From Frankfurt to Cologne, we take a look at some wonderful hotels perfect for a travel incentive or a conference. Frankfurt Frankfurt is the birthplace of one of Germany’s greatest writers, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. His family home, Goethe House, shows how the family (and their staff) would have lived. In the heart of Frankfurt’s Old Town (Altstadt), is the city’s most picturesque public square with buildings from the 15th to 18th centuries such as the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and its Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal). The city is also home to the largest botanic garden in Germany.The city’s skyline, dominated by the great cluster of high-rise buildings in the banking quarter, has a distinct North American flavour, earning Frankfurt the nickname “Mainhattan”. The choice of conference and event facilities on offer in Frankfurt am Main is as diverse as the city itself: in addition to conventional meeting rooms and historical buildings, there’s also a variety of more contemporary event locations. A blend of both can be found at the famous Alte Oper, the city’s concert hall and former opera house, whose prestige exterior is complemented by modern facilities inside. Destroyed during WWII, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1981 as one of the city’s most important concert venues. Where to stay? The exclusive Sky Lounge on the 6th Floor of the Maritim Hotel Frankfurt provides a unique view of the Maine city skyline and is perfect for exclusive events, meeting and dinner or lunch gatherings. If you want to exhibit, bear in mind that one of the largest exhibition sites in the world is the Messe Frankfurt exhibition centre, which also includes Kap Europa – the first conference centre in the world to be awarded the German Sustainable Building Council’s platinum certificate for its ‘green’ concept! Frankfurt is the birthplace of one of Germany’s greatest writers, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. His family home, Goethe House, shows how the family (and their staff) would have lived. In the heart of Frankfurt’s Old Town (Altstadt), is the city’s most picturesque public square with buildings from the 15th to 18th centuries such as the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and its Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal). The city is also home to the largest botanic garden in Germany. Cologne The 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany is the region’s cultural hub. The twin-spired Cathedral is a landmark of High Gothic architecture set amid the reconstructed old town. The adjacent Museum Ludwig showcases 20th-century art including masterpieces by Picasso. At the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum (Imhoff chocolate museum) visitors can explore the history of chocolate, from the Aztecs to contemporary products and production methods. A special attraction is the 3-metre-high chocolate fountain where staff dip wafers into the liquid chocolate and distribute them to visitors. With its fascinating mix of Roman history, exceptionally vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, outstanding infrastructure, innovative influence of 14 universities and international companies – Cologne provides perfect settings for MICE-Business. The city has 300 hotels, 165 conference and event locations, 91 venues, and 20 conference and event centres. Where to stay? The ‘‘Bellevue’’ Restaurant on the 5th floor of the Maritim Hotel Köln offers regional and international delicacies, while overlooking the historic Cologne Cathedral. The rooftop also boasts its own beach and barbecues are held during the spring and summer months Dresden Dresden’s historical centre has buildings from the Renaissance, the Baroque and the 19th century. Visitors can explore the Dresden Elbe Valley with the world’s oldest and largest fleet of paddle-steamers and also enjoy some true Saxon hospitality, dining in baroque courtyards or high above the Elbe River, or at one of the city’s lively pubs and bars. Dresden is an extremely dynamic, major international centre of business and research. Where to stay? In addition to the Large Hall and the five adjacent halls, all of which can be fully interconnected and accommodate over 4,000 people, the Maritim Hotel & Internationals Congress Centre Dresden combines ultra- modern architecture and top of the range technological facilities, all with spectacular riverfront views. For more information, please visit www.maritim.com/en/meetings-and-events/germany/hotel-internationales-congress-center-dresden/meetings-celebrations#hotel_content The Borse Dresden is a conference centre at the exhibition centre which can accommodate up to 10,000 visitors. The International Congress Centre is suitable for conventions and conferences and can hold around 4,000 delegates. The building is renowned for its striking modern architecture and fabulous location on the banks of the Elbe River close to the historical old quarter. Dresden’s historical centre has buildings from the Renaissance, the Baroque and the 19th century. Visitors can explore the Dresden Elbe Valley with the world’s oldest and largest fleet of paddle-steamers and also enjoy some true Saxon hospitality, dining in baroque courtyards or high above the Elbe River, or at one of the city’s lively pubs and bars. Ulm The medieval city of Ulm has the most crooked house (as listed in Guinness World Records) and one of the narrowest (4.5m wide), and tallest cathedral steeple (161.5m high) from which the Alps can be seen on a clear day. It’s also the birthplace of the physicist, Albert Einstein. Where to stay? The Maritim Hotel Ulm and adjoining Congress Centre are perfectly suited for large events, with The Einstein Hall, stage and orchestra pit accommodating up to 1,500 people, while the Kepler Hall can hold up to 330 people. The Maritim Hotel Ulm, a striking building set on the verdant banks of the Danube, is close to the picturesque old town and Ulm Minster, which has the tallest church tower in the world. It is just a few minutes’ drive from the main train station and exhibition centre. In combination with the adjoining Ulm Congress Centre, the hotel is ideally situated for private and business functions alike. In addition, the ‘‘Panorama and Bastei’’ Restaurant on the 16th floor serves national and international cuisines, while offering unparalleled views of Ulm and Neu-Ulm. Post navigation Travel Venue of The Week: arlberg1800 RESORT World view: Employees in Malaysia ‘least engaged’
