Party with a view: Pelican Hill organizes holiday parties at its poolside cabanas
By Mark Chesnut
With December just around the corner, it’s time to start planning the company holiday party. To keep this annual tradition from resembling some ridiculous scene from “The Office,” consider these ideas from hotels around the nation, where everything from decoration to catering and even transportation is taken care of. After all, party time is more enjoyable when someone else worries about the details.
California hotels
Make it spectacular. At Pelican Hill, a luxury hotel set along the coast of California’s Newport Beach, company holiday party options include Cirque du Soleil-style performers, Italian street festas along beautiful, bungalow-lined lanes, and swanky cabana parties set around an expansive swimming pool.
Florida hotels
Make it rewarding. The Hilton Naples, on Florida’s GulfCoast, can arrange festive end-of-year awards and achievement events that reward and celebrate employee performance, accompanied by a “Tropical Winter Wonderland” menu that combines tasty elements from both warmer and cooler climes.
New York hotels
Make it traditional. The Inn at Fox Hollow, a Long Island hotel not far from New York City, gussies up its property with extensive holiday decorations both inside and out, creating a postcard-perfect backdrop for corporate events.
Oklahoma hotels
Make it safe. To make it easier for partygoers to enjoy the evening without driving, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oklahoma City offers a weekend office party promotion that includes shuttle service to and from party venues outside of the hotel, as well as special holiday room rates so that guests can spend the night.
Texas hotels
Make it cool. At the Omni Hotel Houston, the recently expanded Black Swan nightclub now has a room that hosts 70 people for private events with a hip nightlife vibe, complete with private bar and full catering menu.
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Mark Chesnut is a travel writer, editor and publisher of LatinFlyer.com, which focuses on travel to Latin America.
