As Spain is one of the world’s most popular meetings and events destinations, we asked Atlanta Events & Corporate Travel Consultants – part of the Reed & Mackay family in Spain – to highlight five of its best cities for meetings and events.
In Part 1 we covered those cities’ key congress and conference venues, as well as how to get to venues and meetings on their public transport links. And, as accommodation and memorable meals are equally integral to the success of an event, here in Part 2 we highlight some hotels with the wow factor and special restaurants for group dinners.
Why choose Spain?
As well as its many great restaurants, Reed & Mackay Events Team Lead – Venue Find Harriet Warren, is a keen advocate of the country’s special dinner venues. “Madrid has a vibrant royal history, with many former palaces that can be used for events,” she says. “Two I’ve worked with are the Palacio los Duques and the Palacio del Negralejo. When you walk in they’re so impressive, delegates will immediately feel special; they’re quintessentially Spanish.”
Spain has many attributes as a meetings and events destination, agrees Reed & Mackay Events Senior Events Manager Nicole Solomon. “Spain is easily accessible from many destinations, the weather is generally good and there’s a wonderful choice between boutique and business-style hotels,” she says. “Some of the biggest hotel chains, such as Barcelo and Melia, were founded in Spain and can cater for large groups and incentives.
“We organised a group event for a mining industry client to Seville last year. The participants visited the mines and Río Tinto nearby. And, this year, we’re organising for a client to fly colleagues from London, Amsterdam and Hamburg to Barcelona for its summer company offsite. Spain is just fantastic for its food, culture, architecture, history, activities and much more.”
Madrid
Where to stay
- Rosewood Villa Magna: A luxury hotel located in the heart of Madrid on the tree-lined grand boulevard of Paseo de la Castellana.
- Four Seasons Madrid: This elegant property is located in one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the city.
- Hyatt Centric Gran Via: Its location in the heart of the city provides easy access to bars, restaurants and shops.
Where to eat
- Botín: This century-old restaurant is one of the most famous in Madrid and has several private dining rooms for group dinners, with capacity for up to 100 people.
- Lhardy: A classic Madrid restaurant that offers high-quality cuisine specialising in traditional Spanish dishes. It also has several private dining rooms with capacity for up to 80 people.
- La Vaca y La Huerta: This restaurant offers a menu based on excellent local produce. Up to 150 diners can be accommodated in its private dining rooms.
Barcelona
Where to stay
- Hotel Arts Barcelona: Located on Barceloneta beach, this is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, with elegant rooms and panoramic views of the sea and the city.
- Boutique Hotel Neri Relais & Châteaux: Occupying a historic 18th-century building located in the city’s Gothic Quarter, it offers delegates a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
- Monument Hotel Barcelona: Centrally located, the hotel is close to many tourist attractions, including Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and La Pedrera.
Where to eat
- Casa Calvet: This restaurant is located in a stunning building designed by Antoni Gaudí. With a fusion of Mediterranean and Catalan cuisine on the menu, the elegant and sophisticated atmosphere makes it an ideal place for group dinners.
- Can Majo: Located on Barceloneta beach, Can Majo is famous for its fresh seafood. The restaurant has extensive facilities and a seaview terrace.
- Els Quatre Gats: This historic restaurant is located in the Gothic Quarter and was once frequented by famous artists such as Picasso. Its bohemian and artistic atmosphere makes it a unique place for group dinners.
Seville
Where to stay
- EME Catedral Hotel: Located in front of Seville Cathedral, this luxury boutique hotel offers breathtaking views and also features a rooftop pool and several restaurants and bars.
- Eurostars Torre Sevilla Hotel: A luxurious five-star hotel located in the Torre Sevilla, one of the most symbolic buildings in Seville. It’s the tallest building in Andalusia and boasts spectacular panoramic views.
- Hotel Vincci Sevilla: An elegant four-star hotel in the city centre, the hotel is close to the famous Maria Luisa Park and within walking distance of landmarks such as the Plaza de España and Seville Cathedral.
Where to eat
- El Rinconcillo: More than 300 years old, this is Seville’s oldest restaurant and offers several rooms for large groups.
- Casa Robles: Located in Barrio de Santa Cruz – Seville’s old town – the restaurant has plenty of capacity for large groups and a menu of traditional Sevillian cuisine.
- Abades Triana: This restaurant offers a panoramic view of the Guadalquivir River and the Torre del Oro. It has spacious lounges and terraces, ideal for group dinners.
Bilbao
Where to stay
- Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao: Opposite the Guggenheim Museum, the hotel is in a prime location and offers stunning views of the city, especially from its rooftop restaurant.
- Hotel Meliá Bilbao: Situated close to the Euskalduna Palace, the hotel boasts an impressive glass atrium and a restaurant serving both Basque and international cuisine.
- Barceló Bilbao Nervión: The hotel’s convenient location – next to the Nervión River and close to Casco Viejo – means guests can easily explore the city on foot. Its restaurant offers a Mediterranean and Basque menu.
Where to eat
- Etxanobe: Located in the Euskalduna Palace, Etxanobe is known for its signature cuisine made with local produce. It also has private rooms that can accommodate large groups.
- Azurmendi: On the outskirts of the city, Azurmendi is a Michelin-star restaurant offering creative cuisine.
- Eneko Bilbao: Run by renowned chef Eneko Atxa, this restaurant combines Basque culinary tradition with modern touches. It also has private rooms that can accommodate large groups.
Valencia
Where to stay
- Hospes Palau de la Mar: As well as a beautiful interior courtyard, spa and rooftop pool, the hotel is well located in the city centre, close to the Central Market and the Cathedral.
- Hotel Las Arenas Balneario: Guests are offered seaviews at this resort located on Malvarrosa beach. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a spa, several restaurants and direct access to the beach.
- Caro Hotel: A boutique property housed in a restored historic palace in Valencia’s old town. Each room is unique in design and combine the hotel’s rich heritage with modern comforts.
Where to eat
- La Ferradura: This Mediterranean-cuisine restaurant is famous for its paella and rice dishes. It has ample space and several private rooms that can accommodate large groups.
- Riff: A Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant that can accommodate large groups in its private rooms.
- La Sucursal: Located in the minimalist-style Veles e Vents, the restaurant’s menu is all about creative Mediterranean cuisine with local influences. Its private rooms have panoramic views of the city and the port.
