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Melbourne Unique Venues - Thoroughbred in Blog
6 Mar 2012 | 0 Comments

Groups that are looking for that WOW factor and are looking for that five star unique venue then Thoroughbred is a great space to choose. This is a brand new addition to the Marekai portfolio. Located in South Melbourne, this venue from the outside just looks like another mechanic and not a five star venue. As you walk in though, it is another story entirely. Setup as a cafe during the day this is a warehouse space with cafe and bar facilities. In the middle of this event venue is a selection of luxury cars that can be used as a display or even hired out to collect your VIPs. This space is highly flexible and able to accommodate groups of up to 250 for a cocktail. The Marekai team are able to assist with themeing or AV where required, however this venue is already well equipped with plasma screens and audio systems. Tucked away behind one way glass is an executive boardroom that can fit up to 20 delegates maximum. This space is such a surprise, as it looks like it should be sitting in a top Melbourne hotel. Fully equipped with a plasma screen, teleconferencing facilities, electronic whiteboard, leather ergonomic chairs and even an office space to be used as a secretariat where required.

Please contact the Business Retreats team if you’d like to know more about these great unique venues.

Melbourne Unique Venues - Story in Blog
6 Mar 2012 | 0 Comments

As venue finders we are often asked for a unique venue that has natural light, plenty of space to breakout, easy access and great conference facilities. This isn’t always easy to find, however Melbourne is a great city that always seems to surprise us with little hidden gems.

Recently I went on a site visit to two unique venues that are located on the outskirts of the CBD; Story and Thoroughbred. These spaces are managed by Marekai Events, an innovative company that specialises in creating individual events within the unique venues they adopt.

For the groups that are looking for a casual bar space that is completely private and equipped with conference facilities such as a projector or wifi then Story is the venue for you. I love this venue because it is extremely flexible and can accommodate anything from an intimate meeting for 20 to a casual art workshop for 100.

There a two separate conference spaces both which contain natural light. One space is quite corporate and is ideal for meetings, whereas the other is the bar space that is ideal for the special events such as dinners or cocktails. The bar space is more eclectic in its style, with furniture and artwork that doesn’t match giving it that Melbournian charm. There’s access to an outdoor area that would be fantastic for cocktail events in summer. The floor of the courtyard area is covered with synthetic turf and decked out with classic wooden furniture, giving it a relaxing inner city outdoor atmosphere. This venue is suitable for various budgets and Marekai will attempt to tailor their packages to suit different events for this venue.

Cutler & Co in Blog
23 Feb 2012 | 0 Comments

On Tuesday 21 February I had the privilege of attending a special dinner event at Cutler & Co. This was my first time at this restaurant.   I know that it is hard to believe, as my job is all about venues, but I unfortunately I can’t visit everything.

Last year, I found out that I am allergic to a number of foods like dairy, eggs, nuts, wheat… just to name a few. Since then, I’ve experienced many challenges when eating out. Bakeries are out, as almost all of them don’t offer gluten free breads or treats. Please let me know if there are some that do.   Most cafes offer soy coffee, but I am allergic to soy as well! These allergies are not life-threatening, but they cause discomfort and make me look 6 months pregnant.

Cutler & Co were absolutely on the ball with my list of allergies and made sure that I was able to enjoy amazing food like everyone else. They even made a special treat just for me, which made most of the guests at my table envious of my dessert. It was Ginger granita, coconut tapioca, fresh lychee & aloe vera. The restaurant worked extremely well for a function, the atmosphere was jovial and bustling. We had exclusive use of the restaurant which was filled with 60 conference & tourism specialists. This was probably wise too, as we are a loud bunch who love to talk and enjoy our night out.   The service staff were excellent, with no glass ever empty. I will definitely go to Fitzroy to visit this restaurant again and I highly recommend it for your next function.

The World of Dietary Requirements in Blog
10 Feb 2012 | 0 Comments

Dietary requirements would have to be our biggest criticism of conference venues and the events industry. It’s an area that has definitely improved over the years, but is still in desperate need of development. These days we as a society are much more educated about nutrition, allergies and the foods we eat. Dairy intolerance, vegan or vegetarian, nut allergies and coeliac disease are probably amongst the most common dietary requirements out there. Katarina and I know first hand the constant challenge of attending events where dietary requirements are barely catered for or sometimes completely ignored.

I’m still absolutely amazed when I still have people ask me .....”So how allergic are you really?” I still have arguments with chefs who insist eggs are a dairy product and waiters who believe calamari is a shell fish. Education of hospitality staff is imperative as I have experienced waiters insist that a prawn isn’t shell fish and that they guarantee I can eat it. This is not only poor service, but for event organisers this is a big risk factor.

My biggest concern with dietery requirements is when I go to buy a simple cup of coffee. The amount of times I still have to watch and ensure my coffee is actually made with soy is amazing. I have experienced taking a sip of coffee that has been made with cow’s milk, even after the waiter insisted it was definitely soy. After questioning the waiter again, I then had them double check for them to realise they’d actually made a mistake. There was only a casual apology, a bit of a laugh and no realisation of the seriousness of their mistake. Some hospitality staff are completely unaware that although you may not drop dead in front of them, the rest of your day is ruined as you’ll then be sick for the remainder of it.

I’ve compiled a few simple tips to tackle dietaries at events, but please feel free to share your stories or tips on our Facebook page. We would love to hear about your experiences.

Ensure you’ve explained your exact dietary requirements to the event organiser before the event. Some requirements are difficult for chefs to cater for without notice.
For complicated dietary requirements see if you can have a printout explaining what you can eat sent to the chefs. Some chefs or event organisers will even call you to go through the exact requirements.
For cocktail events, eat something before you come if you know dietaries are not being catered for.
At cocktail events, ask the event staff if they’re able to assist you with a special plate of food. You’ll be surprised how many actually will go out of their way to assist you.
If you’re ever concerned about what you’re being offered don’t be afraid to check. It is not worth feeling ill.
Encourage the people around you to be educated about your dietary requirements. Even if the intolerance is not deadly it still can be serious to your health.

Melbourne Museum in Blog
16 Jan 2012 | 0 Comments

For groups looking for a unique event venue then look no further than the Melbourne Museum. Located in Carlton next door to the Royal Exhibition Building this event venue is the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere.

Organisers can host their events in a variety of spaces, from a boardroom meeting for 30 surrounded by trees in the Treetops room to an elegant cocktail in the grand museum foyer for 2000.

Imagine guests venturing through the museum at night, experiencing some of Australia’s greatest historical displays. For that WOW factor, groups can dine next to Phar Lap or experience Melbourne’s story from the mid 1800’s where guests can explore the interactive displays. Catering and event operations at Melbourne Museum are managed by Peter Rowland Catering, so you can be assured of a high quality service. We recommend this venue for groups that want to educate, WOW their guests or experience something imaginative.

Sebel Deep Blue Warrnambool in Blog
24 Nov 2011 | 0 Comments

Three hours drive from Melbourne is Warrnambool, a small city on the Western point of the Great Ocean Road. Many Victorians are well aware of this town, but very few think there is much to do in this area of the state. Emilie recently went down to Warrnambool for a weekend hosted by Sebel Deep Blue, one of the main conference venues in this region. Here are her thoughts after exploring the many activities in this region.

I’ve been to Warrnambool many times before for family holidays and friend’s weddings, but never really did much while I was there. When you think of a three hour drive to regional Victoria it feels like an eternity, especially when you could fly to the Gold Coast in two. This is often the response I have had when looking at this destination for Victorian conferences and found it very hard to think of exciting activities that could be included as part of the trip. I was pleasantly surprised and after this weekend feel so inspired by this beautiful region...... and actually it is very cost effective too!

An aspect of Sebel Deep Blue that is a fantastic selling point is the fact they have a thermal mineral spa within their day spa. With the stunning views surrounding Sebel Deep Blue, it is a shame that there is no natural light in the conference room however the pre function areas do have outdoor access with plenty of natural light. The light colouring of the conference rooms still gives the space an open and relaxing atmosphere. The conference rooms are all located within the one area, so delegates don’t need to find their way around the hotel for breakout sessions. There are a total of three spaces that can accommodate up to 350 delegates cocktail however accommodation would need to be a combination of twin share and the use of surrounding accommodation venues.

For the trip down to Warrnambool we were given the opportunity to self drive to Sebel Deep Blue and in our driving packs we were presented with a toy whale and activities. The toy whale was to feature in our photos along the way where we could accumulate points if we took photos of items listed on our activity sheet. This was a great example of a fun activity that could be organised to make the time go faster on the trip down and actually was a talking point for the entire weekend!
After settling into our spacious rooms we enjoyed some pre-dinner canapés in one of the stunning penthouse suites, before heading out to Flagstaff Maritime Village. Flagstaff Maritime Village is both a museum with Australia's richest shipwreck collection and an 1870's village located on the state heritage listed Lady Bay Lighthouse precinct, which is still operational. This is a great unique venue for an offsite dinner or activity. We were able to experience drinks in the old style ‘local’ pub which was decorated in paraphernalia from the 1800’s. After dark the village set the scene of maritime life with a laser light show that retold the stories of Warrnambool.

The next day it was activity time for all of us with our first stop being Saltmarsh Artful living. I absolutely loved this venue and highly recommend it for any groups looking to explore their creative sides. Glenistair Hancock is one of the owners of the beautiful workshop and he gave us a crash course demonstration on glass blowing. His creations are just stunning and to see the work behind the items that are displayed throughout the shop was really insightful. The demonstrations are great for groups up to 20 and small individually designed corporate gifts can be pre-organised for your group if required. After exploring our creative sides it was off to the park to explore our emotional sides.

Scott Dargan from Red Rock Alliance took us through some EQ (Emotional Intelligence) profiling, which was actually really fascinating. Red Rock Alliance is a facilitation company that are able to work with groups to improve leadership skills by developing attitudes, behaviours and communication of individuals or teams. The structure of the workshop was casual in the outdoor setting, but engaging and relevant to many different individuals in our session. Scott was able to keep us engaged and entertained, while teaching us how we can utilise our various personality traits within our workplaces. All of the emotional exploration certainly worked up an appetite. Sebel Deep Blue was able to bring their catering team out to the park to cook a delicious BBQ lunch for us. This is well worth thinking about for conferences, where the entire day could be organised outdoors and only about five minutes walk from the hotel.

On the final day we were lucky enough to explore the breathtaking coastline of Warrnambool by doing a condensed version of the Amazing Race, facilitated by Adventure for Life. After taking a little bit of time to work out how to use our GPS we were finally off walking the boardwalks that surrounded the rugged beaches. Unfortunately our team was not the fastest, but it was none the less a fun experience.

This trip certainly helped me realise the amount of fantastic activities that are available in this region. It is well worth considering Warrnambool for your next event or conference.

The Story Melbourne in Blog
18 Nov 2011 | 0 Comments

A Unique Venue

As venue finders we are often asked for a unique venue that has natural light, plenty of space to breakout, easy access and great conference facilities. This isn’t always easy to find, however Melbourne is a great city that always seems to surprise us with little hidden gems.

Recently I went on a site visit to two unique venues that are located on the outskirts of the CBD; Story and Thoroughbred. These spaces are managed by Marekai Events, an innovative company that specialises in creating individual events within the unique venues they adopt.

For the groups that are looking for a casual bar space that is completely private and equipped with conference facilities such as a projector or wifi then Story is the venue for you. I love this event venue because it is extremely flexible and can accommodate anything from an intimate meeting for 20 to a casual art workshop for 100. There a two separate conference spaces both with natural light. One space is quite corporate and is ideal for meetings, whereas the other is the bar space that is ideal for the special events such as dinners or cocktails. The bar space is more eclectic in its style, with furniture and artwork that doesn’t match giving it that Melbournian charm. There’s access to an outdoor area that would be fantastic for cocktail events in summer. The floor of the courtyard area is covered with synthetic turf and decked out with classic wooden furniture, giving it a relaxing inner city outdoor atmosphere. This event venue is suitable for various budgets and Marekai will attempt to tailor their packages to suit different events for this venue.

A New Melbourne Precinct in Blog
9 Nov 2011 | 0 Comments

Wednesday 19 October 2011 was the official industry launch of the brand new WTC Wharf located on the city side of the Yarra River. I was lucky enough to attend this event and had really not thought much of it. I had expected it to be another small industry cocktail with a handful of people attending. That was definitely not the case.... This red carpet event was a luxurious five star experience and I left genuinely excited about this new Melbourne precinct. The event was presented by the new hospitality businesses that line this section of the Yarra; Byblos Bar, Wharf Hotel, Wilsons Boathouse, River’s Edge and Kobe Jones.

It started on a stunning warm spring night as I walked up to a red carpet entrance. Unfortunately no paparazzi were in attendance and I certainly wasn’t in a designer dress! The sun sparkled over the water and with a drink in hand it was a great way to see these new unique venues. All of these venues can accommodate groups with Byblos, River’s Edge and Wharf Hotel ideal for corporate events of varying styles. We were given the chance to sample food along the wharf starting at Byblos Bar.

Byblos Bar is a fantastic unique venue that is Mediterranean inspired. This space is ideal for cocktails, dinners and special events up to around 130 guests. Wilson’s Boathouse was next on the journey, a lovely open plan restaurant specialising in seafood. This venue is great for group dining or maybe even as an informal event venue; however it doesn’t have private space.
Further down the wharf we were treated to some delicious teppanyaki proudly offered by Kobe Jones. Wharf Hotel took my attention next with the relaxing atmosphere of couches overlooking the water. This is a great meeting venue or suitable for various styles of corporate events. There is a fully equipped small private dining room, which can also be utilised as an informal private boardroom. Groups can also take advantage of a semi-private bar area that has access to a private terrace that’s great as a unique venue.

During the event River’s Edge was home for some VIP’s to enjoy the entertainment of the DJ’s and other performers out on the stage over the water. This space is a beautiful conference venue or can be used as an event venue. Suitable for groups from 50 to 300, complete with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Yarra.

This precinct will certainly be an asset for Melbourne especially with the new convention centre, Hilton South Wharf, Showtime Events and Polly Woodside all just across the river. This new area is certainly worth exploring!

Choosing the Perfect Event Venues is Key to All Successful Events in Blog
4 Oct 2011 | 0 Comments

Not everyone has the expertise or time to plan events or can pull off a successful function. If you’re asked to organise a company event, be it a large or small function, we are confident that we can help you turn it into not only a successful event, but a memorable one as well. We have provided conference services, assisted in looking for meeting venues, and matched clients with suitable event venues for over 20 years, so be assured that we won’t let you down. We’ll help you achieve the first step of a perfect event, with as little stress as possible.

Personal and professional conference services need detailed preparation

As the event planner, you need to be involved in the creative, technical and logistical preparation before and during the event. The amount of effort, time and preparation you’ll exert will also depend on the function you’re planning:

Corporate events – which include product launches, press conferences, corporate meetings and business conferences
Marketing events – which include road shows, grand opening events and book signing
Special events – which include concerts, award ceremonies, film premieres, fashion shows and commercial events

Organising an event can be tiresome and frustrating if you don’t know where to start or if you don’t take it seriously. Checking all the details makes a huge difference. Regardless of the type of function being organised, you at least have to include the following basic tasks in your checklist Theme, invitations and decorations

Event venue and logistics
Entertainment and audio-visual production
Menu and catering
Marketing
Budget and cash flow management

A variety of event venues, from the unique to the most luxurious

One of the most important factors you have to consider in event organising is creating the overall atmosphere of the event – how your guests should feel from the moment they arrive until they leave. Remember that different event venues present different ambience, so your chosen venue and the site setup should reflect the nature of the event. Finding the perfect venue is a crucial stage in the planning process.

Traditional event venues are function centres , hotels and convention centres, but nowadays, you can find the perfect venue by letting your creativity flow. The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing event venues. There are gardens, ballrooms, rooftops, yachts, theatres, universities, and more to help you create a unique and lasting impression for your guests. Whether you’re looking for intimate event venues or corporate meeting venues, the key factor is the appropriateness of the venue to your function.

Hotel – a popular choice because of its accessibility, affordability, availability of facilities and amenities
Conference centre – a good choice for conferences with a large number of attendees because of its spatial capacity and technological availability
Meeting room – a perfect choice for business meetings, job interviews and forums because of its on-site technology, familiarity, and security
Convention centre – a perfect choice for a large, professional event because of its guest capacity and technology capability
Outdoor location – a great choice for fun, learning and camaraderie; includes zoos, botanical gardens, parks, conservatories, camps and lawns
Theatre – a perfect choice to display class, elegance and glamour because of its luxury and style
Stadium – a perfect choice for large corporate events like company picnics because of its casual but impressive atmosphere
Yacht – an often overlooked event venue but perfect for intimate or corporate events because of its non-traditional style that leaves a dramatic and lasting impression
Rooftop – a great choice for exclusive and important events because of its spectacular panoramic views and warm hospitality
Ballroom – a perfect choice for a grand concert, dance or gala because of its luxury , space and guest capacity
Garden – a perfect choice for a cosy romantic, family or corporate event with a whimsical backdrop
University – a convenient setting for large events like entertainment shows, recognition parties and class reunions because of its facilities and space
Mansion – a perfect choice for exclusive events because of its luxurious architecture, grand interior and amazing exterior
Museum – a non-traditional setting for both public and private events because of its classic and relaxing atmosphere

Whether you choose traditional or unconventional event venues, remember that finding the perfect one is a key element to a successful corporate event. Contact us now and we’ll help you find the perfect venue to suit all of your budget and logistical requirements.

Replying to Attend and Not Showing Up: Event RSVP Etiquette in Blog
4 Jul 2011 | 0 Comments

Okay, of course there is always something that can go wrong at the last minute to prevent you from attending an event you’ve already confirmed your attendance at. If this ever happens to you, make sure that you contact the venue organiser on the day or the night and let them know that you are not able to join them. Let me tell you, it will be greatly appreciated if you deliver your apologies. It lets your contact know that you respect and trust them and lets you continue an unmarred professional relationship with them.

If you can’t reach the exact person who invited you to the event, then do go to the trouble of emailing them directly and leave a message with their colleagues that you are not able to attend. Honestly, I can’t believe that I have to write about this. I thought that all of us followed this protocol already.

I am sure that most of you out there reading this article have organised an event of some kind in your past – a cocktail party, the office Christmas party, your own birthday party, perhaps a dinner for friends at home. I am also sure you’ve most likely been “dumped” by some of your guests at the last minute. It happened to me recently both at personal and business events that I had organised and both times I was not happy about it. Not happy at all.

Firstly, when someone is going through the trouble to invite you to an event they are inviting you to be part of their community/circle. When people organise events they are organising them for a purpose, not just for the sake of it. Usually, a good amount of mental and physical labour, not to mention money, has been involved to stage something special for you.

Some events are put on for celebration’s sake only, or to launch a product, to showcase a venue, to discuss the services offered, to raise money... There is plethora of reasons behind every event. I beg you all to be more considerate and to show respect for others by simply treating them the way you would like to be treated.

In my industry, I am invited to numerous functions by various conference venues and unique venues around Australia and New Zealand. I can’t go to all of them, but I would never ever send a positive reply if I wasn’t 100% committed to attending the event. I am serious. There is nothing worse than the organisers and other guests seeing a huge list of no-show nametags left on the registration table. These nametags are sitting there on that white-clothed table in all their tombstone plastic glory, for everyone to see.

As an organiser, you feel that the no-shows have no respect for you, your event or your business. On the other hand, all the guests can clearly see the names of those who haven’t showed up, so your nametag is there on the “shame-on-you” table if you don’t show up. I hate the thought of my name sitting out there potentially on its own on that table, or in the company of other no-shows. If my tag is on its lonesome, all I can hope that the organisers will remove it ASAP from the table as I would hate for anyone out there (let’s admit it we do live in a small world) to see my name in such a light.

Those who decide not to show up to an event, even though they’ve committed to it, could also be destroying the event for the other guests - the event’s atmosphere depends heavily on the size of the room where it’s held, which is chosen specially based on the number of the expected guests. An empty room kills a party vibe. Not to mention the food. It’s a shame to see so many of my own industry colleagues not valuing the effort and money that conference venues put into organising these gorgeous, generous events and site inspections that most of us attend for free as a perk of our job.

I’ve certainly enjoyed some amazing food, entertainment and activities, staged by a number of professional and unique venues over the last nine years, and I am looking to many more. But I will always try everything possible to attend an event that I’ve promised in writing that I will be there. I will work on the babysitting arrangements, get grandparents involved, school mums, husband, use tram or train to get there, so that babysitters have the car to organise the kids, cook dinner a night in advance and who knows what else that needs to be organised, so that I can attend a function that I committed to attending.

Only in completely unforeseen circumstances will I not attend a function, and if something occurs that stops me I will try my best to ensure that the organisers know about it, no matter how last minute. Once, I cooked a full three-course dinner at home on a Thursday night - mid-week - only to find out that my dinner guests weren’t coming, as they had a wrong date in their diary. I knew that this was a genuine mistake but it still didn’t make me feel any better on the night, after I’d just slaved over the stove and had been baking for the last two hours, ignoring the kids and cleaning the house to make sure that my guests were treated well. I’m sure you could relate to the feeling of this small, personal example. It’s no different for an event organiser at the top conference venues in Australia. They feel it too. So please make sure that you give that very important courtesy to the host of always apologising in advance if you know that you will not be able to join them at their event. I am sure that you would like others to do the same to you.

Sunshine Coast Conference Venues, Day Three: RACV Noosa Resort, Eumundi Markets and Novotel Twin Waters in Blog
27 Jun 2011 | 0 Comments

Emilie was lucky enough to slip out of the BRA Office recently for a three-day famil of the best conference venues on Sunshine Coast. This is the last in a series of posts about her trip there. Click here to read earlier posts.

Conference Venues: RACV Noosa Resort
We were up early again to have breakfast and a site visit at the new RACV Noosa Resort. This venue was recently taken over from Mirvac, previously known as Quay West Resort. This resort still looks very new, with the vegetation still becoming established and the warm atmosphere slowly coming together.

The accommodation is made up of apartment-style rooms, with the larger apartments having the atmosphere of a contemporary residential CBD apartment. With plenty of space and all the amenities one would expect in an apartment, this resort is ideal for short or week-long executive retreats. The property is best suited to mid-sized groups of around 100 delegates. With only one restaurant onsite it is best to organise offsite dinners to introduce some variety.

Free time was on the agenda at either Little Hastings Street or the Eumundi Markets. I chose the markets and had a ball wandering the numerous stalls, with live music floating through the air. This market is a great addition to conference programs if some free time is on the agenda. Many handmade products and food are available for purchase. For those that feel like some relaxation there are spaces to sit and enjoy the music.

Conference Venues: Novotel Twin Waters
Our final destination before going home was a site visit of Novotel Twin Waters. I have to say this site visit was the most well-organised and well-sold by the Novotel Events team. I was impressed.
On entry to the resort two sailor girls greeted us, twirling hula-hoops around their waist while staff handed out little energy drinks to get us started. In golf buggies, we toured the many acres of the resort viewing accommodation, the circus grounds (yes, you can do trapeze or circus activities) and function facilities.

This venue is a great cost-effective option for various sized events from 10 to around 1000. There is a permanent marquee, conference rooms and many unique venues scattered around the property to suit many different tastes.

My favourite section of this site visit was watching the trapeze artists swing and do their tricks on the circus lawn. Delegates can actually learn to do this activity as a team building exercise, being taught every step by professionals in a fun, safe environment.

We finished off the afternoon with lunch on the beach, seated at a long table set in the sand with a reggae band playing next to us. Unfortunately this luxury was short-lived, as the Melbourne guests were whisked off to the airport to fly home to the cold weather again. The one downfall of this location is the limited number of flights coming in and out of the Sunshine Coast, but the variety of this region makes it worthwhile.

Summary:
We love a venue that goes out of its way to demonstrate its creativity and versatility through their site inspections to us – we know that if they take that much care with us, they’re really going to impress when you take your delegates there.

The apartment-style accommodation that can be found all over the Sunshine Coast is great for executive retreats. There are also plenty of leisure activities and unique venues to be found nearby for downtime or to keep families entertained.

To get the best prices on these conference venues, or hear more of Emilie’s impressions about the unique venues around Queensland for one of your next executive retreats, phone Business Retreats Australia on (03) 8686 7760.

Day 2, Part 2: Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Hyatt Regency Coolum in Blog
20 Jun 2011 | 0 Comments

Emilie was lucky enough to slip out of the BRA Office recently for a three-day famil of the best conference venues on Sunshine Coast. This is the fourth in a series of posts about her trip there. Click here to read earlier posts.

Unique Venues: Spicers Tamarind Retreat
The sun shone through the bus window and I began to feel quite sleepy, needing some food to perk me up again. Lucky we were on our way to lunch. I’d always thought of the Sunshine Coast as cafes, shops and beaches, but never realised they had a Hinterland region. The bus wound its way up through the hills to our entree at the relaxing Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny.

The Thai-inspired food was absolutely divine and at this stage I had no idea that the many dishes laid out on the table was only the entrée! I also would never have thought to pair cucumber pieces with a spicy bean dip, but the food went beautifully together making it very hard to stop eating.

Unique Venues: Spicers Clovelly
After a site visit of the property it was off for our main course at the sister property, Spicers Clovelly Retreat in Montville. Both these properties are great unique venues with their very own niche and feel. Our lunch here was a roast, set up on a long table running the length of the balcony, overlooking the beautiful hinterlands.

Croquet was set up on the lawns for our enjoyment and the balcony doors opened up into the sun-filled lounge where we could also sit to talk or read. Both the Spicers properties are ideal for small groups of around 10 maximum, specialising in executive retreats or incentive retreats. For larger groups, a progressive dinner can be organised at both of these properties or even just Tamarind if a unique dining option is required.

Tamarind’s restaurant can hold around 80 guests at a maximum and is also open to the general public for those that just want to experience the stunning food on their holidays. Clovelly is a small, country-style house that has a home-away-from-home atmosphere. The intimate nature of these venues means that the service is tailored specifically for the delegates attending.

Conference Venues: Hyatt Regency Coolum
The relaxation of the afternoon was lovely but short-lived as we were whisked back to our hotels to prepare for our networking evening hosted by Hyatt Regency Coolum. All of the suppliers that had assisted with the famil attended the dinner, which was organised well by the Sunshine Coast team.

Throughout the night, suppliers were asked to move around the tables so that we all had the chance to ask as many questions as needed. During pre-dinner drinks I took the opportunity to have a quick site visit, which unfortunately was in the dark. It did however; give me the chance to get a feel for the spaces that can be used for conferencing.

This conference venue has a total of fifteen spaces that can accommodate events, four of which are outdoor locations for special events. The Pavilion space, a permanent marquee structure is an ideal venue for exhibitions holding around 50 trade booths (depending on their size).

Back in the warmth of the private dining room the food was absolutely delicious, which we all expected of Hyatt – the brand has a reputation as a great one for conference venues and executive retreats.

Many of us didn’t want the night to end and could have sat by the roaring fireplace (yes it was that cold up North on this particular night!) eating for a long time.

Summary:
Queensland really does have a plethora of intimate and unique venues dotted from the coast right up to the Hinterland. The quality of the food in these venues is fantastic and each has its own special atmosphere and niche.

To get the best prices on these conference venues, or hear more of Emilie’s impressions about the unique venues around Queensland for one of your next executive retreats, phone Business Retreats Australia on (03) 8686 7760.

Sunshine Coast Conference Venues, Day 2 Pt 2: Outrigger Noosa Resort, Mantra Mooloolaba and Australia Zoo in Blog
20 Jun 2011 | 0 Comments

Emilie was lucky enough to slip out of the BRA Office recently for a three-day famil of the best conference venues on Sunshine Coast. This is the first in a series of posts about her trip there. Click here to read Part 1 and Part 2.

Conference Venues: Outrigger Noosa Resort

Freshly-brewed coffee awaited as we arrived on the second morning for a site visit of Outrigger Noosa Resort. The restaurant and bar area is all open air, with a roof to shelter from the elements. We sat and had breakfast, watching the sun rising over Noosa Beach.

The function spaces are great for executive retreats of medium to small groups (around 200 delegates), but it’s a shame that with all the beautiful views there’s no natural light in the main room. There’s an opportunity for the retractable walls to be opened to let in natural light, but then the space is no longer private.

The accommodation at Outrigger Noosa Resort is apartment-style and very spacious. Many have private balconies. Food was delicious and fresh, with delegates able to choose to hold a sit-down, plated breakfast or dine at leisure in the restaurant at the buffet.

Conference Venues: Mantra Mooloolaba

With full stomachs and plenty of coffee in our systems, we drove to Mooloolaba to have a site visit at the Mantra. This visit was but a quick snapshot of the property, but in the brief time we had it was clear that this was good, cost-effective property for budget conscious groups.

The apartment style accommodation was modern and fresh, many complete with beautiful views of the beach. The hotel was situated close to shops, supermarket and local amenities, which is great for conference delegates that want to bring their families.

The conference spaces have natural light and built-in standard AV amenities. They’re ideal for groups of around 200 delegates.

After whizzing around the conference venues we were given thirst-quenching fresh fruit juices and a little takeaway snack box with fruit skewers. I loved the fresh fruit juice, as it really made me feel like I was in a tropical location!

Unique Venues: Australia Zoo

Next it was off to Australia Zoo, which I actually didn’t have high hopes for. I remember going to this zoo as a child and only could remember being bored.

I’m not an “animal person” and don’t really find walking around a zoo interesting, but I can tell you I was very pleasantly surprised. This venue was in pristine condition and setup so that anyone could find their way around (even those that get constantly lost like me!).

We had some time for a few animal encounters and a photo on the lawn before going on a site visit of the conference spaces. I bet you didn’t know Australia Zoo had conference venues - I didn’t either!

Australia Zoo is in the process of trialling night functions around the park and have launched meeting packages for the day time for those wanting unique venues to add to their program. The animal hospital onsite can even host a small conference meeting, which is ideal for medical groups that want to view the hospital facilities.

For the huge functions of 1000 or more there is an amphitheatre that can be hired, which is ideal for product launches or promotions. All proceeds from conferences at the zoo go back towards conservation, so companies are also contributing to a worthwhile cause.

Leaving the venue I felt a touch of sadness, as I noticed all of the tributes to Steve Irwin around the park, he is truly an Australian Icon. I’m proud to say that this really is one of the unique venues worth adding to a program, even if it’s just for some time out and a cuddle with a python.

Summary

Make the most of Sunshine Coast conference venues by adding unique local touches to your conference – whether it’s organising the breakfast tables so that you’re looking over the water, serving tropical fruit juices on breaks or taking everyone to the iconic Australia Zoo for an afternoon of leisure, all these things will make your event unique and special.

To get the best prices on these conference venues, or hear more of Emilie’s impressions about the unique venues around Queensland for your upcoming executive retreats, phone Business Retreats Australia on (03) 8686 7760.

Sunshine Coast Conference Venues, Day One: Yandina Station and Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort in Blog
13 Jun 2011 | 0 Comments

Emilie was lucky enough to slip out of the BRA Office recently for a three-day famil of the best conference venues on Sunshine Coast. This is the first in a series of posts about her trip there.

Unique Venues: Yandina Station

On arrival to the Sunshine Coast, I could feel my pulse rate drop instantly as the balmy sunshine thawed me out, making me warm and fuzzy.

We were greeted by Pippa from the Sunshine Coast Business Events team and driven to a breathtaking property called Yandina Station.

Yandina Station is one of Queensland’s most unique venues, and is located about 15 minutes from the airport and was a fantastic way to begin the busy few days ahead.

After the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, I was in awe of the beautiful green rolling hills that surrounded the homestead. Many of us who were on the famil have now decided we want to move to this beautiful part of Queensland and leave our bustling cities for a tree change (a girl can dream, right?)!

Our two-course lunch consisted of fresh local produce, paired with delicious wines and chilled live music. We were seated on the wrap-around balcony, which was undercover, but still gave the full experience of being outdoors.

This event venue is so versatile and really is dependent on the budget for an event.

Groups can do anything from 80 guests seated in the homestead to 250 guests in a marquee extended from the dairy canopy. The property is large enough to place marquees around the homestead for a market-style event or for taking some time out with teambuilding.

We had a taste of the local teambuilding offerings, organised by Corporate and Group Xperiences.

An obstacle course was setup in the paddock for us to wiz around on segways, which have become very popular recently for group activities.

My favourite activity that they offer was the laser clay shooting, although it was a lot harder than it looked. This is a fantastic option for night events - the laser beams light up the sky.

It’s a safe activity too, which means you can serve drinks for your delegates while they shoot - it may even improve their aim! I had a few tries at the clay shooting and have concluded that I shouldn’t quit my day job.

Conference Venues: Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort

After all the excitement of segways and laser rifles, we got back in the bus to the travel 15 minutes to Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort, a great option for all-inclusive executive retreats.

The winner here was that we were able to drive our own little golf buggies around the resort. As the sun began to set over the golf course it was so relaxing to drive around the grounds and take in the beautiful views. After a few little ‘dodgem car’ crashes, we arrived back to the main building of the resort to view the conference venue.

Although the conference venues space at Noosa Springs is of a ‘no fuss’ standard, it does have access to gorgeous views over the golf course complete with a balcony. The accommodation has a homely feel, complete with a kitchen, lounge room and laundry facilities.

Just before departing for our overnight stay, we ventured into the day spa where we were greeted by trays of sparkling wine. This was certainly a hit with the ladies, as we dreamed about the many luxurious treatments that we could have should we have been on an incentive trip.

Summary:
This resort is a great option for conference organisers who want to have a nice blend of business and pleasure included in their executive retreats.

The award-winning day spa and spacious grounds provide plenty of leisure for families to join and stay in the self-contained apartments, while the championship golf course will go down a treat with golf enthusiasts.

The nearby Yandina Station is a perfect offsite dinner and teambuilding venue in a luxury-rustic surround, for those who prefer unique venues for their events.

To get the best prices on both these conference venues, or hear more of Emilie’s impressions about the unique venues around Queensland for one of your next executive retreats, phone Business Retreats Australia on (03) 8686 7760.

Sunshine Coast Conference Venues, Day One Pt 2: The Ginger Factory and The Spirit House Restaurant & Cooking School in Blog
6 Jun 2011 | 0 Comments

Emilie was lucky enough to slip out of the BRA Office recently for a three-day famil of the best conference venues on Sunshine Coast. This is the second in a series of posts about her trip there. Click here to read part one.

Our group was sent to two different conference venues to stay for the next two nights. While the others disappeared to the RACV Noosa Resort (the former Quay West Resort Noosa), we went and stayed at the Outrigger Noosa Resort.

Arriving at this unique venue feels like you’re entering a futuristic rainforest village with accommodation towering over you, set among an abundance of trees on the surrounding hills.
This hotel was walking distance to Little Hastings Street, the main street of Noosa, but staying in this venue really felt like another world.

Because almost everything in this region is only 15-20 minutes away from each other, dinner that night was able to be at two different venues.

The temperature in Queensland drops fairly dramatically at night time this time of year, so I can’t say I was looking forward to outdoor canapés and pre-dinner drinks at the Ginger Factory in Yandina.

Unique Venues: The Ginger Factory
So I was very pleasantly surprised when we arrived at the venue to find a clearing amongst the trees where we were greeted with food, drinks and best of all - nice warm outdoor heaters! The Ginger Factory has many open air spaces around the property for corporate events, which can be themed in a variety of ways. Our space had not been overly themed, but had spotlights and fairy lights scattered around the opening to create a fairytale ambiance. After our canapés we were off on the short trip to our main course.

Unique Venues: The Spirit House Restaurant
The Spirit House Restaurant and Cooking School is set among beautiful rainforest surroundings, with decor inspired by South-East Asia.

Oil lanterns lit our path over little walkways and bridges that wound their way around a garden pond to the permanent marquee that housed our dining space for the evening, complete with floor & outdoor heaters (thank goodness!) for around 25 guests.

The Spirit House, is another of the Sunshine Coast’s great unique venues for executive retreats or corporate events. They can organise great cooking classes for team building experiences, which is worth considering for any Masterchef enthusiasts.

The food and atmosphere here was divine. I was impressed by the efficient service, fresh food and crisp flavours, but what impressed me the most was the attention to dietary requirements.
I am one of those annoying people who have a list of foods I can’t eat and have to check the packages of many foods to know what I’m eating. I find events or trips highly challenging, often having to self-cater because my requirements are not taken seriously.

This trip showed me that every single one of the conference venues we attended on the Sunshine Coast catered for the entire group’s dietary requirements with ease and with interesting options (not just fruit salad). I’m sure all of you out there who attend corporate events with dietary requirements can appreciate the thrill you feel when you receive food other than just a piece of fruit!

After all the excitement of the day it was time to be bundled back into the bus and rest for the night at the hotel, ready for day two ahead.

Summary
We don’t blame you if you can’t choose between all the great unique venues available for your events on the Sunshine Coast! But don’t worry – everything is located only a short drive from each other, which means you can really wow your delegates by giving them a small taste of many different venues all in the one day!

Queensland is renowned for its beautiful weather, so make the most of outdoor venues. Even if it’s a bit cold at night, the outdoor heaters take the chill off the air. To get the best prices on these conference venues, or hear more of Emilie’s impressions about the unique venues around the Sunshine Coast for your upcoming executive retreats, phone Business Retreats Australia on (03) 8686 7760.

Peppers Moonah Links in Blog
2 May 2011 | 0 Comments

Emilie travelled to Mornington Peninsula over last weekend and she stayed at Peppers Moonah Links on Saturday night with her fiance Will. Here is her short brief on the venue:

Peppers Moonah Links is located only an hour and a half from Melbourne CBD and well known as the home of Australian Golf. With two 18-hole golf courses, dining facilities, day spa, conference rooms and various styles of accommodation; this hotel has a little something for everyone.

This venue is ideal for small executive groups with the hotel’s unique Executive Lodges. These lodges allow all delegates have accommodation, breakouts and conference spaces all under the one roof. There is a self contained kitchen, balcony, BBQ facilities and fireplaces to give delegates the atmosphere of a sole use house, but with the amenities of a mid-sized hotel. There is even a pool table in one lodge for those groups that like some down time during their conference.

For the larger groups, event planners have the option of using a standard conference room or the permanent marquee overlooking the golf course. Natural light throughout the conference spaces gives groups the opportunity to enjoy the stunning surroundings of the property. Apartment style and standard hotel style accommodation is available for guests in an attempt to cater for a range of different styled events.

It is a short drive to towns such as Rosebud or Rye for those groups that wish to see the local area. Alternatively, the hotel is located on a large property for the groups that prefer to keep everyone active and focused on the conference at hand. We would recommend this venue for the groups of around 10 – 80 delegates.

Intercontinental Sydney in Blog
28 Apr 2011 | 0 Comments

I've visited Intercontinental Sydney early April to check it out and find out why the celebrities love this Sydney hotel. One of the celebrities staying at that time was lovely K D Lang. I am normally not a big celeb follower but for some reason I respect K D Lang and love the sound of her magig voice. One of the reasons why celebreties like the Intercon is because of its two or three exit/entry points to the car park located underneath the hotel.

The hotel boasts a unique lobby, The Cortile, marrying the modern and heritage look, creating privacy and intimacy despite being in the centre of the building, with soaring sky-high ceiling and internal balconies looking down on it. There is a plethora of options for the conference groups, with 15 different meeting rooms to choose from. Thankfully they have an interactive floor plan, one of the best ones I’ve seen, so that you can remember and easily choose the most appropriate meeting or dining space.

You can conference and dine in the rooms where NSW Premiers originally presided, where gold was once qualified and distributed from. The rooms are well presented and offer an in-house expert AV team. Yes, InterContinental is one of the rare city hotels who manage their own AV. This allows them to be competitive and extremely flexible with different AV arrangements. These conference rooms all have something a little bit special, so guests don’t feel like they’re in just another hotel. Some rooms have the original fireplaces from the building’s parliament days, while others have stunning original marble or statues to showcase the history. The Fort Macquarie room has a balcony, which is a bit unique to the Sydney CBD hotels. When walking through this venue, you really wonder what the walls would say if they could talk.

You will not forget some of the special nooks and crannies of this hotel, such as red carpet arrival from the Macquarie street frontage of the hotel and the unusual Harbour Room with the most desired Sydney.

The Harbour Room is about to receive a light upgrade to ensure it keeps up with the times and keeps impressing hotel’s guests. The pool is available to all hotel guests and it’s on the level 31, so that every guest can experience the amazing views. The interesting fact is that the 3 levels of the hotel are dedicated to the air-conditioning and mechanics of the hotel. That’s why the accommodation rooms start from level 9 and up. The accommodation rooms are to die for and if you are staying here please ask for the rooms with the view. No wonder this Heritage listed, palace style hotel is so popular with the International Elite.

Hilton Sydney in Blog
26 Apr 2011 | 1 Comment

This modern and large venue is well equipped for groups of all sizes from small meetings through to 1200 delegates, theatre style. Level 1 is suitable for midsized meetings up to approximately 50 delegates and features a dedicated Business Centre with secretarial service in the foyer. There are also self-serve espresso machines and Xbox stations for the lunch time chill out. A majority of rooms have natural light on this floor.

We were taken around the property by Niko Parman (Operations Manager) and Trang Le. Niko was a wealth of knowledge about groups and what works and doesn’t work from the client and hotel’s perspective. Their highly sought-after large ballroom and pre-function area are getting a new carpet over Easter – as the hotel like to stay cutting edge.

Hilton Sydney also offers several great dining options onsite, including the spectacular glass brassiere restaurant managed by Luke Mangan. Guests can choose to dine in the restaurant, or host private functions here or in one of the two award-winning bars, Zeta Bar and Marble Bar
The car park entrance has a calming effect with the garden wall spanning the height of the hotel, and can be viewed from the lobby and all event floors.

The hotel has made good use of the space in the Hilton Guestrooms which are comfortable and contemporary, giving guests all the usual five star amenities.

Waterfront Restaurant in Blog
22 Apr 2011 | 1 Comment

On Friday 1 April 2011 Business Retreats Australia together with Dockside Group hosted an intimate dinner for a group of our special clients at the Waterfront Restaurant in Sydney. This was our first time to dine at the restaurant. Emilie and I made sure to arrive early, so we could soak up the atmosphere of the historic sandstone building with a well earned Friday night beverage. Once most of us arrived, we joined the busy Sydney’s Friday night diners on the paved terrace overlooking the stunning Sydney Harbour. The night was balmy and perfect for some good networking and general get-to-know-each-other chatter. At one point in the evening a waiter broke into an operatic ‘Happy Birthday to you,’ much to the surprise and enjoyment of the guests at another table.

We stayed longer than anticipated and forgot about the busy week we had just left behind us. We found the food was absolutely delicious, ambience relaxing and the staff friendly & efficient.

This venue can cater up to 450 guests for a cocktail and maximum 800 guests if you use the entire terrace (Waterfront and Wolfies combined).

Here is the brief info on the Waterfront Restaurants from their website:
Achieve instant impact with this stunning venue boasting breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour & the Opera House. Unique nautical decor over three levels of dining, Waterfront is perfect for every celebration. Specialising in fresh Australian seafood and only 10 minutes walk from city hotels, this venue is easily accessible.Waterfront is made up of 6 unique and varied spaces over 3 floors, prefect for private dining, board meetings, weddings, cocktail parties and conferencing.

Mercure Sydney in Blog
12 Apr 2011 | 0 Comments

You can, like I did recently, walk all the way up George Street from the Rocks, through CBD and through China Town to the busy junction, and you will find Mercure Sydney in the middle of it all. The hotel is positioned in the middle of a busy junction and is close to the public transport, the train station and bus station, as well as on-site parking. The hotel is a good four-star product and features 517 modern contemporary rooms over 14 floors, these rooms have been designed for guests requiring a combination of convenience and comfort.

Unique facilities include 24-hour room service, 2 onsite restaurants and bars, 24-hour indoor rooftop swimming pool, gym with air-conditioning and sauna. Simple, clean and well managed. Service was exceptional and caring. Also, their conference floor features 8 conference rooms, of which 7 include natural light and can accommodate up to 300 delegates with large breakout areas. The outdoor terrace is popular for the groups for informal lunches, breaks and pre-dinner drinks and can cater for up to 200 guests overlooking the city lights.

When you book your event at Mercure Sydney, you can relax knowing that they are look after everything, even the environment – as all Mercure Meetings are certified Carbon Neutral. If you are looking for a hotel just outside busy CBD, with easy access and good value for money you can’t go pass Mercure Sydney.

The Westin Sydney in Blog
9 Apr 2011 | 0 Comments

The old and the new have been cleverly blended in the construction of this gorgeous venue, located in Martin Place. The modern section of the Westin hotel has been attached to the heritage-listed General Post Office, which was originally built in the late 19th Century.

The hotel is located opposite the original Clock Tower, which now has the same bell tones as the Big Ben in London (The new bell was up and working beautifully while we were onsite). Guests can choose from Heritage accommodation and conference spaces or rooms located in the modern part of the hotel. The hotel has eight meeting rooms and two ballrooms, one of which can accommodate up to 1000 delegates for a banquet. There is natural light in all rooms except the main Ballroom.

The accommodation rooms have a relaxed atmosphere, with simple cream decor. They are a luxurious size, giving guests a great opportunity to unwind from their busy day. We were taken around the hotel by Alistair Keep, Director of Catering & Conventions, who explained to us the meticulously well-oiled serving technique at the Westin. Their team is able to plate a full ballroom of 700 guests in 20 minutes and they can clear the tables in the same amount of time. Impressive indeed!

The hotel has recently added an extension to The Lobby Bar and Lounge with ‘The Room’, a sophisticated and energising place where guests can be in full cocktail mode.

The Room uses intelligent lighting, contemporary décor including an exquisite open fire and a commissioned portrait by Melbourne-based artist Juan Ford, a finalist for past Archibald Awards.

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay in Blog
8 Apr 2011 | 0 Comments

Sydney Harbour Marriott has a great location in the midst of Sydney CBD and close to the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Circular Quay. The lobby is large, wide and has an impressive curved staircase. It’s great to hear that the hotel is about to embark on the big face-lift, we can’t wait to see it after the makeover. The accommodation rooms have amazing space and views that other hotels will find hard to compete with. Also the staff and service at the hotel is friendly and professional. At the moment it will be hard to beat their competitive accommodation and conference rates.

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney in Blog
5 Apr 2011 | 0 Comments

This hotel was a nice surprise as I wasn’t expecting the quality of facilities and service that we’ve experienced during our site inspection. We were greeted at the entrance of the hotel by a doorman opening the door and welcoming us with a wide smile. This clearly highlighted that Amora had a soul. As you enter the hotel the reception is on the right-hand-side and concierge on the left-hand-side. A large fascinating painting in the lobby captivates your attention.

On your left you can see people enjoying the morning sun underneath an impressive curved staircase. Apparently, the interior is designed according to feng shui principals, so no wonder I felt relaxed and comfortable as I entered. On the ground floor is Inbargo a bar that can be used for conferencing during the day. The bar also has access to the outdoor terrace that is popular with corporate groups for welcome functions or relaxing pre-dinner drinks.

You can access Level 1 that houses the signature Charr Restaurant and Gallery Restaurant via lift or the impressive staircase mentioned earlier. Charr Restaurant can also be utilised during the day for the conferencing. Actually both Inbargo and Charr Restaurant were used by the conference group during our site inspection. The Gallery Restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner, has an abundant amount of natural light and the soft light green tones turn it into a fresh and modern space. The Gallery Restaurant is also utilised for plated conference group lunches. Level 2 is the dedicated conference floor with four conference rooms, as well as wide pre-function area that can be used for small exhibitions.

There is a business centre available for secretarial services if required. The Deluxe accommodation rooms are very well appointed with views overlooking the city and some with water views. The 3rd floor is dedicated to Amora Day Spa, with 4 treatment rooms, heated indoor pool, spa, sauna and a mini gym. I would highly recommend this hotel for its feel, location and great traditional service.

The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney in Blog
2 Apr 2011 | 0 Comments

At last we’ve arrived at the Sebel our last hotel for the day and the hotel where we will be putting our feet up and relaxing for a little while before we head off to the Rocks for an intimate dinner at Waterfront Restaurant. Sebel’s lobby is fresh and modern, including a large in-floor glass aquarium that you can walk over that is home to big Koi fish.

The reception staff is welcoming, helpful and a nice sight for the eyes in their light pink, crisp shirts. Our accommodation rooms were specious and we could sense by the number of people mingling around that the hotel was booked for the night. The hotel has 10 conference rooms that can cater for up to 220 delegates, with plenty of space and natural light. This included The Surry function room that is located on the 11th floor of the hotel, with outdoor terraces, loads of natural light, a dedicated bar and large enough for dinners and cocktail parties up to 120 guests.

The Sebel praises itself by good coffee in their street level cafe by day and bar by night. They’ve also ensured that their guests have all the standard services that the tired guest would expect, an indoor pool, spa, sauna and gym. Along with 2 restaurants and bars, including the Townhouse Bar that has memorabilia photos of celebrity guest's that used to frequent the first Sebel hotel in Elizabeth Bay - a great idea providing a talking feature over a drink or bite to eat. One of the most attractive features of this hotel its location just outside busy CBD but close to the funky cafe and dinning Sydney scene.

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney in Blog
1 Apr 2011 | 1 Comment

Shangri-La’s room layout is built in a U-shape. This fact comes in handy when you are learning about the hotel’s geography (floor plan). You can choose from three different accommodation room types depending on the preferred view, Darling Harbour View, Grand Harbour View and Opera House view.

Big congrats to Shangri La for this offering FREE Wi-Fi Network! It has a gorgeous Chi Spa with six treatment rooms. The spa simply appeared in-front of us when Kathy pushed the wooden wall, which was actually a door. This was a true “Harry Potter” moment, except this time we’ve entered the quiet and warm spa world, million miles away from busy Sydney and Shangri La Hotel. All of the conference rooms have natural light, except the ballroom located on the lower ground floor. Meeting spaces are on Level 1, 3 and Level 4, with a total of eighteen spaces to choose from. Access to the Ballroom is via two separate staircases or the lifts, allowing large number of guests to flow easily down to their conference.

Level 1 houses a breakfast restaurant at the moment decorated by dainty, colourful eggs hanging of the ceiling (Easter is definitely in the air at Shangri-La) and two meeting rooms. Level 4 3 meeting rooms, Cambridge I, II, III and IV were impressive with the views of Harbour Bridge and Opera House. These rooms are great for private meetings and dining. Level 4 meeting rooms are suited for smaller board meetings or organisers’ office. The lobby is versatile and there are three different check-in options that groups can choose from. We’ve also viewed the prototype accommodation rooms, as these will be refurbished during the year. The room’s major difference is the introduction of dark wood and high tech information hubs. Personally, I’ve found the prototype room basic and simple compared to the current trend of creating a home away from home hotels.