meetings,” she says. “Although Paris doesn’t always make the final selection because it can be one of the more expensive options, roughly on a par with what you’d be paying high- end in London.” In contrast, Eurostar makes it accessible for full one-day meetings without the need for accommodation or for the UK market average of a day and overnight. In addition, Business Solutions Disneyland Paris, with direct connections, offers an excellent variety of spaces for private events. Houston says the most compelling aspect of central Paris for small corporate meetings is its belle époque appeal. “There are some nice new luxury hotels providing this and the re-instatement of the ‘palace’ hotel category has added intrigue,” she says.
Cost is the outstanding challenge, she adds. “Paris exudes quality but, ultimately, is subject to how much you can afford.” Starwood’s The Luxury Collection is re-opening the renovated Prince de Galles in mid-year and W is scheduled to open a new property at Opéra in February.
Established international
management chains providing a wide choice of meetings facilities across the city include Radisson Blu at seven locations, Hilton at five and Marriott at 11 – the latter with a total of 119 function rooms at three Marriotts, four Renaissances and four Courtyards. Courtyard (Porte de Saint-Cloud), Radisson Blu (La Défense) and Hilton (CDG Airport) will add to their stock in 2013. The City of Paris has pledged to create 7,000 new guest rooms, notably in large capacity, two- and three-star units, by 2020.n
Bristol Ritz
Four Seasons George V De Crillon Shangri-La Le Meurice Scribe Banke
• A new international congress centre is planned for Roissy in 2014. The World Trade Centre will have a 3,000-seat congress hall, two exhibition halls, a showroom and five hotels.
• In addition, the principal Porte de Versailles exhibition centre is to be renovated by 2016.
• New event spaces available this year include 20 modular and equipped rooms of various sizes at the extended Dock Pullman (renovated warehouse), plus additional areas at the Grand Palais.
CONFERENCE/EXHIBITION CENTRES NAME
Palais des Congrès de Paris Disneyland Paris
Espace Champerret Espace Grande Arche CNIT Paris La Défense Carrousel du Louvre
Palais des congrès d’Issy Expo Porte de Versaillles Paris Nord Villepinte Paris Le Bourget
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Palais des congrès de Versailles Maison de la chimie