Month: January 2010

Blu sky thinking

Posted on by Ben Debski

With a new and exclusive conference floor and over 2,122sq m of event facilities, the Radisson Blu Hotel Hamburg’s reopening in August last year presented visitors to Hamburg with the perfect destination for conferences, board meetings and seminars.

Guests can now benefit from 12 multifunctional rooms with the latest seminar equipment, most of which have natural light, as well as a 533sq m divisible ballroom and a foyer area.

The spectacular High End event location on the 26th and 27th floors, along with the elegant multifunctional area on the ground floor, completes the hotel’s comprehensive portfolio of business facilities. The first-class hotel is located right next to the Dammtor express railway station, and is the only hotel in the city that is directly linked to the Congress Centre Hamburg.

The 12 fashionably designed, air conditioned multifunctional rooms can be booked individually or in groups, and include four exclusive board rooms with integrated lounge areas for 6-20 people. The first floor conference area is easy to reach, with five lifts and an elegant staircase providing simple and stylish access. The rooms have the most modern audiovisual and conference technology perfectly integrated into their designs, with some offering pleasant views of the neighbouring Planten un Blomen Park through floor-to-ceiling windows. In total the floor can cater for up to 1,000 people for a reception. And like all Radisson Blu hotels across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the hotel offers free high-speed wireless internet access to all overnight guests and conference delegates.

Stop at the top
The absolute highlight of the hotel’s event facilities is the High End duplex venue on the 26th and 27th floors. The 150sq m space is futuristically designed, making effective use of glass to show off its boast as Hamburg’s highest event location, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Hanseatic city. ‘Paris,’ another event location on the ground floor, offers floor to ceiling windows and 181sq m of flexible space.

As well as the conference and events areas, hotel guests will find 556 contemporary and perfectly designed standard rooms, business class rooms, suites and executive suites in three avant-garde designs: Natural, Urban and New York Mansion. Guests can also enjoy the varied gastronomy on offer at the stylish all-day Italian restaurant Filini or the renowned Trader Vic’s Restaurant and Mai Tai Bar. To round things off, guests can relax in the laid-back Filini Bar in the lobby, or make use of the modern Technogym equipment, saunas, solarium, steam baths and treatment rooms in the health, fitness and spa area.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg, Marseiller Straße 2, D-20355 Hamburg, Germany; tel: +49 40 3502 3400; fax: + 49 40 3502 3630; info.hamburg@radissonblu.com

Untapped potential

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Located halfway along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf, the State of Qatar acts as a bridge between the east and west, welcoming visitors from around the world. At the crossroads of economic, cultural and natural heritage, the country’s strategic location has attracted visitors to the region for thousands of years.

With sandy coastlines and islets, reefs and salt flats, and sprawling dunes in the south, the small peninsular-nation offers as much natural beauty as it does cultural richness. Qatar’s 560km coastline means it has always been a community focused on the sea. Once a centre for the fishing and pearling trades, today Qatar’s overwhelming hospitality to travellers is shaped by its age-old sea oriented traditions. Highlighting its authentic heritage and rich past, while instilling pride in its future, Qatar is a centre of both tradition and innovation.

The discovery of oil in the 1940s and natural gas in the 1970s gave rise to Qatar’s exponential economic growth. With the third largest gas reserves and the largest non-associated gas field in the world, Qatar became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas in 2006, exporting to the US, Europe and Asia. However, Qatar’s economy has diversified significantly in recent years, with progress in construction, tourism and education – supported by governmental work to minimise the impact of the global economic downtown – ensuring relative stability.

Today Qatar is leading a surge in interest in the Arabian Gulf. Although conveniently accessible via a short flight on most international carriers, including the five star flag carrier Qatar Airways, the state’s unique atmosphere makes it feel much further from the beaten path.

Developments in Doha
Reputed for quality and excellence, Qatar is recognised as a leading destination in the Gulf region for meetings, exhibitions and conferences. Far from the bustle of mass tourism, it offers travellers a business-oriented destination while still retaining outstanding leisure activities.

The spacious Doha Exhibitions Centre is the venue for many acclaimed regional and international trade fairs, including the well-attended annual Jewellery and Watches Exhibition and the Doha Trade Fair. In addition to this spacious complex, two new conference centres are scheduled to open soon, adding nearly 90,000sq m of exhibition space to the capital’s capacity.

The Qatar National Convention Centre is scheduled to open in 2011, and will feature a 2,500 seat auditorium, a 500 seat theatre and a multi-purpose hall for conferences. Located in Doha’s Education City, a hub for education, science and research, it will also create 40,000sq m of exhibition space to meet the demands of global conference and exhibition organisers.

Another forthcoming first class exhibition venue is the Doha Convention Centre and Tower in the city centre, scheduled to open in 2012. The project’s tower will reach over 100 floors, providing a new icon for Doha’s skyline, while the convention centre will provide 45,000sq m of showcase space.

Additionally, many of the world’s top luxury hotels are represented in Qatar. To meet forecasted demand, hotel capacity will increase 400 percent to over 29,000 luxury rooms and apartments by 2012. Every five and four star hotel in Qatar is equipped with conference facilities, and a vast number of luxurious spas, resort amenities and exceptional dining experiences – steeped in Arabian tradition – offer a quiet and relaxing respite from the charged activities of the day.

A kaleidoscope of events
There has never been a better year to visit Qatar. The calendar is packed with world-class cultural attractions, international sporting events and exciting activities for the whole family.

Inspiring a new generation of filmmakers in the Gulf region, the Doha Tribeca Film Festival premiered in October 2009 and featured a myriad of films, many written or directed by Middle Eastern filmmakers. The Waqif Art Centre in the centre of the authentic Souq Waqif (literally, ‘standing market’), also adds to the cultural attractions in Doha as a venue for many local and regional art exhibitions.

For sports enthusiasts, Qatar is host to more than 100 sporting events, including many world championships.

Fixtures include the Sony Ericsson WTA and Qatar ExxonMobil Open tennis championships, the Commericalbank Qatar Masters golf tournament, the Moto GrandPrix and the Formula One powerboat racing world championship. This past November, Doha hosted the friendly soccer match between England and Brazil. Qatar is also looking forward to hosting the 2011 Asian Cup, and has recently announced its bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

The sprawling Aspire Zone, main venue for the 15th Asian Games in 2006, is an impressive multi-purpose facility offering local and international visitors access to world-class sports facilities and activities, high-end retail shopping and luxurious green parks for relaxation and family enjoyment.

But no trip to Qatar would be complete without experiencing the country’s year-round attractions. The capital city of Doha is home to the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by Pritzker-prize winning architect I.M.Pei and boasting one of the largest and finest collections of pieces from one of the world’s great civilisations. For visitors seeking a genuinely Arabian experience, the vast deserts of Qatar promise adventure through camel back safaris, exhilarating dune rides and wonderful nights beneath the stars. Shoppers and explorers are encouraged to discover local treasures by losing themselves in the authentically preserved Arabian souqs.

Upscale shopping in the city’s contemporary shopping malls, and along the piazza in the newly opened Pearl-Qatar development, offer a wide range of well-known luxury brands and goods in a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.

Capital connections
Aside from the myriad attractions and activities, Qatar has developed a solid infrastructure to support progress and innovation, becoming known not only as a destination for travellers, but also as a centre for business, education and research. Qatar is home to Education City, an impressive undertaking which hosts six world-class universities, all branch campuses of prestigious American institutions. The Qatar Science and Technology Park is a local home for technology-based companies from around the world and an incubator for start-up enterprises. Known as the founder of free speech in the Middle East, Qatar is home to Al Jazeera, the first independent Arabic news channel in the world.

Qatar has also become a popular destination for cruise ship passengers. With easier visa procedures for visitors by sea, Doha has quickly become an ideal stop on any cruising itinerary. As a part of investment in the tourism infrastructure, Qatar is building the New Doha Port, the first phase of which is expected to open in 2014.

Building its future on its seafaring heritage, Doha is expanding as an easily accessible coastal city while remaining a sought-after destination for cruise ship passengers.

Although the State of Qatar is emerging as a global leader in industry and tourism, the country is still a work in progress. Dohaland, a subsidiary of the Qatar Foundation, has launched the Heart of Doha real estate development project, aimed at reviving Qatari, Arab and Islamic architecture and strengthening the Islamic cultural renaissance that Qatar is currently leading. Qatar’s largest single real estate development, Lusail, is currently underway: when complete it will cover over 35sq km and will accommodate up to 200,000 people.

In the next years the New Doha International Airport will open, welcoming an expected 50m passengers. Qatar has recently embarked on a railway initiative, including a 33km light rail system that will serve Lusail City and connect it with Doha. Railway planning is also underway in Education City, West Bay and the industrial zone areas. A study has been launched on how to integrate these urban train plans with a proposed national railway system and the GCC international railway. A new commercial port is also being developed for Doha. Spread along 20km of coast outside the city’s boundaries, it will be able to accommodate the increasing number of ships coming to port in Qatar while relieving traffic congestion in the city.

Always planning for the future, the State of Qatar has dedicated its substantial resources and energy to progressive and innovative development ideas and tools, making a perfect destination for business travellers who increasingly need to think radically.

Ahmed Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Chairman, Qatar Tourism Authority; tel: +974 499 7499;
www.qatartourism.gov.qa

Whole in one

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A sedate expanse of turf in the elite West Bay area of Doha, Doha Golf Club boasts two immaculate golf courses. One, home to the annual European Tour Commercialbank Qatar Masters, is a 6,743m 18 hole championship course designed by leading golf course architect Peter Harradine; the other is a fully floodlit nine hole academy course designed to provide a variety of challenges, appealing to the novice golfer and the seasoned professional alike.

The luxurious comfort of the facility is evident immediately upon entering the Arabian-style clubhouse’s stunning marble interior, or one of its fine outdoor terraces. Featuring handmade gypsum, traditional artifacts and solid teak hand-engraved doors, the clubhouse has an air of traditional refinement; yet the beautifully crafted marble, the internal waterfalls and a central fountain create a cool and welcoming atmosphere. Open all year round, the clubhouse has two lounges offering sociable dining experiences with hearty meals prepared by a cultural mix of professional chefs.

The club’s award winning golf academy offers professional coaching, a simulator lounge, coaching studio and a Science and Motion putting lab, staffed by a team of dedicated PGA teaching professionals with a wealth of golfing knowledge, happy to impart their experiences of some of the world’s most exclusive golf clubs. This wealth of professional knowledge, hi-tech equipment and simple but effective teaching methods makes it easy and fun to learn the game or develop underused skills.

Coffees and tees
Doha Golf Club is also a unique venue for business meetings, product launches, corporate dinners and social functions like weddings and parties, offering state-of-the-art conference and banqueting facilities surrounded by a picturesque and tranquil landscape.

The Al Majlis Suite offers extensive facilities for organisations wishing to host small corporate functions, meetings, launches and seminars. This stylish meeting room offers comfortable seating for up to 50 people, with an array of audio-visual tools to satisfy any requirements.

The Gallery is a multifunctional room, holding 50 to 350 people for any fashion of function; it offers views of the superbly landscaped golf course and the glistening water of the lake on the 18th hole.

During the cooler months Doha Golf Club is equipped for outdoor dining. The Greens, a grass area adjacent to the clubhouse, can accommodate up to 1,500 people at an event sure to stun and amaze: there is no better way to celebrate or entertain than under the stars.

Tel: +974 496 0777; fax: +974 483 4790;
info@dohagolfclub.com; www.dohagolfclub.com

Jewel of the Nile

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

as the first Conrad property in the Middle East, the Conrad Cairo has set new standards of service, quality, and luxury to its guests, providing exceptional facilities for business and leisure. The hotel features 617 tastefully designed rooms and suites with private Nile-view terraces; a health club, heated swimming pool, helipad, world-class casino and business centre; and five executive floors including a spectacular executive lounge.

Always striving to offers its clients the best standard and quality of service, the hotel is in the middle of a massive renovation of its food and beverage outlets, introducing cutting edge concepts appealing to both world travellers and local clientele.

The Conrad will feature four stunning new restaurants combining fresh design and outstanding cuisine. Visitors can already enjoy contemporary Lebanese fare at Jayda, an outdoor lounge and bar – and a thriving nightlife hotspot.

Following the renovations, clients will be able to experience the restaurants Kamala, which will offer sumptuous south-east Asian cuisine, and Solana, where diners will enjoy delicious Mediterranean cooking featuring a world of fresh herbs and colourful spices. Visitors seeking the finest grilled, roasted, and smoked meats and seafood in Cairo need look no further than the Oak Grill, while aficionados of live entertainment will enjoy the vibrant lounge bar Stage One.

The Conrad’s 11 versatile meeting and banquet rooms are suitable for events ranging from board meetings for 10 people to receptions for 1200, making it the top choice in the region for MICE tourism and corporate travel, as well as for individual business owners. The hotel reaffirmed its leading status among its peers by being chosen as the FIFA headquarters for the U-20 World Cup tournament held in Egypt in September and October 2009.

The Conrad Cairo received two prestigious awards last year in recognition of its commitment to offering an environment of comfort, modern luxury and elegance, meeting the highest international standards of quality. The hotel was named Best Business Hotel in Egypt in the Business Destinations 2009 Hotel Awards and Best Business Hotel in Cairo in the Business Traveller Middle East Awards.

“Winning these awards is an affirmation of our devotion – both at the Conrad and throughout Hilton Worldwide – to world-class quality and service,” says Kevin Brett, the General Manager of the Conrad Cairo.

“Whether it’s for business or leisure, we look forward to continue offering our customers the very best – and striving for excellence in every sense.”

An imperial majesty

Posted on by Ben Debski

Along Nevsky Prospekt and Mikhailovskaya Street stretches one of the finest hotels of the continent. The building itself is an architectural monument – the ground and first floors are protected by St. Petersburg’s historical and cultural policy – so the recent reconstruction work has meticulously preserved the hotel’s art nouveau interiors and neo-classical façade.

Tchaikovsky spent his honeymoon there. Johann Strauss occupied “comfort room No 26” for 14 days. Dimitri Shostakovitch played a sonata for Sergey Prokofiev in his suite, Elton John performed at the restaurant, and George Bernard Shaw met there with Maxim Gorky. Rasputin dined there, Queen Elizabeth II praised the hotel’s kitchen and the Romanov royal family continue to gather at the hotel for reunions.

The hotel’s first floor is its most opulent, reached by a magnificent marble staircase that echoes with the footfalls of its eminent guests. Following extensive refurbishment work from renowned French designer Michel Jouannet, it is now home to 10 historic suites, each with vestibule, living room, bedroom and large bathroom, offering 4.3m high ceilings and areas between 55 and 97sq m. Named in honour of some of the hotel’s famous patrons, each suite has been painstakingly and individually renovated to reflect the style of its namesake as well as the rich history of the hotel.

Name dropping
The Pavarotti Suite, for example, is styled in the fashion of Paris’s Opera Garnier and Milan’s La Scala: the living space is dominated by hues of gold and red, while the bathroom is finished in contrasting black and pink marble. The suite has always been popular with musicians – the living room features an antique grand piano – and the celebrated Italian tenor used it during his final tours in 2004.

The Stravinsky Suite is coloured in joyful hues of green, reflecting the great composer’s exploration of springtime and awakening; the Dostoevsky Suite, meanwhile, is decorated in deep and serious tones, with 19th century style wallpaper and an imposingly large desk for literary work.

The Mariinsky Suite is decorated in light blue tones to match the interior of the celebrated Mariinsky Theatre. Home of the world famous Kirov Opera and Ballet, the theatre hosted the premieres of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty. The Grand Hotel Europe has a private box reserved with the theatre, and guests are welcome to take a seat there to enjoy a performance of opera or ballet.

Other suites are similarly themed for famed artists and architectural styles, while all other first floor rooms have been renovated with a careful historical aesthetic, featuring antique paintings, chandeliers, vases and other artefacts. However, modern technology is still available in all first floor rooms (as well as throughout the hotel), while the services of a personal butler ensure guests experience sublime, classical comfort at the same time as contemporary facilities and service.

Mikhailovskaya Ulitsa 1/7, 191186 St Petersburg, Russia; tel: +7 812 329 6000; fax: +7 812 329 6001; hotel@grandhoteleurope.com; www.grandhoteleurope.com

Smoother journeys

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Serving over 180 destinations all over the world and 67 million passengers each year, London Heathrow is one of Europe’s top hub airports. The 90 airlines operating out of its four terminals offer frequent flights to the most popular business and leisure destinations across the world: for example, the 24 daily services to New York mean travellers can do business according to their timetable.

But travelling can be stressful, no matter how convenient the commute. As one of the world’s busiest airports, however, Heathrow has developed the perfect infrastructure to minimise the hassle of international flight.

For those arriving by car, Heathrow Business Parking offers premium convenience. The car parks are closer to the terminals than long stay, with more frequent and faster transfers offering reliability and peace of mind. Alternatively, the official Heathrow Valet parking service offers sheer simplicity: travellers drop off their car at the forecourt, and upon return it is waiting. By train it’s just as easy: the Heathrow Express takes just 15-20 minutes from Paddington station.

Travellers who like to check in with plenty of spare time can relax and recharge in one of Heathrow’s many bars, cafes and restaurants. Each terminal offers options for every type of traveller, from grab and go sandwiches and sushi for those in a hurry, to fine dining for those with more time on their hands.

Heathrow’s terminals have around 500 retail outlets offering everything from beauty products to travel accessories and clothes. From the high end of fashion with Harrods or Mulberry to essentials from Boots and WH Smith, travellers won’t get caught short, and the benefits of airport pricing offer great savings on just about everything, from the latest technology and gadgets to watches and jewellery.

Airlines at Heathrow have some of the best business facilities anywhere in the world. Space to relax and work is provided in the Servisair lounges in terminals one and three, and the Holideck lounge in terminal four. The business class airline lounges at Heathrow have been voted best in the world by business travellers, from recent additions such as Bmi’s sleek new lounge to firm favourites like Virgin Atlantic’s 2,500sq m flagship Clubhouse. In terminal five there are British Airways’ stunning Galleries Club lounges, and in terminal four, Skyteam and Etihad have brand new facilities for their premium customers.

www.heathrow.com

Bavarian brilliance

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Capital of Germany’s Bavaria, Munich is a multifaceted metropolis with art treasures and museums to match any in the world – and at its heart is the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, an elegant Grand Hotel with over 150 years of tradition.

Centrally located on Maximilianstrasse, it is the perfect home for exploring the local exclusive boutiques and theatres, as well as the Bavarian State Opera at the nearby National Theatre. The English Garden is a short walk away, and along with many other historic sites, provides visitors with interesting and pleasurable diversions. And after a long day, indulgence and relaxation are in grand supply at the Vier Jahreszeiten.

All 303 rooms, including 65 suites, are equipped with air-conditioning, a mini-bar, television, radio and high speed internet access, and the hotel exceeds the expectations of the even most discerning travellers.

During the partial renovation in 2008, the individuality of guests’ needs was recognised in the innovative architectural ideas designed into each room. Furnishings are a blend of noble Louis XIV pieces and modern designer furniture, creating an exciting, thoughtful mix of elegant, modern and beautiful. Amenities such as a 24 hour concierge and underground parking, as well as an express laundry and dry-cleaning service, a hairdresser and Bvlgari jeweller complete the picture.

Recreation and relaxation
The Vier Jahreszeiten offers a delightful and calm oasis of respite. The Well Seasons Club on the hotel’s sixth floor gives a magnificent view over the rooftops of Munich: alongside the spacious pool area, the spa offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment and a sauna, steam bath and solarium. Cosmetic treatments and a wide variety of relaxing massages provide a welcome indulgence for guests.

The restaurant Vue Maximilian is the perfect setting for every occasion: Sunday brunch, a quick business lunch, a relaxed end to a wonderful evening or a festive gourmet menu. The restaurant offers regional cuisine combined with exclusive and seasonal specialities. Chef Sven Büttner continuously surprises his guests with a frequently changing offer to tickle the palate.

Under the hotel’s magnificent glass roof, decorated with symbols of the four seasons, is one of Europe’s most beautiful hotel lobbies. With an awe-inspiring atmosphere, it is lovingly called Munich’s ‘most beautiful living room.’ This is where the city greets the world. English Afternoon Tea is served every afternoon by Joël Belouet, a certified Tea Master Gold. Individual service from experienced and friendly personnel transforms a simple hotel stay into a homely experience. To conclude the day in a relaxed atmosphere, the Vier Jahreszeiten invites its guests to unwind in the bar while listening to some soft tunes played by the bar pianist.

Making the guest feel especially taken care of is naturally the primary principle for the restaurant, front desk and lobby staff, but the banqueting team also excels. Conference facilities are available for up to 450 guests in a variety of interconnectable, technically equipped and elegant function rooms, and the hotel is a fitting venue for all kinds of events, from small family celebrations to festive galas.

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, Maximilianstrasse 17, 80539 Munich, Germany; tel: +49 89 2125 0; fax: +49 89 2125 2000; www.kempinski.com

Deep in Dubai

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Al Murooj Rotana Dubai is a member of the Great Hotels of the World, and is part of the luxurious Al Murooj Complex, just off the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road. The property is conveniently located in the heart of the city with the famous Dubai Mall just across the road.

The hotel’s 247 rooms and suites achieve new levels of luxury and sophistication. All rooms are equipped with the latest technology, including a fully integrated TV and internet system, with video on demand, satellite television, IP telephony and high speed internet. For expansive luxury, the Ambassador Suites, Presidential Suites and Executive Suites feature an outdoor terrace with private jacuzzi under a dome, and all rooms offer a beautiful view of the gardens and swimming pool or the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa (formerly the Burj Dubai).

Al Murooj Rotana Suites, meanwhile, is a one-stop shop for living, working and chasing the pleasure of life. It offers 137 deluxe furnished suites including studios, apartments with one to three bedrooms, duplexes and magnificent penthouses for long term rental. It’s strongly Arabian yet international, traditional yet contemporary; with lush furniture and pampering bedrooms adding indulgence to every unit. The penthouses are the jewels of Al Murooj Rotana Suites, each surrounded by a spacious terrace with a private swimming pool. Residents of the Rotana Suites have access to all the facilities of the Rotana Hotel, including its seasoned food and beverage facilities.

These include the award winning Double Decker Pub, C Bar by Crystal and Mawal Restaurant. The hotel has one of the largest coffee shops in Dubai with seating for 300 guests, and a spacious terrace overlooking the swimming pool and gardens.

For meetings, the Al Murooj Rotana Dubai is perfectly designed to meet the requirements of any event or conference, from company business meetings to major banquets, receptions, weddings and other social functions.

Smaller scale meetings, press launches, seminars and conferences can also be accommodated in the Al Aweer meeting rooms, while the 744sq m pillarless Al Yasat ballroom is the only such venue in the city with direct natural daylight and a magnificent waterfall view, making an ideal venue for weddings, conferences and theme parties.

The Bodylines Leisure and Fitness Club features the next generation Bodylines fitness centre, a temperature controlled outdoor pool, a gymnasium and a massage room. The services of the club are extensive, with a wide range of facial and body treatments, masterfully designed to ensure the highest level of relaxation and satisfaction, while a team of professional therapists pamper guests with the best natural products and international brands in the UAE.