Located just 15 miles outside of downtown Seattle, Redmond, Washington, may be best known as the home of Microsoft and Nintendo of America, but there is so much more to the city to discover. Its mild climate and outdoor-centric mind-set make it a perfect place to work and play. With striking views, a small-town feel, and an abundance of walking and biking trails, there is never a shortage of things to do and see in Redmond.
Where to Meet
For smaller groups of up to 12 people, check out Seattle Marriott Redmond’s Canyon Creek and Alder Creek Boardrooms. Located in downtown Redmond, the boardrooms come equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, including built-in projectors and LCD screens. The floor-to-ceiling windows and high-backed chairs make the rooms comfortable spaces to spend the day. For larger groups, the 5,000-square-foot Marriott Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 647 guests. Conveniently located in Redmond Town Center, an easy walk to local shops and restaurants, Seattle Marriott Redmond also offers 262 guest rooms and three suites.
The Red Barn Farm is a unique, breathtaking venue nestled on 18 acres that would make any event memorable. It can seat up to 200 people and has all the charm you’d expect from a recently restored 93-year-old barn. Add to the fun by renting a food truck from one of its many local vendors and make it an unforgettable day for all.
If you’re looking for modern amenities without a hotel feel, check out Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village. The facility offers several stateof-the-art conference rooms, an open atrium with ample seating, snacks and Wi-Fi. They also have an on-site gym and plenty of outdoor space if team members need to burn off some energy before or after a day of meetings.
For a truly over-the-top experience, check out Chateau Lill, formerly DeLille Cellars Château. “We provide an atmosphere of elegance from the rural Northwest with a bit of Southern France,” says Director of Events Robbi Hedger. The venue can hold up to 200 people and sits on 10 stunning acres of property for all to enjoy.
The Redmond Ridge Community and Event Center is another option if you want to bring the beauty of the outdoors, in. Gorgeous hardwood floors, high beams, plenty of windows for natural light, and a stunning floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace make it a standout spot for any gathering. Located in Cedar Park, the indoor space features a great room with seating for 175 and three smaller rooms that can fit 10–30. The grounds also feature tennis courts, walking trails, volleyball courts and an outdoor amphitheater.
Blooming with possibilities, Woodinville Lavender has space for 50 guests indoors with sound, presentation equipment and other amenities. But you have to experience the outdoors to really appreciate its exquisiteness. In addition to a covered outdoor space with tables that can seat up to 80, the venue also has a ceremony greenhouse and beautifully manicured lavender fields which bloom June through August. After you meet, stay for a farm-to-table dinner, lawn games, wine tastings and other activities.
Where to Play
There is no shortage of things to do in and around Redmond. Take time to enjoy wine country (Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyards is just a few miles outside of town) and the area’s many theaters and art galleries. Don’t miss Eastside Symphony and the SecondStory Repertory Theater, featuring musicals, comedy shows and other productions year-round. Or get lost at Odyssey Virtual Reality—a fun, immersive, and educational experience you won’t soon forget.
You’d be remiss if you didn’t carve out time to take in the city’s gorgeous sites (and sights) on a bicycle. Redmond calls itself the “Bicycle Capital of the Northwest” and has hundreds of miles of on-street bike lanes and off-street trails (definitely check out Sammamish River Trail and Marymoor Connector Trail). It’s one of a handful of U.S. cities designated as a “Bicycle Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists.
When you’re ready to relax, grab dinner and drinks in Redmond Town Center. Head on over to Matts’ Rotisserie & Oyster Lounge for some fresh oysters (with private rooms available for larger groups) or consider Pecado Bueno, where they serve organic, local, free-range, hormone-free and sustainably harvested products (and with $3 margaritas all day long, you can’t go wrong). There are 110 restaurants and shops to choose from in the town center, so the possibilities really are endless.
