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InterContinental Hong Kong is a popular choice for high-end events. Its signature restaurants Nobu, Spoon and Yan Toh Heen can host cooking classes for groups and I-Spa is the first feng shui-designed spa in the city.
Scott McLean, director of International Sound and Lighting, says: “InterContinental has one of the best ballrooms in Kowloon for staging hi-tech events. The ceiling height and built-in AV equipment mean it is possible to fit a stage and suspended lighting, and still seat 600 people for a gala event. There is also a good-sized pre-function space.”
The Mira recently underwent a complete renovation and now offers a contemporary meeting venue for up to 800 people. Ashford Pritchard, conference producer at Facility Media, says: “We chose The Mira for our conference because of its transformation into a design-driven hotel, the flexibility and quality of its meeting space, and its reasonable price. The event staff were able to anticipate our needs, which helped greatly.”
Overnight meeting packages are US$194 per person based on a minimum of 15 rooms.
Sheraton’s Towers Wing has a separate check-in and its guestrooms were recently upgraded with AV panels, LCD TVs and iPod docking stations. Last year it added an outdoor venue for 200 people and opened Link@Sheraton. The hotel hosted a two-day regional meeting for Becker Professional Review in April.
Sue Liem, regional operations manager at Becker, says: “Our overall experience was remarkable. The event specialist was so professional and there for us all the way. The hotel was a great help on the rooming requirements and advice on the event rundown.”
Holiday Inn Golden Mile recently opened Osteria, a home-style Italian restaurant that can be taken over for events of 150 people. Zoe Fan, sales coordinator at AGC Flat Glass, which held a recent event at the hotel, says: “The professional advice and assistance was appreciated. Without this consideration, our seminar would not have been as smooth and successful as it was.”
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Kowloon Shangri-La’s Harbour Room was refurbished last year and is popular for welcome cocktails. Jean Hood, senior clinical events Manager, MD Events, says: “We appreciated the flexibility and adaptability towards last-minute changes, which were executed smoothly and without complaint. Our job was made that much easier by the smiling staff who anticipated our needs so well and their constant attention and support.”
Hotel Nikko has a mix of spaces, including its 15th-floor Sky Lounge and the new Chairman’s Place. Alex Yu, regional travel manager at a German chemicals company, says: “Big rooms, competitive rates, selection of restaurants and number of meeting rooms are why we choose Hotel Nikko.”
Chairman’s Place meeting packages are US$75 per person, or meet and lunch in its Presidential Suite for US$97 per person.
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W Hong Kong is Kowloon’s newest property and provides design-driven spaces for events. Its Wish Workshops, Sensory Set Ups and Recess Breaks are designed to keep meetings interesting. Stuart Harris, director of Team Building Asia, says: “W Hong Kong’s event staff are extremely helpful and its function rooms have fantastic harbour views. Additionally, the excellent theming options offer something different.”
Langham Place, Mong Kok has a plush group check-in area from its coach entrance. A 40-person group from the US University of St Thomas recently took its free nightly market tour. Associate professor Michael Sullivan, says: “The group enjoyed expert advice on the wet market, shopping streets including the Ladies Market and, most importantly, on the products and cultural differences such as daily shopping, which really helped us understand the teeming metropolis of the area.”
Eaton Hotel has undergone a US$18 million transformation and now offers a garden terrace venue, LCD TVs and iHome stations in all rooms, an E Club lounge and 3,000 sqm of conference facilities. Dr Son Tuen Tan, convenor of the 5th International Chinese Cardiovascular Anasthesia Forum, says: “The helpful and highly efficient hotel staff worked very hard to meet tight deadlines and demonstrated flexibility for on-site changes. We were also impressed by the excellent venue, environment and food.”
Overnight meeting packages are US$129 per person (minimum ten rooms). Its new ‘No Strings Attached Pledge’ increases flexibility for planners until March 2010.