The conference market appears to be on the up for UK hotels. “Hotels, universities and other academic venues, and conference/training venues tend to host more conferences than other venues (hotels, average 546 conferences; universities and conference/training centers, average 507)” (Survey on conference venues, published on Monday 18). September 2006 by the British Association of Conference Destinations).
With this in mind, I have compiled a list of the top 10 corporate conference hotels in major UK cities used by our clients. The meeting facilities offered at these properties are unrivaled for quality and value in their respective cities. No specific order:
1) The Cumberland Hotel (London). A world class hotel. A place where impressive style and design, exceptional comfort and personalized service combine to form a truly unique and intimate experience. The Cumberland is situated at the top of Park Lane, one of London’s most exclusive districts. This exclusive hotel has more than 1,000 rooms of contemporary design.
2) Hilton London Metropole (London). The 4-star Hilton London Metropole is one of the largest hotels and conference centers in Europe, with the space and flexibility to host meetings or events of any size. With excellent transport links, the hotel is just 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport to Paddington Station on the air-conditioned Heathrow Express train; and the Hilton London Metropole is a ten-minute walk from Oxford Street.
3) Hyatt Regency Hotel (Birmingham). The Hyatt Regency Birmingham is a modern luxury hotel located in the city of Birmingham. The Hyatt Regency is directly connected to the Birmingham International Convention Center (ICC) and just ten minutes by train from Birmingham International Airport and the National Exhibition Center (NEC).
4) Holland House (Cardiff). This ultra-modern hotel has exceptional levels of luxury and service and offers excellent accommodation. The hotel has one of the largest meeting and banqueting facilities in Cardiff and is situated in a prime location just minutes from the shopping district and the Millennium Stadium. 5) The Palace Hotel (Manchester). The Palace Hotel is a historic grade II listed building full of history and character. The hotel’s distinctive façade is a recognized Manchester landmark with a distinctive 65 meter tall clock tower. The hotel is easily located in the center of Manchester and in close proximity to a host of stylish bars, clubs and restaurants.
6) Midland (Manchester). Lavishly refurbished, the hotel now blends glamorous 1903 elegance with a pedigree of impeccable luxury. Standing proudly in the heart of the city, the hotel offers contemporary luxury on the inside with everything the city has to offer on your doorstep.
7) Hotel Thistle Newcastle (Newcastle). This 19th century listed building has 115 rooms, 7 meeting rooms and a gym. Thistle Newcastle is centrally located within 5 minutes of an abundance of shopping, entertainment and nightlife.
8) Glasgow Marriott Hotel (Glasgow). Located in a bustling, cosmopolitan city with a renowned business center and prestigious shops, the Glasgow Marriott Hotel puts you in the heart of it all. This luxury hotel is a five-minute walk from nightlife, the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Center and one of the best shopping areas outside of London.
9) Radisson SAS Hotel (Edinburgh). With conference and banquet rooms that can accommodate a meeting for two or an event for 200, the Radisson SAS Edinburgh offers flexible meeting facilities that can meet most meeting and event needs. Located in the heart of Edinburgh city center on the historic Royal Mile, the Radisson SAS Hotel is halfway between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.
10) Europa Hotel and Eurobusiness Center (Belfast). Having recently completed a major expansion, with the addition of 56 new executive rooms, the Europa now has a total of 240 rooms, making it the largest hotel in Northern Ireland. The conference facilities at the 4-star Europa Hotel are second to none. From the Grand Ballroom to the purpose-built Eurobusiness Center, this truly is the best downtown business center in the province.
Statistics: The only science that allows different experts to use the same figures to draw different conclusions. – Evan Esar (1899-1995), American humorist