Prevue March/April 2013 - (Page 32)

regional director for Starwood. “It’s an unbeatable spot and the hotel is an iconic building in Poland. This is a building and area that Polish people are very proud of. And groups that come here should be proud to stay here when it comes to the location, history and brand.” Advinture is a new wine bar serving food/wine pairings by Chef de Cuisine Michal Tkaczyk. The Column Bar is another popular spot, serving signature cocktails like the Nocturne Fizz, a Mazovian-inspired spritzer. The historic Cafe Bristol remains onsite since the original opening in 1901, famous for pastries, coffee and baked goods. Marconi Restaurant is an elegant combination of Polish and Mediterranean cuisine, including the popular roasted duck with caramelized apples, rosemary, garlic and cloves. We like the cafe. Willms is fond of the bar. “The Column Bar is breathtaking; it was originally used as “Dinner at the City Palace of Jaipur can feel like an Arabian Nights fantasy.” 32 | prevue magazine a ballroom for high society celebrations and afternoon tea,” he says. “It’s a very glamorous and impressive location for drinks and light snacks. “ Hotel Bristol has 10 meeting rooms, including a 1,600-sf ballroom seating 180 pax, designed in Art Deco style with crystal chandeliers, a wall of mirrors and high ceilings. “There’s a beautiful balcony at the front of the hotel,” adds Willms. “As groups are arriving we have opera singers perform across the beautiful façade. It’s a nice touch and very traditional. It’s something that’s only done at this hotel.” HOTEL DIEU, MARSEILLE Something old is new again in Marseille. The 18th century landmark Hotel Dieu, once a hostel for pilgrims to the nearby Basilica, reopens in April after two years of renovations as the InterContinental Marseille-Hotel Dieu. The property will include a 11,000-sf Spa by Clarins.” “It’s the first partnership between the famous cosmetics brand and an InterContinental Hotel,” says general manager Madelijn Vervoord. “The 5-star hotel is set in one of the most emblematic buildings of the city overlooking the Vieux Port and Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica.” Artifacts and a mosaic found in archeological sites unearthed by the renovation will be on display. And as the European Capital of Culture 2013, Marseille will be especially alive with cultural activities and exhibitions this year, which InterContinental “Meetings’s Insider Collection” program is capitalizing on to create authentic group experiences. “Some of these experiences could be an insider speaker talking about the 200 year-old landmark in which the hotel is located, or about all that Marseille has to offer as one of the oldest cities of Europe,” says Vervoord. Nicolas Lemouchoux, director of sales/marketing, says, “Our incentive activities are very local, authentic and unique and can’t be done out of Marseille.” The local culture of Marseille comes to life in a cooking class that begins at the morning fish market at the Old Port. Michelin star chefs help guests select the fish they will prepare, cook and enjoy. Classes can focus on local Mediterranean cuisine or pastry. Lemouchoux says that a regatta is also a great way to experience Marseille Harbor and the Calanques, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Each boat holds up to seven people plus a skipper. Since each participant is in charge of a function on the boat, it’s a great teambuilding activity.” Fairmont Jaipur

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue March/April 2013

Planner's Pick: Miami
Fresh Meets: Renaissance Hotels
Bureau Buzz: Austin
Good Business: Washington, DC
Sea Shores: Cruising Sweden
Feelin' Good About Incentives
Special Section: California
On Location: JW Marriott Desert Springs
Caribbean & The Bahamas
On Location: U.S. Virgin Islands
On Location: Aruba
On Location: Omni Amelia Island
The South: Best of Golf & Spa
On Location: Fairmont Scottsdale
On Location: W Singapore
Austria
Ireland
On Location: Mexico City
On Location: Starwood Los Cabos
On Location: Universal Orlando
On Location: Villas of Grand Cypress, Orlando
Check Out: Alpina Gstaad, Switzerland
Club Med

Prevue March/April 2013