The St. Pete/Clearwater area of Florida is the ideal location to consider while planning your next meeting or convention. Not only is it home to a beach routinely ranked as the No. 1 beach in the U.S., the area also has an amazing art and culinary scene and several options for historic hotels with modern amenities. Here are four locations to consider for your future events. Get a Taste of Old-World Glamor Locally known as the “pink palace,” the Don CeSar is an opulent hotel that’s been a favorite destination since its opening in 1928. Once a playground for celebrities such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, FDR, and even Al Capone, this Great Gatsby-era hotel preserves its sense of rich history while adding modern touches. “The Don” has everything needed to host an event to remember, including 277 luxurious rooms and 40 suites, most with beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico or Boca Ciega Bay; meeting planning services; and multiple indoor and outdoor venues that will dazzle every guest. Spend some time relaxing poolside, rent Jet Skis for a bit of excitement, or pamper yourself at Spa Oceana. Between the posh amenities and the resort’s rich past, your guests will feel like a member of old Hollywood’s elite. 
Majestic Details and Modern Luxuries Housed in a 1920s Mediterranean revival building, The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places by maintaining the majestic details of the past. But it also provides state-of-the-art amenities, such as an award-winning restaurant and a tranquil pool complete with waterfalls. Host a memorable event in two ballrooms, 24 breakout rooms, or multiple outdoor venues. To truly feel like a character in The Great Gatsby, entertain your guests in the Vinoy Grand Ballroom, which features a beautiful arched ceiling with a Chihuly chandelier, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an adjacent foyer. This full-service, waterfront resort is in the heart of downtown St. Pete and close to local art galleries, boutiques, and the iconic Dali Museum. You can also find entertainment on the property, which has a 18-hole golf course, a full-service health club, and the extravagant Vinoy Salon & Day Spa. With vintage touches coupled with contemporary amenities, it’s no wonder this is a AAA Four Diamond retreat. Enjoy Natural Mineral Springs and Old Florida Touches For hundreds of years, guests have enjoyed the healing mineral waters of Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. Since the early 1900s, Safety Harbor Resort has been a destination spa retreat and a top-notch event facility for travelers and locals alike. In addition to its natural mineral spring spa, the resort has 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space and routinely hosts weddings and other special events. Guests have the perfect blend of work and play, with access to two outdoor pools, complete with poolside bar; a state-of-the-art fitness center and classes; and onsite shopping. This Jazz-Age Gem Hums with Soul The Fenway Hotel, which will reopen in September 2018, originally opened in 1927 and played host to musicians, artists, politicians, and other legends during the flapper era. This waterfront hotel boasts features such as a rooftop bar overlooking Honeymoon and Caladesi islands, a resort-style pool, and a total of 10,000 square feet of event space, all with waterfront views. Guests can hop on the Jolly Trolley to explore Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, and downtown Dunedin, or enjoy a game of croquet on the expansive front lawn. Whatever the event, guests will enjoy the carefree Florida spirit that the Fenway Hotel exemplifies. There are several ways the St. Pete/Clearwater area makes planning your next event a breeze. For more information and free planning resources, visit the official meeting planners website.
