Calder - World of Travel

PARTNER PROFILE: MILESTONES AT MACDONALD HOTELS

Written by: Sue - 28^th August 2018

There's much to share about the latest developments at partner Macdonald Hotels, as the company has been celebrating milestones, makeovers and major investments over recent months - in both the North and the South. To bring everybody up to date, we decided to dedicate a blog to a profile on this valued partner.

Presented within the Macdonald portfolio is an inspiring choice of 30 unique MICE hotels for meetings, incentives, conferences and events, offering 250 flexible spaces for indoor gatherings, not forgetting breathtaking outdoor settings for teambuilding and incentives. All venues are within ready access to an airport, train station or motorway network. Some are placed in city centres throughout the North, South and Ireland, with all the culture and diversions to hand: some are distraction-free destinations in rural retreats and popular for teambuilding and incentives - particularly in stunning spots of Scotland and the Lake District.

News From The North

One such venue is the four-star Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa, which is nestled in acres of manicured grounds with majestic views of Loch Ard. The luxury country retreat in Aberfoyle, Scotland has unveiled a £3.5 million renovation which sees its bedrooms, cocktail bar, piano lounge, reception and restaurant transformed.

All 50 bedrooms and five suites have been upgraded with the installation of custom built furniture, bespoke lighting, and new soft furnishings. Guest areas have been decorated using a warm red, mahogany and classic tartan colour palette with luxury lounge chairs as well as displays of stunning photography. Business guests will enjoy imagining unwinding in such comfortable environs, following the focus of the day.

Just 40 minutes from Glasgow and an hour from Edinburgh, the hotel is a popular venue for meetings, conferences and events as well as teambuilding gatherings - thanks to the spectacular surrounding scenery. Two spacious, naturally lit meeting rooms are perfect here for corporate purpose, whilst a stunning garden suite - revealing panoramic views of Loch Ard - are a suitable setting for small conferences or exhibitions.

The refurbishment comes after an extension of the hotel’s spa facilities which included the installation of more beauty treatment areas and a larger pool.

General Manager of Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa, Andrew Deighan said: “We are proud to unveil the redesign of Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa. This is an exciting time and we look forward to welcoming our guests over the upcoming months to experience a true taste of highland luxury.”

News From The South

One of Buckinghamshire’s most luxurious hotels, Macdonald Compleat Angler in Marlow, unveils the new superior suites following a £110,000 investment.

The river-facing suites - Buckingham Suite and Windsor Suite - are quite majestic. They enjoy some of the best views in town, with the historic All Saint’s Church and iconic Marlow Bridge both in sight. Guests can also expect to catch a glimpse of the Olympic rowing team which trains nearby.

The spacious rooms are furnished with a kingsize bed, 55-inch television, dining table and separate living room. Adding a touch of opulence, the hotel has also fitted an additional television in the bathroom, so guests can relax in the large bath tub while catching up on their favourite shows. Each suite has been stylishly renovated throughout with golds and silvers to exude a classic and elegant feel, with furnishings hand chosen from premium specialist retailers.

Originally built in the 18th century, Macdonald Compleat Angler is a quintessential English retreat, which takes its name from Issak Walton’s famous book ‘The Compleat Angler.’ With two award-winning eateries, the Riverside Restaurant and Sindhu by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, the hotel has earned a reputation as a foodie heaven, where guests can expect a wide variety of fresh and flavoursome dishes.

Business guests and delegates are welcomed to a peaceful riverside conference venue with an elegant style. Natural light washing in and the views from the windows onto this town of character, boasting both a pretty river and Marlow Weir, really set the corporate spaces apart here. Three suites accommodate up to 120 delegates, while two boardrooms with an escape into private gardens are perfect for hosting smaller events. It's easy to forget that this tranquil location is just 40 minutes from London and Oxford as well as close to motorway networks.

As Marlow’s only riverside hotel, Macdonald Compleat Angler can also exclusively offer guests a private boat trip down the River Thames, passing by nearby towns such as Hurley and Henley, Maidenhead or Windsor.

Gavin Webster, general manager, said; “The investment in our suites helps to cement our position as Marlow’s most exclusive destination and ensure the hotel remains the number one choice for those visiting the area."

Still Celebrating!

In the same spirit of celebration, Macdonald Compleat Angler is now offering a special delegate day package of Afternoon Tea with ice creams served out on their beautiful lawn until the end of September.

A similar package is also available at Macdonald Frimley Hall Hotel & Spa in Surrey - but out in their unique landscaped space and at an individual rate.

Whilst at Macdonald Berystede Hotel near Windsor, meetings will be cheered on with a Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea Break until the end of September.

What a delightful way for any team to toast the achievements of the passing months and prepare for the season ahead, dedicated and inspired!

Each Macdonald Hotels location will proudly serve Afternoon Tea to their own style and interpretation.