 | Based on recent trends it may be a good idea for meeting planners to look at their client’s inquiries and listen more closely to their needs – factors like venue type and size, number of attendees in the group and preferred distance traveled by attendees. According to the 2017 American Express Global Meeting & Events Forecast, there is a predicted increase in the number of small meetings taking place in the upcoming foreseeable future. In addition, experts say these meetings will take place closer to home, will be in smaller venues and be held at more affordable boutique hotels. More midscale hotels than luxury hotels will be unveiled this year, setting a nationwide trend that shows meeting planners will benefit from a competitive price point, convenience and high-quality service, as a result. |
With these trends in mind, Fond du Lac – a mid-size community located just an hour from Wisconsin’s major cities of Madison, Milwaukee and Green Bay – will offer an affordable luxury boutique hotel, opening in early 2019, which rivals those in major metropolitan cities. Hotel Retlaw’s location in the heart of downtown Fond du Lac gives meeting attendees the extra advantage of minimal traffic congestion and the added convenience of walking to nearby restaurants, shops and art studios. The Retlaw is located two blocks from the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, a premiere venue offering stunning background for off-site corporate meetings and social gatherings. It is located within two miles of Lakeside Park along the shores of Lake Winnebago for some sought after “down-time.”
“We are creating a unique and breathtaking environment that will attract world-class travelers and serve as a premiere social center,” said Dennis Doucette, a principal-partner at Legendary Hotels along with Steve Frantz. Hotel Retlaw opened in 1923 during an era of incredible social, artistic and cultural excitement. This remarkable hotel embraced the Roaring Twenties and all that happened during this unique time in history – the Neoclassical revival period peaked, flappers redefined feminine style, Jazz music was all the rage and there was a sense of excitement in the air. Hotel Retlaw, a “Grande Dame” in its own right, embodied an unmistakable style of timeless elegance combined with modern edginess. “We are looking forward to bringing this iconic treasure in central Wisconsin back to life while infusing it with contemporary luxury,” said Yvonne Roberts, principal of Guru of Luxury and creative director for Hotel Retlaw.
“We are creating a unique and breathtaking environment that will attract world-class travelers and serve as a premiere social center,” said Dennis Doucette, a principal-partner at Legendary Hotels along with Steve Frantz. Hotel Retlaw opened in 1923 during an era of incredible social, artistic and cultural excitement. This remarkable hotel embraced the Roaring Twenties and all that happened during this unique time in history – the Neoclassical revival period peaked, flappers redefined feminine style, Jazz music was all the rage and there was a sense of excitement in the air. Hotel Retlaw, a “Grande Dame” in its own right, embodied an unmistakable style of timeless elegance combined with modern edginess. “We are looking forward to bringing this iconic treasure in central Wisconsin back to life while infusing it with contemporary luxury,” said Yvonne Roberts, principal of Guru of Luxury and creative director for Hotel Retlaw.
| Today, Hotel Retlaw is poised to retake is rightful place as one of Wisconsin’s elite hotels and a preferred destination for dignitaries and celebrities. The hotel is undergoing an unprecedented $25 million renovation that will preserve the historical significance and aesthetics of the iconic property, while infusing it with contemporary luxury. The Retlaw features 121 guest rooms, including 11 Specialty Suites and a Grand Presidential Suite. The property will establish itself as the preferred setting for corporate groups with 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, featuring the Crystal Ballroom and seven tastefully decorated meeting rooms. |  |
Signature catering menus complemented by an engaged culinary team will assure each event is given outstanding personalized service from meticulous planning to its successful conclusion. According to Frantz, Hotel Retlaw will provide flexibility in pricing and meeting packages that will suit every budget. “We offer midscale hotel pricing, but what we deliver is a luxury hotel product,” Frantz said.
Hotel Retlaw features many unique eateries and entertainment spaces including:
- Jazzmine’s Brasserie, Hotel Retlaw’s signature restaurant, will be a sophisticated yet casual dining establishment, with a farm-to-table culinary concept — placing itself on the cutting edge of bistro cuisine.
- Player’s Club will be a retro-style gaming and sports tavern, in a refined-casual setting, featuring an extensive array of classic board games, plus billiards and televised sports. The setting will offer a refined old-world ambiance reminiscent of a nineteenth-century English gentlemen’s club accented by tastefully inspired sports memorabilia.
- The Espresso Café and Wine Bar will be a cozy tuck-away with an on-the-run option. A fun place to grab-and-go or pass the time away over a cup of freshly roasted coffee or a glass of Chardonnay. French patisseries, macaroons and croissants—specialty coffees and teas from around the world bring a bit of home comfort to any traveler. The fireplace creates calm as does the warm colors of the available seating nearby
- Guests can treat themselves to a one-of-a-kind spa experience and can indulge in the “Relaxation Spa Pool.” The spa will offer a luxurious environment to be pampered and rejuvenated during their stay with a healthy balance of the five Zen elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
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