Recapping The Hyatt Place’s ‘Jingle Mingle’ 

A lot of local businesses offer “Christmas in July” events, but very few that I’ve been to can match the free “Jingle Mingle” event hosted by the Hyatt Place Tampa-Wesley Chapel hotel (located at 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., just north and west of the S.R. 56 exit off I-75, Lutz) on July 31. 

Sure, lots of places have had Santa Claus himself (bottom photo) on hand and available for free pictures at their events, and some may even have had some free food available, but the Hyatt Place management saw this as an opportunity to introduce the local community to the beautiful ballroom and delicious catering available at the hotel — in case you or someone you know wants to host a holiday event there. 

Among the tasty treats served at the Jingle Mingle were small, plated samples of holiday-inspired dishes — like grilled orange salmon on a bed of tasty rice with fresh asparagus (top), oven-roasted chicken with house-made cranberry sauce and an addictive sweet potato mash and braised short ribs with red wine sauce, accompanied by a baby carrot medley and mashed potatoes. And, all of them were actually as appealing to the palette as they were to the eyes. 

But of course, for yours truly, the highlight was the full-on s’mores station (above left), complete with graham crackers, Hershey’s chocolate bars and your choice of mini or huge marshmallows, plus skewers and “hot flames” to toast those marshmallows. Absolutely decadent! 

Each adult attendee also received a ticket for a free holiday-themed cocktail (e.g., a “White Christmas Margarita,” “Tipsy Reindeer” and more), plus vendors like Florida Ave. Brewing Co. and Thirsty Buffalo gave away free beer samples. And, PopStroke, Main Event and Metro Lagoons were on hand, and there was a free photo booth, other desserts and more. 

The event also helped remind attendees that the hotel also will again host a full-on Thanksgiving buffet and this year, a New Year’s Eve gala that hotel director of sales Lorna Petchey promises will not be cancelled this time. 

For more information about the Hyatt Place, call (813) 803-5600, visit Hyatt.com or email Lorna.Petchey@Hyatt.com to book your own holiday party ASAP. — GN

Recapping Thanksgiving & Previewing NYE At The Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel 

Do you already have plans for New Year’s Eve? If not, may I suggest visiting spending the turn of the year at the Hyatt Place Tampa-Wesley Chapel? 

Hear me out on this one: The Hyatt Place hosted three sittings for Thanksgiving Day and Jannah and I were among those who helped sell out the place, each of which offered a beautiful, sumptuous buffet dinner, including a fried turkey and slow-roasted prime rib carving station (photo), plus ham and citrus-glazed salmon, side dishes like sautéed green beans, garlic mashed potatoes and sweet & savory glazed carrots, plus desserts like traditional apple pie and sweet potato pie. There also was live music, unlimited mimosas and a full premium liquor bar. 

Jannah and I so thoroughly enjoyed (and, OK, overstuffed) ourselves, we decided to sign up for the Hyatt Place’s New Year’s Eve celebration — on Tuesday, December 31 (obviously), 8 p.m.-1 a.m. 

Here’s what we (and possibly, you) have to look forward to: More chef-prepared food stations, a live DJ, dancing, 4-hour open bar, a champagne toast at midnight and more. We signed up for the “premium” experience and at our press time, there were still both reservations for the New Year’s Eve event and room reservations available for that night. 

Please call (813) 803-5600 to book your reservation. We’ll see you there! — GN