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When I say “event space,” most people think ballroom or conference room. But what about a guest suite? Often, when I’ve seen guest suites used for events, it’s been for something like a hospitality suite, a casual team game night, or a small breakout that feels like a compromise, simply rearranging furniture and hoping for the best. That’s exactly why I was so impressed by what our team at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills pulled off.
For a recent Mother’s Day Hilton Honors experience, they transformed the hotel’s Villa Suite into an intimate, high-touch venue for 20 guests, including moms and caretakers, giving them the break they rarely take but truly deserve. The result was nothing short of stunning. I wasn’t there in person, but when I saw the recap (and the photos, wow), I knew I had to learn more.
So, I connected with Nick Gentile, the event planner behind it all, and he gave me a behind-the-scenes look at what made it work and what to keep in mind if you’re thinking about breaking out of the ballroom.
“Even though the location was selected prior to my involvement, the Villa Suite at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills offered the perfect balance of privacy, sophistication, and natural light. Its seamless indoor-outdoor layout allowed for an elevated yet relaxed flow of programming,” Nick shared.
The suite hosted an afternoon of experiences, from a floral-forward photo moment to a brunch setup, cocktail activations, and wellness touches throughout. No flip needed. No venue change. It just worked.
The suite was the canvas, but the real magic came from the curated details. Guests were treated to:
“The feedback on-site was overwhelmingly positive,” Nick said. “Guests commented on how thoughtful and elevated every detail felt . . . it authentically reflected the Hilton brand while creating a truly memorable experience that made every guest, and especially the moms, feel celebrated and special.”
As with any live event, timing can sometimes present a challenge. In this case, a piece of video content arrived just before the event began, leaving limited time to prepare it.
“The hotel’s audiovisual team jumped in right away and helped us get everything up and running smoothly,” Nick said. “It was a minor adjustment that didn’t disrupt the guest experience, and the team handled it seamlessly.”
It’s a good reminder that even small elements benefit from flexibility, and having the right partners in place makes all the difference.
This event reminded me that some of the best event spaces aren’t event spaces at all, at least not traditionally. A guest suite can deliver intimacy, luxury, and storytelling potential that’s tough to replicate in a larger venue.
“I would absolutely recommend this space for any intimate, high-touch event where luxury and storytelling are key,” Nick said.
Whether it’s a VIP dinner, client appreciation event, or private celebration, don’t be afraid to get creative with your venue. The unexpected often creates the most unforgettable.
Be on the lookout for a future article dedicated to activating other non-traditional event spaces (think parking garage dinners and poolside award ceremonies)!
