Reality Check
REALITY CHECK
FLIGHTS / HOTELS / APARTMENTS / CAR HIRE / TRAIN JOURNEYS / CHAUFFEUR DRIVE / AIRPORT PARKING
HOTEL FAIRMONT GRAND, KIEV
THE HOTEL: For a grand hotel this 12-storey, 258-room hotel doesn’t have the sense of a grand hotel, with its small entrance lobby and local interiors rather than international decor. It’s nonetheless won the patronage of the corporate community since opening some 18 months ago. THE CHECK-IN: Just a short wait in the understated marble entrance lobby and reception area, until our group of six were checked-in and shown the way to the lifts. THE ROOM: I had a one-bed suite on the 12th floor which was traditionally decorated, with chandeliers, patterned carpet, dark wood furniture, swag and tail drapes and the like, but it was elegant nonetheless. Mod cons brought it bang up to date, with free wifi, two large flatscreen TVs, laptop size safe, coffee-maker and a well kitted-out, large marble bathroom with large tub and separate toilet and shower cubicles. Le Labo toiletries were a nice touch too. THE BUSINESS: A separate side entrance to all meeting space is a good addition, giving access to the white and gold ballroom (320 for a seated dinner or 600 standing); a dramatic stained glass, 12.5metre-high Atrium, pictured, with excellent acoustics and more gold leaf and amazing chandeliers
(250 theatre style or 120 for dinner); the smaller Kiev 2, plus six smaller meeting rooms for up to 25. The day delegate rate is ¤85. THE FACILITIES: The Strand Grill with open kitchen is a combined steak house and fine dining restaurant, with an adjoining cosy Vintage Bar with great cocktail menu. Just off the lobby lounge is a Champagne bar which also offers brunch. There is a spa with small pool, executive Gold floor and lounge. THE VERDICT: The Royal service worked well, which illicited an ironing job in double
quick time (the room has no iron or ironing boards). The ‘ladies of the night’ in the bar one evening were surprising, so too the four, key-controlled uncoordinated lifts which generally meant lengthy waits. Other than that, good staff service, convenient location and elegant surroundings. THE DETAILS: Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv, Ukraine. Rates start at ¤269 for a Fairmont Room per night; Gold Floor rooms carry a ¤100 premium. See:
www.fairmont.com/kyiv GILLIAN UPTON
HOTEL PULLMAN PARIS LA DEFENSE
THE HOTEL: Located in the modernistic La Defense area west of central Paris and just a ten-minute train ride to the city centre, 15 minutes to Gare du Nord (for Eurostar) and with equally good access to Paris’ airports. The 19-floor Accor group hotel is a five- minute walk from the station via the upscale CNIT shopping centre. The fully renovated hotel has 382 rooms. THE ROOM: My 19th floor Junior Suite was exceptionally spacious with four large windows overlooking La Defense. The expansive living area had a dining table and four chairs at one end plus sofa, easy chairs and small incidental tables. A coffee area housed a Nespresso machine, kettle plus mini bar. The long hallway housed a work desk (including three-pin socket) and just inside the front door was a separate toilet. The bedroom offered a king-size bed and a second wall-mounted TV. There was also a second iPod dock, sofa and swing table. The large bathroom had a whirlpool bath, two basins, rainshower, toilet and Roger & Gallet toiletries. Mirrors abound throughout. THE BUSINESS: Free wifi throughout. Just off the lobby is a chill-out lounge with coffee machine, perfect for an informal meeting. Twelve meeting areas from 26 to
1,503m2 have capacity for up to 180 people. The Connectivity Lounge enables guests to stay connected, print out documents and work with the latest technology. THE FACILITIES: Dining is in the Quinte & Sens restaurant and bar where chef Jean- Paul Corbillet works from an open kitchen and offers five cooking techniques: wok, grill, plancha, tandoori and rotisserie. The excellent restaurant offers a ‘Power Lunch’ option that's served within 45 minutes.
There’s also a 100m2 Fit Lounge. THE VERDICT: An excellent hotel with a calm and relaxed yet efficient style, perfect for a business – or leisure – stay. THE DETAILS: Rates are from £170 for a Classic room and £381 for a Junior Suite. Pullman Paris La Defense, 11, avenue des l’Arche Defense 6, Paris La Defense Cedex 92081, France. Tel: +33 (0)1 4717 5003. See:
www.pullmanhotels.com ALAN ORBELL
86 THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE
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