How about Madrid for your next event? Here are our key reasons why you should!
•Comprehensive hotel offering with competitive pricing for a capital city.
•Integrated transport system and second largest metro in Europe, clean and efficient too.
•Major hub airport.
•Outstanding gastronomy with an impressive number and variety of restaurants. There is more than Tapas in Spain.
•Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites surround the city coupled with the golden triangle of art galleries – we are not short of culture.
•Variety of venues from Casinos to race tracks; circus tops to bullrings; exhibition halls to congress centres. Famous football stadiums to Palaces and Fincas.
The Hyatt Centric Gran Vía Madrid marks the first Hyatt Centric hotel in Spain opens this month. The contemporary design and central location of this new 5 Star hotel, just a few steps from the Madrid Metro Station make this an ideal base from which to explore the city. This new 5 star property features 159 spacious guestrooms including 9 suites, Hielo y Carbon – Hot Charcoal Kitchen and Crudo Bar featuring crafted cocktails at the Ginoteca, Via Fantastica – Rooftop bar with an authentic street food experience buzzing with an energetic cocktail selection, Ondas Bar – Vermuteria and Lobby Café, 24 hr fitness centre & four flexible meeting rooms (197 m2) which are located on the first floor with natural daylight.
Last week we went on a visit to Montreux to see what it can offer to event organisers. Montreux is just over one hour from Geneva Airport by train and a similar transfer by coach, with lovely views alongside Lake Geneva. The railway station is in Geneva airport with frequent, direct trains, which are clean and run on time.
We stayed at the Fairmont Montreux Palace, which is a 5-minute walk from the station. It is 5* deluxe hotel, traditional in style with 236 bedrooms and dates from the 1880s. There are 15 meeting rooms in total, some located in the main building and two separate large rooms connected by an underground walkway, which are suitable for exhibitions, conferences and dinners. There are also terraces and gardens which can be used for groups. The hotel is next door to the Convention Centre, so is in a good position to be used in conjunction with that and other hotels in Montreux which are in walking distance. Guests are given a travel card for public transport for the duration of their stay so if they want to go further it is easy to use the bus or local train.
Whilst there we also looked at some venues and activities in the area:
Chillon Castle, right on the edge of the lake and has two halls for banquets and courtyards for summer events.
Domaine Bovy, a small restaurant in its own vineyard which is suitable for meals for groups under 50 people and can offer a wine tasting experience
Chaplin’s World, which was Charlie Chaplin’s home, the top floor can be used for dinners incorporating a tour of the house. There is a new museum in a separate building which offers a film experience and space for drinks and dinners.
Ladreach is a chocolate maker and offers chocolate tasting and workshops.
Ze Fork Vevey is a gourmet restaurant, with outside dining in the Summer and good for a dine around.
We feel that Switzerland is a good option for event organisers, as it is centrally placed in Europe and there are international flight connections through both Geneva and Zurich airports. It is perceived as a safe location and is rated as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. Although rates are more expensive than other destinations, the VAT rate is the lowest in Europe at only 8%.
If you are planning an international event and would like help finding a venue or for more information about Montreux, call us on 01780 484050.
Melia Hotels International set to open Innside by Melia in Newcastle
Hotel group Melia Hotels International has revealed it is to enter Newcastle with a second property in the UK under its contemporary city centre Innside by Melia brand. The property is due to open in 2019
The hotel will have 160 bedrooms and suites and will be developed in a vacant office building on the banks of the River Tyne.
Other highlights include a new 30-seat executive boardroom; a new 28-seat cinema; walled gardens; walking trails; and onsite activities such as falconry, archery, cycling, fishing, and an Irish gundog experience during which guests can interact with the manor’s resident Irish Labradors.
The manor, the restoration of which was the largest project of its kind in Ireland’s history, is set on 842 acres, and includes a total of 104 guest rooms. New additions include a 42-bedroom wing and a 4,800-square-foot grand ballroom for groups of 350; both of which are clad in limestone to honour the detail of the original Manor House — as well as an 18-hole, par-72 golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio, four food-and-beverage outlets, and a spa with five treatment rooms, a nail salon, a fitness centre, and a plunge pool.
Other highlights include a new 30-seat executive boardroom; a new 28-seat cinema; walled gardens; walking trails; and onsite activities such as falconry, archery, cycling, fishing, and an Irish gundog experience during which guests can interact with the manor’s resident Irish Labradors.
The manor, the restoration of which was the largest project of its kind in Ireland’s history, is set on 842 acres, and includes a total of 104 guest rooms. New additions include a 42-bedroom wing and a 4,800-square-foot grand ballroom for groups of 350; both of which are clad in limestone to honour the detail of the original Manor House — as well as an 18-hole, par-72 golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio, four food-and-beverage outlets, and a spa with five treatment rooms, a nail salon, a fitness centre, and a plunge pool.
Other highlights include a new 30-seat executive boardroom; a new 28-seat cinema; walled gardens; walking trails; and onsite activities such as falconry, archery, cycling, fishing, and an Irish gundog experience during which guests can interact with the manor’s resident Irish Labradors.
Ireland has no shortage of breath-taking sights. One of the most beautiful has long been Adare Manor in County Limerick. Commissioned in the 1830s by the 2nd Earl of Dunraven — who wanted to transform his personal home into an architectural opus modelled after Europe’s great houses and cathedrals — it has been a five-star hotel since the 1980s. Three decades later, the historic castle has reopened as a luxury resort following a two-year restoration and expansion, its owners announced last week.
The manor, the restoration of which was the largest project of its kind in Ireland’s history, is set on 842 acres, and includes a total of 104 guest rooms. New additions include a 42-bedroom wing and a 4,800-square-foot grand ballroom for groups of 350; both of which are clad in limestone to honour the detail of the original Manor House — as well as an 18-hole, par-72 golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio, four food-and-beverage outlets, and a spa with five treatment rooms, a nail salon, a fitness centre, and a plunge pool.
Other highlights include a new 30-seat executive boardroom; a new 28-seat cinema; walled gardens; walking trails; and onsite activities such as falconry, archery, cycling, fishing, and an Irish gundog experience during which guests can interact with the manor’s resident Irish Labradors.
Five-star Irish Castle Hotel Adare Manor reopens following restoration
Ireland has no shortage of breath-taking sights. One of the most beautiful has long been Adare Manor in County Limerick. Commissioned in the 1830s by the 2nd Earl of Dunraven — who wanted to transform his personal home into an architectural opus modelled after Europe’s great houses and cathedrals — it has been a five-star hotel since the 1980s. Three decades later, the historic castle has reopened as a luxury resort following a two-year restoration and expansion, its owners announced last week.
The manor, the restoration of which was the largest project of its kind in Ireland’s history, is set on 842 acres, and includes a total of 104 guest rooms. New additions include a 42-bedroom wing and a 4,800-square-foot grand ballroom for groups of 350; both of which are clad in limestone to honour the detail of the original Manor House — as well as an 18-hole, par-72 golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio, four food-and-beverage outlets, and a spa with five treatment rooms, a nail salon, a fitness centre, and a plunge pool.
Other highlights include a new 30-seat executive boardroom; a new 28-seat cinema; walled gardens; walking trails; and onsite activities such as falconry, archery, cycling, fishing, and an Irish gundog experience during which guests can interact with the manor’s resident Irish Labradors.
The latest addition to Principal will open in London in early 2018.
The 334-room Principal London will transform the former Hotel Russell: a Grade II listed building which is located in Russell Square in Bloomsbury. The hotel is steeped in history and will offer a variety of spaces for drinking, dining and partying that will be distinct from each other and unique in their offering.
At the very heart of the hotel will be the magnificently restored Palm Court; which will sit alongside the Principal London’s grand, listed ballroom.
The Principal London is the latest opening from the hotel group, Principal, with recent openings in Edinburgh, Manchester and York following the sensitive restoration of historic hotels.
The new 5 star VP Hotel Espana will open this month in Madrid and is located in front of the Royal Palace and Debod Temple. The hotel will have 214 bedrooms and 1420 m2 of meeting space. The Sky Bar on the 12th floor provides guests with stunning views over the city. The VP Plaza Espana is built over 21 floors- 17 above and 4 below ground level. Facilities include spa, gym, outdoor pool outside space a range of dining options.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
Larger event spaces tend to be booked ahead, so longer lead times will mean that you will have more venue options available to you, and therefore be able to better negotiate. Smaller events, say a boardroom for five, are easier to book because most venues have several small spaces that can accommodate this number. Leaving smaller events to the last minute may attract a better ‘last minute’ rate.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
Travel time and money can be a costly part of an event’s budget. Consider your options and whether a series of events across the country would be more time and cost effective than one huge national conference.
Larger event spaces tend to be booked ahead, so longer lead times will mean that you will have more venue options available to you, and therefore be able to better negotiate. Smaller events, say a boardroom for five, are easier to book because most venues have several small spaces that can accommodate this number. Leaving smaller events to the last minute may attract a better ‘last minute’ rate.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
Travel time and money can be a costly part of an event’s budget. Consider your options and whether a series of events across the country would be more time and cost effective than one huge national conference.
Larger event spaces tend to be booked ahead, so longer lead times will mean that you will have more venue options available to you, and therefore be able to better negotiate. Smaller events, say a boardroom for five, are easier to book because most venues have several small spaces that can accommodate this number. Leaving smaller events to the last minute may attract a better ‘last minute’ rate.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
Demonstrate that you are a professional in your field rather than an amateur – amateurs cost hotels money and can be risky business. Show that your business is good for the venue and make it desirable for them. Build relationships with your venues, look at a long term relationship with both the venue and the venue group and review your overall buying position; is your buying spread over lots of venues or is it streamlined to a few suppliers, making you a big fish in their pond and therefore more attractive to them? Would a three-year contract bring the price down?
Travel time and money can be a costly part of an event’s budget. Consider your options and whether a series of events across the country would be more time and cost effective than one huge national conference.
Larger event spaces tend to be booked ahead, so longer lead times will mean that you will have more venue options available to you, and therefore be able to better negotiate. Smaller events, say a boardroom for five, are easier to book because most venues have several small spaces that can accommodate this number. Leaving smaller events to the last minute may attract a better ‘last minute’ rate.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
Demonstrate that you are a professional in your field rather than an amateur – amateurs cost hotels money and can be risky business. Show that your business is good for the venue and make it desirable for them. Build relationships with your venues, look at a long term relationship with both the venue and the venue group and review your overall buying position; is your buying spread over lots of venues or is it streamlined to a few suppliers, making you a big fish in their pond and therefore more attractive to them? Would a three-year contract bring the price down?
Travel time and money can be a costly part of an event’s budget. Consider your options and whether a series of events across the country would be more time and cost effective than one huge national conference.
Larger event spaces tend to be booked ahead, so longer lead times will mean that you will have more venue options available to you, and therefore be able to better negotiate. Smaller events, say a boardroom for five, are easier to book because most venues have several small spaces that can accommodate this number. Leaving smaller events to the last minute may attract a better ‘last minute’ rate.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
There are ways in which an organiser or venue finder can obtain a better deal. Start by being aware of the market the hotel or venue is in and how important your type of business is to them. To a venue not all business is good business and so they need to match the right business at the right price at the right time. Find out what business is good business to them. When we conduct a site visit, we always ask a venue what their ideal size and type of event is and if they prefer day delegates or residential events. This ensures we can better match a venue to our clients’ events and create the ideal partnership that works for all parties.
Demonstrate that you are a professional in your field rather than an amateur – amateurs cost hotels money and can be risky business. Show that your business is good for the venue and make it desirable for them. Build relationships with your venues, look at a long term relationship with both the venue and the venue group and review your overall buying position; is your buying spread over lots of venues or is it streamlined to a few suppliers, making you a big fish in their pond and therefore more attractive to them? Would a three-year contract bring the price down?
Travel time and money can be a costly part of an event’s budget. Consider your options and whether a series of events across the country would be more time and cost effective than one huge national conference.
Larger event spaces tend to be booked ahead, so longer lead times will mean that you will have more venue options available to you, and therefore be able to better negotiate. Smaller events, say a boardroom for five, are easier to book because most venues have several small spaces that can accommodate this number. Leaving smaller events to the last minute may attract a better ‘last minute’ rate.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
There are ways in which an organiser or venue finder can obtain a better deal. Start by being aware of the market the hotel or venue is in and how important your type of business is to them. To a venue not all business is good business and so they need to match the right business at the right price at the right time. Find out what business is good business to them. When we conduct a site visit, we always ask a venue what their ideal size and type of event is and if they prefer day delegates or residential events. This ensures we can better match a venue to our clients’ events and create the ideal partnership that works for all parties.
Demonstrate that you are a professional in your field rather than an amateur – amateurs cost hotels money and can be risky business. Show that your business is good for the venue and make it desirable for them. Build relationships with your venues, look at a long term relationship with both the venue and the venue group and review your overall buying position; is your buying spread over lots of venues or is it streamlined to a few suppliers, making you a big fish in their pond and therefore more attractive to them? Would a three-year contract bring the price down?
Travel time and money can be a costly part of an event’s budget. Consider your options and whether a series of events across the country would be more time and cost effective than one huge national conference.
Larger event spaces tend to be booked ahead, so longer lead times will mean that you will have more venue options available to you, and therefore be able to better negotiate. Smaller events, say a boardroom for five, are easier to book because most venues have several small spaces that can accommodate this number. Leaving smaller events to the last minute may attract a better ‘last minute’ rate.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
Many organisers will look to save money by negotiating with their venues, but it’s not a straightforward process because hotels and venues are now in the driving seat. They have a more scientific approach to their pricing policies and more resilience too. Space will be managed more tightly with minimum numbers per room stricter than they may have been in the past. Contracts are becoming more rigid with less room for negotiation.
There are ways in which an organiser or venue finder can obtain a better deal. Start by being aware of the market the hotel or venue is in and how important your type of business is to them. To a venue not all business is good business and so they need to match the right business at the right price at the right time. Find out what business is good business to them. When we conduct a site visit, we always ask a venue what their ideal size and type of event is and if they prefer day delegates or residential events. This ensures we can better match a venue to our clients’ events and create the ideal partnership that works for all parties.
Demonstrate that you are a professional in your field rather than an amateur – amateurs cost hotels money and can be risky business. Show that your business is good for the venue and make it desirable for them. Build relationships with your venues, look at a long term relationship with both the venue and the venue group and review your overall buying position; is your buying spread over lots of venues or is it streamlined to a few suppliers, making you a big fish in their pond and therefore more attractive to them? Would a three-year contract bring the price down?
Travel time and money can be a costly part of an event’s budget. Consider your options and whether a series of events across the country would be more time and cost effective than one huge national conference.
Larger event spaces tend to be booked ahead, so longer lead times will mean that you will have more venue options available to you, and therefore be able to better negotiate. Smaller events, say a boardroom for five, are easier to book because most venues have several small spaces that can accommodate this number. Leaving smaller events to the last minute may attract a better ‘last minute’ rate.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
Many organisers will look to save money by negotiating with their venues, but it’s not a straightforward process because hotels and venues are now in the driving seat. They have a more scientific approach to their pricing policies and more resilience too. Space will be managed more tightly with minimum numbers per room stricter than they may have been in the past. Contracts are becoming more rigid with less room for negotiation.
There are ways in which an organiser or venue finder can obtain a better deal. Start by being aware of the market the hotel or venue is in and how important your type of business is to them. To a venue not all business is good business and so they need to match the right business at the right price at the right time. Find out what business is good business to them. When we conduct a site visit, we always ask a venue what their ideal size and type of event is and if they prefer day delegates or residential events. This ensures we can better match a venue to our clients’ events and create the ideal partnership that works for all parties.
Demonstrate that you are a professional in your field rather than an amateur – amateurs cost hotels money and can be risky business. Show that your business is good for the venue and make it desirable for them. Build relationships with your venues, look at a long term relationship with both the venue and the venue group and review your overall buying position; is your buying spread over lots of venues or is it streamlined to a few suppliers, making you a big fish in their pond and therefore more attractive to them? Would a three-year contract bring the price down?
Travel time and money can be a costly part of an event’s budget. Consider your options and whether a series of events across the country would be more time and cost effective than one huge national conference.
Larger event spaces tend to be booked ahead, so longer lead times will mean that you will have more venue options available to you, and therefore be able to better negotiate. Smaller events, say a boardroom for five, are easier to book because most venues have several small spaces that can accommodate this number. Leaving smaller events to the last minute may attract a better ‘last minute’ rate.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
By Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO of Trinity Event Solutions:
Many organisers will look to save money by negotiating with their venues, but it’s not a straightforward process because hotels and venues are now in the driving seat. They have a more scientific approach to their pricing policies and more resilience too. Space will be managed more tightly with minimum numbers per room stricter than they may have been in the past. Contracts are becoming more rigid with less room for negotiation.
There are ways in which an organiser or venue finder can obtain a better deal. Start by being aware of the market the hotel or venue is in and how important your type of business is to them. To a venue not all business is good business and so they need to match the right business at the right price at the right time. Find out what business is good business to them. When we conduct a site visit, we always ask a venue what their ideal size and type of event is and if they prefer day delegates or residential events. This ensures we can better match a venue to our clients’ events and create the ideal partnership that works for all parties.
Demonstrate that you are a professional in your field rather than an amateur – amateurs cost hotels money and can be risky business. Show that your business is good for the venue and make it desirable for them. Build relationships with your venues, look at a long term relationship with both the venue and the venue group and review your overall buying position; is your buying spread over lots of venues or is it streamlined to a few suppliers, making you a big fish in their pond and therefore more attractive to them? Would a three-year contract bring the price down?
Travel time and money can be a costly part of an event’s budget. Consider your options and whether a series of events across the country would be more time and cost effective than one huge national conference.
Larger event spaces tend to be booked ahead, so longer lead times will mean that you will have more venue options available to you, and therefore be able to better negotiate. Smaller events, say a boardroom for five, are easier to book because most venues have several small spaces that can accommodate this number. Leaving smaller events to the last minute may attract a better ‘last minute’ rate.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
By Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO of Trinity Event Solutions:
Many organisers will look to save money by negotiating with their venues, but it’s not a straightforward process because hotels and venues are now in the driving seat. They have a more scientific approach to their pricing policies and more resilience too. Space will be managed more tightly with minimum numbers per room stricter than they may have been in the past. Contracts are becoming more rigid with less room for negotiation.
There are ways in which an organiser or venue finder can obtain a better deal. Start by being aware of the market the hotel or venue is in and how important your type of business is to them. To a venue not all business is good business and so they need to match the right business at the right price at the right time. Find out what business is good business to them. When we conduct a site visit, we always ask a venue what their ideal size and type of event is and if they prefer day delegates or residential events. This ensures we can better match a venue to our clients’ events and create the ideal partnership that works for all parties.
Demonstrate that you are a professional in your field rather than an amateur – amateurs cost hotels money and can be risky business. Show that your business is good for the venue and make it desirable for them. Build relationships with your venues, look at a long term relationship with both the venue and the venue group and review your overall buying position; is your buying spread over lots of venues or is it streamlined to a few suppliers, making you a big fish in their pond and therefore more attractive to them? Would a three-year contract bring the price down?
Travel time and money can be a costly part of an event’s budget. Consider your options and whether a series of events across the country would be more time and cost effective than one huge national conference.
Larger event spaces tend to be booked ahead, so longer lead times will mean that you will have more venue options available to you, and therefore be able to better negotiate. Smaller events, say a boardroom for five, are easier to book because most venues have several small spaces that can accommodate this number. Leaving smaller events to the last minute may attract a better ‘last minute’ rate.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
Stretching the budget
By Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO of Trinity Event Solutions:
Many organisers will look to save money by negotiating with their venues, but it’s not a straightforward process because hotels and venues are now in the driving seat. They have a more scientific approach to their pricing policies and more resilience too. Space will be managed more tightly with minimum numbers per room stricter than they may have been in the past. Contracts are becoming more rigid with less room for negotiation.
There are ways in which an organiser or venue finder can obtain a better deal. Start by being aware of the market the hotel or venue is in and how important your type of business is to them. To a venue not all business is good business and so they need to match the right business at the right price at the right time. Find out what business is good business to them. When we conduct a site visit, we always ask a venue what their ideal size and type of event is and if they prefer day delegates or residential events. This ensures we can better match a venue to our clients’ events and create the ideal partnership that works for all parties.
Demonstrate that you are a professional in your field rather than an amateur – amateurs cost hotels money and can be risky business. Show that your business is good for the venue and make it desirable for them. Build relationships with your venues, look at a long term relationship with both the venue and the venue group and review your overall buying position; is your buying spread over lots of venues or is it streamlined to a few suppliers, making you a big fish in their pond and therefore more attractive to them? Would a three-year contract bring the price down?
Travel time and money can be a costly part of an event’s budget. Consider your options and whether a series of events across the country would be more time and cost effective than one huge national conference.
Larger event spaces tend to be booked ahead, so longer lead times will mean that you will have more venue options available to you, and therefore be able to better negotiate. Smaller events, say a boardroom for five, are easier to book because most venues have several small spaces that can accommodate this number. Leaving smaller events to the last minute may attract a better ‘last minute’ rate.
Be as flexible as possible in your choice of location and always consider the world outside of the MICE industry and events that may impact on the availability of bedrooms and space available in given months. We are all aware that holding a residential conference in South London during Wimbledon will be pricy, but there are many other one-off events that could impact on room availability too. Do your research and find out before you become set on your dates. Consider your chosen location, and how important it is to the success of the event: the West End of London may be an exciting and vibrant setting but it’s far more expensive than Watford so consider if location is a key factor for you or if economies could be made.
Movenpick Hotels and Resorts are set to open a landmark design led property in The Hague, in the heart of one of The Netherlands’ most famous cities in 2019. Movenpick currently operate 20 venues in four European countries and the company hope that this move will accelerate its growth strategy in The Netherlands and Europe.
The hotel will have 72 bedrroms, an all-day dining brasserie, a gym and three meeting rooms, all designed to appeal to modern travellers, the Movenpick Coffee & Wine Lounge concept will be unveiled at this property too.
• The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, CA, will open in late 2018 with 190 guest rooms, 20 private residences, and over 5,200 square feet of meeting space, as well as a signature restaurant, a rooftop pool, a spa with four treatment rooms, and a nightclub/bar.
These new hotels will grow the EDITION portfolio from a collection of four hotels to a collection of 11 by the end of next year, according to Marriott, which has signed agreements to develop nine further hotels across five continents by 2020, bringing its portfolio to 20 hotels by the end of the decade.
• The Bangkok EDITION will debut in mid-2018 as Thailand’s tallest building. It will have 155 guest rooms and over 5,500 square feet of meeting space, as well as two signature restaurants, a pool, a fitness center, and a spa with four treatment rooms.
• The Abu Dhabi EDITION in the United Arab Emirates will launch in late 2018 on Abu Dhabi’s downtown waterfront. It will have 244 guest rooms and 57 private residences, two signature restaurants, a tea lounge, a three-story nightclub, a pool, a fitness center, a spa with seven treatment rooms, and over 107,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, CA, will open in late 2018 with 190 guest rooms, 20 private residences, and over 5,200 square feet of meeting space, as well as a signature restaurant, a rooftop pool, a spa with four treatment rooms, and a nightclub/bar.
These new hotels will grow the EDITION portfolio from a collection of four hotels to a collection of 11 by the end of next year, according to Marriott, which has signed agreements to develop nine further hotels across five continents by 2020, bringing its portfolio to 20 hotels by the end of the decade.
• The Barcelona EDITION in Barcelona, Spain, will open in mid-2018 inside an existing office building that’s being retrofitted into a contemporary hotel. It will have 100 guest rooms, a signature restaurant, a rooftop bar, a pool, a fitness center, and a nightclub.
• The Bangkok EDITION will debut in mid-2018 as Thailand’s tallest building. It will have 155 guest rooms and over 5,500 square feet of meeting space, as well as two signature restaurants, a pool, a fitness center, and a spa with four treatment rooms.
• The Abu Dhabi EDITION in the United Arab Emirates will launch in late 2018 on Abu Dhabi’s downtown waterfront. It will have 244 guest rooms and 57 private residences, two signature restaurants, a tea lounge, a three-story nightclub, a pool, a fitness center, a spa with seven treatment rooms, and over 107,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, CA, will open in late 2018 with 190 guest rooms, 20 private residences, and over 5,200 square feet of meeting space, as well as a signature restaurant, a rooftop pool, a spa with four treatment rooms, and a nightclub/bar.
These new hotels will grow the EDITION portfolio from a collection of four hotels to a collection of 11 by the end of next year, according to Marriott, which has signed agreements to develop nine further hotels across five continents by 2020, bringing its portfolio to 20 hotels by the end of the decade.
• The Times Square EDITION (pictured) in New York will launch in mid-2018 with 457 guest rooms and four levels of public space, including a 5,000-square-foot performance venue, a 1,900-square-foot meeting studio, a fitness center, a lobby lounge, and a signature restaurant that will lead out onto a 5,800-square-foot beer garden and event deck overlooking Times Square.
• The Barcelona EDITION in Barcelona, Spain, will open in mid-2018 inside an existing office building that’s being retrofitted into a contemporary hotel. It will have 100 guest rooms, a signature restaurant, a rooftop bar, a pool, a fitness center, and a nightclub.
• The Bangkok EDITION will debut in mid-2018 as Thailand’s tallest building. It will have 155 guest rooms and over 5,500 square feet of meeting space, as well as two signature restaurants, a pool, a fitness center, and a spa with four treatment rooms.
• The Abu Dhabi EDITION in the United Arab Emirates will launch in late 2018 on Abu Dhabi’s downtown waterfront. It will have 244 guest rooms and 57 private residences, two signature restaurants, a tea lounge, a three-story nightclub, a pool, a fitness center, a spa with seven treatment rooms, and over 107,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, CA, will open in late 2018 with 190 guest rooms, 20 private residences, and over 5,200 square feet of meeting space, as well as a signature restaurant, a rooftop pool, a spa with four treatment rooms, and a nightclub/bar.
These new hotels will grow the EDITION portfolio from a collection of four hotels to a collection of 11 by the end of next year, according to Marriott, which has signed agreements to develop nine further hotels across five continents by 2020, bringing its portfolio to 20 hotels by the end of the decade.
• The Bodrum EDITION in Bodrum, Turkey, will launch in mid-2018 with 99 guest rooms, suites, and villas, all of which will have views of the Aegean Sea and some of which will have private pools, balconies, and gardens. Amenities will include an infinity pool, garden lounge, spa, fitness center, beach club, and nightclub, as well as over 4,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The Times Square EDITION (pictured) in New York will launch in mid-2018 with 457 guest rooms and four levels of public space, including a 5,000-square-foot performance venue, a 1,900-square-foot meeting studio, a fitness center, a lobby lounge, and a signature restaurant that will lead out onto a 5,800-square-foot beer garden and event deck overlooking Times Square.
• The Barcelona EDITION in Barcelona, Spain, will open in mid-2018 inside an existing office building that’s being retrofitted into a contemporary hotel. It will have 100 guest rooms, a signature restaurant, a rooftop bar, a pool, a fitness center, and a nightclub.
• The Bangkok EDITION will debut in mid-2018 as Thailand’s tallest building. It will have 155 guest rooms and over 5,500 square feet of meeting space, as well as two signature restaurants, a pool, a fitness center, and a spa with four treatment rooms.
• The Abu Dhabi EDITION in the United Arab Emirates will launch in late 2018 on Abu Dhabi’s downtown waterfront. It will have 244 guest rooms and 57 private residences, two signature restaurants, a tea lounge, a three-story nightclub, a pool, a fitness center, a spa with seven treatment rooms, and over 107,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, CA, will open in late 2018 with 190 guest rooms, 20 private residences, and over 5,200 square feet of meeting space, as well as a signature restaurant, a rooftop pool, a spa with four treatment rooms, and a nightclub/bar.
These new hotels will grow the EDITION portfolio from a collection of four hotels to a collection of 11 by the end of next year, according to Marriott, which has signed agreements to develop nine further hotels across five continents by 2020, bringing its portfolio to 20 hotels by the end of the decade.
• The Shanghai EDITION in Shanghai, China, which will launch in mid-2018 with 147 guest rooms, 2,800 square feet of meeting space, and several food and beverage outlets, including a member’s club bar with a private screening room, an indoor nightlife venue, a rooftop bar, and a Cantonese restaurant with five private dining rooms.
• The Bodrum EDITION in Bodrum, Turkey, will launch in mid-2018 with 99 guest rooms, suites, and villas, all of which will have views of the Aegean Sea and some of which will have private pools, balconies, and gardens. Amenities will include an infinity pool, garden lounge, spa, fitness center, beach club, and nightclub, as well as over 4,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The Times Square EDITION (pictured) in New York will launch in mid-2018 with 457 guest rooms and four levels of public space, including a 5,000-square-foot performance venue, a 1,900-square-foot meeting studio, a fitness center, a lobby lounge, and a signature restaurant that will lead out onto a 5,800-square-foot beer garden and event deck overlooking Times Square.
• The Barcelona EDITION in Barcelona, Spain, will open in mid-2018 inside an existing office building that’s being retrofitted into a contemporary hotel. It will have 100 guest rooms, a signature restaurant, a rooftop bar, a pool, a fitness center, and a nightclub.
• The Bangkok EDITION will debut in mid-2018 as Thailand’s tallest building. It will have 155 guest rooms and over 5,500 square feet of meeting space, as well as two signature restaurants, a pool, a fitness center, and a spa with four treatment rooms.
• The Abu Dhabi EDITION in the United Arab Emirates will launch in late 2018 on Abu Dhabi’s downtown waterfront. It will have 244 guest rooms and 57 private residences, two signature restaurants, a tea lounge, a three-story nightclub, a pool, a fitness center, a spa with seven treatment rooms, and over 107,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, CA, will open in late 2018 with 190 guest rooms, 20 private residences, and over 5,200 square feet of meeting space, as well as a signature restaurant, a rooftop pool, a spa with four treatment rooms, and a nightclub/bar.
These new hotels will grow the EDITION portfolio from a collection of four hotels to a collection of 11 by the end of next year, according to Marriott, which has signed agreements to develop nine further hotels across five continents by 2020, bringing its portfolio to 20 hotels by the end of the decade.
The seven new EDITION hotels coming in 2018 are:
• The Shanghai EDITION in Shanghai, China, which will launch in mid-2018 with 147 guest rooms, 2,800 square feet of meeting space, and several food and beverage outlets, including a member’s club bar with a private screening room, an indoor nightlife venue, a rooftop bar, and a Cantonese restaurant with five private dining rooms.
• The Bodrum EDITION in Bodrum, Turkey, will launch in mid-2018 with 99 guest rooms, suites, and villas, all of which will have views of the Aegean Sea and some of which will have private pools, balconies, and gardens. Amenities will include an infinity pool, garden lounge, spa, fitness center, beach club, and nightclub, as well as over 4,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The Times Square EDITION (pictured) in New York will launch in mid-2018 with 457 guest rooms and four levels of public space, including a 5,000-square-foot performance venue, a 1,900-square-foot meeting studio, a fitness center, a lobby lounge, and a signature restaurant that will lead out onto a 5,800-square-foot beer garden and event deck overlooking Times Square.
• The Barcelona EDITION in Barcelona, Spain, will open in mid-2018 inside an existing office building that’s being retrofitted into a contemporary hotel. It will have 100 guest rooms, a signature restaurant, a rooftop bar, a pool, a fitness center, and a nightclub.
• The Bangkok EDITION will debut in mid-2018 as Thailand’s tallest building. It will have 155 guest rooms and over 5,500 square feet of meeting space, as well as two signature restaurants, a pool, a fitness center, and a spa with four treatment rooms.
• The Abu Dhabi EDITION in the United Arab Emirates will launch in late 2018 on Abu Dhabi’s downtown waterfront. It will have 244 guest rooms and 57 private residences, two signature restaurants, a tea lounge, a three-story nightclub, a pool, a fitness center, a spa with seven treatment rooms, and over 107,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, CA, will open in late 2018 with 190 guest rooms, 20 private residences, and over 5,200 square feet of meeting space, as well as a signature restaurant, a rooftop pool, a spa with four treatment rooms, and a nightclub/bar.
These new hotels will grow the EDITION portfolio from a collection of four hotels to a collection of 11 by the end of next year, according to Marriott, which has signed agreements to develop nine further hotels across five continents by 2020, bringing its portfolio to 20 hotels by the end of the decade.
Boutique hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriott International are expanding their joint venture, EDITION Hotels, with seven new luxury-lifestyle hotels opening across three continents in 2018, they announced yesterday. Marriott originally unveiled EDITION in January 2008, but stalled development plans when hotel financing dried up in late 2008 and 2009. It opened its first EDITION hotel in Honolulu in 2010 — what is now The Modern Honolulu — and currently has hotels in London, Miami Beach, New York, and Sanya, China, each of which features its own distinct design, but has a shared EDITION “ethos.”
The seven new EDITION hotels coming in 2018 are:
• The Shanghai EDITION in Shanghai, China, which will launch in mid-2018 with 147 guest rooms, 2,800 square feet of meeting space, and several food and beverage outlets, including a member’s club bar with a private screening room, an indoor nightlife venue, a rooftop bar, and a Cantonese restaurant with five private dining rooms.
• The Bodrum EDITION in Bodrum, Turkey, will launch in mid-2018 with 99 guest rooms, suites, and villas, all of which will have views of the Aegean Sea and some of which will have private pools, balconies, and gardens. Amenities will include an infinity pool, garden lounge, spa, fitness center, beach club, and nightclub, as well as over 4,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The Times Square EDITION (pictured) in New York will launch in mid-2018 with 457 guest rooms and four levels of public space, including a 5,000-square-foot performance venue, a 1,900-square-foot meeting studio, a fitness center, a lobby lounge, and a signature restaurant that will lead out onto a 5,800-square-foot beer garden and event deck overlooking Times Square.
• The Barcelona EDITION in Barcelona, Spain, will open in mid-2018 inside an existing office building that’s being retrofitted into a contemporary hotel. It will have 100 guest rooms, a signature restaurant, a rooftop bar, a pool, a fitness center, and a nightclub.
• The Bangkok EDITION will debut in mid-2018 as Thailand’s tallest building. It will have 155 guest rooms and over 5,500 square feet of meeting space, as well as two signature restaurants, a pool, a fitness center, and a spa with four treatment rooms.
• The Abu Dhabi EDITION in the United Arab Emirates will launch in late 2018 on Abu Dhabi’s downtown waterfront. It will have 244 guest rooms and 57 private residences, two signature restaurants, a tea lounge, a three-story nightclub, a pool, a fitness center, a spa with seven treatment rooms, and over 107,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, CA, will open in late 2018 with 190 guest rooms, 20 private residences, and over 5,200 square feet of meeting space, as well as a signature restaurant, a rooftop pool, a spa with four treatment rooms, and a nightclub/bar.
These new hotels will grow the EDITION portfolio from a collection of four hotels to a collection of 11 by the end of next year, according to Marriott, which has signed agreements to develop nine further hotels across five continents by 2020, bringing its portfolio to 20 hotels by the end of the decade.
Boutique hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriott International are expanding their joint venture, EDITION Hotels, with seven new luxury-lifestyle hotels opening across three continents in 2018, they announced yesterday. Marriott originally unveiled EDITION in January 2008, but stalled development plans when hotel financing dried up in late 2008 and 2009. It opened its first EDITION hotel in Honolulu in 2010 — what is now The Modern Honolulu — and currently has hotels in London, Miami Beach, New York, and Sanya, China, each of which features its own distinct design, but has a shared EDITION “ethos.”
The seven new EDITION hotels coming in 2018 are:
• The Shanghai EDITION in Shanghai, China, which will launch in mid-2018 with 147 guest rooms, 2,800 square feet of meeting space, and several food and beverage outlets, including a member’s club bar with a private screening room, an indoor nightlife venue, a rooftop bar, and a Cantonese restaurant with five private dining rooms.
• The Bodrum EDITION in Bodrum, Turkey, will launch in mid-2018 with 99 guest rooms, suites, and villas, all of which will have views of the Aegean Sea and some of which will have private pools, balconies, and gardens. Amenities will include an infinity pool, garden lounge, spa, fitness center, beach club, and nightclub, as well as over 4,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The Times Square EDITION (pictured) in New York will launch in mid-2018 with 457 guest rooms and four levels of public space, including a 5,000-square-foot performance venue, a 1,900-square-foot meeting studio, a fitness center, a lobby lounge, and a signature restaurant that will lead out onto a 5,800-square-foot beer garden and event deck overlooking Times Square.
• The Barcelona EDITION in Barcelona, Spain, will open in mid-2018 inside an existing office building that’s being retrofitted into a contemporary hotel. It will have 100 guest rooms, a signature restaurant, a rooftop bar, a pool, a fitness center, and a nightclub.
• The Bangkok EDITION will debut in mid-2018 as Thailand’s tallest building. It will have 155 guest rooms and over 5,500 square feet of meeting space, as well as two signature restaurants, a pool, a fitness center, and a spa with four treatment rooms.
• The Abu Dhabi EDITION in the United Arab Emirates will launch in late 2018 on Abu Dhabi’s downtown waterfront. It will have 244 guest rooms and 57 private residences, two signature restaurants, a tea lounge, a three-story nightclub, a pool, a fitness center, a spa with seven treatment rooms, and over 107,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, CA, will open in late 2018 with 190 guest rooms, 20 private residences, and over 5,200 square feet of meeting space, as well as a signature restaurant, a rooftop pool, a spa with four treatment rooms, and a nightclub/bar.
These new hotels will grow the EDITION portfolio from a collection of four hotels to a collection of 11 by the end of next year, according to Marriott, which has signed agreements to develop nine further hotels across five continents by 2020, bringing its portfolio to 20 hotels by the end of the decade.
Marriott announce 7 new Edition hotels
Boutique hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriott International are expanding their joint venture, EDITION Hotels, with seven new luxury-lifestyle hotels opening across three continents in 2018, they announced yesterday. Marriott originally unveiled EDITION in January 2008, but stalled development plans when hotel financing dried up in late 2008 and 2009. It opened its first EDITION hotel in Honolulu in 2010 — what is now The Modern Honolulu — and currently has hotels in London, Miami Beach, New York, and Sanya, China, each of which features its own distinct design, but has a shared EDITION “ethos.”
The seven new EDITION hotels coming in 2018 are:
• The Shanghai EDITION in Shanghai, China, which will launch in mid-2018 with 147 guest rooms, 2,800 square feet of meeting space, and several food and beverage outlets, including a member’s club bar with a private screening room, an indoor nightlife venue, a rooftop bar, and a Cantonese restaurant with five private dining rooms.
• The Bodrum EDITION in Bodrum, Turkey, will launch in mid-2018 with 99 guest rooms, suites, and villas, all of which will have views of the Aegean Sea and some of which will have private pools, balconies, and gardens. Amenities will include an infinity pool, garden lounge, spa, fitness center, beach club, and nightclub, as well as over 4,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The Times Square EDITION (pictured) in New York will launch in mid-2018 with 457 guest rooms and four levels of public space, including a 5,000-square-foot performance venue, a 1,900-square-foot meeting studio, a fitness center, a lobby lounge, and a signature restaurant that will lead out onto a 5,800-square-foot beer garden and event deck overlooking Times Square.
• The Barcelona EDITION in Barcelona, Spain, will open in mid-2018 inside an existing office building that’s being retrofitted into a contemporary hotel. It will have 100 guest rooms, a signature restaurant, a rooftop bar, a pool, a fitness center, and a nightclub.
• The Bangkok EDITION will debut in mid-2018 as Thailand’s tallest building. It will have 155 guest rooms and over 5,500 square feet of meeting space, as well as two signature restaurants, a pool, a fitness center, and a spa with four treatment rooms.
• The Abu Dhabi EDITION in the United Arab Emirates will launch in late 2018 on Abu Dhabi’s downtown waterfront. It will have 244 guest rooms and 57 private residences, two signature restaurants, a tea lounge, a three-story nightclub, a pool, a fitness center, a spa with seven treatment rooms, and over 107,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
• The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, CA, will open in late 2018 with 190 guest rooms, 20 private residences, and over 5,200 square feet of meeting space, as well as a signature restaurant, a rooftop pool, a spa with four treatment rooms, and a nightclub/bar.
These new hotels will grow the EDITION portfolio from a collection of four hotels to a collection of 11 by the end of next year, according to Marriott, which has signed agreements to develop nine further hotels across five continents by 2020, bringing its portfolio to 20 hotels by the end of the decade.
