Luxury Hotels Group Blog » Business Travel

M by Montcalm – The Best Option for Business Trips in London

Archie Domville — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 11:30:29 +0000

London is one of the economic centres of the world and there are few better places to hold a business event in the city than M By Montcalm.Based in the bohemian district of Shoreditch and on the doorstep of London's Tech City, the hotel provides the perfect fusion of creativity and sophistication.M By Montcalm offers meeting and conference spaces that are designed to encourage and inspire, fostering the same innovative attitudes that have made Tech City the UK's answer to Silicon Valley.Capable of hosting up to 250 people, the hotel's business spaces boast state-of-the-art facilities such as plasma screens, audio equipment and complimentary high-speed broadband.A dedicated events team is on hand to plan your event to your specifications, leaving you free to focus on your work.M By Montcalm is also an ideal venue for exhibitions and trade shows, providing a fresh new face among London's ageing venues.If you simply need a place to rest your head while visiting for business, this is the hotel for you. With easy access to both the London Underground and overground rail services, the whole city is at your fingertips.Luxury comes as standard at M By Montcalm, with a variety of rooms and suites, not to mention restaurants and bars, that are perfect for relaxing in comfort after a day's hard work. You can even go one step further by indulging in a spot of pampering at M Spa, the hotel's very own urban sanctuary.Business travellers can take advantage of M by Montcalm's business bundle, a specially designed package to make your stay as comfortable as possible. While complimentary, super-reliable Wi-Fi goes without saying, you can also take advantage of freshly pressed shirts or blouses, a full English breakfast for two and a bottle of wine in your room on arrival, among other features.Book your stay at M By Montcalm today.

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Take advantage of Handy at your Montcalm hotel

Archie Domville — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 11:06:58 +0000

If you're travelling to London, there's nothing worse than finding that your mobile phone won't work in this country. However, Montcalm have now come up with a solution for this, with their Handy service. If you're staying at the Montcalm at London's Marble Arch, you can take advantage of the hotel's very own complimentary smartphone service.As the first hotel in Europe to offer this facility to guests, it's proving hugely popular among international travellers for both business and leisure purposes.Even in a day and age when the world is connected by mobile devices, many of us still struggle to use ours abroad, or have to pay a small fortune to enjoy the same connectivity that we're used to. Handy combats this issue, giving guests the option to make both local and international calls, as well as offering 3G data so that you can access the internet.In addition, the phone updates with travel recommendations throughout the day, includes interactive maps and gives you a one-touch reservation option for both restaurants and major attractions.Plus, there's no need to worry about your private information, as the device will be cleared of all personal information and browsing history when you return it. Terence Kwok, CEO of Tink Labs which created Handy, said: "Handy started as a bold idea to solve a travel problem, but is now reshaping the tourism landscape. We are absolutely confident that Handy will soon be the must-have amenity for all international travellers."As the first hotel in London and Europe to provide the Handy smartphone services, Montcalm is setting a precedent in creating a hassle-free travel experience for all hotel guests."

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Eventful: the latest e-magazine for luxury venues

Archie Domville — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:21:03 +0000

If you're looking for your next MICE (meetings, incentive, conference and exhibition) venue, but you want something that's upscale and independent, then Eventful is the perfect place to find this.This new e-magazine is a quarterly showcase of upscale, independent MICE venues worldwide. It focuses solely on luxury and unique venues - making it ideal for those of you who want something extra special.Instead of looking at the biggest brands and names that can offer global venues, Eventful will share the latest independent and smaller luxury venues that can be found across the world.Specifically for the MICE community, Eventful will include information for all your needs, as well as raising awareness of industry issues.The next issue will be particularly exciting, as it includes an interview with Martin Lewis and Jennifer Jenkins.Not only does Eventful offer all of the information you could need to plan your next MICE event, but it can offer advice on how to make your events even better.Still not sure what you're looking for?When asked what makes a venue stand out, some of the UK's most seasoned MICE planners and buyers said…What's the first thing you look for in an upscale venue?"The unexpected.""A venue that's taken care of - flawless in terms of decoration and maintenance."How important is individuality or uniqueness in a venue?"Very! There's so much choice in London, so once the quality on all levels is reached, uniqueness will make the difference.""It's the most important part of our business."What, specifically, are you prepared to pay a premium for?"Five-star service, both in pre-planning and on-site.""Something different."

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Mix business and pleasure at the Lafodia Sea Resort

Archie Domville — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 08:34:40 +0000

Working away from home can be tiring, so why not combine it with the beauty of the Lafodia Sea Resort on the island of Lopud just off Croatia?Far from the hustle and bustle of mainland Croatia, Lopud Island is a haven of relaxation, offering everything you could need for a business meeting or event.The polyvalent Avatar meeting room can hold up to 180 people and is equipped with the latest cutting-edge telecommunications and audiovisual technology. The entire room can be decked out with all of the necessary facilities, or it can be split into two meeting rooms for a more intimate setting.The room is illuminated by natural light and offers views like no other to impress your esteemed colleagues and business associates. One of the most distinctive features of the island is its no-vehicle policy, which means it really does offer unspoiled views, free from the noise and air pollution that we are so accustomed to at home.In addition to catering for your business needs, the island of Lopud is the perfect destination to relax and unwind. With 11.5km of coastline, the natural beauty of the island is phenomenal. Enjoy the views from the peak of Polacica, or the stunning landscape that runs between its two parallel mountainous limestone ridges.The resort itself is surrounded by sea and by palm trees, enclosed in a marvellous natural setting illuminated by reflections from crystal-clear waters and the colours of lush, flourishing Mediterranean vegetation.Considered one of the best hotels in the Dubrovnik region of Croatia, the Lafodia Sea Resort offers luxury like no other.Mix your business needs with a once in a lifetime luxury experience, and let yourself escape in this haven of bliss and relaxation.

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How hotels are like – and unlike – airlines

Archie Domville — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 17:02:34 +0000

The hotel and airline industries are, on the face of it, two very different parts of the travel industry. One of them is a place to stay, the other a means of moving between places.Extending beyond this obvious distinction, there are actually quite a lot of deeper levels on which airlines and hotels differ, Gillespie's Guide to Travel and Procurement has noted.For airlines, for example, market share is everything, whereas hotels want to increase their occupancy levels. In the former case this is because the number of people flying has always gradually risen, so it is all about getting a greater slice of an ever-expanding pie. By contrast, hotels will always face challenges from rivals and also alternative methods of tourism, such as self-catering or camping.Prices are another area of difference, with these remaining fixed for long periods in hotels while they fluctuate in airlines. Airlines also run contracts without any seasonal variation, whereas this is a major factor in hotels.All that may suggest that the business models of the two industries are like chalk and cheese, but in many ways they are actually very similar. Both have high costs to produce perishable products, heavy dependence on business travellers, high susceptibility to economic cycles and a critical need to generate supplementary revenues. For this reason, there are some growing similarities in the way hotels and airlines approach the market. Perhaps the most notable evidence of this is the naming of Cisco Systems’ director of travel, meetings and events, Susan Lichtenstein, as the Business Travel News Travel Manager of the Year for 2009. Her innovations include pioneering work to create new agreements with hotel suppliers. This featured multi-year hotel agreements with a hybrid dynamic pricing component, designed to simplify the negotiating process between hotels and the six multi-brand chains they worked with.Many other hotels have followed these leads, recognising that what is good for the airline industry is good for hotels too. As a result, there can be no doubt the two sectors, while maintaining some inevitable differences, will be increasingly convergent in their future business model development.

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Enjoy Anfield in style

Archie Domville — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 16:34:33 +0000

In terms of history and atmosphere, few sports venues in the world can rival Anfield, home of Liverpool Football Club. And few experiences can beat not only seeing the Reds play in front of their own passionate fans, but also enjoying a taste of the good life beforehand.Luckily, it's not just Premier League footballers who are able to live like kings on match day. Thanks to the range of high-end hospitality packages on offer these days, it's never been easier to be wined and dined and entertained before heading off to watch the action.For the ultimate in matchday hospitality, there's the Isla Gladstone Conservatory. Located in the heart of the famous Stanley Park, a green space which separates Liverpool's rivalling football factions, the venue is a Grade II Listed building that has been completely restored and refurbished.Guests are invited to enjoy a three course lunch on the ground floor of the conservatory, giving them sweeping views across the park towards Anfield itself.As well as fine food and wine, the standard hospitality package also includes access to a complimentary bar, while tea and coffee is served right up until kick-off.What's more, at least one former Liverpool player is always in attendance, circulating through the venue and sharing tales of matches past and present with fans old and new, as well as the managers and fellow players they shared the famous 'boot room' with. Once the lunch is over and the last tea has been served, the ex-Anfield legend then joins the guests as they walk the short distance to take their seats in the stands to watch that day's action unfold.Hospitality packages are available right through the season, with a number of different grades. At the very top end, Platinum gains access to the matches against old foes Everton and Manchester United, while at the lower end of the spectrum, Bronze level includes tickets to see visitors such as Norwich, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.

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Enjoy Manchester United the VIP way

Archie Domville — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 09:12:09 +0000

Any trip to Old Trafford to see Manchester United is an exciting one: the sight of the team lining up in those famous red shirts in front of a vast crowd of 75,000 people is enough to make the hair on the back of anyone's neck stand up.However, a matchday VIP trip can make the day even more special, adding all kinds of extra elements to a day of great entertainment and luxury off the pitch as well as exciting action on it.A range of different packages exist, ranging in price from £149 to £299 plus VAT per person. Perhaps the most exciting of these is the Europa Suite, where the experience starts a full three hours before kick-off. Starting with canapes and champagne on arrival, lunch consists of a superb four-course meal and a complimentary bar. There will also be entertainment that includes a Q&A session with a former United player.The game itself will be viewed from padded comfy seats in the south stand, while after the match there will be more refreshments and the man-of-the-match presentation.Fans can enjoy all the same in the North West Quadrant Europa Suite, with the viewpoint being located between the Stretford End and the towering Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.The Museum Package is a great option for those who love their history, with a chance to get close-up and personal with a range of memorabilia, including a chance to have your picture taken with replicas of the treble of European Cup, FA Cup and Premier League trophy won by the likes of Phil and Gary Neville in 1999.The museum visit will be complemented by a hot and cold buffet followed by a comfy seat in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, plus post-match refreshments and entertainment.Finally, there are the Red Cafe pre-match and post-match options, which both offer a chance to eat in the famous restaurant and meet with famous past players to enjoy lunch or tea and discuss the finer points of the game.So whatever the result of the game, a VIP day at Manchester United is sure to provide a superb all-round day out.

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Keep business reasonable at the Idou Anfa Hotel And Spa, Casablanca

Archie Domville — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 14:31:04 +0000

Casablanca may be a place most will come to on holiday rather than for business, doubtless remembering a few quotes from the film when they arrive.However, there are those who will arrive for work instead - and if you are among those set to be spending more time in a meeting than on a sun-lounger, your needs will be a little different.One hotel that is â€‹perfectly suited to the business traveller â€‹is the Idou Anfa Hotel And Spa. Located near the heart of the city, it is designed not only to facilitate business meetings, but also ensure that those who are travelling for work still get to make the most of their down time during the trip. The hotel offers a choice of six meeting rooms, the largest of which has 270 sq m of floorspace - enough for a cocktail reception for 450 people, or 220 sitting down to dine. Whether it is corporate entertainment or the serious business of a board meeting, the hotel has the facilities to meet every occasion. Each of these rooms is smart, neat and the furnishings blend Arab style with modern standards. When the work is done, it will be time to relax and this hotel has some fine leisure facilities. Those who want to head for the pool can enjoy a beautiful outdoor one, with an attractive terrace. The views are excellent from here and even better in the bar Almoggar, with a vista of the huge Hassan II Mosque and the Atlantic that is highly popular with business travellers.The Idou Anfa also offers some excellent eating choices, with the Anoual Restaurant offering an international buffet, while those who fancy a French gastronomic experience can head to the Elysee Restaurant. All this can be enjoyed at very reasonable prices, which will please any business. What is more, there are many special offers to take advantage of.So if your trip to Casablanca is all about business, a stay at the Idou Anfa will be a real pleasure.

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Meetings to impress at Steigenberger Park Hotel Duesseldorf

Archie Domville — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:09:38 +0000

Dusseldorf is a city with plenty of history and many attractions, but it is also a busy place where plenty of business is done.Recognising this, the luxury hotels on the banks of the Rhine are all well geared up to serving business travellers and hosting corporate meetings, with their style and approach being set up accordingly.Located just outside the city centre, the Steigenberger Park Hotel Duesseldorf is just such a destination. From the outside, the first impression is of a magnificent building, in classical German architectural style. The same is true inside, with the decor having a grand and time-honoured look with its classical high ceilings and ornate furnishings.All this should serve to impress business partners when meetings are being held there. But while first impressions matter, everyone knows they are not the be-all and end-all.To that end, the Steinberger has developed an extensive package of facilities aimed at ensuring the needs of all business travellers are met. There are no less than six modular function rooms with air conditioning and state-of-the art facilities to enable people to make use of the most modern multimedia and communication methods.In addition, larger places are available for all kinds of events, be they seminars with a dozen people or conferences featuring hundreds.Business lunches will also impress, as the superb restaurant offers both an opulent setting and magnificent food.Indeed, for those staying at the Steinberger on business, a stay for business purposes comes with some great catering options and a wonderful range of wines, champagne, beers and whiskies. From mid-April each year the exclusive summer terrace offers a chance to enjoy these al fresco.Indoors, there can be no better place to relax and unwind than the Etoile Bar, where piano music and great conversation will make for a highly enjoyable and relaxing evening.For all these reasons, the magnificent Steinberger Park Hotel is an ideal place for business travel.

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The Breidenbacher Hof – history’s meeting point

Archie Domville — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:59:24 +0000

Every luxury hotel has some outstanding qualities by definition, but some have features that really stand out.When it comes to the Breidenbacher Hof in Dusseldorf, it is the history that grabs the attention, for this is a hotel that is all about Europe's past, present and future.The past is represented by the long history of the hotel, located close to the heart of the city near its historic old town. This district has plenty of fine buildings dating back centuries, but so too does the hotel itself, having opened back in 1812.Much of this 19th century style has been retained in elements like the 1806 brasserie, which has a wide array of European cuisine. This ranges from steaks cooked on a lava stone grill to traditional puddings and cakes, plus a fine afternoon tea.For a real taste of tradition, there is even a chance to enjoy a drink and cigar in a traditional smoking room.At the same time, the hotel is also modern and represents the present day with a refurbishment that was carried out in the early years of this century and was completed in 2008, ensuring leisure and business guests can enjoy the most modern and luxurious facilities.The amenities also point the way to the future, particularly for those shaping it through their business ventures.Among the fine facilities guests can enjoy are its unique in-room welcome amenity, enhanced poolside services, a spa and fitness centre, wireless internet, 24-hour in-room dining, a personal assistant service and flexible check-in and check-out services.All that ensures people can enjoy the most exceptional combination of luxury, flexibility and connectivity, so that even the busiest people will get time to relax and find their every need is catered for.Indeed, the staff at the hotel can even provide a dedicated driver to meet guests at the airport, transfer luggage and arrange transfers.With such a combination of time-honoured tradition, modern style and sheer luxury, the Breidenbacher Hof is sure to make any trip to Dusseldorf a truly memorable one.

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