It's hard to find a good meeting venue- somewhere which can accommodate large numbers of busy, businesslike businessmen. It's also hard to find conference halls with the latest in conference gizmos that work (and have technical whizzes on standby in case they don't). And of course there's also the question of location, what the beds are like and what entertainment's around? Below are some of our top Meeting and Conference Venues in the UK, which hopefully fulfil all of the above requirements. Have a peruse!
1) Malmaison, Liverpool
Situated in Princess Dock, on the banks of the Mersey, Liverpool Malmaison hotel has some incredible views of the famous Liver building. It has developed from a boutique hotel to a business venue of choice. It has four meeting rooms (known as Mal 1, 2, 3 and 4), which cater for different business needs.
For larger events Mal 1 and Mal 2 feature floor to ceiling windows to create a light and airy feel, and have a partitioned wall which can be opened up to reveal a spacious room accommodating up to 45 delegates. There's also a balcony for a tempting breakout area with views over the canal and out across the Mersey to recharge those batteries.
Mal 3 is situated on the mezzanine floor and also comes complete with full balcony, floor to ceiling windows, integrated ceiling data projector and drop down screen. It's also the perfect area for a drinks reception or private dining, accommodating up to 40 for dining and 60 for drinks receptions.
Mal 4 although smaller is no less inspired, ideal for a boardroom meeting. With intimate lighting and an informal setting, this room can also be perfect for private dining too. Together with the Boudoir and the Kitchen with live-feed kitchen cam, private dining has truly found it's home in Liverpool.
Malmaison also has a new ‘Mal Club' which offers businessmen an upgrade in Mal hotels during weekdays. Club Mal includes quick wi-fi, an exclusive menu for members, an express breakfast and free copy of the Independent.
Malmaison have a huge emphasis on your personal needs, be they business or pleasure. As they state on their website, Mal provide ‘No Dramas, Just Pure Theatre.' So if you want luxury at half the price, live the Mal Life!
2)Runnymede Hotel and Spa, near London
This luxury hotel is located on the banks of the Thames and even has its own private mooring! With more than 12 meeting rooms, Runnymede can cater for all types of meetings. To keep them exciting and lively, Runnymede provides a variety of team building activities such as dragoon boating, laser clay pigeon shooting and even sheep dog handling! When it comes to the meeting themselves, expect natural light in all the rooms, as well as air-conditioning, wi-fi and tailored services. Runnymede: is also home to the Magna Carta memorial, which commemorates where the Magna Carta was signed!
3) The Palace Hotel, Manchester
The Palace Hotel is an iconic building in Manchester, with its famous clock-tower and outstanding Victorian architecture. Right in the heart of Manchester, the Palace is close to many attractions such as the Big Wheel, Manchurian football stadiums and the Manchester News Arena, famous for its concerts. The Palace is also located right next to Manchester Central, so easy to get in and out of the city centre fast.
This grade two listed building has 2,500m² of business dedicated space. Its centre piece is The Grand Room which seats up to 1,000 delegates - the largest hotel banqueting space in the whole of the North of England. As well as the Grand Room, the Palace Hotel can seat 1,000 delegates in theatre style, or 800 for a gala dinner. A dedicated conference team makes sure everything runs smoothly and various delegate packages are available, making sure you're at home away from home. It's always nice to be treated like a King away from one's Castle!
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