport hotel. The proud recipient of a AAA Four Diamond award for the fourth consecutive year, Hyatt Regency Orlando has also received the One Palm Certification for Florida Green Lodging and has been named “Best Overall Orlando Airport Hotel” by theairportguru.com.

Much more than just a place to stay before a flight; property offers award-winning dining, deluxe amenities and personalized attention. Acclaimed as one of the “Top Ten Airport Hotels” by Peter Greenburg, travel editor for NBC’s Today Show, our prime location within the terminal is ideal for both your travel plans and exploring area attractions.



Outstanding business facilities in this Orlando Florida airport hotel ensure a productive gathering, with the ease of arrival and departure an extra bonus. Host your next event at the Orlando conference center hotel, where the staff, great location and award-winning facilities always impress. This facility boasts 42,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space as well as knowledgeable onsite A/V experts. This property prides itself on its innovative catering, featuring Personal Preference Dining®. So all in all conference attendees will be guaranteed maximum satisfaction with the level of hospitality the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport has to offer.

In Orlando there is something for every age group to enjoy. This family friendly city has a wealth of activities and attractions to get into. Play a variety of area golf courses, visit renowned theme parks including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, shop, fish, rock climb and more; all arranged by the very hospitable Concierge Service.

For those that want to relax and wind down on the premises there is something for you too. Enjoy the 24-hour StayFit™ gym, the outdoor pool with scenic runway views, fitness concierge / YogaAway™ and the massage services / terminal shops.

For booking contact:
Jeff Donahoe
(407) 825 1234

It is clear that airport hotels serve a very valuable purpose and should be considered when planning an event. There are a slew of reasons and advantages of using these hotels. Some business travelers need to meet with individuals in a city briefly and want to get back to the airport quickly. If you are eco-friendly, here is an excellent way to help save the environment. By using an airport hotel you’re traveling less and burning less gas, which means less harmful emissions are being released into the air. One great thing about airport hotels is that you get the SAME top-level hospitality of a brand but in a PRIME location…right at the airport. The list of reasons go on and on, but it just comes down to what you are looking for as a planner and for how many people.

Airport hotels are places that people can stay while waiting for their flights. Should a flight be canceled for any reason the people affected by the change will need a place to sleep for the night. These hotels also have conference rooms that people can rent for their important meetings. The rooms are designed in such a way so as to maximize space and meet the needs of potential clients. Meeting areas come in various sizes and are readily available. The bottom line is that airport hotels are definitely business friendly and offer different levels of business services based on the facility you choose.

Simply put, everything you can find in a NON-airport hotel can be found in one at the airport. The only difference between the two is location and time SAVED to travel to and from the airport. And, just as I mentioned earlier, time and location is often EVERYTHING with all the crowded schedules and deadlines business professionals have to meet. So the next time you want to plan a wedding, small conference, large conference, family reunion, class reunion or a meeting of any type, be sure to check out some of the well equipped airport hotels in your chosen destination.
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