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At Calder Conference we take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to provide the services you have requested from us. However, from time to time we would like to contact you with details of other services we provide and/or information which we believe may be of interest to you.

MORE HIGHS THAN LOWS NOW WITH AIRPORT HOTELS

Written by: Sue - 7th June 2017

"Bleisure" is a sector buzzword: a popular hashtag. It's an exciting idea to wind down post-business, to pound the streets and explore the city you find yourself in, but this isn't always possible. Occasionally time is of the absolute essence and an airport layover is required; an experience far from dull and "dead" time these days. Here are some partners injecting soul and luxury into airport stays and revealing why such hotels increasingly compete for meetings and conference business too.

Sometimes a bed - conveniently placed - is number one on the list for a business traveller on a demanding schedule - a home-away-from-home at the best expectation. When time - and energy - won't allow you to wander far from the airport, hotel groups have been investing, redeveloping and designing their offering so the night's experience is richer, more varied and actually - imagine this - enjoyable. The modern airport hotel strives to make not break your adventure at the crucial take-off and touchdown stages.

 

 

Radisson Blu Hotel - London Stansted Airport

​So you're flying early in the morning and haven't got time to slot any leisure into your night's stay or you've just touched down and, frankly, you just can't summon up the stamina. Maybe a nightcap in the bar? At this Radisson Blu a drink in the bar equals an evening's entertainment in itself. The hotel is designed around the Angels' Wine Tower Bar, a jaw-dropping, looming centrepiece which houses thousands of bottles of wine. Once you've made your selection, enjoy the dramatic spectacle of aerial acrobats ascending and performing tricks to retrieve it for you. The whole interior scheme boasts an arresting contemporary style with walls of glass providing light effects almost as dramatic.

The feature most appreciated, however, is that a  covered walkway is all that stands between your room and the main terminal at the airport which connects to 130 destinations via 41 airlines.

Rooms here are perfectly comfortable for a relaxing night post-flight and with space and facilities to prepare efficiently for the next day's departure. Business Class rooms provide the extra comfort of bathrobe and slippers. If you'd rather let go of the day's stress with a massage, treatment or work- out than watch the lounge acrobatics display then the PACE Health Club here offers a 10m indoor pool, Indulgence Spa, steam, sauna and gym with modern cardio and resistance training equipment.

A reasonably varied dining choice is available on-site; either Italian fayre at Filini Restaurant or more of an American diner prime steak menu at the New York Grill Bar.

Highs For Business Travellers

​Close to train and bus stations (and don't forget that walkway link).

Free high-speed wireless internet.

Satellite TV with in-house movie channels.

24-hour room service.

500 rooms and suites.

Stansted Express runs from the airport to London Liverpool Street.

Highs For Meetings and Events Guests

This venue is one of the largest modern conference facilities in Essex and attracts business clients particularly from the London area, looking for a convenient location but with just enough breathing space from the city. With 26 flexible rooms, it is suited to both intimate, small business meetings and upscale conferences. One of the striking service points here is the 'Yes I Can' thinking which should be the hallmark of a world-leading hotel brand.

An all-inclusive Daily Delegate Package has been tailored for Calder clients. Other points worth underlining are that meeting delegates receive a Radisson Blu Stationery Box, free Wi-Fi and use of the spa if desired.

 

Novotel Edinburgh Park - Edinburgh Airport

I am classing this as an airport hotel simply because it is just two minutes' walk to Edinburgh Park Tram and Train Station, so you can reach the airport in minutes - or the city centre in just 10 minutes - very cheaply and with a regular service.

First impressions at this compact 170-room hotel are favourable; the reception is stylish, bright and modern with a very arresting coloured light design behind the desk and a moody Edinburgh cityscape art mural connecting you to the bar and lounge area. This space is ideal to flip open the laptop over a coffee or a wine, relax watching music TV or sport on the vast TV screens. A casual restaurant area adjoins. Beneath this space is a smallish indoor heated pool, gym and wellness area.

The Executive Room I stayed in here had a spacious, long-by-narrow modern design, with office, lounge/refreshment and sleeping areas clearly compartmentalised. Bathrobe, slippers, dental and comb packs are handily thrown in. Surprisingly, this room featured French windows opening out onto a balcony (I saw somebody drag their office chair out there, so definitely space to sit). The windows in the room also opened, so gulps of fresh air are possible and probably welcome after the journey's wear and tear. The surrounding view might not send your spirits soaring, however, as the hotel is set within a retail/business park near a busy motorway network. I have to say, though, I didn't noitice any road noise throughout the night.

Overall verdict - what the location lacks in aesthetics the hotel makes up for in soul, character and an easy charm.

Highs For Business Travellers

​Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.

Coffee machine and ipod docking station in Executive Rooms.

A cheerful, modern design in all spaces with little touches such as seated chessboard area in the lobby.

Light and functional web corner in the lobby (Mac) with the offer of a copy/print service too.

Highs for Meetings and Events Guests

The striking aspect of the meetings space is how it is defined from the general lobby with softer, muted, natural green and light brown tones. Particularly magical is the break-out space with stylish lighting, a good number of sofas, arranged around a natural woodland feature wall. This whole section has more of a wellness zone than a business feel. There are two fruit and refreshment bars here and just a breeze across the lobby to the main bar area for a drink over break or lunchtime.

 

ParkInn By Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre - London Heathrow

​Jaded business travellers are sure to find an inner burst of vigour the moment they enter this hotel. The interior scheme is buzzing with vibrant purple, green, blue, pink contemporary graphics against purple carpets and creative lighting. With 893 rooms, this is a large hotel which presents a rich array of amenities - any small village would be proud. A standout feature here is The Lounge - an open, informal space for guests to gather, mingle, work or watch TV. As well as alcoholic drinks, there's a welcome Costa Coffee bar. Light-bites or grab-and-go food options are on offer here and it is open until late for travellers wanting to eat at less sociable hours. RGB Bar & Grill serves a menu of grilled meat and fish choices, charcoal-grilled gourmet burgers and steaks for a more hearty experience. For those who wish to spend their time restoring joints and muscles rather than their stomachs, the PACE Health & Fitness Club boasts an indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna for rejuvenation.

Particularly handy here is the in-house convenience store for ready snacks and essentials.

Highs For Business Travellers

​Terminals 1,2 & 3 at Heathrow are just 1.6km away - just a five minute journey via nearby public transport or via shuttle service for a small fee.

Just 15 minutes to London centre by bus or train.

Free wireless high-speed internet.

The option to register for car park use.

24-hour room service.

Highs For Meetings and Events Guests

This venue is one of the UK's largest hotels for residential conferences, meetings and events and is convenient for many nearby attractions that can be honed into a programme, such as the London Motor Museum, Ascot, Wimbledon and Wembley - so an ideal MICE and hospitality choice for event planners. With two separate multi-purpose Conference Centres here, there is a mind-boggling range of options - from hiring an intimate, individual space to booking exclusive use of the Convention Centre. Bonus features are the impressive number of naturally-lit rooms for business use and space for delegates to break-out, exchange and mingle both indoors and in pleasant outdoor spaces.

Catering for up to 700 delegates.

Regular Heathrow Express trains to London.

Eye-catching purple decor continued throughout business spaces for a lively environment.