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•pg_33-37_ICI__BMT_pg3-58 6/21/13 10:38 PM Page 34 QUEEN MARY, LONG BEACH, CA It is said that the Queen Mary is not just a hotel, but a journey. Considered one of the grandest ocean liners ever built, the Queen Mary has resided for over 40 years in Long Beach, California as a floating hotel awash in history and grandeur. Set on 45 waterfront acres, she combines all of the elegance of a bygone era while incorporating modern amenities, lively entertainment, daily tours, award-winning dining, specialty boutiques and much more. The Queen Mary hotel is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Each stateroom is unique, offering 1930's decor featuring rich wood paneling and art deco designs with 21st century amenities. The Ghosts & Legends Show leads participants on an interactive journey of the ship's most haunted locations. Through special effects, the stories of the Queen Mary's ghosts come to life. The World War II Tour features a tour guide who tells the story of the illustrious "Grey Ghost," the most wanted target of German Uboats, and a crucial part of allied success in the war. On the Haunted Encounters Tour, passengers learn about the reports and stories of the ghostly happenings with a guide on a walking tour of the most haunted locations on the ship. For more information visit their website at www.queenmary.com or call guest services at (562) 435-3511. RENAISSANCE MOBILE RIVERVIEW PLAZA HOTEL, MOBILE, AL The Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel is a AAA FourDiamond hotel ideally suited for business, conventions, stylish social gatherings or weekend escapes. Step into a fresh space of contemporary design and experience world-class amenities unrivaled by other Gulf Coast hotels. Featuring 373 hotel rooms including 10 suites, 2 Club Levels and 44,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, this premier convention hotel in downtown Mobile is connected to the Arthur Outlaw Convention Center via a skywalk. The Renaissance offers 18 spacious meeting rooms ranging from 400 to 10,086 sq. ft.. Their 14,000-sq. ft. outdoor conference center, which can s eat up to 840 guests, overlooks the Mobile skyline. Three exquisite ballrooms are available for everything from general sessions and banquets, to theme parties and wedding receptions. Planners will be pleased to know the property not only provides the latest in AV equipment, but also on-site tech support and dedicated event coordinators to oversee every aspect of your conference. Unique among hotels near Mobile Convention Center, the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel is directly connected to the facility. After the workday is done (or before it starts), delegates and their family members can avail themselves of the property's 24-hours a day Fitness Center, which is equipped with a full range of cardiovascular equipment, free weights, lifecycle and treadmill. In addition to an outdoor pool, sauna and whirlpool, guests can also enjoy hotel's impressive itinerary of family and children's activities. Looking for more recreational opportunities? You and your famThis historic floating hotel features a spa, fitness center, busi- ily members are in luck. This Mobile Bay area hotel is located across ness center and offers valet parking and a complimentary city shuttle. There are 315 non-smoking staterooms, eight full suites and five mini suites. The Queen Mary offers over 80,000 sq. ft. of meeting & banquet space located ship-wide. The ship is about as unique a venue as they come and provides a truly unforgettable experience for any occasion. Their meeting spaces – The Verandah Grill, Windsor Salon, Grand Salon, Sylvania and many others, are able to accommodate groups from 10 to 2,000. There is also a wedding Chapel for ceremonies, which can seat up to 160 or wedding guests can enjoy services on the Sun Deck Gazebo, which can seat 100. Aboard the Queen Mary, guests can partake in a variety of historical, educational and paranormal tours. Throughout the day, passengers can enjoy a Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour, where a tour guide takes guests through the ship's history and recounts tales from her sailing adventures and unveils her many stories. 34 B M & T ••• May/June 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com