Movies At Madame Tussauds

Movies at Madame Tussauds
Movies at Madame Tussauds
Merlin Events have launched a new movie themed venue named Movies at Madame Tussauds. Madame Tussauds has large space for meetings for up to 1,000 guests but this new addition adds something a little different with the event being themed around Hollywood movie hits. The space can accommodate up to 80 delegates for a seated dinner or 120 for a drinks reception whilst also having use of a private screening room.

The Fontainebleau Miami – A Great Hotel For A Large Group

The Fontainebleau Miami – a great hotel for a large group
The Fontainebleau Miami – a great hotel for a large group

Last week we were in Miami for a client’s conference at the Fontainebleau Hotel, which is located on Miami Beach, only a 20 minute transfer from the Miami International Airport.  It is an art-deco style, luxury hotel with a total of 1,504 bedrooms.  The group we were with had 900 attendees and this hotel is ideal as there are three ballrooms and more than 40 smaller meeting rooms for break out sessions.   The ballrooms can be used for plenary sessions and private dining.  As we were there for three days it was important that the group had a change of room for different meals and there is a large amount of outside space, which meant that we could have lunches and dinners outside, to enjoy the lovely weather.   See above for a picture from the pool party.


Miami has lots of top end restaurants and the group went on a dine-around as well as an offsite dinner at the Perez Art Museum.  They were also able to have some time for activities and could go on a trip to the Everglades, bike tour of the Art Deco district, culinary tour of Little Havanna, segways in the Winwood art and design area, take part in a catamaran regatta, paddle boarding or kayaking.


Call us for more information on 01780 484050

The Palace Manchester Relaunch Event Space

The Palace Manchester relaunch event space
The Palace Manchester relaunch event space

The Palace in Manchester has recently relaunched its event conference, meetings and events spaces as part of a multi-million-pound refurbishment. All 17 meeting and private dining spaces have been fully restored and upgraded to combine modern technology and contemporary décor whilst keeping the venues classic Edwardian features. The Art Deco ballroom can accommodate up to 1,000 guests seated, and can work in connection with the Whitworth room, which has original tiled features and columns. This can work as a pre-function space or a standalone room for up to 450 delegates. The director’s suite on the second floor has also been fully restored and rejuvenated to provide a setting for board meetings, exclusive parties and receptions for up to 100 guests.

Vienna Highly Placed In Industry Figures

Vienna highly placed in industry figures
Vienna highly placed in industry figures
Leading congress destination Vienna put in yet another strong showing in the 2015 statistics published by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), claiming fourth place worldwide. The international congress stats just released by ICCA for 2015 see fourth spot going to the Austrian capital. With a total of 178 events, the city ranked only behind Berlin (195), Paris (186) and Barcelona (180). Christian Mutschlechner, head of the Vienna Convention Bureau (VCB) at the Vienna Tourist Board explained: ” This latest success reflects the growth achieved by Vienna’s meetings industry in 2015. At EUR 1,068m, Vienna’s contribution to nationwide induced economic impact passed the one billion euro mark for the first time in 2015.


Meetings and congresses in Vienna also set a new all-time record for overnight stays, at 1.7 million bednights for the year. The survey is an important industry barometer and benchmark for the Vienna Convention Bureau as it confirms the city’s standing among its international peers.” Fifth place in the ICCA ranking was shared by London and Madrid (with 171 events each), followed by Singapore (156), Istanbul (148), Lisbon (145) and Copenhagen (138). Broken down by country, Austria ranked 14th overall, with 258 events. First place was claimed by the USA (925) followed by Germany (667) and Spain (572).

New Five-Star Boutique Hotel In Barcelona

New Five-Star Boutique Hotel in Barcelona
New Five-Star Boutique Hotel in Barcelona

Ohla Eixample is the newest addition to Barcelona’s modern architecture scene. The unique hotel which opened on 25th April features a striking and contemporary façade, made using advanced technology. Guests can enjoy the panoramic views of the bustling Barcelona streets outside, in complete privacy.

Each of the accommodations is urban yet elegant, and feature comfortable furnishings, desks, rainfall showers, and exceptional amenities such as a mini bar and complimentary WiFi.

Ohla Eixample boasts an enviable rooftop terrace, complete with an outdoor swimming pool and cocktail bar. Take in the views of the city day or night. Guests are welcome to unwind in the hotel lounge or book a massage in the relaxing wellness facilities. All the best Barcelona has to offer waits just outside the hotel doors. Legendary attractions, world-class shopping, sandy beaches, and more are minutes away from Ohla Eixample.


Courthouse Hotel Opens In Shoreditch

Courthouse hotel opens in Shoreditch
Courthouse hotel opens in Shoreditch

Our philosophy is simple, embodying West End service and culture, in our favourite part of town – Shoreditch.

Located in the centre of Shoreditch, famed for its buzzing nightlife and eccentric charm. The Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch couples the grandeur of a Grade II listed Baroque styled building, with a laid-back personalised service, forming the perfect alchemy.  With 128 guest rooms and suites, complimentary Wi-Fi, a unique restaurant concept, 3 bars including a roof top bar, 10 event spaces, a 196 seat screening room, a 2-lane bowling alley, a luxurious spa, swimming pool, fitness centre and an elegant lobby, the hotel offers a dynamic social hub where guests and discerning locals can work, relax, and soak in a new Shoreditch experience.


Canopy Reykjavik City Centre, Iceland

Canopy Reykjavik City Centre, Iceland
Canopy Reykjavik City Centre, Iceland

Canopy Reykjavik City Centre, Iceland will be opening in July 2016, and as the first hotel in the world to open under the Canopy brand, the hotel will be a lifestyle hotel in the heart of a vibrant neighbourhood. The hotel will have 101 guest rooms in total, set across six connected houses. Guests will be provided with a local treat at check-in and will be encouraged to take two wheels and explore the vibrant streets – the hotel will provide the bikes. The rooms and suites will be styled in shades of ocean and volcanic rock and guests will be able to enjoy a local artisanal breakfast and caffeine in Canopy Central, the hotel’s lobby area. The hotel will feature one meeting room for up to 30 people.

Doubletree By Hilton Wroclaw, Poland Set To Open In May 2016

Doubletree by Hilton Wroclaw, Poland set to open in May 2016
Doubletree by Hilton Wroclaw, Poland set to open in May 2016
Doubletree by Hilton Wroclaw is due to open in May 2016, the hotel will be located in the heart of the city and in the futuristic OVO Wroclaw complex which houses exclusive shops, a health center, a spa, restaurants and a casino. 

The hotel will be the epitome of urban living, with unique architecture and stunning interior design. It will feature 189 guest rooms and 7 meeting rooms with the largest room being for up to 350 people.

Lord’S Cricket Ground Update

Lord's Cricket Ground Update
Lord's Cricket Ground Update

The Lord’s Cricket Ground has opened two new meeting rooms and refurbished a further room during their £3.8 million investment into the venue. The rooms opened their doors on the 11th April 2016 in preparation for the new cricket season. The Grand Stand room is the main conference space which fits up to 56 cabaret or 100 theatre and for events booked in this space you also have use of the Mezzanine Father Time Gallery which could be suitable for breakout space. If preferred, the Gallery can be used on its own for a drinks reception up to 100 people.


Alternatively, the President’s Box can be used for dinners of 48 guests with views over the cricket ground which has recently been refurbished as part of the investment.


Other additions to the venue include digital signage and refurbishment to the kitchen and toilets. 


What’s more for any event booked in the Grand Stand during May 2016 will receive a complimentary tour of the ground for 25 people.


Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland Opens May 2016

Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland opens May 2016
Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland opens May 2016

Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland is opening this month, the hotel is a brand new build with 141 guest rooms and 3 meeting rooms for up to 50 delegates. The hotel is conveniently located next to The Stadium of Light and has an excellent on-site Grill restaurant as well as a destination bar serving cocktails and craft beers. Guests can take advantage of free Wi-Fi and use of the Olympic-sized pool adjacent to the hotel.