Meeting News - March 9, 2009 - (Page P9)

Destination Diary Taking Stock of the Golden Triangle From Croatia, it’s only a hop and a skip to other prime meetings destinations like Budapest, an intriguing mix of ornate Art Nouveau buildings, modern hotels, and visible bullet holes that bring to life the challenges the city experienced during World War II and the ensuing Communist takeover. The gilded age comes to life in the Michelin-rated Gundel where groups can dine on updated versions of traditional Hungarian dishes that once graced the plates of Eastern European aristocracy. Several private rooms are available for receptions and banquets, ranging from the Rococo Queen Elisabeth Ballroom for a reception for 250 to the intimate Family Room for six. For an even more lavish evening, groups can rent out all or parts of the Budapest Opera House, an extravagant jewel built in 1884, for concerts, receptions, and dinners. Whether groups opt for the Buda or Pest side, first-rate hotels are plentiful, ranging from the Hilton in the Castle District, a UNESCO World Heritage site with the 700-year-old Matthias Church, to multiple modern hotels on the Pest side. Close to 100 thermal springs have been feeding the famous baths since Roman times. Among other choices, today’s groups can opt for the traditional baths at the impressive Art Nouveau Gellert Bath and Spas, complete with a large indoor swimming pools, thermal baths, and massage services, or go more modern at the Ramada Resort Budapest and Aquaworld Budapest, which opened in late 2008 as the largest hotel Croatia Europe and covered amusement spa complex in Central and Eastern Europe with convention space for up to 1,000. Budapest is one stop on what’s called the Golden Triangle, a trio of imperial cities that also includes Prague and Vienna. Vienna’s own imperial past remains a highlight in numerous buildings, such as the Hofburg Congress Center—formerly the Hapsburg’s imperial residence and completely modernized to suit contemporary meetings. Our meeting room. MySwitzerland.com The moment you decide on Switzerland for your next event you can relax and take it easy. Completely free of charge, the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau connects you with the right partners to make your event successful. It also offers a full independent advisory service, contact addresses and submission of quotes as well as assistance with site inspections. Please contact us by phone at 212-757-5944 ext. 237, e-mail scib.usa@switzerland.com or visit the venue finder on MySwitzerland.com/meetings. Successful Meetings/MeetingNews/Incentive / MARCH 2009 9 http://www.MySwitzerland.com http://www.MySwitzerland.com http://www.MySwitzerland.com/meetings

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Meeting News - March 9, 2009

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