DEPARTURES MEETING IN...
Southampton
Best known for its maritime heritage – the Mayflower and Titanic both set sail from the city – Southampton is home to one of Europe’s largest ports and is a major player in today’s cruise industry.
Back on dry land, the last decade or so has seen the opening of a major shopping centre and a regenerated waterside complex of shopping, entertainment and hospitality facilities. Both are major employers in the city, along with two universities, the NHS, Ordnance Survey – which is headquartered in Southampton – and a Ford factory on its northern outskirts which is controversially due to be closed. While the city has a wide selection of meeting and event venues, the proximity of the picturesque New Forest means there are plenty of country house hotel options too.
Wow Factor The Grand Harbour
Address: Grand Harbour, West Quay Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AG Tel: 0871 222 4685 See:
www.devere-hotels.co.uk This venue, set on the Southampton waterfront, describes itself as ‘unique… something a bit different but still luxury and premium’ and it is certainly a cut above the rest. This striking modern hotel is set within a towering glass atrium and its ten meeting rooms can cater for up to 500 delegates, with flexible layouts. Room hire includes use of an LCD projector, screen, flipcharts, markers, tea, coffee and snacks, a two- course lunch or working buffet, wifi access, stationery and complimentary use of the hotel’s leisure facilities. Alternatively, an extended package can be bought to include overnight accommodation with breakfast and dinner included.
Quirky Venue SeaCity Museum
Address: Havelock Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 7FY Tel: 02380 834172 See:
www.seacitymuseum.co.uk Right in the heart of the city, SeaCity Museum tells the story of Southampton’s historic connections with Titanic and the sea. The museum provides a range of
meeting and event spaces: The Grand Hall with impressive Portland stone walls, mahogany doors and an intricately decorated ceiling (for 60 people standing and 40 cabaret style); the glass-roofed Atrium and Galley (for 130 standing, 60 theatre-style and 40 cabaret), The Learning Deck (two separate rooms seating 30 boardroom style in each) and the ‘Titanic the Legend’ exhibition area (for around 150 people). In addition, business guests will have the opportunity to browse the SeaCity Museum. For larger events, the whole museum can be hired, outside of opening hours, with capacity for approximatley 500 guests.
On a Shoestring Holiday Inn Express
Address: Botley Road, Southampton, SO30 3XA Tel: 0800 990 3997 See:
www.hiexpress.com This Holiday Inn Express is located by junction seven of the M27, a 15-minute trip north of Southampton city centre and five-minute drive from the airport. Facilities include the Conservatory restaurant, bar, hot breakfast buffet and adjacent Virgin Active health club and pool. The hotel has five meeting rooms for gatherings of up to 52 delegates. All are air-conditioned and enjoy natural daylight. There’s also free parking.
92 THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE
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