The Minor Hotel Group has two new hotel openings in 2018 in Abu Dhabi.
Both are located in Jebel Dhanna which is a coastal region in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. They are close to the ferry departure point and 150 miles from Abu Dhabi city.
The first of the hotel is Anantara Jebel Dhanna Villas which will have 60 villa type rooms. The hotel will feature two restaurants and leisure facilities including a swimming pool and spa.
The second property is AVANI Jebel Dhanna Hotel which will have 230 rooms as well as multiple dining options and swimming pool and gym.
Both properties will have shared flexible meeting space which is also suitable for banqueting as well as outdoor recreation areas.
Last week I visited Dubai to take part in the M&I Forum which was held at the JW Marriot Marquis. It is the world’s tallest hotel and opened in 2013, with a 2nd tower of bedrooms added in 2015. This is a great hotel for events and as there are 1,628 bedrooms it has the capacity for large groups. There are more than 400 twin rooms which is the largest twin inventory in Dubai.
All of the meeting rooms, most of the restaurants, leisure facilities and public space is on floors 1-6 of the building. There are two ballrooms: the Dubai ballroom which can hold 1,500 people in theatre style and the Emirates ballroom for 900 in theatre style and can be divided into 6 sections and there are no pillars. In addition there are 30 more meeting rooms of various sizes. There is only one area of outside space, which is the terrace area by the swimming pool which can take 600 for a drinks reception or 350 for dinner.
There are 14 food outlets, Kitchen 6 has multiple food stations with food from around the world. Any restaurants can be privatised for groups and the Steak restaurant on the 68th floor has great views and a private dining room.
There is building work going on around the hotel as well an extension to the creek so it will come right up to the building.
The service and food was excellent everywhere I went in Dubai.
On two evenings whilst I was there, we went offsite for dinner. One was held at Atlantis the Palm on a terrace with access to the beach. The area easily accommodated 450 people with space for entertainment and the transfer took about 40 minutes from the JW Marriott. The other was at the golf club belonging to the InterContinental Festival City, with a transfer of 30 minutes. This is a modern building with outside terrace and grass area overlooking the golf course and lake.
What to do when you’re in Dubai
Three hours were allocated one afternoon for various activities that the group could take part in to see a bit of Dubai. I chose a tour called Historic Dubai and we visited a mosque, followed by the wholesale silk souk, then took small wooden boat across the creek to see the spice souk and gold souk. It was very interesting and although the gold souk was very modern and ‘bling’. Other activities offered were: dune bashing in the desert, boat trip, visit to Dubai Mall and the top of Burj Khalifa, seaplane flight and indoor snow skiing at the snowpark.
Getting to Dubai
I travelled with Emirates and the flight was excellent. Dubai Airport is the world’s largest in terms of passenger numbers and there is another airport planned to be built between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There will be 6 parallel runways and it will be completed by 2020 when Expo takes place in the UAE
The transfer from the airport to the hotel was 25 mins to hotel and there was no traffic.
The UAE is also building the world’s fastest train which will connect Dubai with Abu Dhabi in 10 minutes!
In March 2016, a new hotel will open close to St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hungarian State Opera House called the Hotel Moments Budapest. The hotel will consist of 99 bedrooms and a roof top private terrace with views of Budapest. There will also be conference space to fit up to 80 delegates and a Hungarian specialist restaurant.
Finally the Aria Hotel Budapest which had 49 bedrooms has opened its door in March. The hotel centralises on the concept of music with its four different wings of the hotel relating to different music genres such as jazz or opera.. All of the conference rooms are named after famous influences in music included James Brown and Bob Dylan.
This year sees the opening of 3 new hotels in the Budapest, Hungary’s capital city:
Firstly, The Elizabeth Park Hotel centrally located in Budapest has undergone a new renovations and changed hands to now become a Ritz-Carlton property. Opening in Spring 2016 with 198 rooms, including luxury suites and various dining options.
In March 2016, a new hotel will open close to St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hungarian State Opera House called the Hotel Moments Budapest. The hotel will consist of 99 bedrooms and a roof top private terrace with views of Budapest. There will also be conference space to fit up to 80 delegates and a Hungarian specialist restaurant.
Finally the Aria Hotel Budapest which had 49 bedrooms has opened its door in March. The hotel centralises on the concept of music with its four different wings of the hotel relating to different music genres such as jazz or opera.. All of the conference rooms are named after famous influences in music included James Brown and Bob Dylan.
This year sees the opening of 3 new hotels in the Budapest, Hungary’s capital city:
Firstly, The Elizabeth Park Hotel centrally located in Budapest has undergone a new renovations and changed hands to now become a Ritz-Carlton property. Opening in Spring 2016 with 198 rooms, including luxury suites and various dining options.
In March 2016, a new hotel will open close to St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hungarian State Opera House called the Hotel Moments Budapest. The hotel will consist of 99 bedrooms and a roof top private terrace with views of Budapest. There will also be conference space to fit up to 80 delegates and a Hungarian specialist restaurant.
Finally the Aria Hotel Budapest which had 49 bedrooms has opened its door in March. The hotel centralises on the concept of music with its four different wings of the hotel relating to different music genres such as jazz or opera.. All of the conference rooms are named after famous influences in music included James Brown and Bob Dylan.
New Hotels opening in Budapest
This year sees the opening of 3 new hotels in the Budapest, Hungary’s capital city:
Firstly, The Elizabeth Park Hotel centrally located in Budapest has undergone a new renovations and changed hands to now become a Ritz-Carlton property. Opening in Spring 2016 with 198 rooms, including luxury suites and various dining options.
In March 2016, a new hotel will open close to St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hungarian State Opera House called the Hotel Moments Budapest. The hotel will consist of 99 bedrooms and a roof top private terrace with views of Budapest. There will also be conference space to fit up to 80 delegates and a Hungarian specialist restaurant.
Finally the Aria Hotel Budapest which had 49 bedrooms has opened its door in March. The hotel centralises on the concept of music with its four different wings of the hotel relating to different music genres such as jazz or opera.. All of the conference rooms are named after famous influences in music included James Brown and Bob Dylan.
Vienna congress centre achieves green accreditation
The Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center was recently awarded the official Austrian ecolabel for ‘Green Meetings’ and ‘Green Events’. Whereas previously the venue had taken responsibility for its own environmentally sustainable initiatives, such as drawing electricity from renewable energy sources, installing photovoltaic systems, 23 E-fuel stations in the car parks, waste avoidance and waste separation according to a comprehensive waste disposal plan, Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center is now officially empowered to license Green Meetings and Green Events on behalf of its customers.
The Green Award is an official scheme in Austria for M&E venues to provide accreditation and accountability for venues offering environmentally friendly meetings. The award helps solidify Austria’s leadership in the International events industry by ensuring that clients are confident in booking meetings that are green-friendly.
Visitors to Lisbon this year will have the opportunity to see the city from a stunning new perspective when the Amoreiras Towers building opens its rooftop Amoreiras 360 attraction to visitors. Also, Lisbon’s landmark 25 de Abril Bridge, which has it’s 50th birthday this year, has announced plans to open a scenic viewing platform 70 meters up accessible via a new elevator (opening date TBC).
New venue options include a museum celebrating the Age of Discovery, set to open this summer in a replica of an historic ship on the waterfront, and the waterside Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) in Belém district, which welcomes its first exhibition in September. More waterborne options await during the arrival of this year’s Tall Ships Race (July 22-25).
Other new attractions in the city include Sintra Mitos e Lendas. This interpretative exhibition in the Tourist Office at 23 Praça da República, opening July 31, will guide visitors through the fascinating world of Sintra’s myths and legends using everything from holograms to multisensory 4D exhibits.
Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is a cosmopolitan metropolis where you will find urban and traditional cultures are mixed throughout the many streets. Landlocked in the Iberian peninsula, this destination offers many reasons to visit beyond museums, the Royal Palace and the Real Madrid football club stadium. Madrid exceeds expectations and offers a large variety of restaurants in which to sample the authentic Spanish gastronomy, which makes this city so attractive.
TOP REASONS TO VISIT MADRID
Good connections with International Direct Flights.
Competitive pricing on accommodation, restaurants and meeting facilities.
Excellent cuisine.
Rich, cultural and artistic heritage.
Possibility to combine with other key cities of Spain.
One of the best cities in Europe for shopping.
Named the 3rd most visited city for congress by ICCA
The New Occidental Praha Wilson – The first Occidental Hotel in Europe
The new Occidental Praha Wilson is a newly refurbished, boutique 5* hotel in the very heart of Prague. It is also just a short walk from the famous Metro Museum and the Central Train Station and with 53 luxury, Art Deco style bedrooms this is perfect for high end incentives and groups. There is no meeting space at the hotel currently.
Occidental Hotels & Resorts is now part of the Barcelo Family and the Occidental Praha Wilson will be the first of many to launch in Europe in the coming years.
Viparis runs 10 leading exhibition, event, entertainment and conference venues in Paris, so whatever type of occasion you are planning any of these venues are equipped to host all types of event, these venues are all unique and with over 200 meeting rooms between them they have space to cater for all needs.
Le Palais des Congrès de Paris, combines stunning architecture, international renown and strategic location with the ease of access and plenty of accommodation. The venue has 4 auditoriums ranging from 373 to 3723 seats along with 105 meeting rooms and 7 welcome areas – all this is just 5 minutes from the famous Champs-Elysees.
Le Carrousel du Louvre, this historical venue is designed to add a touch of prestige and glamour to your event. The venue consists of 4 rooms ranging in size from 750 to 2500m2 – 3 of these areas can have tiered seating, with 2 adaptable areas if required. This is situated a very short walk away from the Louvre museum in the heart of the city.
Palais des Congrès de Versailles, located opposite the world famous Palace of Versailles, this venue offers a manageable and elegant spaces for your event. The Palais has in Italian-style amphitheatre which provides excellent visibility, rooms that are adaptable and offer plenty of natural daylight.
Le Palais des Congrès d’Issy, is a listed building full of 1930’s charm. It offers a wood-panelled auditorium with 946 seats, reception areas for up to 600 people and 11 meeting rooms to accommodate from 15 to 180 people.
Paris Porte de Versailles, a venue that offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. The venue has an area of 224,235m2 spread over 8 wings, enabling in to host all aspects of an event, 2 amphitheatres ans 32 meeting rooms.
Paris Nord Villepinte is France’s largest venue suited to very large events and is just 10 minutes from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The venue consists of 42 meeting rooms, 2 amphitheatres and 246,312m2 or indoor space spread across 9 halls.
Paris Le Bourget, is the only venue in Paris that provides a combination of indoor and outdoor space for events as is only 20 minutes from Paris down-town. It has 2 amphitheatres being able to seat 200 to 8,000 guests.
Espace Champerret, located in the west of Paris this venue encourages interaction and allows private meetings with clients.
Espace Grande Arche, is an intimate customised exclusive use venue with 2 flexible areas to accommodate a total of 2,500 delegates and has 4 meeting rooms.
Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild, is a historic monument located close to the Champs-Elysées, this venue is the perfect match of the elegant nineteenth-century private Parisian residence with contemporary spaces. It has 9 multi-purpose areas and 2 welcome areas.
The Swissotel Le Plaza Basel is located close to the city center and in direct connection with The Congress Center Basel (CCB), right next to Messe Basel. The exhibition complex designed by architects
Herzog & de Meuron was brought into operation in 2013 and combines functionality and aesthetics in the perfect manner.
The facilities are supplemented by the Musical Theater Basel (1500 seats) and the different-sized exhibition halls at Messe Basel alongside (holding up to 10 000 people).
The hotel offers 10 meeting rooms for up to 200 delegates, all rooms feature natural daylight and state of the art technology. The Vitality in meeting at the Swissotel Basel include;
Energy-rich coffee breaks, brain food, lunch and dinner options to maintain a high energy level during an event Vitality in our hotel
In-room exercise equipment like yoga mats, weights, gymnastic balls
Pürovel Sport area with fitness equipment and sauna area
Jogging maps for the perfect jogging route along the Rhine river after a busy day
In 2012 the hotels restaurant Grill25 was rated No. 5 among the best trendsetter restaurants in Basel, as ranked by the food magazine Basel Geht Aus. The restaurant uses the highest quality of ingredients, regional and seasonal products for an authentic experience.
Swissotel Basel provides 238 modern spacious rooms and suites all, to list a few, with air conditioning, satellite LCD TV’S, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Movenpick Hotels visited us here at the Trinity offices, great to have them! They were able to share a few key facts on Paris and Amsterdam hotel with us;
Movenpick Amsterdam
Movenpick Amsterdam City Centre was one of the official venues for the coronation of King Willem Alexander in 2013.
We pump up groundwater from 150 meters depth and use this to warm and cool the hotel.
10 years after the opening, 16 people of the opening team are still working here.
We are the first hotel in Amsterdam with Fair Trade linen and we have the exceptional Green Globe GOLD Gold Membership Certificate. (Gold Status is awarded only to Green Globe members who have been certified for 5 consecutive years and have demonstrated innovation in the responsible use of natural resources, dedication to management and staff, and contributions to local community.)
We have 27 nationalities and 50% of our management team are women. The average age in the hotel is 33.
Movenpick Paris
The Mövenpick Hotel Paris Neuilly was originally a Club Med when it opened in the 1970s. It was an amazing resort in the best borough of Paris. What is now a landscaped garden at the centre of the hotel was originally the swimming pool!
The Mövenpick Hotel Paris Neuilly welcomes a lot of sporting teams such as rugby. During the last 3 years, the hotel have hosted the national teams of New Zealand (All Blacks), Argentina, England and Scotland.
The Mövenpick Hotel Paris Neuilly will launch this year the biggest presidential Suite of the area. It will be a room of 125 M2, in the 7th floor with an amazing Eiffel Tower View.
The 58 Bar & Lounge of the Mövenpick Hotel Paris Neuilly offers the largest Champagne menu in Paris with around 100 different varieties
In 2016 the Mövenpick Hotel Paris Neuilly hosted a Charity Brunch for the French Red Cross with the French president of the association and all the Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts managers.
