Meetingsbooker

Clontarf Castle Conference Hotel - Optimus Award

2009-02-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

In order to strive towards business excellence Failte Ireland has introduced the Optimus suite of programmes. These programmes are designed to fulfil specific needs of companies or to provide an incremental development approach to achieving business excellence.

Clontarf Castle Hotel decided to to participate with this programme as they focus on the customer and upholds the concept of positive attitudes and the belief that each one of us can and must make a difference to the customer's experience.

The key to the Optimus Business Excellence programme is that everyone participates, from back of house employees to senior management. This holistic approach improves the lines of communication in your organisation by helping people understand how they contribute to the overall delivery of excellent customer service.

When particular barriers to Business excellence are identified, a group approach is taken to eliminating them. This motivates employees and improves co-operation, giving a shared, collective responsibility for service to everyone in the organisation.

Dublin Tourism Business Team

2009-02-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

DUBLIN TOURISM ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS TOURISM TEAM

New Appointments to the Dublin Convention Bureau
Frank Magee, Chief Executive, Dublin Tourism is delighted to announce the following appointments within Dublin Convention Bureau, the Business Tourism unit of Dublin Tourism.

Miriam Kennedy has been appointed to the position of a Manager and will lead the team and activities of the Dublin Convention Bureau, reporting to Ciara Sugrue, Head of Marketing and Development. Miriam has extensive business tourism experience and will be a valuable asset to the industry in this role. Miriam joins the company from Platinum One where she has held the roles of Head of Sales and Marketing and more recently Director of Events.

Jenny Finegan has been appointed to the new role of Conference Ambassador Executive. In her role as Marketing & Development Executive with Dublin Tourism, Jenny has worked with the trade, media and partners onmany diverse projects.

Kiela Brodigan is appointed as Marketing & Development Executive for Business Tourism. Kiela joins us from Tourism Ireland. She has been based in Tourism Ireland’s New York office for the last four years focusing on the US and Canadianmarkets.

Donna Brogan is a familiar face in Dublin Convention Bureau and is a member of the original DCB team. Donna has held the position of Marketing & Development Executive Assistant for the last four years and prior to that worked in tourism in France.

Dublin Tourism is delighted to present the full team at Dublin Convention Bureau and looks forward to an active and busy 2009 with all of our members. We value your support and wish you all a happy and successfulNew Year.

Heritage - Business meets Pleasure

2008-11-18T02:47:00.000-08:00

The ideal venue for national and international gatherings, The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort, Killenard in County Laois, offers the very best of facilities and is the ideal venue for conferencing, team building or breaks away and is complete with first class leisure facilities and state of the art technology. This resort includes a world class hotel, 18 hole championship golf course and magnificent club house, conference and exhibition centre, resort spa, golf academy, four mile floodlit walking and jogging track and a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from.

The ballroom accommodates up to 500 delegates theatre style, complete with a purpose built hydraulic stage with elegant automated drapes. There is also a 50 seater auditorium with cinema seating and Dolby surround sound and six splendid boardrooms for smaller gatherings. Meanwhile, the impressive 23,000 sq ft exhibition centre is the perfect venue for a car launch and corporate exhibition. All of the meeting rooms and ballroom are equipped with AV equipment to include LCD projector or LCD panel, 42” plasma TV or up to 10ft drop down remote controlled projector screens, in addition conference call systems are built into three boardrooms.

The world class resort consists of 180 guestrooms, including suites, golf homes and luxury on-course suite apartments. The interior of the hotel is designed to echo classical elegance and ultimate comfort. Timeless art pieces adorn the walls, where they perfectly compliment original antique furniture pieces, which take pride of place throughout the hotel. The combination of vaulted ceilings and marble floors is spectacular and has resulted in a very individual building. There are wonderful panoramic views right throughout the resort, stretching across the breath taking and verdant Laois countryside to the magnificent Slieve Bloom Mountains.

Along with the world class facilities on offer at The Heritage Golf & Spa Resort, it is the staff and their commitment to service and quality that has made this resort one of the most exciting lifestyle resorts in the country. The Resort General Manager is Donagh Davern.

The Heritage Golf & Spa Resort is easily accessible, located just off the Dublin to Cork road, three miles from Portarlington and just minutes from the M7 motorway. It is only 50 miles from Dublin City Centre making it the perfect get- away for out of city conferences, colleague meetings or client events.

Burlingto Hotel Dublin - Open for Conference Business

2008-11-18T02:46:00.001-08:00

Dublin’s largest city centre conference hotel, the Burlington Hotel has held a special place in the heart of Dublin since 1972. The Burlington Hotel has reopened with a newly renovated bar and lobby, which, along with its renowned ballroom, modern conference facilities and opulent bedrooms, spacious restaurants and expert chefs, combine cutting edge modernity with the finest traditional values.

Part of the New Great Southern Hotel Group which also includes the Parknasilla Hotel in Kerry and the Cork International Airport Hotel, the 500 bedroom Burlington Hotel has always attracted a loyal local following of guests from Dublin and elsewhere in Ireland, as well as its many overseas visitors. It is this authentic mix of local, national and international in the hotel’s bars and restaurants which creates the busy and exciting buzz of the Burlington, making it a great place for a bite to eat, an evening of fine dining or a relaxing evening cocktail and the ideal location for a spot of people-watching!

Restaurants & Bars
The newly renovated and spacious lobby at the Burlington is the ideal place for a creamy mid-morning cappuccino or afternoon tea, or to enjoy the selection of soups, sandwiches and salads available from 11 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. each day.

The lively new bar at the Burlington Hotel is called Bellini’s, and is open from 11.00 a.m. daily. Serving tasty bar food and tapas, Bellini’s is a stylish and contemporary space, with illuminated lighting panels in the columns washing the chic and spacious room with changing colours and effects. Bellini’s provides the perfect pre-function bar for the many business functions and banquets hosted regularly at the Burlington Hotel, as well as continuing to provide a wonderful meeting place after major rugby and GAA occasions.

The Burlington’s fine dining venue, the Sussex Restaurant, is a spacious restaurant with a touch of old-fashioned glamour. The Sussex Restaurant is open every weekday for breakfast and lunch and for breakfast and dinner at weekends.
The Diplomat Restaurant is a chic and elegant restaurant, with blond wood floors and pale mint green walls, ideal for guests looking for a delicious buffet lunch or an evening menu served up to midnight.

The Resident's Bar at the Burlington Hotel is open from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and boasts a wide selection of local and international beers, spirits, cocktails and wines.

Bedrooms
The Burlington Hotel has 500 bedrooms – 300 Classic rooms and 200 Executive rooms and suites. All rooms are spacious, comfortable and modern, designed to provide ample workspace and a space in which to relax in comfort, with all the facilities and mod-cons expected of a top class hotel including complimentary high speed internet access, laundry service and a 24 hour room service menu.

The 300 Classic Rooms at the Burlington Hotel are spacious rooms with voice-mail, multi-channel TV, 24-hour sports and news channels, work desk and lamp, complimentary high speed Internet access, iron and ironing board, trouser press, hairdryer, rooms for disabled guests (on request), and non-smoking rooms.

The 200 Executive rooms have all the comforts of Classic rooms as well as in-room air conditioning, executive desk and chair, minibar, multi-line phone and tea/coffee tray. Guests can also access the Executive Lounge with complimentary wireless Internet access, complimentary continental breakfast and refreshments, express check-out and gym/fitness room.

There are two Presidential Suites and four Executive Suites available at the Burlington, all of which include spacious, tastefully appointed bedrooms and lounges.

Conference & Banqueting
A city institution, the Burlington famously boasts the largest conference centre in central Dublin, facilitating up to 1,300 delegates. 18 dedicated meeting rooms ensure the hotel remains the best place to do business in Dublin city centre, in six sub-dividable sound-proofed and air conditioned suites.

Mount Herbert Hotel - Refurbishment

2008-11-18T02:40:00.000-08:00

This refurbished three star hotel has 168 bedrooms, Tritonville Bar and Terrace with many plasma screens serves great food daily, Cordyline Restaurant, nine Conference Suites, Business Centre and ample complimentary car & coach parking.
The hotel has Superior, Executive Rooms and Executive Suites.

The Mount Herbert Hotel comprises a row of large Georgian houses knocked into one building. As such, there’s plenty of ‘old world’ charm.

The hotel’s location, in a really quite and historic part of the city, is hard to beat. It’s perfect for just chilling out, but if you want a bit of city action, the city is just over a mile away. Only a short stroll from the local Sandymount or Ballsbridge villages which offer a range of restaurant, bars and coffee shops. If you are feeling energetic, town is only half an hour’s walk away which brings you through some of the most interesting and beautiful parts of the city. Lansdowne Road Dart (rail station) is less than five minutes away.

Down to Business
Its recent addition of six Boardrooms, adds to a total of nine modern Conference Suites with state of the art facilities.

And So To Dinner
The Tritonville Bar and Terrace has an all day menu covering Lunch to Evening meal and serves food until 11.00 p.m. every night. The downstairs ‘Cordyline’ restaurant has lots of large windows looking onto a small garden, making it a lovely bright and relaxing room where they serve their extensive Irish breakfast.

Park And Ride
There is a large car park for guests and there is NO extra charge for parking.

Summing Up – Exclusive Location, Exception Value!
This hotel has a lot to offer. The location is ideal, the staff are friendly and it is great value in the heart of Dublin 4.

Meet England, Dublin Event 25th September

2008-09-09T05:37:00.000-07:00

Meet England, the official body for meetings and events in England, is extending an invitation to event planners in Ireland to attend a glittering and highly informative networking event. Meet the Cities will give guests the perfect opportunity to find out all they need to know about England’s top city destinations for conferences and events.

The Meet the Cities event takes place at the Bewleys Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin, on 25 September 2008 from 6pm. The evening’s entertainment includes plenty of food and drink, plus a themed game show, designed specifically for professional meetings and events organisers. Competitors need to be bright, enthusiastic, competitive and skilled – and the winner will be treated to a fantastic weekend in London.

The event will also be an unmissable opportunity to meet representatives from England’s most dynamic business cities, who’ll be happy to show off the inspiring venues and unique locations that make England such a big attraction to event planners.

If you’re an event planner who’d like to find out first-hand about all England has to offer, please let us know as soon as possible – and we’ll see you there!

MCI Ireland organise major Dublin Conference

2008-09-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

MCI Ireland & WSAVA Conference Generate Over €7.5m in Visitor Income
This week MCI Ireland will stage the country's largest international conference in 2008 by welcoming to Ireland almost 3000 vets from 86 different countries. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) 33rd annual conference will be held in the RDS from August 20-24 and is worth an estimated €7.5m to the Dublin economy.

This gathering of vets is the annual meeting of members of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations(FECAVA). Ireland is the smallest country to host this combined annual congress, with previous locations including Sydney, Bangkok, Vancouver, Amsterdam and London.

Siobhain O'Hare, Director of Conferences at MCI Ireland has said "The choice of Ireland as a host country for such a huge International conference is a positive reflection of the continued attractiveness of Dublin and Ireland as an International conference and events destination despite the current economic climate. Having acquired the business back in June 2004 the MCI team has been working closely with the local organising committee headed up by chairperson, Nicola Neuman and the local scientific committee headed up by Boyd Jones. MCI have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the LOC over the past four years and together have worked extremely hard to make this conference truly exceptional. The Dublin conference program promises to offer something for everyone, with a scientific and social program incorporating the backdrop of beautiful Dublin and its surrounds."

Over the course of four day Dublin conference, 200 lectures will be delivered from 75 top speakers from as far a field as the USA, the UK, Europe and South Africa. Over 120 industry exhibitors will house stands at the event and there will be a dedicated section of the Industries Hall that will host a Health, Wellbeing & Lifestyle exhibition where delegates are invited to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the conference and relax.

The WSAVA 2008 Opening Ceremony will take place on the evening of Thursday 21st August in the RDS Conference Centre. The dynamic Irish musical group Electric Ceílí will open the Congress with their pure and haunting melodies, evoking the mystique and traditions of Ireland's Celtic heritage. Food and drink will follow, before delegates will be given the opportunity to witness the excitement of live sheepdog trials and a display from the Irish Pony Club in the outdoor areas of the Conference Centre.

The WSAVA 2008 Dinner will take place on Friday 22nd August in the leafy surrounds of University College Dublin campus. The five-course banquet in the O'Reilly Hall will be preceded by a champagne reception in the airy conservatory overlooking the campus lake. The evening will conclude with a performance by "Boogie Nights", Ireland’s Number 1 Party Band, who are guaranteed to get the pulses racing, and the dance floor heaving!

The Traditional Irish Céilí Night will take place on Saturday 23rd August and this will be a party night to remember at WSAVA 2008. The host Dublin venue will be Trinity College Dublin and tickets for the event will include a spread of the finest Irish cuisine, an all-you-can drink bar and a fabulous array of Irish musicians with fiddles, flutes, tin whistles, accordions and bodhráns who are sure to keep the crowd dancing all evening long.

Launch of a New Irish Hotel Brand - Maldron Hotels

2008-08-26T11:18:00.001-07:00

In August 2007, Dalata Ltd acquired the operating business of eleven Quality and Comfort Hotels in Ireland with support from TVC plc and Davy Private Clients. As indicated at the time of purchase, the objective is to grow the business internationally, and the plan has always been to re-brand the business to facilitate this expansion.

From 1st September next, nine of the hotels, with in excess of 1,500 bedrooms located in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Portlaoise and Wexford will re-brand to become a new name in Irish hospitality, Maldron Hotels. The two properties located in Clonakilty and Youghal which are operated as management contracts will continue as Quality Hotels.

"The acquisition and re-branding of Quality and Comfort Hotels in Ireland has provided a platform for the growth of Maldron Hotels. We are currently investigating development opportunities in the UK and Ireland with a view to expanding the Group" advised Pat McCann, CEO. McCann, former CEO of Jurys Doyle Hotel Group plc heads up an experienced management team of ten in Sandyford, Dublin which includes Stephen McNally, Deputy CEO, who has many years of hotel experience in Ireland and the UK. In total, the Company employs 600 people.

"We are very excited about launching a new brand in Irish hospitality," commented Karina Dunne, Group Marketing & Sales Manager. "This re-branding is not just simply a name change; it provides us with the opportunity to strengthen our midmarket position and create a strong identity for an Irish brand in both domestic and international markets. Maldron Hotels offer value and hospitality, delivering a refreshing and responsive service to our guests, and we will continue to enhance the product offering both in our existing properties and in new properties as our Group expands."

Meetingsbooker.com - Making finding an Irish Conference Venue easy!

2008-08-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Meetingsbooker.com has launched a new consumer facing portal website which is set to revolutionize how we book conference and meeting rooms online. On Meetingsbooker.com you can now either receive instant online quote or book meeting rooms online from hotels and venues throughout Ireland.

When you search on Meetingsbooker.com you can view meeting room images, floor plans, capacities and room hire special offers. You can also select refreshments such as coffee/tea breaks, lunches and dinners as well as additional IT equipment required. Room hire prices and special offers can be displayed in either Euro or Sterling, and visitors can browse an easy to use Google Map search to find their ideal conference venue.

Meetingsbooker.com takes the stress and time out of finding a conference venue for a product launch or a smaller meeting room for presentations, interviews or board meetings. All room hire prices are updated by the hotels and venues themselves and when you book or receive instant quotes you then deal directly with the hotel or venue in question.

Meetingsbooker.com includes some of Ireland’s top large conference venues including Croke Park Conference Centre, Fitzpatrick’s Castle, The Slieve Russell Hotel as well as many meetings venues such as The Fitzwilliam Hotel, The Beacon Hotel, The Harbour Hotel Galway, Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links to name but a few.

Meetingsbooker.com now offers hotels and venues a unique innovative marketing channel for promoting meeting space online. The Meetingsbooker.com meeting room software can also be set up directly on the hotels own website.

Moyvalley.... Golf and Conference Venue Ireland

2008-08-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

Moyvalley’s Just Champion For Clarke

Ryder Cup star Darren Clarke has hailed the Champions Course at Moyvalley, County Kildare, as the latest jewel in Ireland’s golfing crown. Speaking ahead of Monday’s official opening of his latest creation and first in Ireland, Clarke said he believed the course would eventually be acknowledged among the nation’s finest. “I am very proud to be associated with Moyvalley and look forward to watching the course develop,” said Clarke. “This is an exciting time for everybody concerned with the project and we hope we will bring enjoyment to golfers of all standards,” he added. Clarke will be joined on Monday, among others, by the newly-appointed John McHenry, former Golf Director of the K-Club and now consultant to Moyvalley and the Eassda Group, plus the Eassda owner/developer Alastair Jackson and his family.

Moyvalley incorporates a new concept in golf course design, maintenance and membership. The Champions Club is the prototype of an exciting initiative from International Sports Management which is expected to involve some of their top stars including Ernie Els, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood. The Champions Club brand, synonymous with five-star facilities and quality in every aspect, will be available to certain golf clubs, which fit the quality criteria. “This is an exciting, new venture which will add to Ireland’s rich golfing heritage and provide standards previously only aspired to in terms of quality of site, course, maintenance, membership, accommodations and clubhouse facilities and catering,” said Dougie Heather, chairman of ISM. “Everybody at ISM is thrilled about the prospect of seeing the development of The Champions Club and its aims and initiatives throughout the world,” added Andrew Chandler, ISM’s managing director. “We can think of no more fitting a place for its inception than at Moyvalley”.

The Champions course, adjoining the opulent Balyna Country House, is Ryder Cup star Darren Clarke’s first work in Ireland and forms an integral part of the estate’s 500 acres of rolling countryside. The Champions Club will be available to private members and their guests only although hotel residents will also have the opportunity to play the course. The needs and requirements of those members will have paramount importance in the development of the project. Members will also have access to other Champions Club projects throughout the world.

Radisson SAS Royal

2008-08-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

The Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Dublin: style and elegance in the heart of Dublin city
The dazzlingly stylish Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Dublin, in located at the crossroads of Golden Lane and Chancery Lane, adjacent to Dublin Castle and within minutes stroll from all the key shopping, business and commercial sectors of this busy and exciting city. Open less than a year, the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Dublin is a deluxe hotel with dramatic contemporary elements, a truly modern, world-class hotel in the city centre.

Developed by one of Ireland’s leading construction companies J.J. Rhatigan & Co., the new Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Dublin, was designed by Anthony Reddy & Associates, with interior design by Graven Images. The hotel has some uniquely chic features, from the spectacular lobby with a sparkling Waterford Crystal Vintage Room, to the Sky Suite, a fabulous venue on the 7th floor which has panoramic views over Dublin city centre. The Sky Suite, which has private lift access, can also be used as an exclusive meeting room and lounge, and is available for private hire.

The Dublin conference hotel offers 150 spacious guest rooms including Business Class, Junior Suites, one bedroom suites and a presidential suite, all equipped with high-quality amenities and free high-speed and wireless Internet access. Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Dublin also has fifteen state-of-the-art, flexible meeting rooms, a ballroom/conference room with pre-function areas comfortably catering for up to 400 delegates, and underground parking for 60 cars.

The all-day lounge bar at the new hotel is called Sure, an affectionate reference to the Irish love of the word in all its meanings. Sure Bar was a recent winner of ‘Best Hotel Bar in Ireland’ at the Theme Bar and Restaurant Awards 2008. Friendly and welcoming, Verres en Vers is the contemporary, French-style, all-day brasserie and bar, whose name translates as ‘poetry in a glass’. It seats up to 100 guests for lunch, dinner and Radisson SAS’s famously sumptuous Super Buffet Breakfast.

Whether it be for leisure or business, all guests are ensured the genuine Yes I Can! hospitality for which Radisson SAS has become justly renowned. As part of the E@sy Connect Service concept, all Radisson SAS hotels offer free high-speed Internet access throughout their facilities to all residential guests. The hotel offers its guests the 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee for which Radisson SAS is famous, along with other thoughtful and helpful service concepts including One Touch Service, 3-hour Express Laundry, Express Check-Out and Grab & Run Breakfast.

Focus on China

2008-08-25T01:34:00.000-07:00

With Beijing about to play host to the 2008 Olympics and welcome millions of visitors from around the world, the China Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (CIBTM) in 2009 is set to benefit from the Games.

CIBTM 2009, will take place between the 8-10 September and will be utilising Beijing’s new state of the art China National Convention Centre (CNCC) which is serving as the main international media & broadcasting centre for the Olympic Games.Ideally located just 25 minutes from either the city centre or Beijing’s International Airport the venue boasts China's biggest and newest world-class meeting and exhibition space including a 6400sqm Grand Convention Hall accommodating up to 6,000 delegates, a 24,000sqm exhibition hall and another 3,500 pax ballroom, the China National Convention Centre will create a modern backdrop for CIBTM.The 4-star, 443 room China National Convention Centre Hotel, adjacent to CNCC will be the event’s official partner hotel.CIBTM is the leading showcase for Chinese and international destinations, products and services and is the premier event in China for the Meetings, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition industries and is a strategic part of RTE’s global portfolio of Meeting events.

Exhibition Director Graeme Barnett comments: “The legacy of this summer’s Olympics in Beijing can only enhance CIBTM’s reputation as one of the world’s leading event for the meetings and incentives industry together with EIBTM in Barcelona and GIBTM in Abu Dhabi. “The new China National Convention Center is an ideal venue for CIBTM to showcase the meetings industry, which in 2007 attracted over 250 exhibitors and nearly 4,000 trade buyers. Having seen the venue during a recent visit to Bejing, I am looking forward to creating a new fresh and exciting CIBTM in a world-class venue. The Grand Convention Hall, which hosts the Olympic Fencing Competition and is the new home for CIBTM looks amazing.”
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Conference Destination News: Cork Offers the Best when it comes to Hosting Conferences

2008-08-11T11:18:00.001-07:00

Cork Offers the Best when it comes to Hosting Conferences

The Cork Convention Bureau has launched a conference Ambassador programme, which aims to encourage international and national associations to opt for Cork as the destination of choice for a conference or corporate meeting.

Cork Convention Bureau offers informal advice and information, ensuring the best venue and location is sourced for the client. Acting as a point of contact for Cork, liaising with local suppliers, venue searching, assisting with bids for international meetings, sourcing support from political, industry and tourism contacts and assisting with travel options are all part of the free service provided by the Cork Convention Bureau. Since 2007 Cork Convention Bureau has assisted with over 135 business opportunities.

Cork is the perfect place for a business event and Ambassadors are encouraged to take the initiative of becoming a conference Ambassador and propose Cork as the host destination of its organisation’s next conference or corporate meeting location.

Bill Gainer, Chairman of Cork County Partnership (a Cork County Council Initiative) and currently the Cork Convention Bureau’s Chicago Ambassador for the last 10 years said: “I’m delighted to be in Cork for the launch of the Cork Convention Bureau’s Ambassador programme. Becoming an Ambassador can offer a sense of personal achievement and satisfaction. Influencing the conference agenda and selecting guest speakers while also showcasing Cork as a centre of excellence are further benefits an Ambassador can achieve.”

He continued; “I would like to see The Cork Convention Bureau being used as a tool by a wide range of people within different professions such as medical, education and research and development who want to see a conference, which they are associated with come to Cork over the next few years.”

Also speaking at the launch Ann Cronin, Business Development Manager, Cork Convention Bureau said: “Convention Bureau forms part of the Conference Alliance which is co-coordinated through Failte Ireland Business Tourism department and Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers. The Cork Convention Bureau is encouraging potential Cork Ambassadors to come on board. We’re looking for influential people to nominate Cork as a suitable location for Conferences which will increase the number of conferences and corporate meetings held in Cork each year.”

She continued: “Cork has everything to offer from a wide range of hotels and unique venues, driven and highly skilled professionals, modern conference facilities and excellent transport facilities both into and out Cork.”

Partner News: Fitzwilliam Hotel Celebrates 10 years!

2008-08-11T11:13:00.001-07:00

It’s 10th birthday, a complete guestroom refurbishment and a promotion!

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin celebrates its 10th birthday this year, along with the unveiling of the striking, stylish new design of its 139 executive superior and deluxe guestrooms. In addition the Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin also celebrates its membership of the elite Preferred Hotels and Resorts Global brand. The Fitzwilliam is truly one of the top business hotels in Dublin.

The breath-taking new guestrooms are a haven of excellence and intricacy with every tiny detail being considered to guarantee visitors feel pampered and relaxed. From the solid oak "chess piece" bedside tables and Paul Smith fabric chairs, to the Dublin Stem Vase, Isadora Blown Bathroom Glasses and Dreyfuss 500 feature telephone, no stone has been left unturned.
International architect and Interior designers, Project Orange, consulted many interiors companies in both Ireland and the UK, finally choosing an impressive list including; Balmoral Furniture Ireland, Exclusive Linen London, Couristan, Wild & Wolf, Hawkins Brothers London, Sony Ireland and Aqurelle Ireland, to name but a few.

Due to their 10 years’ experience working with the Fitzwilliam, Project Orange (originally Conran Partnership) based in the UK, had no design brief to adhere to, but aimed to maintain the original ethos of the hotel - while pushing the design boundaries to the maximum.

The new guestrooms see a use of colour that is both bold and daring, patterned upholstery and bespoke furniture add to the unique character of the design. Luxury, glamour, style and comfort were key in creating the sleek look of these plush suites.

Christopher Ash, Project Orange, comments: "When the Fitzwilliam first opened, the design was very progressive and was therefore emulated across other establishments. We had the opportunity to re-think the original elements and create something very exciting, while staying true to the hotel’s values.

"Hotel guests don’t want a home-from-home any more - they want to be spoilt, hence the overt luxury."

Membership of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Group - another cause for celebration - is a milestone for the Fitzwilliam Dublin Hotel, and sees the Fitzwilliam positioned alongside Sandy Lane, Pallzo Sasso and K club properties. Preferred is described as a collection of the world’s finest independent luxury hotels, and within the industry, is categorized by the highest of international service levels.

One example of the Fitzwilliam Hotel’s dedication to top level service is the recent launch of the "Citron Brasserie Service Excellence Awards", a culmination of staff training in various areas of food and beverage service, with the goal of making the team more professional & customer focused. This programme is on-going and is designed to ensure constant training and development for staff in the hotel’s own restaurant, Citron.

John Kavanagh, General Manager comments: "2008 is a big year for us. Ten years being situated in the heart of Dublin has allowed us to see many changes. Although our five star service has always remained of the same high quality standard, we wanted to enhance our guestroom product, and what better time than 2008 - to celebrate our tenth birthday."
Mr Kavanagh continues: "We are extremely proud of being a Preferred Hotel It’s a well deserved indication of the time, effort and dedication we as a hotel bestow upon our guests."

Meetingsbooker.com Partner News: Fitzwilliam Hotel Celebrates 10 years!

2008-08-11T11:13:00.000-07:00

It’s 10th birthday, a complete guestroom refurbishment and a promotion!

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin celebrates its 10th birthday this year, along with the unveiling of the striking, stylish new design of its 139 executive superior and deluxe guestrooms. In addition the Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin also celebrates its membership of the elite Preferred Hotels and Resorts Global brand.

The breath-taking new guestrooms are a haven of excellence and intricacy with every tiny detail being considered to guarantee visitors feel pampered and relaxed. From the solid oak "chess piece" bedside tables and Paul Smith fabric chairs, to the Dublin Stem Vase, Isadora Blown Bathroom Glasses and Dreyfuss 500 feature telephone, no stone has been left unturned.
International architect and Interior designers, Project Orange, consulted many interiors companies in both Ireland and the UK, finally choosing an impressive list including; Balmoral Furniture Ireland, Exclusive Linen London, Couristan, Wild & Wolf, Hawkins Brothers London, Sony Ireland and Aqurelle Ireland, to name but a few.

Due to their 10 years’ experience working with the Fitzwilliam, Project Orange (originally Conran Partnership) based in the UK, had no design brief to adhere to, but aimed to maintain the original ethos of the hotel - while pushing the design boundaries to the maximum.

The new guestrooms see a use of colour that is both bold and daring, patterned upholstery and bespoke furniture add to the unique character of the design. Luxury, glamour, style and comfort were key in creating the sleek look of these plush suites.

Christopher Ash, Project Orange, comments: "When the Fitzwilliam first opened, the design was very progressive and was therefore emulated across other establishments. We had the opportunity to re-think the original elements and create something very exciting, while staying true to the hotel’s values.

"Hotel guests don’t want a home-from-home any more - they want to be spoilt, hence the overt luxury."

Membership of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Group - another cause for celebration - is a milestone for the Fitzwilliam Dublin Hotel, and sees the Fitzwilliam positioned alongside Sandy Lane, Pallzo Sasso and K club properties. Preferred is described as a collection of the world’s finest independent luxury hotels, and within the industry, is categorized by the highest of international service levels.

One example of the Fitzwilliam Hotel’s dedication to top level service is the recent launch of the "Citron Brasserie Service Excellence Awards", a culmination of staff training in various areas of food and beverage service, with the goal of making the team more professional & customer focused. This programme is on-going and is designed to ensure constant training and development for staff in the hotel’s own restaurant, Citron.

John Kavanagh, General Manager comments: "2008 is a big year for us. Ten years being situated in the heart of Dublin has allowed us to see many changes. Although our five star service has always remained of the same high quality standard, we wanted to enhance our guestroom product, and what better time than 2008 - to celebrate our tenth birthday."
Mr Kavanagh continues: "We are extremely proud of being a Preferred Hotel It’s a well deserved indication of the time, effort and dedication we as a hotel bestow upon our guests."

New to Meetingsbooker.com: The Morgan & Beacon Hotels

2008-08-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Morgan and Beacon Hotels launch Meetingsbooker.com

The Morgan and The Beacon Hotels have recently launched the Meetingsbooker.com online meeting room booking engine system on their websites. The booking engine allows corporate clients to view meeting room images, floors plans and capacities and provisionally book meeting rooms online. Clients can also select coffee/tea breaks and lunches as well as additional IT equipment required.

The easy to use system promotes the hotel’s meeting space and services while also allowing busy professionals to quickly view and provisionally book meeting rooms online. The hotel manages room hire rates and information using a web based management dashboard and the client automatically receives an email outlining their provisional booking.

The Morgan Hotel in Temple Bar offers all the attributes of a modern design boutique hotel, with 121 guestrooms and six dedicated meeting rooms. The four star Beacon Hotel is located in Sandyford, Co Dublin and offers 88 guestrooms, apartments and five syndicate meeting rooms. Both Hotels are renowned business travel and meetings hotels in Dublin with a modern design and style.

"We are delighted with the Meetingsbooker.com booking engine system which allows us to convert browsers on our website to actual meeting room bookings" Aine McGuinness, Group Marketing & Revenue Manager.

Meetingsbooker.com provides hotels and meeting venues with online marketing tools designed to increase their meeting room sales. In addition to the Booking Engine, Meetingsbooker.com also offers an online Instant Quote system which delivers an immediate quote to the client aimed at closing the sale.

www.themorgan.com
www.thebeacon.com
www.meetingsbooker.com

Meetingsbooker.com Destination News: Dublin's Attractions Best in World for Value for Money

2008-08-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

Dublin's Attractions Best in World for Value for Money

Dublin’s top family attractions are the least expensive in the world, according to a survey of major cities conducted by The Sunday Telegraph.

The survey examined prices charged by nine of the most popular tourist attractions in each city as well as the cost of an open-top bus ride. A family of four would pay only £180 (€226) if they wanted to take part in all 10 activities in Dublin, compared with £549.30 (€690) in London.
The attractions surveyed by the Sunday Telegraph include: Dublin Castle, Dublin Writers Museum, Dublin Zoo, James Joyce Museum, Malahide Castle and the Fry Model Railway, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells, the Shaw Birthplace, Tara’s Palace and Childhood Museum as well as an open-top bus tour.

Many of these attractions are also used by business or conference travellers to Dublin, before or after their Dublin conference or meeting.

Frank Magee, Chief Executive of Dublin Tourism said "I am thrilled to see that Dublin has come out on top as ‘best value for money’ in this survey. Dublin has a vast array of attractions all of which offer a truly authentic Dublin experience to the visitor at very affordable prices. We believe that the Dublin Pass, the official sightseeing card for Dublin gives visitors the best value for money with free admission to many of Dublin’s top attractions as well as special offers and discounts on tours."

Mr. Magee also highlighted Dublin’s many free attractions and events; "The National Museums of Ireland are a shining example of great-quality attractions which are free to visit. These, along with the many free events and initiatives such as Dublin’s eco-cabs, prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy Dublin".

Partner News: Cúl Green at Croke Park Conference Centre

2008-08-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

Cúl Green at Croke Park Conference Centre

Croke Park Stadium is Ireland’s largest stadium and the fifth largest stadium in Europe. In addition to hosting Gaelic Games it is currently the venue for international soccer and rugby during the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road in Dublin. The stadium is also one of Ireland’s largest conference and event centres and recently announced a major environmental initiative - Cúl Green (Cúl means Goal in Irish) - aimed at making Croke Park a carbon-neutral stadium. The initiative is a partnership between the ESB (Electricity Supply Board) and the GAA (Gaelic Athletics Association). The Cúl Green plan sets ambitious environmental targets for Croke Park, dramatically reducing the carbon footprint at Ireland’s largest sporting venue over the next six years and becoming the first stadium to achieve carbon neutrality.

The new project in the immediate term will cut Croke Park’s annual 4,500 tonnes carbon emissions output by more than two-thirds. It will establish a state of the art environmental- improvement programme covering the stadium’s electricity, waste and water management systems.

A total of 2.2 million people attended Croke Park last year, making it the biggest venue in Ireland, and the new sustainability plan will extend to fans’ activities in reducing the environmental impact of their travel to and from the stadium.

Croke Park now contracts its electricity supply from a renewable energy source and an energy efficiency audit is underway to establish how the stadium can most rapidly become net carbon neutral.

ESB (Electricity supply board) provide expertise in environmental management to the Croke Park team who will be working to achieve the internationally-recognised best-practice environmental standard ISO 14001 at the stadium.

It is estimated that fans travelling to games and those attending conferences and other events at the stadium event centre produce carbon emissions of 15,000 tonnes a year.

A website, http://www.culgreen.ie/, will be launched in August to allow fans participate in the Cúl Green initiative. Fans can log on and make energy-saving pledges which will help Croke Park reach its carbon-neutral targets. This will include using public transport and more environmentally friendly means to travel to games, thus reducing overall carbon emissions.

Contact:

Mairead Cullinane

Croke Park Conference Centre,

Dublin 3

Blog coming soon!

2008-07-11T13:25:00.001-07:00

Our blog will be launched shortly, in the meantime
visit www.meetingsbooker.com