Tom Lambregts is marketing manager at Grass Roots Meetings & Events, and co-edited the Meetings Industry Report. Starting his career at Clarion Events, he then went on to become head of marketing at Olympia London, where he directed and delivered the award-winning rebrand of the venue. He specialises in digital and content-led marketing, and maintains a keen interest in music and reading.
Three cities, six hotels, meeting inspiration
Pool at Aleph Rome Hotel
Our venue consultants are always on the hunt for the best venues for meetings and events - quite often as guests of the world's leading hotel collections. Here are their top picks from visits over the last month.
Rome Cavalieri
Bedrooms 370
Meeting rooms 23
Maximum capacity 2,100
Rome Cavalieri is set within 15 acres of Mediterranean parkland, and has views of the whole of the city. The star attraction is a dedicated conference centre with its own entrance, a grand ballroom and 28 meeting rooms and breakout spaces. A major property for major events.
Aleph Rome Hotel
Bedrooms 88
Meeting rooms 4
Maximum capacity 100
Once a bank headquarters, the hotel is the consequence of a complete renovation, maintaining the authentic Cipollino marble and architecture. The superb location is surrounded by a wealth of beautiful sites and museums. Slick meeting space, luxurious décor and a rooftop pool.
Castille Paris
Bedrooms 82
Meeting rooms 3
Maximum capacity 35
Three former aristocratic residences from the 18th century form this 5* boutique hotel, bang in the middle of the French capital. Meticulously restored and divided into two wings; the Opera wing with modern styling and great views, and the Rivoli wing evoking France in the 1930s. An Italian restaurant and bar - L'Assaggio - is onsite.
Les Jardins du Marais, Paris
Bedrooms 263
Meeting rooms 16
Maximum capacity 450
Seven adaptable event spaces (1,000 sqm) surround a central courtyard with even more room for guests. The historic Marais district is full of charm and chic, and this 5* property provides a rare opportunity to host large numbers in an intimate environment.
NH Palazzo Barocci, Venice
Bedrooms 59
Meeting rooms 1
Maximum capacity 12
In a very central location, this recently refurbished boutique hotel has a terrace for private events and a meeting room for 12. Stylish, full of light, and overlooking Canal Grande and Rialto Bridge - this will give you the authentic Venetian experience.
NH Laguna Palace, Venice
Bedrooms 376
Meeting rooms 23
Maximum capacity 700
This 4* property with 23 meeting rooms is capable of hosting 16 to 700 delegates, but is particularly ideal for the large-scale events that take place in its contemporary conference centre. They also have a 600 sqm gallery that works as an additional exhibition space.
About the author
Tom Lambregts