Calif., Fla. Hotels Offer Summer Meetings Specials

<B> Calif., Fla. Hotels Offer Summer Meetings Specials</B>

By Lauren Bielski

Whether the aim of a meeting is developing a new sales strategy or instituting sweeping corporate change, high-service programs typically come with equally high price tags. For those looking at the bottom line, the cost-saving answer always has been to move to the shoulder- or off-season.

This summer is proving no exception. The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage in California, for example, is offering a Cool Summer Meeting Rate of $109 per night weekdays, or $139 per night weekends, for meetings held June 14 to Sept. 10. The package includes deluxe accommodations, complimentary meeting space, one complimentary guest room per 40 occupied, one executive suite upgrade per 25 rooms, a 10 percent discount on A/V and drinks upon arrival. Surrounded by 900 acres of wildlife preservation, the property boasts more than 15,000 square feet of meeting space, a spa, a 10,000-foot croquet lawn and a themed "ranch."

The upscale Sheraton Yankee Trader in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is offering a two-day Boardroom on the Beach package at $299 per person, 25 percent off the high season rate of $399 that takes effect Oct. 1. The package includes two nights' accommodations, meeting rooms with VCR and monitor or overhead projector, afternoon coffee breaks and a private banquet. The hotel offers 10,000 square feet of redecorated facilities and a glass-enclosed skywalk to the beach.

The nearby Wyndham Resort & Spa's Value Season Meeting Package offers guest rooms, three buffet meals and continuous morning and afternoon coffee breaks, A/V, meeting space and one complimentary room for every 40, at $154.50 per person double, or $199 single occupancy, from June 1 to Sept. 10.