Chaminade Hotel Santa Cruz - Meetings Collaborative - By and for Meeting Professionals

Chaminade Hotel Santa Cruz: An Outstanding Experience at Chaminade

LeAnne — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:40:16 +0100

I did a meeting at Chaminade in September of 2008. The property was great. Clean, well-maintained, good food. Across the board the staff were terrific--very, very accommodating and willing to work with me to make my meeting (which has some unusual needs) successful. I was hugely impressed by their flexibility, which I have not found as regularly in conference center settings.

They are doing their best to be "green," however much of that happens in the back of the house, so it is not as obvious to the attendees. I believe they need to let people know what they are doing in this area, because in the absence of data, people assume that they aren't doing anything, and it's an important consideration for my groups.

I would like them to stop using bottled water at the break stations and I would like them to put wireless internet in the sleeping rooms. But that's all I can think of in terms of changes.

Because of my experience with Chaminade, I have just booked a meeting at Lansdowne Resort and Conference Center in the DC area, as they are also a Benchmark property.

Chaminade Hotel Santa Cruz: Chaminade

SandyBiback — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:46:17 +0100

Chaminade, I've now been 3 times for the same event and the people, the place just get better and better. From the airport pickup in San Jose to the front desk to all the meetings all the f&b to the bedrooms to the trip back to San Jose--I feel pampered. I feel that the Chaminade staff really care about me. The variety of food, the beautiful location, the spa, the gym, the walking paths, the meeting rooms with lots of windows and doors to the outside! And the fireside in the evening, complete with s'mores.

I'll be back

Sandy Biback

Chaminade Hotel Santa Cruz: Over the top customer service

bhilt — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:38:42 +0100

I have attended three meetings at Chaminade Conference Center, and they have all been wonderful experiences. It is in a beautiful area, and the decor matches the surroundings. But the customer service is what will bring me back.

During my most recent stay, our group was invited to the patio after dinner for s'mores. It was the classiest s'mores display I have ever seen! On the bottom tier of a three-tied serving display, was a lovely arrangement of pink roses. Because of the season, the top two tiers were filled with yellow Peeps, for roasting or just to snack on. There were also traditional marshmallows, Hershey bars and graham crackers, as well as hot chocolate and hot cider. When some in the group mentioned they were chilly, even around the fire, staff disappeared for a few moments and returned with enough blankets for everyone. It was a lovely, memorable evening, thanks to the efforts of Chaminade's staff, and typical of the service found throughout the facility.

Chaminade Hotel Santa Cruz: Chaminade - simply fantabulous!

Dianne Davis — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:21:09 +0100

This is the fifth year I have attended this group's annual conference at Chaminade. It is an AMAZING property. I could go on and on. To try and effuse in an organized fashion!

Location - Chaminade is a lovely 45-minute drive from San Jose. As you climb the rolling, green hills the air gets more fresh and clean - just beautiful.

The property is located on a cliff in Santa Cruz with a spectacular view of the bay. There is gorgeous fauna and several trails through heavily wooded eucalyptus and red wood groves. The air is heavenly.

Site - the layout is great. All buildings are within a short walk to the main resort. There is an amazing fitness center and spa on site. The spa menu has plenty to delight and sooth.

Service - honestly - I have never seen people like those at Chaminade. Unlike most properties, each year we return we see many of the same, friendly faces. From the DOSM, Sherri Hueneke to our CSM, Jennifer Cope, to the Chef and line staff - familiar faces abound. They are the height of professionalism always going the extra mile to attend to our every need.

Perfect site for - meetings - the property has the creativity and flexibility to make your meeting a success. The CMP is perfect as the meals are fresh, plentiful and delicious. Plus, the inclusive cost really is a value for price paid. Plus, the setting has meeting rooms with windows plus a fantastic view for times between breaks. It also is a great site for a quite getaway. The trails, pool, fitness center, spa and food really add to the overall rejuvinating effect of Chaminade.

Treat yourself - go to Chaminade for any meeting, event or just a chance to refresh and regroup!

Dianne Davis, Meeting and Event Consultant
diannedavis@tulnet.com

Chaminade Hotel Santa Cruz: Chaminade is one of THE best conf. centers on eart

JoanEisenstodt — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:48:10 +0100

I've used Chaminade as a meeting planner for groups up to 225 people and have participated in the event just held for the past 5 years. Each year, Chaminade's staff exceeds our expectations. They listen - even comments overheard, like one participants saying it would be great to have chips and salsa at a break found them at the afternoon break.

For those unfamiliar with Chaminade's pricing, it is a conference center (www.iacconline.org) managed by Benchmark and uses what most conference centers call a CMP (Complete Meeting Package) and renamed the BMP: Benchmark Meeting Package. The BMP (like a CMP) includes a guestroom (stunning at Chaminade, many with patios or decks), 3 meals/day (in the conference dining area - all served conference style which allows participants to eat what they like and want to eat v. a plated meal tho' plated meals are an option), continuous morning and afternoon breaks (that include items like hardboiled eggs or breakfast sandwiches and fruit in the a.m., popcorn and other fab snacks in the afternoon), audio visual support,and great staffing PLUS 24 hour hold on most meeting rooms.

Food is superb. Attention to details is always there - like ensuring that those w/ food allergies are accommodated, or an evening around a fire w/ the makings for S'mores is available.

Meeting space is wonderful - and even more so now that they've undergone this amazing renovation. Just to sit in the great ergonomic chairs for a long meeting is worth going!

And then there's the renovated LOBBY - with a fireplace and comfortable stunning furniture - a great place for reading quietly or going with a small group to discuss the business of the meeting.

The Spa is magnificent and makes for a smart thing for anyone to do while there, esp. on business or meeting travel.

The grounds are gorgeous and on many days while there this month (March 2008) we were able to see Monterey Bay and the ocean from the bluff.

It is a highly recommended property with a GM and staff who ROCK!