The Opus Collection by Concord, with its upper upscale boutique hotels, restaurants and bars found throughout the U.S. and into Canada, is laser-focused on creating immersive local experiences that will wow your attendees. Take the collection’s ever-trendy rooftop spots, which play up the venue’s historical, whimsical and cool features. Says Kevin McAteer, sr. VP of marketing and sales, Concord Hospitality, “Nowadays a venue can make or break an event and set the tone of the event being held and that’s why event planners are often seeking out spaces that are considered trendy by local crowds.”
Launched in 2019, the Opus Collection is currently made up of 29 assets—10 opened in 2022 alone—and is looking at a 17 percent growth this year as the company eyes new deals. Among last year's openings are Smoke & Mirrors at the AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill, Vue 360 at the Courtyard by Marriott Clearwater Beach Marina in Florida, and Prologue in Calgary at The Dorian Hotel.
“Our Opus Collection culinary offerings,” points out McAteer, “are chef-driven with an emphasis on developing standalone concepts focused on quality F&B, high-touch service and a design that complements the hotel but with unique elements that give the restaurant/bar its own signature. For example, Hook & Ladder—the restaurant located at the West & Main property in Conshocken (PA)—is located in the Washie Firehouse, a former local fire station [from 1877] that was repurposed to become a hotel. Throughout the space one will notice touches that pay homage to the building’s history including images of the engine company. This history is also pulled through into the menu with cocktails that incorporate…elements of smokiness. These unique upscale concepts that we create are especially well-suited for events as planners are often looking for venues that have that extra touch.”
In fact, says McAteer, F&B is of utmost importance to today’s planners, noting that, “When looking for venues, event planners take a number of variables into account but arguably amongst the most important is the quality of service, quality of the F&B options and, of course, ambiance.
“Many of our Opus Collection restaurants and bars have received recognition,” he notes. “Hook & Ladder was voted one of the best new restaurants in Philadelphia in 2022 and Smoke & Mirrors has appeared on a number of must-visit lists for rooftops in the DC area. These types of distinctions reinforce the idea that these are places to see and be seen. That’s something that’s especially important for an event planner who is looking to create a memorable experience for their client.” —Paloma Villaverde de Rico
concordhotels.com/opus