BARCELONA
Hilton
Location is the draw of this hotel with Barcelona’s business district at the doorstep. An executive lounge serves the needs of discerning travellers, as well as a restaurant and bar, gym, business centre and five meeting rooms.
PRICE: Rooms from E120 (US$165) with breakfast
CONTACT: Avenida Diagonal, 589-591 Barcelona, tel 34 93 495 7777, www.hilton.co.uk/barcelona
BRUSSELS
Four Points by Sheraton
Situated off Avenue Louise, Brussels’ shopping street, this Starwood property is close to the Grand Place, the central station and offices. The hotel is in its 18th year of operation, but constant updating and maintenance (four floors of guestrooms and the lobby were renovated over the last two years) has ensured the comfort of its guests. All 128 rooms are equipped with Four Comfort Beds, coffeemakers and high-speed internet.
PRICE: Rooms from E145 (US$199)
CONTACT: Rue Paul Spaak 15, Brussels, tel 32 2 645 6111, www.fourpoints.com/brussels
DUBLIN
Maldron Hotel Parnell Square
This boutique hotel, part of Utell’s Business Collection, is located on the main bus route from Dublin Airport and within 10 minutes from the main rail terminals. O’Connell Street, Dublin’s main thoroughfare, is a two-minute stroll away. Accommodation is provided in 126 rooms, all equipped with broadband internet, satellite TVs and irons. Stir Café and Bar is open for all-day dining.
PRICE: Rooms from E69 (US$95)
CONTACT: Parnell Square West, Dublin, tel 353 1 871 6800, http://businesshotels.utell.com
LONDON
all seasons London Southwark Rose
Launched last October, this is Accor’s first all seasons branded hotel in the UK. The 84-room hotel is located on the South Bank and only steps away from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern and Tower Bridge.
PRICE: Rooms from £95 (US$145) including breakfast
CONTACT: 47 Southwark Bridge Road, London, tel 44 20 7015 1480, www.southwarkrosehotel.co.uk
Hilton London Metropole
This is a big hotel with 40 function rooms and 1,054 guestrooms. Refurbishment is currently being carried out in 111 Deluxe Plus Rooms. Oxford Street, the West End, Marble Arch and Hyde Park are all 10 minutes walk away.
PRICE: Rooms from £140 (US$214)
CONTACT: 225 Edgware Road, London, tel 44 20 7402 4141, www.hiltonlondonmet.com
MILAN
Doubletree by Hilton
The hotel’s location in the heart of the Viale Certosa business district appeals to business travellers. All 240 guestrooms are internet-enabled and equipped with ergonomic chairs and 32-inch LCD TVs. Over 450sqm of space caters for meetings and events and the business centre is open for 24 hours. There is also a restaurant which can seat 225 indoors and 250 in a covered terrace.
PRICE: Rooms from E129 (US$177)
CONTACT: Via Ludovico di Breme 77, Milan, tel 39 02 928831, www.milan.doubletreebyhilton.com
MUNICH
Ibis Munchen City West
This downtown hotel opened last September. Rooms are basic (there are 208 of them) but offer flat-screen TVs and internet connection. iPoint provides workstations for free web surfing and checking of email. A refreshment service is available round-the-clock in addition to a pasta and grill restaurant called Oopen (open 6pm to 11pm), and breakfast can be requested between 4am and midday.
PRICE: Rooms from E55 (US$75)
CONTACT: Westendstrasse 181, Munich, tel 49 89 579 4970, www.ibishotel.com
ROME
Sheraton Roma Hotel and Conference Centre
Open since 1983, this is the first Sheraton hotel in Italy. It has 640 guestrooms and extensive business facilities including 24 equipped meeting rooms and the Link@Sheraton offering workstations and relaxation areas in the lobby. Business travellers can also avail of the hotel’s Travelite programme for benefits such as luggage storage and 24-hour gym access. Guests who return within 60 days of their last stay, can also arrange for their clothes to be cleaned and placed in their rooms ready for their next visit.
PRICE: Rooms from E120 (US$165) with breakfast
CONTACT: Viale Del Pattinaggio, 100, Rome, tel 39 06 54531, www.sheraton.com/roma