Our team of international venue finders attended an excellent IMEX forum last week in Frankfurt. It was a great opportunity to meet new contacts, re-affirm existing partnerships and get a host of updates on changes afoot in our key destinations.
Everyone found that Frankfurt Airport was easy to negotiate as there lots of IMEX staff directing delegates to their transfer coaches. With bags labelled and delivered straight to the hotel to pick up at check-in in the evening, the process was very easy and the bus ride was only 15-20 minutes to the Messe. Despite the fact that we were unable to print off our badges prior to the event, the actual process of obtaining them from the support desk on arrival was very efficient and surprisingly quick.
Debbie Beresford was hosted by Hilton and stayed at the Hilton Frankfurt. A large hotel in the heart of Frankfurt city centre close to the Opera House. There are 16 meeting rooms that can host up to 585 people and nearly all have natural daylight. Despite its size the reception was very welcoming and large open area conducive to relaxed and informal networking.
Hilton host a wonderful networking event in the evening at the Mantis Rooftop Terrace. It was a fabulous space, and although mostly outdoor was kept warm with subtle heaters. There was also a circular bar/dining room that provided an ideal indoor alternative. The BBQ food was faultless and plentiful with a range of options for all dining requirements. The team at Hilton were welcoming hosts, passionate about their properties and went the extra mile to make sure their guests had plenty of opportunities to network but in a relaxed way.
Russell Price stayed at the Radisson Blu Frankfurt. The circular shaped hotel is a striking sight within the area and once inside it offers a very modern and quite stylish hotel. The hotel lobby area, where drinks reception for the evening was hosted, is large with high ceilings. All the meeting space is then self-contained on the first floor with the vast majority of rooms offering conference space with floor to ceiling windows and double height ceilings that made the meeting space seem large, airy and offered great spaces for meetings and conferences.
After the drinks reception food stalls were opened throughout the lobby and restaurant offering a fantastic range of food with enough quantity to substantially feed everyone after a busy day at IMEX. Then the entertainment moved through to the showroom where there was a live band and a fantastic party enjoyed by all the guests. It was a great event put on by Carlson Rezidor and their hospitality was great throughout.
George Harriman-Hardy thought that the layout of the floor at IMEX was very well done providing easy navigation around the event. The only time there was any difficulty was when there was a very large stand that incorporated multiple exhibitors within it. He was fortunate enough to being hosted by Rocco Forte. The Villa Kennedy by Rocco Forte in Frankfurt is a luxury 5* hotel that is situated approximately 10 minutes from the IMEX exhibition. The exterior of the property is striking with turreted towers and castle like features. Inside the property is far from castle like with luxurious rooms and a beautiful spa.
After relaxing in the room for a while and getting changed it was time for the evening event that was previously labelled “Kitchen Party” but I had no idea what I was in store for. Upon arrival we were handed personalised Rocco Forte aprons. Instantly making all people attending this event think that we were to be cooking our own dinner. After some champagne and cocktails we ventured into the kitchen. There was a DJ playing live music in the corner and we were invited into the main area of the kitchen to stand by the chefs, watch them in action and eat the food that was prepared there and then. The food was fantastic and is one of the main things I will take away from this is that the new Rocco Forte meetings package means that all delegates will get this quality of food at their meetings.
After the majority of the eating and drinking was done we headed to the deserts cleverly located in the area of the kitchen near the DJ. We were then joined by Sir Rocco who gave a speech and went around talking with all of us. Shortly after a band proceeded to arrive and play live music for the next few hours where everyone sung and danced and had a very enjoyable night even Rocco himself was throwing some shapes on the dancefloor. Rocco Forte where absolutely fantastic throughout and provided a truly memorable experience for all those involved.
Shani Lees was hosted by Marriott and met with several of their representatives. On their stand they had ipads set up for interactive sessions during a presentation of their Marriott Meetings Imagined so that buyers could actually experience creating their own customised meeting. Many of the exhibition stands were very creative with their hospitality and activities like chocolate sniffing from the Visit Denmark stand and salted liquorice treats from Sweden were both new to me.
The Marriott and the Maritim hotels are perfectly located, both just a few minutes’ walk from the Messe and IMEX. The Marriott Frankfurt is a contemporary hotel with a spacious reception, including a small café lounge where you can pick up a ‘grab and go’ breakfast coffee and pastry if you don’t have time for the full restaurant offering. My bedroom on the 47th floor gave me lovely views across the city. My hosts then transported us to the beautiful Kameha Suite, a listed building sandstone villa built in the 1890’s with traditional features including vaulted ceilings, marble pillars and a very impressive double staircase and balcony which lent itself perfectly to an evening of cocktails, canapes and networking. A very energetic female jazz violinist leapt onto the low table next to me to start the evening’s musical entertainment and was very well received. Day 2 started with a wonderful breakfast served in the Ballroom to set me up for another round of appointments.
We all returned from IMEX exhausted, but it was a really valuable trip in terms of learning about new hotels, venues and destinations, so time well spent.
The Park Inn hotel in Bedford is ideally located in the heart of the city centre near popular shops, restaurants, pubs and business parks and attractions like Woburn Abbey and Safari Park just a short drive away. The hotel has 120 rooms all with en suite and free Wifi. There is also a on-site car park and complimentary access to the fitness centre. Breakfast now starts at 6.30am weekdays for those whom need to start their day early. For those looking for team building activities The Park Inn by Radisson Bedford work with local activity company’s based in Bedford that can organise activities such as Canoe Trails on the River Ouse, Clay Shooting, Indoor Sky Diving, Indoor Surfing, and much more.There are 8 state of the art meeting rooms with more than 1,100 square of space and can accommodate events for up to 450 attendees. Most of the rooms feature natural daylight and all of the rooms include free Wifi, and audiovisual equipment.
There are 8 conference rooms and 850 square metres of flexible event space including a Grand Ballroom for up to 400 people. The hotel´s Plenary room can divided into three separate rooms and can be used for a gala dinner, or a large convention. The Melia Paris La Defense also has five breakout rooms which are ideal for more private company meetings, they are located on the same floor around a foyer area. All 8 meeting rooms offer Wi-Fi and audio-visual equipment.
There are 369 bedrooms on 18 floors. The hotel has a Skyline Paris Lounge & Bar on the top floor serving a variety of cocktails and tapas, an à la carte restaurant Le Miroir, and the Palace lobby bar and lounge offering French and international cuisine. Guests have free access to Fitnes gym located on the 19th floor with amazing views of the city.
The newly opened Melia Paris La Defense hotel is situated on the Esplanade de La Défense, centred between two main avenues leading from the Arc-de-Triomphe at the Champs-Elysees to the Arche de la Defense. The hotel itself is in the shape of a boat hull, with spectacular views of Paris. It is located directly opposite the Esplanade de La Défense underground station, 5 minutes from Porte Maillot Congress Centre and 10 minutes away from Champs-Elysees and the Opera house.
There are 8 conference rooms and 850 square metres of flexible event space including a Grand Ballroom for up to 400 people. The hotel´s Plenary room can divided into three separate rooms and can be used for a gala dinner, or a large convention. The Melia Paris La Defense also has five breakout rooms which are ideal for more private company meetings, they are located on the same floor around a foyer area. All 8 meeting rooms offer Wi-Fi and audio-visual equipment.
There are 369 bedrooms on 18 floors. The hotel has a Skyline Paris Lounge & Bar on the top floor serving a variety of cocktails and tapas, an à la carte restaurant Le Miroir, and the Palace lobby bar and lounge offering French and international cuisine. Guests have free access to Fitnes gym located on the 19th floor with amazing views of the city.
The Melia Paris La Defense opens
The newly opened Melia Paris La Defense hotel is situated on the Esplanade de La Défense, centred between two main avenues leading from the Arc-de-Triomphe at the Champs-Elysees to the Arche de la Defense. The hotel itself is in the shape of a boat hull, with spectacular views of Paris. It is located directly opposite the Esplanade de La Défense underground station, 5 minutes from Porte Maillot Congress Centre and 10 minutes away from Champs-Elysees and the Opera house.
There are 8 conference rooms and 850 square metres of flexible event space including a Grand Ballroom for up to 400 people. The hotel´s Plenary room can divided into three separate rooms and can be used for a gala dinner, or a large convention. The Melia Paris La Defense also has five breakout rooms which are ideal for more private company meetings, they are located on the same floor around a foyer area. All 8 meeting rooms offer Wi-Fi and audio-visual equipment.
There are 369 bedrooms on 18 floors. The hotel has a Skyline Paris Lounge & Bar on the top floor serving a variety of cocktails and tapas, an à la carte restaurant Le Miroir, and the Palace lobby bar and lounge offering French and international cuisine. Guests have free access to Fitnes gym located on the 19th floor with amazing views of the city.
And finally, the W Milan which plans to open in March 2017. It will have 76 bedrooms and 5 meeting rooms – capacities to be confirmed nearer to opening date.
Another hotel that opened in May was the ME Milan Il Duca, a 5-star hotel close to the central station. It is modern hotel with innovative design and beautiful views of Milan from the rooftop Radio Bar. There are two meeting rooms for up to 50 people and 132 bedrooms, including 34 suites.
And finally, the W Milan which plans to open in March 2017. It will have 76 bedrooms and 5 meeting rooms – capacities to be confirmed nearer to opening date.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a 5-star Luxury Collection (Starwood) property which was re-opened in May after a €100m renovation. It is located next to the Station Centrale and the building dates back to 1932. There are seven meeting rooms, the largest has capacity for 420 in theatre-style. The hotel has a total of 235 bedrooms, including 51 themed suites.
Another hotel that opened in May was the ME Milan Il Duca, a 5-star hotel close to the central station. It is modern hotel with innovative design and beautiful views of Milan from the rooftop Radio Bar. There are two meeting rooms for up to 50 people and 132 bedrooms, including 34 suites.
And finally, the W Milan which plans to open in March 2017. It will have 76 bedrooms and 5 meeting rooms – capacities to be confirmed nearer to opening date.
The Ibis Styles Milano Centro is due to open in June. Contemporary in design and with 56 bedrooms, it is a 3-star hotel and good budget option.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a 5-star Luxury Collection (Starwood) property which was re-opened in May after a €100m renovation. It is located next to the Station Centrale and the building dates back to 1932. There are seven meeting rooms, the largest has capacity for 420 in theatre-style. The hotel has a total of 235 bedrooms, including 51 themed suites.
Another hotel that opened in May was the ME Milan Il Duca, a 5-star hotel close to the central station. It is modern hotel with innovative design and beautiful views of Milan from the rooftop Radio Bar. There are two meeting rooms for up to 50 people and 132 bedrooms, including 34 suites.
And finally, the W Milan which plans to open in March 2017. It will have 76 bedrooms and 5 meeting rooms – capacities to be confirmed nearer to opening date.
The Ibis Styles Milano Centro is due to open in June. Contemporary in design and with 56 bedrooms, it is a 3-star hotel and good budget option.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a 5-star Luxury Collection (Starwood) property which was re-opened in May after a €100m renovation. It is located next to the Station Centrale and the building dates back to 1932. There are seven meeting rooms, the largest has capacity for 420 in theatre-style. The hotel has a total of 235 bedrooms, including 51 themed suites.
Another hotel that opened in May was the ME Milan Il Duca, a 5-star hotel close to the central station. It is modern hotel with innovative design and beautiful views of Milan from the rooftop Radio Bar. There are two meeting rooms for up to 50 people and 132 bedrooms, including 34 suites.
And finally, the W Milan which plans to open in March 2017. It will have 76 bedrooms and 5 meeting rooms – capacities to be confirmed nearer to opening date.
Mandarin Oriental Milan (pictured) is due to open on 17th August. It is in the heart of the Quadrilatero d’Oro fashion district, with the Bulgari, Four Seasons, Armani and Palazzo Parigi all within a few minutes’ walk. There are two meeting rooms on the first floor of the hotel. The maximum meeting capacity is 50 people and there is a private dining room with a boardroom-style table, which can accommodate up to 8 guests. There are 104 bedrooms and a spa.
The Ibis Styles Milano Centro is due to open in June. Contemporary in design and with 56 bedrooms, it is a 3-star hotel and good budget option.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a 5-star Luxury Collection (Starwood) property which was re-opened in May after a €100m renovation. It is located next to the Station Centrale and the building dates back to 1932. There are seven meeting rooms, the largest has capacity for 420 in theatre-style. The hotel has a total of 235 bedrooms, including 51 themed suites.
Another hotel that opened in May was the ME Milan Il Duca, a 5-star hotel close to the central station. It is modern hotel with innovative design and beautiful views of Milan from the rooftop Radio Bar. There are two meeting rooms for up to 50 people and 132 bedrooms, including 34 suites.
And finally, the W Milan which plans to open in March 2017. It will have 76 bedrooms and 5 meeting rooms – capacities to be confirmed nearer to opening date.
Mandarin Oriental Milan (pictured) is due to open on 17th August. It is in the heart of the Quadrilatero d’Oro fashion district, with the Bulgari, Four Seasons, Armani and Palazzo Parigi all within a few minutes’ walk. There are two meeting rooms on the first floor of the hotel. The maximum meeting capacity is 50 people and there is a private dining room with a boardroom-style table, which can accommodate up to 8 guests. There are 104 bedrooms and a spa.
The Ibis Styles Milano Centro is due to open in June. Contemporary in design and with 56 bedrooms, it is a 3-star hotel and good budget option.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a 5-star Luxury Collection (Starwood) property which was re-opened in May after a €100m renovation. It is located next to the Station Centrale and the building dates back to 1932. There are seven meeting rooms, the largest has capacity for 420 in theatre-style. The hotel has a total of 235 bedrooms, including 51 themed suites.
Another hotel that opened in May was the ME Milan Il Duca, a 5-star hotel close to the central station. It is modern hotel with innovative design and beautiful views of Milan from the rooftop Radio Bar. There are two meeting rooms for up to 50 people and 132 bedrooms, including 34 suites.
And finally, the W Milan which plans to open in March 2017. It will have 76 bedrooms and 5 meeting rooms – capacities to be confirmed nearer to opening date.
There’s LaGare Milan, which opened earlier this year, very close to Milano Centrale train station. It is a 4-star MGallery brand from Accor Hotels with 141 bedrooms and one meeting room for 100 people in theatre-style. There is a restaurant on the fourth floor, complete with wraparound terrace, but best feature is the RoofBar on the 13th floor, overlooking the surrounding skyscrapers.
Mandarin Oriental Milan (pictured) is due to open on 17th August. It is in the heart of the Quadrilatero d’Oro fashion district, with the Bulgari, Four Seasons, Armani and Palazzo Parigi all within a few minutes’ walk. There are two meeting rooms on the first floor of the hotel. The maximum meeting capacity is 50 people and there is a private dining room with a boardroom-style table, which can accommodate up to 8 guests. There are 104 bedrooms and a spa.
The Ibis Styles Milano Centro is due to open in June. Contemporary in design and with 56 bedrooms, it is a 3-star hotel and good budget option.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a 5-star Luxury Collection (Starwood) property which was re-opened in May after a €100m renovation. It is located next to the Station Centrale and the building dates back to 1932. There are seven meeting rooms, the largest has capacity for 420 in theatre-style. The hotel has a total of 235 bedrooms, including 51 themed suites.
Another hotel that opened in May was the ME Milan Il Duca, a 5-star hotel close to the central station. It is modern hotel with innovative design and beautiful views of Milan from the rooftop Radio Bar. There are two meeting rooms for up to 50 people and 132 bedrooms, including 34 suites.
And finally, the W Milan which plans to open in March 2017. It will have 76 bedrooms and 5 meeting rooms – capacities to be confirmed nearer to opening date.
There’s LaGare Milan, which opened earlier this year, very close to Milano Centrale train station. It is a 4-star MGallery brand from Accor Hotels with 141 bedrooms and one meeting room for 100 people in theatre-style. There is a restaurant on the fourth floor, complete with wraparound terrace, but best feature is the RoofBar on the 13th floor, overlooking the surrounding skyscrapers.
Mandarin Oriental Milan (pictured) is due to open on 17th August. It is in the heart of the Quadrilatero d’Oro fashion district, with the Bulgari, Four Seasons, Armani and Palazzo Parigi all within a few minutes’ walk. There are two meeting rooms on the first floor of the hotel. The maximum meeting capacity is 50 people and there is a private dining room with a boardroom-style table, which can accommodate up to 8 guests. There are 104 bedrooms and a spa.
The Ibis Styles Milano Centro is due to open in June. Contemporary in design and with 56 bedrooms, it is a 3-star hotel and good budget option.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a 5-star Luxury Collection (Starwood) property which was re-opened in May after a €100m renovation. It is located next to the Station Centrale and the building dates back to 1932. There are seven meeting rooms, the largest has capacity for 420 in theatre-style. The hotel has a total of 235 bedrooms, including 51 themed suites.
Another hotel that opened in May was the ME Milan Il Duca, a 5-star hotel close to the central station. It is modern hotel with innovative design and beautiful views of Milan from the rooftop Radio Bar. There are two meeting rooms for up to 50 people and 132 bedrooms, including 34 suites.
And finally, the W Milan which plans to open in March 2017. It will have 76 bedrooms and 5 meeting rooms – capacities to be confirmed nearer to opening date.
Milan is having an exciting time this year with Expo taking place and lots of new hotel openings. Here’s a quick summary of the latest developments.
There’s LaGare Milan, which opened earlier this year, very close to Milano Centrale train station. It is a 4-star MGallery brand from Accor Hotels with 141 bedrooms and one meeting room for 100 people in theatre-style. There is a restaurant on the fourth floor, complete with wraparound terrace, but best feature is the RoofBar on the 13th floor, overlooking the surrounding skyscrapers.
Mandarin Oriental Milan (pictured) is due to open on 17th August. It is in the heart of the Quadrilatero d’Oro fashion district, with the Bulgari, Four Seasons, Armani and Palazzo Parigi all within a few minutes’ walk. There are two meeting rooms on the first floor of the hotel. The maximum meeting capacity is 50 people and there is a private dining room with a boardroom-style table, which can accommodate up to 8 guests. There are 104 bedrooms and a spa.
The Ibis Styles Milano Centro is due to open in June. Contemporary in design and with 56 bedrooms, it is a 3-star hotel and good budget option.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a 5-star Luxury Collection (Starwood) property which was re-opened in May after a €100m renovation. It is located next to the Station Centrale and the building dates back to 1932. There are seven meeting rooms, the largest has capacity for 420 in theatre-style. The hotel has a total of 235 bedrooms, including 51 themed suites.
Another hotel that opened in May was the ME Milan Il Duca, a 5-star hotel close to the central station. It is modern hotel with innovative design and beautiful views of Milan from the rooftop Radio Bar. There are two meeting rooms for up to 50 people and 132 bedrooms, including 34 suites.
And finally, the W Milan which plans to open in March 2017. It will have 76 bedrooms and 5 meeting rooms – capacities to be confirmed nearer to opening date.
Milan is having an exciting time this year with Expo taking place and lots of new hotel openings. Here’s a quick summary of the latest developments.
There’s LaGare Milan, which opened earlier this year, very close to Milano Centrale train station. It is a 4-star MGallery brand from Accor Hotels with 141 bedrooms and one meeting room for 100 people in theatre-style. There is a restaurant on the fourth floor, complete with wraparound terrace, but best feature is the RoofBar on the 13th floor, overlooking the surrounding skyscrapers.
Mandarin Oriental Milan (pictured) is due to open on 17th August. It is in the heart of the Quadrilatero d’Oro fashion district, with the Bulgari, Four Seasons, Armani and Palazzo Parigi all within a few minutes’ walk. There are two meeting rooms on the first floor of the hotel. The maximum meeting capacity is 50 people and there is a private dining room with a boardroom-style table, which can accommodate up to 8 guests. There are 104 bedrooms and a spa.
The Ibis Styles Milano Centro is due to open in June. Contemporary in design and with 56 bedrooms, it is a 3-star hotel and good budget option.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a 5-star Luxury Collection (Starwood) property which was re-opened in May after a €100m renovation. It is located next to the Station Centrale and the building dates back to 1932. There are seven meeting rooms, the largest has capacity for 420 in theatre-style. The hotel has a total of 235 bedrooms, including 51 themed suites.
Another hotel that opened in May was the ME Milan Il Duca, a 5-star hotel close to the central station. It is modern hotel with innovative design and beautiful views of Milan from the rooftop Radio Bar. There are two meeting rooms for up to 50 people and 132 bedrooms, including 34 suites.
And finally, the W Milan which plans to open in March 2017. It will have 76 bedrooms and 5 meeting rooms – capacities to be confirmed nearer to opening date.
Exciting develoments in Milan
Milan is having an exciting time this year with Expo taking place and lots of new hotel openings. Here’s a quick summary of the latest developments.
There’s LaGare Milan, which opened earlier this year, very close to Milano Centrale train station. It is a 4-star MGallery brand from Accor Hotels with 141 bedrooms and one meeting room for 100 people in theatre-style. There is a restaurant on the fourth floor, complete with wraparound terrace, but best feature is the RoofBar on the 13th floor, overlooking the surrounding skyscrapers.
Mandarin Oriental Milan (pictured) is due to open on 17th August. It is in the heart of the Quadrilatero d’Oro fashion district, with the Bulgari, Four Seasons, Armani and Palazzo Parigi all within a few minutes’ walk. There are two meeting rooms on the first floor of the hotel. The maximum meeting capacity is 50 people and there is a private dining room with a boardroom-style table, which can accommodate up to 8 guests. There are 104 bedrooms and a spa.
The Ibis Styles Milano Centro is due to open in June. Contemporary in design and with 56 bedrooms, it is a 3-star hotel and good budget option.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a 5-star Luxury Collection (Starwood) property which was re-opened in May after a €100m renovation. It is located next to the Station Centrale and the building dates back to 1932. There are seven meeting rooms, the largest has capacity for 420 in theatre-style. The hotel has a total of 235 bedrooms, including 51 themed suites.
Another hotel that opened in May was the ME Milan Il Duca, a 5-star hotel close to the central station. It is modern hotel with innovative design and beautiful views of Milan from the rooftop Radio Bar. There are two meeting rooms for up to 50 people and 132 bedrooms, including 34 suites.
And finally, the W Milan which plans to open in March 2017. It will have 76 bedrooms and 5 meeting rooms – capacities to be confirmed nearer to opening date.
There are 171 bedrooms, with cricket ground or golf course views, and complimentary WiFi. With eight meeting rooms and a business centre, the hotel can facilitate events for 10 up to 700 people. The Ageas Ballroom is situated on the ground floor and can cater for up to 700 guests, theatre style. If you want the exclusivity and grandeur of the Ballroom for a smaller audience, it can be sub-divided to suit more modest needs. The Ageas Media Centre offers spectacular views of the cricket pitch, with floor to ceiling windows and has capacity for or up to 120 guests, theatre style.
Other facilities include an 18-hole landscaped golf course, Pro Shop, fitness centre, tennis/swimming in adjacent tennis club, extensive spa facilities, including eight treatment rooms, spa pool, restaurant and Lakeview Bar.
The Hilton at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, part of The Ageas Bowl Cricket Stadium will finally open this year at the end of June. The property has countryside views, inviting rooms and business and leisure facilities. The hotel will also have an 18 hole golf course opening in 2016, an extensive spa and the largest ballroom in the south of England. The location has good connectivity via the nearby train station and bus service, with Southampton Airport just 3.9 miles away.
There are 171 bedrooms, with cricket ground or golf course views, and complimentary WiFi. With eight meeting rooms and a business centre, the hotel can facilitate events for 10 up to 700 people. The Ageas Ballroom is situated on the ground floor and can cater for up to 700 guests, theatre style. If you want the exclusivity and grandeur of the Ballroom for a smaller audience, it can be sub-divided to suit more modest needs. The Ageas Media Centre offers spectacular views of the cricket pitch, with floor to ceiling windows and has capacity for or up to 120 guests, theatre style.
Other facilities include an 18-hole landscaped golf course, Pro Shop, fitness centre, tennis/swimming in adjacent tennis club, extensive spa facilities, including eight treatment rooms, spa pool, restaurant and Lakeview Bar.
The Hilton at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton opens June 2015
The Hilton at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, part of The Ageas Bowl Cricket Stadium will finally open this year at the end of June. The property has countryside views, inviting rooms and business and leisure facilities. The hotel will also have an 18 hole golf course opening in 2016, an extensive spa and the largest ballroom in the south of England. The location has good connectivity via the nearby train station and bus service, with Southampton Airport just 3.9 miles away.
There are 171 bedrooms, with cricket ground or golf course views, and complimentary WiFi. With eight meeting rooms and a business centre, the hotel can facilitate events for 10 up to 700 people. The Ageas Ballroom is situated on the ground floor and can cater for up to 700 guests, theatre style. If you want the exclusivity and grandeur of the Ballroom for a smaller audience, it can be sub-divided to suit more modest needs. The Ageas Media Centre offers spectacular views of the cricket pitch, with floor to ceiling windows and has capacity for or up to 120 guests, theatre style.
Other facilities include an 18-hole landscaped golf course, Pro Shop, fitness centre, tennis/swimming in adjacent tennis club, extensive spa facilities, including eight treatment rooms, spa pool, restaurant and Lakeview Bar.
It is located just 20 minutes from Dublin City Centrein the picturesque village of Killiney in South County Dublin and enjoys stunning views over Dublin Bay. The hotel is a short distance from Dalkey Dart Station providing easy access to Dublin City Centre, the aircoach also stops outside the door of the Castle every hour.
The Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Co. Dublin is an 18th Century 4-Star Castle Hotel which has been run by the Fitzpatrick family for the past 43 years. The hotel has 113 bedrooms and suites, two award winning restaurants, two bars, a 20m swimming pool and a fitness centre. The conferencing facilities consist of 12 meeting rooms for up to 600 delegates.
It is located just 20 minutes from Dublin City Centrein the picturesque village of Killiney in South County Dublin and enjoys stunning views over Dublin Bay. The hotel is a short distance from Dalkey Dart Station providing easy access to Dublin City Centre, the aircoach also stops outside the door of the Castle every hour.
We take a look at The Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney
The Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Co. Dublin is an 18th Century 4-Star Castle Hotel which has been run by the Fitzpatrick family for the past 43 years. The hotel has 113 bedrooms and suites, two award winning restaurants, two bars, a 20m swimming pool and a fitness centre. The conferencing facilities consist of 12 meeting rooms for up to 600 delegates.
It is located just 20 minutes from Dublin City Centrein the picturesque village of Killiney in South County Dublin and enjoys stunning views over Dublin Bay. The hotel is a short distance from Dalkey Dart Station providing easy access to Dublin City Centre, the aircoach also stops outside the door of the Castle every hour.
Your coaches will be stars from the sporting world, your à la carte meals will be prepared by internationally renowned chefs, there are bars and restaurants with spectacular views, the Sardinian sun that shines almost 300 days a year, and you can relax and take care of your well being at the Thalasso del Forte spa, one of the “Leading Spas of the World”. It’s pure paradise, which caters for 4 & 5 star guests and all just a few minutes from Cagliari airport.
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, lying west of the Italian mainland and south of France and Corsica, yet it can be reached by a mere 2 hour flight from the UK and under 2 hours from Rome, Paris and Milan. British airways have just recently started a new route from Gatwick airport to Cagliari which couldn’t be simpler. During off-peak season the airport at Sardinia is a pleasure to arrive and depart with hardly anyone around, very rare for any airport these days. You can find Sardinian festivals (gastronomic, religious and cultural) all year round, but September and October are the best months to enjoy them in full. The weather is still very nice and you can experience the thrill of being surrounded only by locals, and this makes the interactions much easier.
Forte Village is a huge resort approx 40 mins by road from Cagliari airport, Sardinia’s international airport, with 8 hotels, 3 villa’s (3 more being built due to finished summer 2015) and 44 Exclusive Suites and 21 restaurants. With an unlimited range of activities and fun things to do, exciting top-level sports, and the most sophisticated cuisine. Whilst during peak summer time (July & August) the resort is purely for leisure guests, corporate guests can take advantage of the shoulder months of May/June and September/October to run their events whilst the weather is still blooming. Some of the hotels have sea views, others open out onto tropical gardens. Some have a terrace or balcony, others feature a garden patio. Some are near the beach, others are near the spa. Whether you have a large meeting of over 500+ or a small meeting of 40, Forte Village can cater for all events with over 20 conference rooms in the congress centre and the largest can host up to 1000 participants. They also have 45 syndicate rooms ranging from 8 to 35 participants.
Your coaches will be stars from the sporting world, your à la carte meals will be prepared by internationally renowned chefs, there are bars and restaurants with spectacular views, the Sardinian sun that shines almost 300 days a year, and you can relax and take care of your well being at the Thalasso del Forte spa, one of the “Leading Spas of the World”. It’s pure paradise, which caters for 4 & 5 star guests and all just a few minutes from Cagliari airport.
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, lying west of the Italian mainland and south of France and Corsica, yet it can be reached by a mere 2 hour flight from the UK and under 2 hours from Rome, Paris and Milan. British airways have just recently started a new route from Gatwick airport to Cagliari which couldn’t be simpler. During off-peak season the airport at Sardinia is a pleasure to arrive and depart with hardly anyone around, very rare for any airport these days. You can find Sardinian festivals (gastronomic, religious and cultural) all year round, but September and October are the best months to enjoy them in full. The weather is still very nice and you can experience the thrill of being surrounded only by locals, and this makes the interactions much easier.
Fort Village Sardinia
Forte Village is a huge resort approx 40 mins by road from Cagliari airport, Sardinia’s international airport, with 8 hotels, 3 villa’s (3 more being built due to finished summer 2015) and 44 Exclusive Suites and 21 restaurants. With an unlimited range of activities and fun things to do, exciting top-level sports, and the most sophisticated cuisine. Whilst during peak summer time (July & August) the resort is purely for leisure guests, corporate guests can take advantage of the shoulder months of May/June and September/October to run their events whilst the weather is still blooming. Some of the hotels have sea views, others open out onto tropical gardens. Some have a terrace or balcony, others feature a garden patio. Some are near the beach, others are near the spa. Whether you have a large meeting of over 500+ or a small meeting of 40, Forte Village can cater for all events with over 20 conference rooms in the congress centre and the largest can host up to 1000 participants. They also have 45 syndicate rooms ranging from 8 to 35 participants.
Your coaches will be stars from the sporting world, your à la carte meals will be prepared by internationally renowned chefs, there are bars and restaurants with spectacular views, the Sardinian sun that shines almost 300 days a year, and you can relax and take care of your well being at the Thalasso del Forte spa, one of the “Leading Spas of the World”. It’s pure paradise, which caters for 4 & 5 star guests and all just a few minutes from Cagliari airport.
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, lying west of the Italian mainland and south of France and Corsica, yet it can be reached by a mere 2 hour flight from the UK and under 2 hours from Rome, Paris and Milan. British airways have just recently started a new route from Gatwick airport to Cagliari which couldn’t be simpler. During off-peak season the airport at Sardinia is a pleasure to arrive and depart with hardly anyone around, very rare for any airport these days. You can find Sardinian festivals (gastronomic, religious and cultural) all year round, but September and October are the best months to enjoy them in full. The weather is still very nice and you can experience the thrill of being surrounded only by locals, and this makes the interactions much easier.
Due to open this summer, the Soho Farmhouse is situated on a 125 acre Great Tew Estate in Oxfordshire. Built nearly entirely from the scratch and located just 90 minutes from London, the site will have 40 cabins in different sizes and styles, a seven-bedroom Farmhouse, and a four-bedroom cottage. There will be a boathouse with outdoor and indoor pools, a main barn for eating and drinking, a teeny barn and camp, cowshed spa, and steam and sauna island. The farmhouse will be able to accommodate a reception for up to 250 people.
Just some other of the facilities promised include a gym & studio, five-a-side football pitch, a two floodlit astro tennis courts, winter Ice rink, crazy golf, stables and an Electric Barn cinema. Previously due to open in July, the Soho Farmhouse grand opening has now been delayed until August.
Lisbon’s newest hotel, Pousada de Lisboa, is now open
This new hotel is in prime position on the corner of Terreiro do Paço, right in the heart of Lisbon, where the ships used to dock. It is a historic building with period features, chandeliers and vaulted ceilings and a domed inner courtyard which has now been restored and transformed into a luxury, boutique hotel.
For meetings there are two rooms: the Salão Nobre (pictured) with capacity up to 154 people and the Sala Terreiro do Paço for 143 people.
Pousada de Lisboa has 90 bedrooms and there is also a spa, swimming pool, sauna, treatment room and fitness centre. There are two bars and on the ground floor the restaurant, with seating capacity for 80 people, has views overlooking Terreiro do Paço – Praça do Comércio.
Last week I was lucky enough to visit Dubrovnik with a stay at the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, courtesy of Mason Rose. See below for my report on the city as a destination, and the site visit for the hotel:
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is located on the South coast of Croatia, across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, and is a very old and charming city, so much so it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The idyllic city feels like it should be in a Disney movie, surrounded by walls, between the mountains and sea, full of restaurants, cafes, shops, churches and museums.
The temperature in May was in the mid-20’s, while June/July/August (peak season) is even hotter, and the flight is roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes from the UK, and the city is 1 hour ahead of the UK. Croatia is currently a member of the EU (easy for travelling) but not currently in the Euro, instead they use the Croatian Kuna (HRK), which currently works out very roughly to 10 HRK = 1 GBP. From a cost point of view the city is slightly cheaper than the UK, for instance a dinner for two with cocktails right by the harbour in the old city comes out cheaper than Pizza Express in the UK. In terms of costs the peak season is very busy and rates reflect this, but April/May and September/October could be ideal as rates are a little lower, the city is less crowded, and the weather is still very pleasant.
The airport is modern, and is about a 30 minute drive from the city, but frankly you don’t mind the drive as the view from the taxi is mountains and sea.
Most of the hotels are located outside the old city, but buses and taxis are frequent and cheap, so you can enjoy the perfect mix of a quiet hotel but within easy reach of the old city. I would say that Dubrovnik is close to what you would think of for a European city, in that there is history around every corner, and part of the fun is just mooching round soaking up the atmosphere, people-watching, sipping ice coffees and enjoying the Italian-ish cuisine (my favourite part!)
USP’s
The old city
The atmosphere
The sea
Competitive alternative to Italy or Spain
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
The Hotel Palace Dubrovnik is a large purpose-built hotel in the Lapad district of Dubrovnik, and is built onto a hill-side with the entire hotel enjoying sea-views. The hotel’s reception is based on the 9th floor, with meeting rooms above, while the bedrooms, restaurants, bars, swimming pools and private beach are located below. The hotel has a wealth of options of guests, including indoor and outdoor pools, and a private beach. There are three restaurants on-site, one serving Mediterranean a la carte, one serving world cuisine buffet, and the last serving a health-themed menu. The hotel is large and spacious, and on every floor an effort has been made to really maximise the sea view, which is stunning. The hotel faces the Croatian coastline and the Adriatic, with small islands, lighthouses, and ships going to and fro. The meeting space is light and airy, and is self-contained with a dedicated private entrance if required. The hotel can also offer a VIP private beach for private dinners, which would be amazing, and which have a discreet kitchen for timely food service.
The hotel is about a 45 minute walk from the old historic city centre of Dubrovnik, however the hotel is at one end of a bus line running directly to the city centre. Also the hotel has plenty of space for coaches and taxis for private groups and transfers.
