In-Person is In-Demand

A Meeting Space for Every Event, Large and Small

by Kathryn Millhorn

As we move toward more in-person events and meetings, businesses and event planners are looking for new spaces to book for upcoming board retreats, staff parties, galas and fundraisers. Rentable space is also handy for nonprofits, groups, and charitable organizations prepping for an event or families scheduling long overdue weddings, reunions, birthdays, and anniversaries.

Thurston County has several great spots to meet and mingle, you just have to know where to look. Whether daytime mixer or evening celebration, there’s something for everyone and any budget.

 

The Lord Mansion

For that elegant, historic atmosphere, consider the Lord Mansion & Coach House. Built in 1923, you can rent the Mansion, Coach House, or both. Government agencies and nonprofits receive discounted rental rates and catering can be arranged. The Mansion can host up to 120 people in a cocktail reception style and around 70 people in a single room theater style.  The Coach House can hold around 70 people theater style. Schedule a tour or call 360.918.4694 to reserve.

 

Hotels & Casinos

Many local hotels also offer meeting and workspace to their guests. DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, and TownePlace Suites Olympia all have accessible rooms and business-friendly amenities to those hosting a meeting or working away from home. These reservations are ideal when office space isn’t available or your team needs to plan and prep together, in person. The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake will impress your guests with spacious conference rooms and an elegant ballroom with lovely forested views of Washington’s natural beauty. The hotel’s meeting spaces are ideal for everything from business meetings to family reunions.

If you are looking to reserve a meeting space for groups up to 40 try Lucky Eagle Resort & Casino. For larger groups, Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound offers meeting spaces and conference rooms that are thoughtfully designed with wow-factor flexibility. With 20,214 square feet of meeting space and 13 breakout rooms, you’ll have all the versatility you need for the event success you want. 

Quinault Beach Resort & Casino offers exciting venues to create a memorable event. They have a spacious ballroom and award-winning banquet and catering. Candlewood Suites has meeting venues as well as extended-stay suites for out-of-town guests. Their team is ready to help you with the event planning.

 

The Abigail Stuart House

Ballroom, parlor, catering kitchen, and dance studio all in one, the Abigail Stuart House is open for weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, corporate events, recitals, trainings or retreats. A historic building with more than 100-year-old pedigree, monies raised benefit the Woman’s Club of Olympia. Book a tour or call 360.753.9921.

 

The Olympia Center

Operated by the Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department, the Olympia Center offers a wide variety of rental space. From multi-purpose rooms to space with a stage, kitchens to gymnasiums, space there comes with plenty of free parking, and complimentary tables, chairs, coffee pots, easels, podiums, and microphones. Rental is by the hour with a deposit and capacities range from 15 to 300 people. Call 360.753.8380 with questions or to schedule a reservation.

 

Harbor House

Right on the Percival Landing boardwalk, Harbor House offers stunning waterfront views. For more social events, there is a gas fireplace surrounded by armchairs and dim-able lighting. But an audio-visual cart, tables, projection screen, and flat-screen monitor are also available. There is also a small on-site kitchen and prep space with microwave, refrigerator, and sink. Harbor House accommodates up to 25 seated attendees and can also be opened up for indoor/outdoor mingling. Reservations can be made online or by calling 360.753.8380.

 

The Heritage Room

Found in the newly renovated American Legion building, the Heritage Room has plenty of space for parties up to 200 guests. There is free Wi-Fi, and the site is wheelchair accessible. From rehearsal dinner to business meeting, it’s great for intimate gatherings or large get-togethers with a view of the Capitol and Capitol Lake. Call 360.943.9494 to check availability.

 

Mercato

For private dining or banquets, consider one of Mercato’s three unique spaces. With a built-in wall screen, the Board Room can seat 24 or up to 45 at a cocktail-style event. The Wine Room can handle between 40 and 65 guests amidst the restaurant’s gorgeous wine selection and the Roma Room seats 60 with up to 85 mingling attendees. Submit request details online or call 360.528.3663 for details.

 

Meeting House at Priest Point

Near downtown but surrounded by the park’s greenery, the Meeting House at Priest Point has a full kitchen, great room, patio, large manicured field, ample parking, and various amenities for weddings, fundraisers, meetings, parties, or any other non-alcohol event. They provide Wi-Fi, chairs and tables, projector screen, dishes and silverware and even a piano. Non-profits receive a discounted rental rate and you can check the online calendar or request a date in advance.

 

The Olympia Ballroom

Recently updated and under new ownership, the Olympia Ballroom has a 2500 square foot ballroom for up to 300 guests. Private parties, performing arts events, and business functions will find no vendor restrictions and tiered event management packages to fit every budget. Reservations can be hourly or designed to include tables, chairs, projectors, screens, and a full sound system. The site is truly a historic downtown gathering place and will continue to be so for many years to come. Call 360.789.6050 with questions or to reserve a date.

 

The EcoHouse

Want something a little different? Try the EcoHouse shared office, meeting, and party space. A small house with lovely garden, the site can be whatever you need. From social events to office sharing, they are located downtown and convenient to several Intercity Transit bus routes. To learn more or discuss all they can offer, call 360.763.1412 or fill out the space rental request form and someone will reach out to help you plan for your event.