Like buying a brand new car, selecting a brand new venue has its perks. You’re guaranteed to get a maintenance-free head turner with the ease of cutting edge technology. Is there anything more invigorating than being the first? We know New England is most often lauded for its historic venues, but there are plenty of shiny new places to work and play if you open your eyes.
Make time to sit down with the management team beforehand if you are planning a meeting, event, or celebration at a new locale. Most new hotels and venues keep a full time coordinator on staff whose sage experience can keep your event on track. If you state your expectations clearly, the new kid on the block will be more eager to please than anyone else in town.
Check out a few of the latest and greatest hotels and venues that are new (or newly renovated) in New England:
Live Luxuriously in Connecticut Aspire at Mohegan Sun
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard
Uncasville, Connecticut
06382
(888) 777-7922
Aspire is Mohegan Sun’s opulent addition to the Sky Tower, and it’s slated to open later this year. Guests rooms will offer first rate views, a private entrance, butler service, and a personal shopping experience. Panoramic windows at Thirty Three will guarantee an unmatched luxury dining experience for Connecticut casino goers.
Sleep By the Bay in Maine AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront
158 Fore Street
Portland, Maine
04101
(207) 747-1640
Located just two blocks from the Old Port, Portland’s new AC Marriott is the only hotel with an unobstructed view of Casco Bay. Aside from its proximity to some of the nation’s most highly regarded restaurants and bars, the AC Marriott is within walking distance of the stunning network of Portland Trails. Modern and stylish decor provides subsequent comfort.
Tend the Fire in Massachusetts Briar Barn Inn
101 Main Street
Rowley, Massachusetts
01969
(978) 653-5323
Briar Barn Inn opens later this fall, right across from the Rowley town common and just a short drive from the coast. The Inn features a pool and a spa along with 30 guest rooms, each one with its own gas fireplace. Across the stunning courtyard guests can enjoy dinner at a post and beam barn; the perfect spot for hosting parties of up to 100. Reservations are available beginning in December 2018.
Dance on a Rooftop in New Hampshire AC Hotel by Marriott Portsmouth
Vaughan Street
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
03801
Construction has begun on Portsmouth’s five-story AC Hotel, which is set to include 143 guest rooms and a rooftop lounge within walking distance of downtown. AC Hotels are designed to elevate your stay with experiential hospitality and European style dining.
Splash Around in Rhode Island Aloft Hotel
Former I-195 Interchange
Providence, Rhode Island
02912
A new waterfront district is in the works for Providence, and Aloft is at the forefront. The Starwood brand hotel is slated to hold 170 guest rooms and a swimming pool adjacent to a sprawling innovation center. The hotel will occupy the plot at Dyer, Clifford, and Dorrance Streets.
Swing from the Chandelier in Vermont The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa
3567 Main Street
Manchester Village, Vermont
05254
(802) 362-4700
Inspired by the 3,800-foot mountain that serves as its backdrop, The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa has recently undergone a renovation that includes a new wine bar and a restored gas chandelier formerly housed in the 19th-century Opera House across the street. All five of The Equinox’s dining and drinking establishments are fresh faced including The Chop
House’s added banquette seating and The Falcon Bar’s more intimate atmosphere.
They don’t call us ‘New’ England for nothing. We love to acknowledge our historical significance as a region, but we also like to keep it fresh. Just remember: it’s important to let a new venue know exactly what you have in mind. As the organizers of an inaugural event, most teams will be less stuck in their ways and extra accommodating because they don’t have a set picture in their minds of how an event is “supposed to” operate.
It can be daunting to take the leap and try something new; however, when done with proper planning, the rewards are endless. Breathe in that new venue smell – it’s your chance to set the tone.
