Here's a look at new Phoenix/Scottsdale hotels, conference centers, restaurants, private rooms, and other spaces to open for events this spring. The new and renovated Phoenix/Scottsdale venues are available for conferences, meetings, corporate parties, weddings, fund-raisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, teambuilding activities, and more.
Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown opened in December in the city’s historic Professional Building. Originally constructed in 1931, the landmark is part of the National Register of Historic Places; even in its newest iteration, the building maintains its Art Deco charm with elements such as a grand lobby, original marble floors, and bronze elevator doors. The 12-story hotel has 170 guest rooms and suites, a 1,500-square-foot rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and multiple food and beverage outlets. More than 2,600 square feet of flexible meeting space can accommodate groups of 200 people for events.
Opening in March, the Falls Event Center will include two adjacent brand-new constructions in Gilbert. Each building will offer 13,500 square feet of event space, including a main hall, two courtyards, two catering kitchens, a floral staging area, a game room, and multiple conference rooms. The largest space in each site, the main event hall, will hold 30 10- by 10-foot booths, as many as 360 people for sit-down gatherings, or 600 for cocktail-style events. Amenities will include free Wi-Fi, overhead projectors, flip charts, and microphones. Planners may bring in outside catering, decor, and entertainment.
In honor of the 10th anniversary of its reopening, Hotel Valley Ho in downtown Scottsdale renovated several areas of the property. The December remodel included the addition of the function-friendly Terrace Suite, designed with classic mid-century decor and modern elements that echo the hotel's overall style. Along with 850 square feet of indoor space, the suite features a 900-square-foot wraparound patio ideal for events with an outdoor component. In total, the Terrace Suite holds 12 people for meetings or 30 for receptions.
Once a storage facility for ostrich feathers, the Ostrich is located in the old basement tunnels under the Crowne Plaza San Marcos golf course. The space opened in October after nearly a year of renovations and combines the mystery of a speakeasy with the high-concept mixology of a cocktail lounge. The 2,811-square-foot venue holds 125 guests for receptions, and the kitchen serves homemade pizza as well as smaller bites like bacon-wrapped shrimp and filet mignon sliders.
The oyster bar and seafood restaurant Buck & Rider opened in Arcadia in October, offering a fun, young vibe. Between the bar, patio, and dining room, the venue holds 220 people for receptions. On one side of the dining room, a wall of doors opens onto a patio, creating a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
A large central bar, comfortable booths, and refined touches give Drexyl an elevated yet casual vibe. The restaurant opened at Gainey Ranch in February and measures 6,600 square feet, including a 25-seat private dining room. The restaurant hosts groups for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and after-hours events. Complete buyouts can accommodate 228 guests. The modern menu features unique dishes like lemongrass Caesar salad, Pacific Coast sole, and sustainable salmon with blood orange puree.
Arizona Golf Resort & Conference Center underwent a $3 million renovation that finished in December. The property spans almost 145 acres, including an 18-hole championship golf course, a newly renovated pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant, among other facilities. More than 20,000 square feet of meeting space is divided among five spaces and can accommodate groups of as many as 550 people. In-house amenities include a screen, a projector, a microphone, speakers, and easels. Guest rooms range from studios to two-bedroom apartment-style suites.
Opening in March is Marriott’s new millennial-minded hotel, Moxy Tempe. The 186-room hotel in University Park will feature 2,945 square feet of event space spread over five meeting rooms that can accommodate groups of as many as 150 guests. Meeting space will feature modern industrial design, chalkboard walls, free Wi-Fi, an LCD projector and screen, microphones, and speakers. The hotel will also offer a full bar, garage doors to the patio, and communal tables.
Scottsdale's Sip Coffee & Beer House opened a second location in Arcadia in November. Housed in a former oil change shop, Sip Coffee & Beer Garage is a haven for both coffee lovers and craft beer drinkers. The 2,200-square-foot venue features shabby-chic decor, seating for 100 people, and 1,000 additional square feet of outdoor space. The kitchen churns out American-style bar food, while the bar offers locally soured beer and wine on tap, handcrafted cocktails, and Cartel Coffee Lab coffee.
Flourish opened in October in the space formerly occupied by Alchemy restaurant. The venue has been renovated to include warm woods, sleek accents, rollaway patio doors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The sustainably sourced food menu pairs with inventive signature cocktails. The venue includes a 7,200-square-foot dining room with seating for 204. A patio offers 38 additional seats. The private Sonoran View Room holds 60 people for meetings or meals. As the restaurant is located at CopperWynd Resort, guest rooms, a spa, tennis courts, and other amenities are steps away.
