Hotels, Venues & Event news
The Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton offers the largest conference space with accommodation in central Southampton. The Mayflower Suite seats 500 theatre style with 8 additional meeting rooms and 173 bedrooms. A 4 million pound refurbishment was completed in June 2014 of all 173 bedrooms, meetings space, Boardwalk restaurant and Hamtun bar. There is a Glass Atrium with glass lift overlooking Southampton water and city cruise terminals. Free WI-FI is provided throughout the hotel.
In November, our team of international venue finders visited EIBTM. Katharine went to visit some unusual venues, which really have a flavour of Barcelona and are ideal for offsite dinners.
The National Art Museum of Catalonia is open to the public every day and can be used by groups in the evening for dinners. The capacity is 2,000 people in the main room and guests have access to the art collections in the galleries on either side of the foyer. The terrace in front of the building or foyer area can be used for a drinks reception. Very little needs to be done to the main room in the way of decoration as coloured lighting can be used to great effect, which is fortunate as the galleries close to the public at 6pm in the winter and 8pm in summer. On the 1st floor the Cupola room is domed with a painted ceiling and statues and has capacity for 200 people for dinner. This is linked to a restaurant with balcony looking over the city, fountains and bull ring. The restaurant can be privatised for groups of 140.
The Maritime Museum is a gothic building in the old port area, between the sea and La Rambla. It has one main room: The Sala Marques da Commillas, with a marble floor, stone pillars and wooden arched ceiling which has capacity of 800 for a dinner. There is also a gallery with a huge replica ship and the courtyard, either of which could be used for a drinks reception.
The Palau de la Musica is an art deco building, with a bar in the courtyard outside and inside is a tiled arcade with stained glass. The main concert hall has a spectacular glass skylight and can take 350 for a dinner. The foyer area or courtyard can be used for drinks. Alternatively the foyer has capacity for 320 for dinner. There are rehearsal rooms and a smaller concert hall, also in art deco style and a modern auditorium which can also be used for events. The drawback with this venue is that is can only be used when there are no concerts. There is no parking so it is not possible to drop large groups by coach outside.
The Dolman Exhibition Hall features ground floor access, a ceiling height of 3.2m, is fully refurbished, has natural daylight and comes with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and free car parking.
The Dolman exhibition hall is one of the region’s largest multi-purpose conference, exhibition and banqueting venue. The Dolman Exhibition Hall boasts 1,700 square metres of floor space. The area is open with no obstructions or pillars and is perfect for exhibitions, conferences, large private parties and wedding receptions.
The Dolman Exhibition Hall features ground floor access, a ceiling height of 3.2m, is fully refurbished, has natural daylight and comes with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and free car parking.
The Dolman exhibition hall is one of the region’s largest multi-purpose conference, exhibition and banqueting venue. The Dolman Exhibition Hall boasts 1,700 square metres of floor space. The area is open with no obstructions or pillars and is perfect for exhibitions, conferences, large private parties and wedding receptions.
The Dolman Exhibition Hall features ground floor access, a ceiling height of 3.2m, is fully refurbished, has natural daylight and comes with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and free car parking.
The Ashton Gate Stadium, the home of Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Rugby Club, is undergoing a £45 million transformation into a state-of-the-art 27,000 capacity stadium including new conference facilities, administration offices, a sports bar, café and shops. The work will consist of three separate phases to the Wedlock, Dolman and Williams Stands. The 86 year-old Wedlock Stand has been demolished and is currently being rebuilt, before the Dolman Stand is redeveloped. Work will then begin to demolish and rebuild the Williams Stand.
The Dolman exhibition hall is one of the region’s largest multi-purpose conference, exhibition and banqueting venue. The Dolman Exhibition Hall boasts 1,700 square metres of floor space. The area is open with no obstructions or pillars and is perfect for exhibitions, conferences, large private parties and wedding receptions.
The Dolman Exhibition Hall features ground floor access, a ceiling height of 3.2m, is fully refurbished, has natural daylight and comes with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and free car parking.
The Ashton Gate Stadium, the home of Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Rugby Club, is undergoing a £45 million transformation into a state-of-the-art 27,000 capacity stadium including new conference facilities, administration offices, a sports bar, café and shops. The work will consist of three separate phases to the Wedlock, Dolman and Williams Stands. The 86 year-old Wedlock Stand has been demolished and is currently being rebuilt, before the Dolman Stand is redeveloped. Work will then begin to demolish and rebuild the Williams Stand.
The Dolman exhibition hall is one of the region’s largest multi-purpose conference, exhibition and banqueting venue. The Dolman Exhibition Hall boasts 1,700 square metres of floor space. The area is open with no obstructions or pillars and is perfect for exhibitions, conferences, large private parties and wedding receptions.
The Dolman Exhibition Hall features ground floor access, a ceiling height of 3.2m, is fully refurbished, has natural daylight and comes with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and free car parking.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Durham, currently works in partnership with Durham Cathedral, so they can organise special events/dinners at the Cathedral. The hotel has recently upgraded their Wi-Fi to a high-speed wireless connection, which is complimentary in meeting spaces. Their fitness centre has recently upgraded their gym equipment.
The Park Inn Birmingham West Hotel is currently undergoing a refurbishment, expect bright “feature walls” in each meeting room! A refurbishment of the public areas is due to be completed by the end of March this year. This hotel offers 300 complimentary on-site car parking spaces.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Durham, currently works in partnership with Durham Cathedral, so they can organise special events/dinners at the Cathedral. The hotel has recently upgraded their Wi-Fi to a high-speed wireless connection, which is complimentary in meeting spaces. Their fitness centre has recently upgraded their gym equipment.
The Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, has recently had a soft refurbishment of their 78 standard bedrooms. Located just minutes from Buckingham Palace and Olympic Park, the hotel is adjacent to the Portman Square Gardens, which is a grade 2 listing in the Register of Park. The park is available for events for up to 600 people.
The Park Inn Birmingham West Hotel is currently undergoing a refurbishment, expect bright “feature walls” in each meeting room! A refurbishment of the public areas is due to be completed by the end of March this year. This hotel offers 300 complimentary on-site car parking spaces.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Durham, currently works in partnership with Durham Cathedral, so they can organise special events/dinners at the Cathedral. The hotel has recently upgraded their Wi-Fi to a high-speed wireless connection, which is complimentary in meeting spaces. Their fitness centre has recently upgraded their gym equipment.
The Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, has recently had a soft refurbishment of their 78 standard bedrooms. Located just minutes from Buckingham Palace and Olympic Park, the hotel is adjacent to the Portman Square Gardens, which is a grade 2 listing in the Register of Park. The park is available for events for up to 600 people.
The Park Inn Birmingham West Hotel is currently undergoing a refurbishment, expect bright “feature walls” in each meeting room! A refurbishment of the public areas is due to be completed by the end of March this year. This hotel offers 300 complimentary on-site car parking spaces.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Durham, currently works in partnership with Durham Cathedral, so they can organise special events/dinners at the Cathedral. The hotel has recently upgraded their Wi-Fi to a high-speed wireless connection, which is complimentary in meeting spaces. Their fitness centre has recently upgraded their gym equipment.
The Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, has recently had a soft refurbishment of their 78 standard bedrooms. Located just minutes from Buckingham Palace and Olympic Park, the hotel is adjacent to the Portman Square Gardens, which is a grade 2 listing in the Register of Park. The park is available for events for up to 600 people.
The Park Inn Birmingham West Hotel is currently undergoing a refurbishment, expect bright “feature walls” in each meeting room! A refurbishment of the public areas is due to be completed by the end of March this year. This hotel offers 300 complimentary on-site car parking spaces.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Durham, currently works in partnership with Durham Cathedral, so they can organise special events/dinners at the Cathedral. The hotel has recently upgraded their Wi-Fi to a high-speed wireless connection, which is complimentary in meeting spaces. Their fitness centre has recently upgraded their gym equipment.
With summer approaching, it is inevitable that team building will become an important part of meetings and events, and Woburn Safari Park has a multitude of different packages for clients to consider. The half day meeting package, (includes room hire, refreshments and lunch), can be followed by team building packages starting at just £31.00 inc VAT per person. Activities range from “Go Ape” obstacle courses to safari off road adventures.
The Safari Lodge at Woburn Safari Park has just undergone a refurbishment and the result is a modern, fresh space with top of the range technology. The new AV system allows delegates to “Plug-In and Play” their presentations on either, (or both), of the remote drop-down screens on either side of the Lodge. The space is very flexible as areas can be sectioned off, or the Lodge can be used as one large room, with space for up to 160 delegates cabaret style, 240 delegates for dinner or 350 delegates theatre style.
With summer approaching, it is inevitable that team building will become an important part of meetings and events, and Woburn Safari Park has a multitude of different packages for clients to consider. The half day meeting package, (includes room hire, refreshments and lunch), can be followed by team building packages starting at just £31.00 inc VAT per person. Activities range from “Go Ape” obstacle courses to safari off road adventures.
The Safari Lodge at Woburn Safari Park has just undergone a refurbishment and the result is a modern, fresh space with top of the range technology. The new AV system allows delegates to “Plug-In and Play” their presentations on either, (or both), of the remote drop-down screens on either side of the Lodge. The space is very flexible as areas can be sectioned off, or the Lodge can be used as one large room, with space for up to 160 delegates cabaret style, 240 delegates for dinner or 350 delegates theatre style.
With summer approaching, it is inevitable that team building will become an important part of meetings and events, and Woburn Safari Park has a multitude of different packages for clients to consider. The half day meeting package, (includes room hire, refreshments and lunch), can be followed by team building packages starting at just £31.00 inc VAT per person. Activities range from “Go Ape” obstacle courses to safari off road adventures.
Tewin Bury Farm, a independent hotel located in Welwyn Garden City is hoping to expand its accommodation offering by the end of 2015. The hotel, which is privately owned by 2 brothers is converting a block previously used for offices and are will increase their bedroom stock by between 7 and 9. Currently the hotel has 29 individually designed bedrooms but with 9 meeting spaces, the largest of which can accommodate 500 delegates theatre style, this will be a welcome addition to the property. Tewin Bury Farm is a beautiful venue located in stunning surrounding in Hertfordshire. The hotel is easy to access from the A1 and has lots of complimentary onsite car parking. All of the meeting rooms have daylight and views of the farm and countryside.
Tewin Bury Farm, a independent hotel located in Welwyn Garden City is hoping to expand its accommodation offering by the end of 2015. The hotel, which is privately owned by 2 brothers is converting a block previously used for offices and are will increase their bedroom stock by between 7 and 9. Currently the hotel has 29 individually designed bedrooms but with 9 meeting spaces, the largest of which can accommodate 500 delegates theatre style, this will be a welcome addition to the property. Tewin Bury Farm is a beautiful venue located in stunning surrounding in Hertfordshire. The hotel is easy to access from the A1 and has lots of complimentary onsite car parking. All of the meeting rooms have daylight and views of the farm and countryside.
Tifco Hotel Group have newly acquired The Heritage Golf & Spa Resort in Killenard, County Laios. The hotel is situated 40 minutes from Dublin. It has 98 bedrooms in total and meeting space capacity for up to 400. There are 6 meeting rooms on the first floor and a purpose built 50 seater auditorium. The hotel also gives complimentary car parking, with over 400 spaces and access to the Health Club, Tennis Court & 5km Walking Track.
The hotel group have also finished the refurbishment of meeting spaces and public areas at the Clontarf Castle in Dublin. The bedrooms are also due to be refurbished this year. All of the bedrooms at the Crowne Plaza Northwood are due to be refurbished this year also.
Trinity enjoyed a visit from Mason Rose and their hotel representatives to learn about the new developments in their properties. So if you’re looking for a hotel abroad for your next event, these are a few to consider:
Loews Miami Beach Hotel, USA – a stylish Art-Deco hotel, seconds from Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road and 20 minutes transfer from Miami International Airport. All the meeting space has now been completely renovated and has capacity for up to 2,500 delegates. In addition, the hotel is now offering Day Delegate Rates. There are 790 renovated bedrooms and a new cocktail bar called The Rum Line. The Loews Miami Beach Hotel is celebrating its 17th Birthday this year.
Forte Village Resort, Sardinia – a luxury beachfront resort composed of 8 different properties, 35 minutes drive from Cagliari International Airport. BA will start flying directly from Gatwick Airport 3 times per week, from April 2015, which will improve the access for conferences and meetings. As well as meeting space for up to 2,000 delegates, there are a wide range of activities such as water sports, golf, tennis. The Il Castello (rooms, lobby, pool) have recently been refurbished and two new restaurants opened.
Puente Romano Beach Resort Marbella, Spain – located on the Golden Mile, the hotel is only 35 minutes drive from Malaga International Airport. The hotel has spent £26m on renovating the meeting space, bedrooms and communal areas and new food and beverage facilities added, including Michelin Star dining. The meeting rooms can accommodate up to 600 delegates and there are 268 bedrooms.
Cape Sounio Grecotel Exclusive Resort, Greece – a beachfront resort on the Athens Riviera, overlooking the Temple of Poseidon, 30 minutes drive from Athens International Airport. This hotel has meeting space for up to 650 delegates and accommodation in 150 bungalows and villas. There are 7 restaurants and bars with great views.
Vila Vita Parc in the Algarve has announced a multi-million euro renovation, which includes refurbishments to the main building, gardens, bedroom sand suites. In addition there will be new outdoor furniture in some of the restaurants as well as re-landscaping of the beautiful gardens. The hotel has six conference rooms and 180 bedrooms.
Loews Regency New York Hotel, USA – located in Midtown Manhattan, a few steps from Central Park and 30-45 minutes drive from the city’s airports. This hotel was closed for renovation and re-opened in January 2014 following a complete renovation. There is new and contemporary event space with natural daylight for up to 75 people and 79 modern bedrooms.
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, Croatia – only 10 minutes drive from the Old Town of Dubrovnik and 30 minutes drive from Dubrovnik International Airport. This hotel re-opened in April 2014 with 308 refurbished bedrooms and renovated meeting space.
For more information, please call our team of international venue finders on 01780 483036.