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13 B M & T ••• September/October 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com I sland Hotel Newport Beach, a luxury coastal hotel in the heart of Orange County's elite Newport Center with nearby beaches, shopping and golf, has recently completed a comprehensive, 18- month transformation, including a vibrant and modern new look, updated technological conveniences and services, customized amenities and culi- nary offerings highlighting the bounty of Southern California. "Island Hote l continues to set the very highest standards for luxury, serv- ice and amenities in Southern California," said General Manager Gerard Widder. "Although our new look is inspired by the prestige and appeal of Newport Beach, we have introduced contemporary boutique-like services and modern splashes of color to create a lively ambiance of casual elegance for today's business traveler." "Island Hotel's new coastal -inspired design, coupled with new technol- ogy and personalized serv- ices, provides a compelling and dynamic destination for today's business traveler," said Lindsey Ueberroth, president and CEO of Newport Beach-based Preferred Hotels & Resorts. "The reimagined hotel evokes the essence of Newport Beach, which is exactly what Preferred Hotels is striving for in their portfo- lio of properties: celebrate the uniqueness and authenticity of each hotel's respective locale." At the epicenter of Newport Beach, Island Hotel is a popular destination for meetings, product launches, fashion shows and social galas and now boasts Newport Beach's largest ballroom with seating for up to 600 guests and accessible for automotive programs. The newly redesigned Cabana Room brings the outdoors in, with glass panels openi ng to a private, heated terrace. The Balboa Room, also updated, now includes a wall-mounted 70- inch flat screen television, private restrooms and service pantry. Business travelers will also experience more personalized services including the opportunity to customize their mini bar with items stocked from the hotel's Market Place, a new gourmet market featuring a carefully curated collection of fresh f oods, healthy snacks and reasonably priced spe- cialty items available 24 hours a day. Furthering the emphasis on conven- ience and quality, Keurig coffee makers are available in all rooms and suites. In addition, discerning travelers can unwind in the exclusive Island Club, a luxurious 2,000-sq. ft. lounge, strategically situated on the hotel's 20th floor with sweeping panoramic ocean views along with a sophisticated and pro- fessional environment. For $35 a night, Island Club guests can enjoy upgrad- ed amenities including: continental-style breakfast and light evening snacks; beer and wine during the "Wine Down" hour; Internet access of up to 20 MB; curbside check-in; com- plimentary access to the Spa's relaxation lounge and eucalyptus steam room; and complimentary dry-cleaning for up to four pieces of cloth- ing per day. Other highlights of the c ompleted renovation include: the new Oak Grill – an airy, light-filled new dining area including a huge new 2,100-sq. ft. floor deck for al fresco dining from Chef Marc Johnson's contempo- rary California menu; Aqua Lounge – featuring a 360-degree bar and inter- active mixology format with craft cocktails and an expertly curated wine and beer list, as well as a rotating program of regionally known resident DJs spin- ning a blend of current and international music Thursday through Saturday; an updated resort-style pool area with a redesigned contempo- rary poolside bar, outdoor shower, private cabanas and plush modern fur- nishings; and a refurbished fitness center with new Matrix equipment and easy access to the pool area. All 292 guest rooms and suites now fe ature new vibrant pops of color – ocean-inspired aqua, brilliant sunset orange, coral, lilac and sage – to reflect the region's coastal lifestyle. Accommodations sport bold, modern fabrics, rich woods, polished marble and California-inspired artwork against breathtaking ocean/coastal and canyon views. The timing for the renovations is apropos, Widder said, as this year the hotel celebrates a 10-year mil estone. The Irvine Company developed the hotel in 1986, but assumed management for Island Hotel Newport Beach in November 2005. ISLAND HOTEL COMPLETES 18-MONTH TRANSFORMATION Vibrant New Guest Rooms, Meeting Space, Island Club and AmenitiesWelcome Business Travelers