Month: August 2012

In the early seventies it was decided that a conference centre should be built in Madrid and this world-class facility is now located on Paseo de la Castellana in the heart of Madrid’s financial district, close to the AZCA commercial area.



The Palacio de Congresos de Madrid is instantly identifiable from the large mosaic composition on its façade created by the Spanish Catalan painter, sculptor and ceramist, Joan Miró i Ferrà. Miró achieved international acclaim during his lifetime by developing his own unique style – utilising organic forms and flattened picture planes drawn with a sharp line. His work has been interpreted as Surrealism, with such luminaries as the famous author Ernest Hemmingway being amongst his clientele. King Juan Carlos of Spain awarded him the Gold Medal of Fine Arts in 1980.



The centre is close to several of the best hotels, apartments, restaurants and shops in the city, with the Santiago Bernabéu football stadium nearby (home of the Real Madrid Football Club). This superb venue is one of the main conference centres in the capital and hosts more conferences than any other venue in Spain.



Palacio de Congresos de Madrid offers numerous polyvalent premises for up to 2,000 people, but is happy to provide facilities for much smaller groups. The centre features a variety of spaces, conference halls, exhibition halls, auxiliary halls, auditoriums, summary tables and floor plans. It can meet the most demanding of event hosting requirements, with music performances by international stars also being held at the Palacio de Congresos on a regular basis.

The best comic shop in the world is in Madrid, according to ComicCon, the first time a Spanish shop has won the award.



The shop, Arika Comics, has won the Oscar equivalent for the comic, the Eisner Prizer, and will be given the award for best shop at the International Comics Convention in San Diego on September 15.



The shop is 360mm2 over two floors, and the prize jury said this was more than a large space but had used to develop new visitors interest in comics. The shop has been in operation for 19 years.

In 2013 the BCO Annual Conference will be held in one of Europe’s most vibrant, cultural and dynamic capitals; Madrid.

 

Madrid, with its stunning contemporary and classical architecture, is a must for those who not only enjoy working within the built environment, but also those who influence and shape our urban fabric.

 

The BCO will be able to offer the opportunity to sample the very best that the City has to offer from large headquarters for major global companies to interment, well designed public realm, both of which knit together to provide the heartbeat of this evocative capital.

 

The Spanish economy is currently facing a number of challenges and is likely to continue to do so in 2013. The visit will allow them to learn how these challenges are being dealt with by the local developers, designers, banks and office occupiers.

Rotterdam, 4 June 2012 – The Manhattan Hotel Rotterdam is nominated for the 2012 World Luxury Hotel Awards, accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for luxury hotels and spa’s worldwide. These awards are established as a celebration of ultimate achievement in service excellence, rewarding and congratulating hotels and spas that have excelled beyond the normal call of duty. With this award the organization strives to set the benchmark for luxury hotels and spas on globally in achieving recognition for exceptional service.

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has debuted in Madrid with the opening of the Sheraton Madrid Mirasierra Hotel & Spa. Owned by Comercial Mirasierra Group, the hotel is part of Starwood’s strategic multi-billion expansion plan to open more than 60 Sheraton hotels around the world in the next three years.

 

“We are delighted to partner with Comercial Mirasierra Group as we debut the Sheraton brand in Madrid, an important business and leisure travel destination,” said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. “The Sheraton Madrid Mirasierra is a wonderful addition to Sheraton’s global portfolio. This hotel further underlines Starwood’s commitment to continued growth in Spain.”

 

Located in the residential area of Mirasierra near the buzzing city center, the Sheraton Madrid Mirasierra Hotel & Spa comprises 180 spacious guest rooms, each featuring the brand’s signature all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper(R) bed, an all-day dining restaurant, lobby bar, terrace lounge and pool bar. The hotel also offers Sheraton Fitness programmed by Core Performance, a spacious spa as well as an indoor and outdoor pool. For business travelers, the hotel features a fully-equipped business center and over 13,000 square feet of meeting space including a ballroom of approximately 9,000 square feet and eight meeting rooms.

Built as a palatial private home in 1897, Hotel Le Palais Prague is located in an exclusive residential area which is only a 10-minute walk to Wenceslas Square. Opened in 2002, the hotel is already recognized as a local hospitality landmark. The 72 individually designed luxurious guest rooms and suites are a great combination of high-quality design, fine materials, warm colors and modern technology. In-house guests can enjoy the complimentary health club which includes a fitness facility, sauna, steam bath, aroma showers, and whirlpool during their stay. The fine dining restaurant Le Papillion offers culinary delights complemented with breathtaking views of the city of Prague. The balanced blend of historic atmosphere and state-of-the-art technology makes the Le Palais the number one choice for stylish meetings.

From September through October 2012 take advantage of the hotel’s Special Autumn Meeting Offer. Rates start at EUR 159 per room, per night, and include:
    
•   Full breakfast
•   Complimentary mini-bar and coffee & tea facilities in the room
•   Use of Health Club (fitness, whirlpool, sauna, steam bath and aroma shower)
•   Daily newspapers
•   Shoe-shine service
•   Turndown service with good night chocolate
•   Internet access
•   Shuttle to Wenceslas Square
    
Rates are inclusive of 14% Vat and 10% commission. Minimum of 10 rooms a night required.

Park Hotel Amsterdam is proud to announce that it’s been nominated for the second time as ‘Netherlands’ Leading Business Hotel’ by the World Travel Awards. Also hailed as the “Oscars of the travel industry”!

The Columbus invites you to enjoy its shady terrace overlooking the Princess Grace Rose Garden, whether for a quick lunch or a three-course meal.

The atmosphere is magical in the evenings, with softly filtered light, candles on the tables and a lounge bar to relax in with a drink before your meal.

As for the food, the chef has designed a Mediterranean menu with exotic touches that will delight fans of simple fare and gourmets alike.

There are original burgers and classic pizzas for those who prefer a one-course meal and prawn casserole with curry, foie gras and peaches and shrimp and mango salad for lovers of new flavours.

The dishes are prepared using fresh, seasonal products and are attractively presented.