luxury hotel Archives | Westminster Venue Collection

Christmas party planning tips to banish bad weather blues

Posted on 24th August 2015 by engineroom

Quick! It’s raining and dreary. Push cocktails and sun-soaked evening barbeques to the back of your mind and seize this miserable introduction to AW15 to start daydreaming about the most epic of Christmas parties, before everyone else does.

You’ve got to get in there quickly if you want a bite at the best London venues for your end of year bash, because it’s rain-soaked days like this that kickstart the festive fantasies and see the clever office elves begin their quest to plan enticing, amazing parties. Believe it or not, many companies start planning their Christmas events as early as March! Luckily, we’ve pulled together some tips to help focus your mind and get you into the festive zone fast.

1) Lock in the date

If you’re organising a company bash, first things first, fix your date. If it’s a company party for your staff, assess availability and preferences by reviewing diary dates with key members of staff in your next team meeting. For teams scattered across different offices, you could do this by running a poll, using a scheduling tool such as Doodle. Simply circulate the link to participate via email and you’ll soon have a tally of the most popular date options. Having first, second and third date options pencilled down will widen your pool of possible venues.

2) Theme for the majority

Dictating how people should have fun can be a recipe for a festive flop. Be sure to conjure up a Christmas concept that works for your audience and get the formal versus informal balance right. Are they a ‘slap-up lunch down the pub’, fuss-free sort of crowd, or are they adventurous extroverts who’d shun anything less than a fancy dress theme, a red carpet entrance and cocktail-fuelled antics at a headline-grabbing venue?

Over-engineered itineraries may please some but horrify others, so while budget is a big factor in what’s possible, be careful to always plan your Christmas party with the majority of your target audience front of mind. What would they see as an end-of-year treat that says thank you for their hard work? An opportunity to dress up and attend a glitzy, themed party with other companies at a unique London venue? A corporate away-day featuring interactive team building activities and a sit-down meal? Or maybe a private hire-out of a pub or bar, with self-service buffet, for all staff and their partners?

Creating an event that’s unique and memorable just requires a little imagination and a good knowledge of your audience. Just be sure to consider the after effects of a free-flowing bar and the impact on productivity the next day if you choose a week night!

3) Kill 37 birds with one stone!

Why spend hours trawling Google using every search term under the sun when you could save huge amounts of time with a free venue finding service like The Westminster Collection? If you know you want a central London venue, you know the style of event you’re looking to achieve, you’ve got your proposed dates, and you’re open to recommendations, this free venue finding service can slice through the noise and deliver you up to 37 options of venues, ranging from luxury hotels and private members clubs, to river boats, quirky Grade I and II listed venues, iconic tourist attractions, museums and trendy restaurants.

These venues offer their own unique, off-the-shelf packages such as shared party nights, exclusive hire deals and Christmas lunch or dinner deals, or more bespoke planning services. A service like The Westminster Collection really can make your party planning pain free. Why not come along to our free venue showcase on Friday 18 September for some festive venue inspiration?

4) Don’t skimp on the food or drink

Nothing says ‘we value you’ more than an indulgent spread of festive food. Work with your venue caterer to plan the very best menu your budget will buy, whether it’s a sit-down meal, a drinks reception with canapés, or a self-service buffet. Let your venue help you make clever choices and advise on the most practical types of food for sociable party settings. Avoiding smelly foods will help out people’s networking efforts, as will lighter choices for the folks who’d like to avoid an impending food coma and uncomfortable bloat in their party frocks.

Set menus offering three choices of starter, main and dessert can help your guests pace themselves responsibly, as well as being budget friendly for you, the organiser. Keep the bar well stocked too and ensure people have access to adequate top-ups of alcohol and free-flowing soft drinks to keep them quenched and in the party mood through to the end of the night. There’s nothing worse than a bar running dry to kill the vibe and see the DJ left rocking the dancefloor on his lonesome!

Christmas parties unwrapped

Posted on 10th August 2015 by engineroom

Deck the halls, hang your stockings and mull the wine because Christmas 2015 is on its way and no doubt Father Christmas has already set his elves to work. If you are yet to wrap-up your Christmas plans don’t panic, there is still a sleigh-full of options to make your Christmas party sparkle and we have rounded them up into one easy parcel.

If all-out themes and wall-to-wall sparkle is what you are after then 8 Northumberland Avenue, QEII Centre and No.11 Cavendish Square should be at the top of your list.

Less than 60 seconds away from Trafalgar Square and steeped in Victorian History, 8 Northumberland Avenue is going all out for Christmas 2015 with not one but two themes. They are transforming their Ballroom into a Great Gatsby inspired Vintage Affair and their Old Billiard Room and Annex will be covered in Christmas Market loveliness for A Winter’s Avenue. Seated lunches start from £95pp + VAT and dinner packages from £110 + VAT.

Not to be outdone, QEII Centre is offering up the ultimate A list party for Christmas at the Oscars. Feel like a superstar at one of London’s most iconic conference venues and walk the red carpet into your Christmas event. A stand up buffet starts from £43pp + VAT and packages include a photographer to act as your personal paparazzi for the night meaning you will really celebrate Christmas in style.

No.11 Cavendish Square is transforming into an authentic Ski Lodge this Christmas complete with burning log fire, antlers and wooden decorations. Feel like you are right in the heart of the Alps as No.11 Cavendish Square has every aspect covered from gazing at the Northern Lights to enjoying an exquisite dinner in the Glass House. Packages include exclusive room hire, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks and a DJ and start from £110pp+ VAT for groups of up to 300.

For the more traditional amongst you there are plenty of venues keeping it simple with their Christmas offerings. At One Great George Street their ‘One Great Christmas’ will be filled with all the best of Christmas tradition including crackers and mulled wine as well as canapés and three-course meal packages. Packages are available from 28th November to 22nd December 2015 and start from £44.50pp + VAT.

From festive afternoon teas to champagne receptions and decadent five-course meals, The Athenaeum Hotel, conveniently located just nine minutes’ walk from Buckingham Palace, is serving up everything a traditional Christmas in the city needs. Available from Monday 16^th to Thursday 31^st December from £45pp their menus include roast turkey with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding with Brandy sauce.

Tradition and military history go hand in hand and at the Army and Navy Club you are guaranteed to enjoy your Christmas party enveloped in British history dating back to 1837. The club, situated in London’s Mayfair, was first opened by Queen Victoria and is now one of the city’s most distinguished private members clubs. Christmas dinner packages start from £75pp and include a welcome drink, three-course meal, coffee and mince pies.

Conrad London St James is offering up all the best and most traditional things about Christmas all wrapped up in two neat packages: The Christmas Cracker lunch package and The Jingle Bell Rock dinner package. Lunch events are £70pp and you can enjoy an evening affair for £95pp. Both packages include a three-course meal and room hire and both can be tailored to your individual needs.

If a traditional Christmas doesn’t quite light up your tree then why not try something a little more unique this year?

The centre of the British film industry and home to some iconic pieces of motion picture history, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly guarantees to throw you a star-sprinkled bash complete with red carpet, really giving your event the A-list edge. Booking an event with BAFTA comes complete with your very own alchemist to conjure up a personalised cocktail for the evening and packages start from £120pp + VAT for minimum numbers of 80.

Also offering something a little more unusual is HQS Wellington. Step off dry land onto the iconic River Thames and soak up the stunning views of the South Bank and the London Eye while enjoying a Christmas party to remember. The ship is offering the complete package from welcome drinks of mulled wine to a three-course festive dinner before dancing the night away with music provided by a top DJ.

The festive season is a great time to take advantage of offers and 2015 is no exception. London Film Museum is not only home to 100 exhibit items that include vehicles, models, original production art, props and vintage memorabilia that span over 50 years of James Bond history, they are also offering 20% off venue hire for all Westminster Collection clients. The offer is valid on all parties booked before 20^th September 2015 and with the latest in the Bond franchise hitting cinemas in November it is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in style.

St. James Theatre is a unique, award-winning arts complex in central London less than five minutes away from Victoria Station. The theatre prides itself on providing a cultural and theatrical platform for shows and productions with plans to conquer the West End. The venue has a capacity for 120 cabaret style and this Christmas they are offering a free glass of prosecco per person for all group bookings of eight or more confirmed by 30^th September, because Christmas isn’t Christmas without a little fizz.

Also offering some seasonal savings is Victory Services Club. Set in the heart of London just five minutes’ walk away from Marble Arch, the club has seven versatile meeting rooms and is accredited with a gold award by the Meetings Industry Association guaranteeing quality of service. Exclusive to The Westminster Collection event bookers, Victory Services Club is offering 10% discount on any Christmas party booking, plus a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival for all bookings made by 16^th October.

So whether it’s all the glitz and glamour you can lay your hands on or a quiet traditional Christmas meal in a historical setting that will make your Christmas events wish come true, Westminster has every taste and preference covered to celebrate in style for 2015. Explore now and if you want to enquire at all 30+ venues from our collection, you can do this with one simple form here.

We’re also hosting a special Christmas themed venue showcase this 18th September at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace. Find your perfect Christmas or New Year party destination, or fuel your planning for conferences, fashions shows, awards dinners and more, with a showcase of Westminster’s finest venues, complete with exclusive offers, arts and crafts, competitions and giveaways. It’s free to register. Simply click here.

‘Get Christmas Licked!’ Venue Showcase

Posted on 1st August 2015 by engineroom

Throw on your reindeer antlers and trot on down to 10-11 Carlton House Terrace this September, for festive frolics and good fun with more than 35 of Westminster’s finest venues. This year, Christmas cheer and creative, seasonal theming bring together a selection of unusual, historical, modern and exciting events destinations to inspire and entice.

Special offers, arts and crafts workshops, competitions and giveaways will all serve to introduce you to our wealth of individually unique central London properties, whether it’s late Christmas and New Year parties and drinks receptions you’re looking to organise, or forward planning for conferences, product launches, fashion shows, awards dinners, concerts and more into next year and beyond.

Meet friendly teams from luxury hotels, private members clubs, concert halls, museums and attractions, river boats, modern and traditional conference centres, historic institutes and societies. Enjoy one-on-one discussions in a dedicated and relaxed environment and fill your little black book with great new contacts, venue ideas, theming notes and confirmed diary dates for the personalised venue tours you’ve been able to organise with your new connections.

The Westminster Collection’s annual venue showcase is free to attend, subject to qualifying criteria. Register now! We look forward to seeing you in September.

Westminster spotlight: Embankment & Westminster

Posted on 8th June 2015 by engineroom

Westminster and Embankment are your iconic ‘picture postcard’ London – the London that’s famous worldwide, with its bounty of landmarks like Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the sprawling banks of the river Thames to admire. It’s where Britophiles and curious tourists flock to sample quintessential Britain. You feel like you’re somewhere buzzing and important when you’re in Westminster; it’s the political decision making hub of the UK. So where better to do business or to host an event that catapults a brand to centre stage?

Historical Haunts…

House of Commons
Perhaps one of London’s most recognised venues is the House of Commons. Unrivalled in its political history it has been a British institution since the 11^th Century and is just as impressive today as it has ever been. The House of Commons offers a choice of seven event rooms, with one of the most popular being The Churchill Room (aptly named as many of his paintings hang on the walls) which can seat up to 100 guests for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Recess dates have been announced with new availability between 18 September – 9 October.

Nearest tube: Westminster (5 min walk)

Central Hall Westminster
Ideally located opposite Westminster Abbey is the Grade II listed Central Hall Westminster. Well known as a film location and boasting Europe’s largest domed ceiling, the venue is quite a spectacle. In December 2014 the venue played host to a sold-out concert spectacular which saw Adam Lambert take to the stage with the almighty Queen, showcasing the venue’s vast versatility. With its 22-room portfolio and dedicated team of professionals Central Hall can accommodate between 100 and 2000.

Nearest tube: St James’s Park (4 min walk), Westminster (8 min walk)

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
The grandiose Supreme Court of the United Kingdom sits amongst some of the most iconic sights in Great Britain, yet its Gothic architecture means it is impossible to overlook. Packed full with period features such as majestic ceilings, intricate carved beams and an abundance of exquisite stained glass, the venue is oozing with character. The Supreme Court accommodates up to 100 guests for a seated dinner and viewings of the court rooms and Law Library are available on request.

Nearest tube: Westminster (6 min walk)

One Great George Street
A magnificent four-domed Edwardian building sits in the heart of London called One Great George Street, a stone’s throw from Parliament Square. The venue offers a choice of 19 event spaces for between 60 and 400 guests with many of them offering interconnecting doors, allowing you to combine a corporate event with social entertaining.

Nearest tube: Westminster (5 min walk)

8 Northumberland Avenue
Few venues can boast a more central location than 8 Northumberland Avenue, just paces away from Trafalgar Square, however, the venue does not compromise space for location. Boasting a stunning ballroom which English Heritage has described as ‘the grandest example of a Victorian ballroom in existence’, with capacities of up to 500, in addition to five smaller meeting spaces, this Grade II listed building combines your practical needs seamlessly with outstanding aesthetics.

Nearest tube: Charing Cross (3 min walk), Embankment (4 min walk)

Broadway House
Seasoned professionals in delivering proficient, effectual events such as press conferences and ministerial meetings, Broadway House is perfectly equipped to meet even the highest of standards. It sits adjacent to St James’s Park station and here technology is paramount throughout the venue, which offers 12 varying event spaces with tailored packages for up to 100 guests.

Nearest tube: St James’s Park (1 min walk)

St James Court
A mere stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace is St James Court hotel, a discreet Victorian masterpiece radiating warmth and sophistication. St James Court offers 17 meeting and conference suites which all come with wireless internet, state-of-the-art technology and video conferencing making it the perfect place to hold a corporate event.

Nearest tube: St James’s Park (4 min walk)

Meetings for Modern Minds…

etc.venues Victoria
If you are looking for a clean lined, ultra-modern, sophisticated events space then you need look no further than etc.venues at One Drummond Gate in Victoria. Easily accessible and sitting adjacent to Pimlico tube station, the venue is a perfect fit for meetings, conferences and corporate events. The largest space accommodates up to 250 guests and all spaces are equipped with high spec AV kits. Designed to create an engaging and comfortable environment, all the event spaces feature natural light, meaning your event remains as productive and inviting as possible.

Nearest tube: Pimlico (2 min walk)

QEII Centre
A venue that combines a flawless reputation for delivering incredible corporate events with the chance for some sunshine is the QEII Centre. The opportunities within this venue are truly vast and the beautiful interior ensures a slick and professional atmosphere at all times. When the sun does decide to make an appearance, the QEII Centre has some lovely outdoor space, including The Green at the front of the Centre, overlooking Westminster Abbey, where drinks and food can be served. The inside space can accommodate up to 1,300 people in the largest room and there is also a wide range of smaller rooms so you can choose the perfect space for your event, whether it’s an awards ceremony, a conference, a product launch or a sit-down dinner.

Nearest tube: Westminster (8 min walk), St James’s Park (4 min walk)

Church House Conference Centre
An award-winning venue with proven success hosting large scale events such as product launches and award ceremonies, Church House Conference Centre offers its guests a multitude of layout options and their state-of-the-art facilities means that creating the perfect staging, lighting and sound for your event is well within their capabilities. The event spaces can hold more than 600 people and clients can choose from 19 spaces.

Nearest tube: St James’s Park (7 min walk), Westminster (10 min walk)

St. James Theatre
St James Theatre holds the title for being the first newly built theatre complex in central London for nearly 30 years. Despite being in its infancy (in theatre terms) the venue has a fantastic reputation and provides a creative and unusual backdrop for many types of event. St James Theatre can accommodate up to 312 guests and the live entertainment space provides an intimate setting for team building days, product launches, small presentations, away days or creative workshops. Take advantage of a Laurent Perrier Champagne reception with 20% off for all events booked before the end of July.

Nearest tube: Victoria (6 min walk)

Hospitable Hotels…

Conrad London St. James
A central London hotel boasting everything (and more) that you would expect from the luxury brand, Conrad London St James guarantees high end execution for all their events. If your event calls for something a little quirkier, then the Emmeline Lounge could tick all your boxes. Named after the 19th Century British political activist Emmeline Pankhurst and showcasing mind-warping, multi-dimensional art, the lounge is ideal for intimate or relaxed business meetings and brainstorms, especially if you love a themed afternoon tea.

Nearest tube: St James’s Park (1 min walk)

St Ermin’s Hotel
An extensive £30 million pound investment has transformed the four star St Ermin’s Hotel into a contemporary and stylish location for a variety of different events. Priding itself on professional and efficient service, the venue boasts 15 event spaces including three Caxton environments and the antique, book-lined Library.

Nearest tube: St James’s Park (3 min walk)

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London – Westminster
Accommodating a multitude of needs, DoubleTree by Hilton sits a walkable distance from both quirky, creative South Bank and London’s financial district. A clever mix of state-of-the-art technology and contemporary comfort, DoubleTree by Hilton truly has something for all. They offer customisable event spaces for up to 200 guests, with a logistics team on site to ensure your event runs without a glitch.

Nearest tube: Pimlico (9 min walk)

Westminster spotlight: Mayfair & Belgravia

Posted on 6th May 2015 by engineroom

Whether greasing your fingers at trendy munch spots Burger & Lobster or Goodman, or indulging in refined gourmet dining at the likes of Le Gavroche, Benares or Munaro are your personal style, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the well-heeled Westminster districts of Mayfair and Belgravia, which encircle iconic Buckingham Palace and border Hyde Park.

Refined London at its best, these enchanting streets house private estates, secluded gardens, luxury hotels and private members clubs aplenty, creating a destination for designer brands, wealthy residents, fashionable foodies and classy events.

Here are our favourite Mayfair and Belgravia haunts perfect for everything from drinks parties and standing receptions, to product launches, film screenings, private dinners and conferences:

BAFTA 195 Piccadilly
Nestled in the heart of Mayfair above the hustle and bustle of one of London’s busiest streets is BAFTA, home to some of film and television’s most iconic histories. The venue has five event spaces that are all available for exclusive hire, and at certain times of the year the venue can be hired as an entirety allowing the ultimate atmosphere of exclusivity. Accommodating numbers between 50 and 350 BAFTA offers a real versatility for a wide range of events. Within the Princess Anne Theatre space is an incredible state of the art cinema system which can play anything from timeless classics to the latest 3D blockbuster.

The Athenaeum Hotel
Combining the comfort of a family run business with the elegance of a 5* central London location is The Athenaeum Hotel. Located just a stone’s throw from Green Park and adjacent to Buckingham Palace, the venue’s location is truly spectacular. The events spaces range from 20 to 100 delegate capacity making it ideal for more intimate and personal occasions and with fresh fruit, unlimited bottled water and plasma TVs included as standard, The Athenaeum really does go the extra mile to ensure your event runs flawlessly. The venue has also launched a ‘Pick and Mix’ offer for meetings packages allowing you to receive a day delegate rate of £75pp and to enhance your package with a complimentary extra including a complimentary glass of champagne after your event. For more information please visit www.athenaeumhotel.com/events/meetings/piccadilly-pick-n-mix/

The Royal Air Force Club
Opened in 1922, The RAF Club is ideally located along the edges of Green Park. A beautiful and historic building, it seamlessly combines fantastic history with contemporary facilities and interiors. Not to be missed at The RAF club is the incredible Badge Corridor containing an unrivaled selection of original squadron badges. The event spaces can accommodate between 20 and 200 guests all with complimentary WiFi and audio visual equipment.

The Chesterfield Mayfair
The Chesterfield Mayfair is a secluded and exceptional hotel with six events spaces catering for 50-150 guests, with an elegant yet welcoming home-away-from-home atmosphere. The Conservatory Room boasts marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and can seat up to 40 guests. On booking your event you will be assigned your own personal events manager who will guide you through the entire process and allow you to relax and enjoy every moment.

The Royal Institution of Great Britain
Grade I listed and established more than 200 years ago The Royal Institution of Great Britain, has history at it’s very core and has been at the forefront of scientific discovery, innovation and communication for two centuries. Sensitively restored it boasts a 440-seat theatre which is available for exclusive hire and throughout its collection of event spaces there are capacities for between 30 and 600, meaning there are endless possibilities when booking an event at The Royal Institution.

The Lansdowne Club
If exclusivity is what you are looking for then The Lansdowne Club in the heart of Mayfair has plenty to offer. Built in 1763 before being converted into a social club in 1935, it is now an exclusive members club offering a variety of options for your central London event. Perfect for business or pleasure the spaces on offer can cater for between 50 and 200 guests in a variety of seating styles. The spectacular library seats up to 100 guests and showcases jam-packed bookcases covering the walls, providing a unique vocal point for your event.

The Caledonian Club
Originally built for Hugh Morrison, a wealthy politician and land owner in 1891, The Caledonian Club is a little piece of Scotland in the heart of Belgravia. Showcasing their versatile events spaces, all with a quintessential Scottish flavour, the venue can accommodate between 50 and 250 guests. Function guests access the event using an exclusive private entrance meaning your event has an air of sophistication from the moment your guests arrive.

Imperial College London (Knightsbridge)
Variety is in no short supply at Imperial College London as it offers more than 200 unique events spaces in the cultural heartland of Exhibition Road. Available for as few as 20 or as many as 620 guests, the options truly are plentiful. The venue is centered in an historic location, surrounded by historic heavyweights such as The Victoria and Albert and Natural History Museums. The Queen’s Lawn space, available for up to 700 people, can be hired as a stand-alone space or paired with The Queen’s Tower which is accessible using a marqueed walkway onto the lawn, bringing the outside in and allowing a spacious and airy feel. Booking a summer party before 15th May entitles you to 15% off with BBQ menus and Pimm’s on arrival. Find out more and visit www3.imperial.ac.uk/conferenceandevents/specialpromotions/summerparties

Summer venues: rooftops, gardens, terraces

Posted on 14th April 2015 by engineroom

As summer approaches and the capital steps outside and into the sun, rooftops, gardens and courtyards across London come to life. Sitting in the warm summer sun with a cocktail in hand is the perfect way to inject a little sunshine into your event. There is no shortage of exquisite outdoor locations in London but to make it even easier to find your ideal al fresco venue here’s our pick of spot on summer venues:

Nothing says ‘summer’ quite like being on the water and HQS Wellington provides the perfect combination of outdoor and indoor space, allowing your event to flow seamlessly regardless of the unpredictable British weather! Wellington is a unique London venue for any functions which benefit from the backdrop of its wonderful collection of marine antiques, including priceless paintings and model ships. It has four hireable events spaces suitable for meetings and dining, including the open-air ‘Quarter Deck’, ideal for summer cocktail parties, receptions and barbecues. From small meetings in a boardroom to a whole ship event, flexibility is a key attraction of this venue. It is licensed for weddings, with a highly personal, professional and innovative conferencing, event and wedding service provided on board by The Cook & Butler.

A venue that combines a flawless reputation for delivering incredible corporate events with the chance for some sunshine is The Q EII Centre. The opportunities within this venue are truly vast and the beautiful and astounding interior ensures a slick and professional atmosphere at all times. When the sun does decide to make an appearance The QEII Centre has some lovely outdoor space where drinks and food can be served. The inside space can accommodate up to 1,300 people in the largest room and there is also a wide range of smaller rooms so you can choose the perfect space for your event.

Ideally located opposite Westminster Abbey is the Grade II listed Central Hall Westminster. Well known as a film location and boasting Europe’s largest domed ceiling, the venue is quite a spectacle. With its 22 room portfolio and dedicated team of professionals Central Hall can accommodate a wide range of events. The lesser known area of the building is the beautiful sun terrace where you can watch the sun go down behind London’s iconic skyline.

Perhaps one of London’s most recognised venues is the House of Commons. Unrivalled in its political history it has been a British institution since the 11^th Century and is just as impressive today as it has ever been. The House of Commons offers a choice of seven event rooms, with one of the most popular being The Churchill Room (aptly named as many of his paintings hang on the walls) which can seat up to 100 guests for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Most suitable for the warmer months is the stunning Terrace Pavilion, a purpose built marquee perfect for all conditions, complete with panoramic glass doors allowing guests to take full advantage of the spectacular sunshine.

No.11 Cavendish Square is a beautiful Grade II listed building nestled amongst the townhouses of central London. The venue has been sympathetically enhanced allowing it to cater for all types of events whilst still maintaining its original and charming features. The venue boasts a variety of rooms for both larger and more intimate events but perhaps most notably for the upcoming summer months is The Garden Room. Available for exclusive hire for up to 100 guests for a standing reception, it’s not only a beautifully bright space but it can also be hired with the adjoining courtyard allowing your guests to move freely between the two.

A mere stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace is St James Court hotel, a discreet Victorian masterpiece oozing with warmth and sophistication. St James Cou rt offers 17 meeting and conference suites which all come with wireless internet, state of the art technology and video conferencing making it the perfect place to hold a corporate event. The hotel also offers a unique and secluded garden courtyard, complete with stunning flowers and tranquil water features allowing a place to recharge and recoup at any time of the day.

The summer months enable us to step outside, walk around and see a little more of what London has to offer. We hope that something in our top six summer hotspots has caught your eye and that the sun stays out long enough for you to experience them all!

BAFTA draws crowd for annual Westminster venue showcase

Posted on 13th October 2014 by engineroom

Friday 10th October saw more than 150 event buyers gather at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly to discover and network with dozens of central London’s best event venues, brought together over breakfast by London venue marketing consortium The Westminster Collection (TWC).

It was TWC’s annual venue showcase, Destination Westminster, held once a year to create an opportunity for people who organise events to enjoy productive, face-to-face conversations with venue representatives from some of London’s finest historic institutes and societies, dedicated conference venues, river boat venues, luxury hotels, museums, tourist attractions, private members clubs and concert halls.

Guests in attendance came from a mixture of integrated marketing agencies, event agencies, charities, embassies, government organisations, law firms, accountancy firms, retailers and tour operators.

BAFTA 195 Piccadilly took the opportunity to showcase its bright and airy David Lean Room and Foyer Bar, as guests posed for twitter and Instagram photos alongside iconic BAFTA masks and enjoyed indulgent, sweet and savoury breakfast treats including cinnamon toast with roast banana on a chocolate milk shot, and spinach, potato and goats cheese tortilla with smashed avocado.

Guests then loaded up their pick ‘n’ mix bags with breakfast themed treats from the sweetie bar before seizing the chance to make like the stars by taking their seats in BAFTA’s illustrious Princess Anne Theatre. Here they watched short screenings of candid interviews with Hollywood film stars including the late Robin Williams and Tom Hanks, as well as British talents Idris Elba and Ricky Gervais.

Speaking of the event, Allyson Hargreaves, board director for The Westminster Collection says, “We always look forward to this event. It provides great sales leads for our venues and we hope serves to raise awareness of the excellent, free venue finding and event enquiry tools The Westminster Collection offers to event planners via our website. There are few events that offer such an intimate opportunity to network and have meaningful business conversations in a relaxed environment.”

InterContinental London Westminster becomes Conrad London St James

Posted on 3rd September 2014 by engineroom

The inspired luxury of Conrad Hotels & Resorts has arrived in Westminster, central London, following a franchise agreement with Supreme Hotels LLP. The 256 guest room hotel just joined the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of 23 existing Conrad hotels and resorts worldwide, including Dublin, Dubai, Istanbul, and Portugal. Conrad London St James is located between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.

John T.A. Vanderslice, global head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Conrad creates inspired experiences for our guests in the world’s gateway cities and most sought after leisure destinations. London continues to be a political, cultural, and economic powerhouse in the world, which makes it a natural destination for international travellers. We look forward to introducing Conrad London St James to the city of London.”

Shiraz Boghani, Chairman of Supreme Hotels LLP, part of the Splendid Hospitality Group, said, “It is supremely exciting to be announcing our second involvement with Hilton Worldwide in as many weeks! The Conrad brand with its focus on individually tailored luxury is perfect for our central London location in Westminster.”

Conrad Hotels & Resorts are known for their luxurious environments that are conducive to connecting with others. Effortlessly blending a historic 19th century building with locally inspired style and design, Conrad London St James is offering the next enhancement in intuitive, personalised service to accommodate the luxury traveller.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “London’s attractiveness as a tourism destination grows each year, contributing over £11bn annually to the U.K. economy. With rising international and domestic arrivals, and a thriving business environment, travellers can now experience the Conrad brand in a prime city centre location.”

The six-floor hotel features 256 beautiful rooms, including 42 premium rooms and luxurious suites including a discreet penthouse. All rooms reflect the hotel’s contemporary design, offering king-sized or twin beds, relaxing bathtubs, walk-in showers, free Wi-Fi, a media hub, a dedicated Club Lounge, and the latest in in-room technology.

The hotel’s restaurant reflects the style of its prestigious address, buzzing as an energetic destination to meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The bar brings a sense of charm and sophistication to the traditional British pub and offers carefully selected local ales, stylish cocktails, and British wines.

Conrad London St James will include a 24 hour business centre, seven fully equipped Conrad meeting rooms as well as the Whitehall Suite which can accommodate up to 300 guests.

The hotel is poised to become the destination of a new generation of smart luxury travellers for whom life, business and pleasure seamlessly intersect. Conrad London St James will offer the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customize details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking-in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features at any Conrad hotel or resort worldwide by using the app.

Conrad London St James is situated at 28 Broadway, London SW1H 9JS. The hotel is participating in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 4,100 hotels worldwide.

You’re invited! REGISTER NOW

Posted on 14th August 2014 by engineroom

RSVP now to secure your attendance at London’s finest event venue showcase, The Westminster Collection’s ‘Destination Westminster 2014’, this year being held at the iconic BAFTA 195 Piccadilly. Famously the home of British film, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly is looking forward to opening its doors to event planners from all across London and beyond for a productive morning of networking, event planning and conversation with 43 of the city’s most celebrated venues, available for corporate or private hire.

Exclusively promoting venues within central London’s City of Westminster – which encompasses Pimlico in the south, to Regent’s Park in the north and from the borders of Kensington in the west, to Covent Garden in the east – guests of this enjoyable breakfast networking event can look forward to discovering luxury hotels, world-renowned conference centres, training facilities, historic institutes and societies, celebrated attractions, galleries, museums and private members clubs.

It’s free to attend. All you need to do is click here to register!

For updates follow @Venues_Wminster #DestinationWestminster

Claim your tasty ticket to our BAFTA showcase at stand G19 at The Meetings Show

Posted on 4th July 2014 by engineroom

Event buyers wanting an easy route to finding exceptional, centrally located London venues can look forward to Friday 10^th October, when we will lift the curtain on our annual venue showcase, Destination Westminster 2014, taking place at the celebrated home of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, 8am – 11am. Event organisers can claim their tasty ticket to register by popping over to The Westminster Collection on stand G19 at The Meetings Show, 8^th-10^th July at Olympia, London, where all will be revealed.

The Destination Westminster 2014 breakfast showcase event at BAFTA, which is free to attend, is an opportunity for anyone in the business of booking corporate and private events, meetings and conferences to spend a morning with the sales and marketing teams at more than 45 of central London’s most iconic venues. We’re renowned for our eclectic portfolio of member venues, which encompass everything from historic institutes and societies, colleges, museums and private members clubs, to luxury hotels, concert halls, modern training venues, churches and Thames river boats.

All visitors to TWC stand G19 at The Meetings Show will also be in with a chance of winning one of a handful of luxury Westminster experiences, including an afternoon tea for four at The Rag – Army & Navy Club and a one-night stay for two, including breakfast and an exclusive dinner at Bistro, at St James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London.

We still have a limited selection of diary appointments available for buyers wanting a more dedicated introduction to the Collection. Register now using invitation code EXIN14.

Tag: luxury hotel