Why Resort Venues Are Overrated for Corporate Retreats

In 2026, the trend of hosting corporate retreats at resort venues is being reevaluated. While resorts have long been the go-to option for offsites, a surprising 67% of HR leaders are finding that alternative venues can provide more focused environments and better value for money. The reality is that resort venues often come with hidden costs, limited meeting spaces, and distractions that can detract from productivity. Let’s explore why you might want to think twice before booking that resort and consider some practical alternatives.

The Downsides of Resort Venues

1. Hidden Costs Add Up

Resorts often advertise attractive per-person rates, but additional costs for activities, meals, and AV equipment can inflate your budget. For example, while a resort might advertise $250/person/night, you could end up spending an additional 30% on service charges and taxes.

2. Distractions Galore

While a beautiful beach or mountain view sounds appealing, these distractions can pull your team away from focused work. Instead of brainstorming sessions, you may find your team lounging by the pool or getting lost in the resort's entertainment options.

3. Limited Meeting Space

Many resorts cater primarily to leisure activities, meaning their meeting spaces may not be equipped for effective collaboration. You might find yourself in a large ballroom that lacks the intimacy needed for productive discussions.

4. Booking Challenges

Resorts often have rigid booking policies and high demand during peak seasons. If you’re looking to book a last-minute retreat, you may find your options severely limited.

Alternative Venue Options for Corporate Retreats

Best for Small Teams

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------------------------|--------------------|-------------------|--------------------|------------------|---------------------------------| | The Line Hotel | Washington, D.C. | 10-50 | $210 | Small Teams | Rooftop views | | The Kimpton Gray Hotel | Chicago, IL | 20-60 | $195 | Brainstorming | Modern design & flexible spaces |

Best for Medium Teams

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------------------------|--------------------|-------------------|--------------------|------------------|---------------------------------| | The Maven Hotel | Denver, CO | 50-100 | $220 | Workshops | Unique local art | | The Beekman Hotel | New York, NY | 50-150 | $250 | Networking | Historic architecture |

Best for Large Teams

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------------------------|--------------------|-------------------|--------------------|------------------|---------------------------------| | The Westin Seattle | Seattle, WA | 200-500 | $180 | Conferences | Central location | | San Francisco Marriott | San Francisco, CA | 300-600 | $200 | Large Groups | Bay views |

Venue Comparison Table

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | F&B Included | AV Quality | |---------------------------|--------------------|-------------------|--------------------|------------------|--------------|--------------| | The Line Hotel | Washington, D.C. | 10-50 | $210 | Small Teams | Yes | High | | The Kimpton Gray Hotel | Chicago, IL | 20-60 | $195 | Brainstorming | Yes | High | | The Maven Hotel | Denver, CO | 50-100 | $220 | Workshops | Yes | High | | The Beekman Hotel | New York, NY | 50-150 | $250 | Networking | Yes | High | | The Westin Seattle | Seattle, WA | 200-500 | $180 | Conferences | Yes | High | | San Francisco Marriott | San Francisco, CA | 300-600 | $200 | Large Groups | Yes | High |

Our Top Picks

1. For Small Teams: The Line Hotel in Washington, D.C. offers a unique atmosphere with rooftop views, ideal for intimate brainstorming sessions.
2. For Medium Teams: The Maven Hotel in Denver provides a vibrant space filled with local art, perfect for workshops and team-building activities.
3. For Large Groups: The Westin Seattle, centrally located, is great for large conferences with excellent AV support and catering.

Conclusion

As you plan your next corporate retreat in 2026, consider these practical alternatives to resort venues. By choosing venues that cater specifically to your team’s needs, you can enhance productivity and create a more engaging offsite experience.

Action Items:

• Review the venues listed above and assess their fit for your upcoming retreat.
• Reach out to venues for availability and specific pricing.
• Create a budget that reflects the true costs associated with your chosen venue.