The world's most sexiest MICE venues, part IV

Considering that all (or at least most) of us have seen many different conference facilities all over the world, from exorbitant convention centres to simple MICE venues in a small city, I thought I need a real special treat for some of my guests.

So I thought about the craziest place to held a conference. And here it is:

The Icehotel

One night a group of foreign guests, equipped with reindeer hides and sleeping bags, decided it would be a good idea to use the cylindrical shaped igloo as accommodation. The following morning the brave group raved about the unique sensation of sleeping in an igloo. Hence, the concept of ICEHOTEL was born.

A lot has happened since. Today ICEHOTEL is world famous for its unique concept, its fantastic works of art and its extraordinary experiences. The fairy tale nature of ICEHOTEL brings out the child in guests of all ages.

But what has the Icehotel to do with the MICE industry? More then you think. They have a nice conference facilities for up to 100 guests and with surrounding facilities even for up to 1000 guests! Check it out on their Conference web site .

Usefull gifts for your conference participants

I am travelling quite often and so do you (if I am not mistaken). And I am almost certain that you had your nervs stressed because you were late on check in and then you had to spend even more time at the security check. How many times I thought to organize my hand luggage better in a way so it will take me less time to get through the check point.

And now I found the perfect help:



ProTravelGear.com offers almost everything a traveller can think about, even some strange things I would have never thought about. Check out the Orikaso Folding Bowl or the Eagle Creek Pack-It Large Compression Sack Travel Packing Aid (wow, what a name for such a small thing...)

Besides that, they really have some great stuff available (and some of them are excellent give-aways for your conference delegates).

Treat your CEO with the world's most expensive suite

Ever wanted to surprise your boss with a special treat? Is your petit-cash box full and you don't know what to do with the money?

Forbes has the solution for you: They run an interesting feature on the world’s most expensive hotel suites, featuring geographically widespread hotels and resorts, from Mexico to the Maldives. To make their top 10, you’ve got to be charging at least $10,000 a night. Here is an abbreviated summary of the incredible suites that they list:

* Two Story Sky Villa, The Palms Fantasy Suites, Las Vegas, USA
Cost per night: $25,000
* Bridge Suite at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Cost per night: $25,000
* Royal Penthouse, President Wilson Hotel, Geneva, Switzerland
Cost per night: $23,000
* Hans Badrutt Suite, Badrutt’s Palace, St. Moritz, Switzerland
Cost per night: $16,700
* Presidential Suite, Mandarin Oriental, New York City, USA
Cost per night: $15,000
* Grand Suite, Grand Wailea Resort, Hawaii, USA
Cost per night: $15,000
* Coral Suite, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico
Cost per night: $15,000
* Royal Suite at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE
Cost per night: From $13,600
* The Imperial Suite, Ritz Paris, Paris, France
Cost per night: $13,500
* Private Reserve, Soneva Gili Resort & Spa, Maldives
Cost per night: $10,000

The only thing missing in this list is the Emirates Palace in Abud Dhabi, UAE. A Suite costs there up to $30,000 per night!

Interlaken in China

I am "used" to exhorbitant buildings in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Las Vegas and Macau but now mainland China is picking up in this category too.

"The Interlaken" in Shenzhen, China, is the latest member of mega hotel projects. Opened on August 01 (Soft opening), it boosts over a dozen meeting rooms, 299 guest rooms and much more.

Here is the official text from the website:

"The Interlaken OCT Hotel provides an unparalleled European–style 5 star experience within Interlaken Village at East OCT in the eastern part of Shenzhen. Situated in a perfect panoramic position between lovely lakes and forest, the area enjoys a mild and stable climate throughout the year."

I wonder if these guys are going to be at EIBTM later this year. Would love to meet with them and see how they are doing.

Electric Blue art footer by NH Hotels, part II

Regarding the funny and special email footer, Corinne Weber came back to me with an official explanation from the NH Hoteles Head Office in Spain. I quote:

"The drawing is just an adaptation to electronic communications of our new corporate image. The entire new NH Hoteles graphic image is based on this kind of graphical solutions and a new corporate color.

In the email signature application it represents somehow a signature…a drawing hand made, human. It is electronic communication but still personal."

Great, isn't it? In the time of stereotype communication they go their own unique way. If they have properties like this then this soon will be one of my favorite hotel chain.