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I explore/review venues for Meeting, Incentive, Conference, and Exhibition (MICE)-related events and also review nearby hotels and restaurants.
I endeavor to explore not only the immediate venue, but also those situated within close proximity that are likely to be utilized by the attendees.
Both the Grand Hyatt Manila and the Hyatt Regency City of Dreams are superb MICE venues. For example, the entire Grand Club staff and the waitstaff at The Grand Kitchen exemplify hospitality and efficient service for large groups; suffice it to say, the F&B is excellent. However, the professionalism does not stop there. The teams responsible for parking and transportation—including airport transfers and transfers to and from other properties—make the experience seamless and feel fully integrated. In particular, the coordination between the Hyatt Regency City of Dreams and the Grand Hyatt Manila is fantastic. The event management team at City of Dreams is attentive to detail, the function space is superb, and the hosting of follow-on meetings at The Lounge and other on-site restaurants (e.g., The Cellar) has been shown to be an excellent complementary venue.
The Anvaya provides an inspirational venue for team retreats and summits (although large conferences are fine too, as the Anvaya Ballroom and related function spaces are quite impressive and modern, and they can also accommodate up to 1,000 guests). In particular, banquets with live music are among the highlights, especially at the area adjacent to the Sands Restaurant. From this location, the ocean and sunset views create a memorable setting and contribute significantly to the overall event experience. The culinary team is skilled at preparing Balinese-influenced Mediterranean and Californian-inspired dishes, with food preparation areas designed as an open kitchen. Apart from the excellent F&B, additional event experiences include live acoustic or DJ performances near the pool as well as evening fireworks, primarily during special beachfront events. Premiere room packages or better are recommended for event attendees; in this way, they can also opt to have breakfast at the Sands Restaurant. The boardwalk provides access to other properties for event attendees, and Kuta Beach is also easily accessible. The property’s lush tropical foliage and elegant finishes add to the overall ambiance, thereby making the Anvaya a prudent choice for retreats/summits.
The Portofino Bay Hotel is considered to be an Italian-themed resort. It is conveniently connected by a boardwalk to the Hard Rock Hotel, where some conference attendees may also stay at, as well as to CityWalk for evening dining/relaxation. The conference facilities are quite interesting, and there are several ancillary meeting spaces that are unique in their design. For example, the interior space has a dome painted to resemble the sky as well as other decorative details designed to convey an Italian Riviera feel. The property has a warm ambiance compared to other properties that focus more heavily on modern design. On the property, there are several excellent dining venues, such as Bice, Mama Della (which is renowned for its strolling singers and musicians), and Trattoria del Porto. From Bice, there is an excellent second-story view of the Harbor Piazza, and the overall atmosphere evokes an Italian village with a harbor. In the evening, additional operatic singers perform on the upper balcony (above Sal’s Market Deli) facing the Harbor Piazza. The performance is known as Musica della Notte. Hosting an event at Portofino Bay will definitely be memorable, and there are a number of walking paths that provide opportunities for more informal, extended conversations.
In terms of location, the ARIA Resort Las Vegas is centrally located and conveniently connected to The Shops at Crystals. It is also accessible via indoor walkways to other properties, such as Bellagio (which hosts the well-known seasonal floral displays at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens), Park MGM, Vdara, and The Cosmopolitan (which hosts the well-known Wicked Spoon buffet, featuring a “tapas-style” presentation for many of its dishes). The ARIA Express tram has stations serving Bellagio, The Shops at Crystals, and Park MGM, with pedestrian connections to ARIA. From the Park MGM Eataly entrance, it is a short walk to the New York-New York entrance, which provides a convenient indoor pathway to the pedestrian bridge leading to the Excalibur–Luxor–Mandalay Bay tram. In addition, the Waldorf Astoria is accessible via the CityCenter complex, specifically through The Shops at Crystals. In essence, CityCenter serves as a walkable resort complex and a hub within the Las Vegas Strip. As part of this complex, the ARIA Convention Center at ARIA Resort Las Vegas is one of the major MICE facilities on the Las Vegas Strip and can accommodate events for up to approximately 5,000 attendees. Its value proposition is its contemporary, luxury-oriented design and integration with the surrounding resort environment.
The outdoor event space at the Grand Hyatt Jakarta is unique for the area around the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout (Bundaran HI), featuring the iconic Selamat Datang (Welcome) Monument. With several elegantly lit decks, the fifth-floor event space, known as The Residence ONFIVE, provides a Balinese-style garden with beautifully shaped swimming areas as a backdrop, along with breathtaking skyline views. The event space provides access to both the Grand Hyatt Jakarta and the Keraton at The Plaza, a Luxury Collection Hotel, thereby providing additional options for event attendees. In addition, there is direct indoor access to Plaza Indonesia; alternatively, Grand Indonesia is directly across the street and provides convenient options for event preparations, such as salon services. Apart from the event space itself, the Fountain Lounge provides an elegant setting with live music, the Grand Café offers outstanding food and service, and the property also has several other notable dining venues, such as Sumire. The management, front desk staff, and other team members, ranging from doormen to Grand Club staff, are very capable and professional; they have made events worry-free.
Merusaka is well known for its glass-walled pavilion, which offers fantastic ocean views. In addition, the main lobby features large glass doors that are typically opened, providing an unimpeded view of the lush tropical grounds. There is also a vanishing-edge/infinity-pool water feature that visually seems to disappear into the landscape from the lobby, making it one of the striking architectural features of the property. It is a large, spread-out resort, so golf carts are used to shuttle guests around the property. However, the walk from the accommodation areas to the main facilities takes only a few minutes. The boardwalk provides access to other properties, such as the Grand Hyatt Bali next door. The property is well suited for outdoor events, and according to the event management staff, the Main Garden can accommodate up to 1,000 guests for a seated banquet or 1,500 for a cocktail reception. Evenings at Merusaka are likely to be among the more lively experiences along the boardwalk; there is a renowned bubble/foam pool party known as FoamTastic Fest, featuring a resident DJ and live music at the Paradise Beach Club, which abuts the boardwalk area. Architecturally, this is a stunning property for hosting an event.
Bacan was an excellent choice for a refined meal. Set inside the Wave Hotel, the ceiling plan, interior lighting, the layout with half circle booths in the back (which provided a fantastic vantage point to view the entire restaurant), and the general ambiance was definitely worthwhile to experience. For an appetizer, the charred octopus served with smoked feta and decorated with aji amarillo was definitely a treat. The presentation of the snapper set amidst the guyanese curry and the moist taste was also a pleasant surprise. Likewise the chop with carrot puree was a culinary delight. The service was great, and overall, this restaurant is definitely on the list for repeat visits.
Located within the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at 10100 Dream Tree Boulevard, this Italian restaurant is a neighborhood jewel with its charming surroundings. For a relaxing evening tinged with elegance, this would be a wonderful choice for dinner. The starting house-made tomato and mazzarella focaccia served with a chopped olive-centric muffaletta dip was a pleasant surprise. Both the Carpaccio di Manzo and Tonno e Salmone Crudo were fantastic appetizers. The whole pan seared braninzo with sauteed haricot verts and swiss chards is excellent as a main course, and it is a must try. To top it off, the stracciatella torta is divine. The waitstaff at Ravello are outstanding, and the dining experience was impeccable.
The setting of Primo is wonderful; it is located within the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. The layout of the restaurant and the graciousness of the hostesses and wait staff are notable. The food itself was quite nice, and this should be of no surprise. The chef is Melissa Kelly. Overall, for a memorable and elegant evening, Primo is recommended. It is also Michelin recommended and has a Forbes Travel Guide Award. As a restaurant within a resort complex, it is extremely well located. It is short walk to/from the sprawling indoor conference facilities (e.g., The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, Plaza Ballroom, and Tuscany Ballroom) as well as to the outdoor flexible event space (e.g. Da Vinci Lawn & Terrace, Valencia Lawn, Citrus Garden & Palm Courtyard, etc.) for both the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton; the ballrooms, breakout rooms, seating areas, coffee shops, and other areas within the Grande Lakes resort complex are all within a few minutes of Primo.
It should be of no surprise that Chef Fred Vlachos is the head chef of the Everglades Restaurant; he was classically training at Johnson & Wales Culinary School, and the cuisine and service exudes his culinary school influence. The dining experience at Everglades is a true culinary experience, and as always, the signature olive-crusted chilean sea bass with artichoke, roasted tomato risotto, and béarnaise sauce was superb. Likewise, the tomato-based and clam juice-infused gator chowder was a wonderful starter. The service was absolutely delightful, and the Everglades continues to be a "go to" restaurant.
The environment is exquisite, and the dining room is beautiful and elegant. In terms of aura both inside the restaurant and outside (e.g., the Dolphin and adjoining Swan Resorts as well as the BoardWalk), they are to be commended. The staffing at the host/hostess station should be noted; the personalities are outstanding. Likewise, the waitstaff are delightful and they set the correct tone for a relaxed meal. In terms of food, the innovative presentations of the food is definitely worthy of some picture-taking. In terms of taste, the Bluezoo's Simply Fish (whatever it might be) is always a delight, and all the desserts (e.g., Vanilla Bean Cheesecake, Roasted Seasonal Stone Fruit, etc.) are eye appealing. The Dolphin Resort and other properties are nearby along the boardwalk, so there are further options for an espresso and subsequent desserts.
Cala Bella exudes charm, a relaxed aura, and genuine hospitality. For example, the usual hostess has soft mannerisms, poise, and demeanor. This makes for an outstanding tag team with the waitstaff, who typically exhibit an impressive knowledge of the menu, are unassuming, and are extremely thoughtful and attentive throughout a meal. As for the food, the charred octopus with heirloom cherry tomato remains a must, but both the Hertaberkschwein Farms Marsala with local mushrooms and garden peppers and Oxtail Fettuccine are signature dishes. Suffice it to say, Cala Bella is a great choice for a satisfying and memorable meal. One final note: if the timing is right, it is possible to catch a ride on the golf cart from the parking lot up to the main lobby—and back. Otherwise, it is a leisurely indoor walk through the conference area from the parking lot. In any case, it is an opportunity to admire the property.
The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel offers a relaxed, resort-style dining experience with a welcoming atmosphere and an open kitchen that adds a lively touch to the room. Comfortable booths are spread throughout the dining area, including two tucked discreetly behind the host stand. The chicken orzo soup is a standout starter, with tender orzo that makes every bite increasingly satisfying. For an entrée, the filet mignon is particularly impressive, paired with broccolini and a flavorful carrot reduction. Dessert is equally memorable, and the restaurant’s creative take on crème brûlée provides a delicious finish to the meal. After several visits, the consistently attentive and friendly service has remained the highlight of the experience.
Fiorenzo remains a wonderful destinationa dining spot. It was already fantastic before, so the additional enhancements are notable. The hostess station staff are fantastic; either they are excellent hire, have receiving phenomenal traing, or both; they are gracious and accommodating, and their welcoming attitude is laudable. Likewise, the waitstaff are very talented and well-trained; the culinary suggestions and descriptors are typically spot-on. For example, the chef’s signature Nonna’s Meatball does indeed “fall apart/melt in your mouth,” and another appetizer, the pepperoncini yogurt with red pepper flakes fried calamari, remains superb. For the main course, the chef’s creation pan seared salmon with rock shrimp risotto and asparagus is a “must-try,” as is the Wagyu Bolognese. For the final sweet course, the tiramisu has the desired airy cream, espresso soak, and cocoa powder finish. Fiorenzo provides a perfect meal to relax and unwind after a high-paced day.
The view of the Conrad Hotel at the Evermore Resort from the Twin View Restaurant is a fantastic vantage point, particularly if one is used to viewing in the opposite direction from the Conrad Hotel. The trolley ride from the Conrad has several stops along the way; if driving, please note that the walkway from "The Landing" parking lot to the restaurant complex is uncovered (i.e., if raining, please be prepared). As the tables with a view are adjacent to the bar, the noise level can be quite energetic. For business meals, earlier dining times would be recommended, if noise is of a concern. As a starter, to stimulate the appetite, the crab cake with southern reslish and tabasco aioli has a nice kick. For the main entrée, the NY Strip (with accompanying red eye gravy) will be a pleasant surprise; it is prepared to near perfection. The desserts all have their own aesthetic flair; along this vein, the key lime ice cream with rasberry-covered graham cracker shell has an eye-appealing garnish. This is a nice oasis and serves as a nice respite, and the trolley ride back to the Conrad will provide further exposure to the resort property.
The Bice is located within the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel complex. The views from the entry balcony and from certain tables with a view are excellent (and reinforces the Italian thematic). The ambience within the restaurant is also excellent, and the design is charming/elegant. Generally speaking, the service is quite good, and the food is quite satisfying. For example, the Bruschetta, Zuppa Del Giorno, etc. are all quite nice. Likewise, the pastas and secondi piatti are quite good. Fine dining on a resort property can be a tricky situation (e.g., the dress code can range from resort casual to business casual); accordingly, the service rendered can also not quite fit the situation. For example, Bice tends toward the stringent traditional Italian side, which can be quite nice for certain situations (rather than accommodate a more relaxed resort/holiday approach to matters). Having said that, the cuisine is worth the visit.
A Land Remembered is truly a wonderful dining experience. For those booths with a view, the natural sunlight and view of the golfing area make for a serene setting. The artisan bread service and the dining ambiance remind you that this is a fine dining establishment. All the waitstaff are excellent. The management staff, who make the rounds inquiring about the meal, are also true professionals (their responses regarding various dishes are extremely insightful). The Lamb T-Bone is fantastic; it is tender and rich in all the right ways. The slow roasted prime rib with the horseradish crème is superb. The surrounding Rosen Shingle Creek is a very nice property, and both the self-parking and valet are extremely convenient. A visit to A Land Remembered will truly be worth it.
