Dubrovnik
RADISSON BLU RESORT & SPA
Set on the 'Dubrovnik Riviera', about 10km north of the city, you're never far from the sea here. It's a popular hotel for large events — only 35km from the airport, but too far to stray randomly into town — and most meeting rooms overlook the water. Choose from eight, including a ballroom seating 850. Once work is over, hit the pretty, if pebbled, beach, explore the Dalmatian Coast's largest spa (Anne Semonin products), or commute into town on the hotel's daily shuttle boat. If bringing the family, look into a one-, two- or three-bed Residence, kitted out with small kitchen, dining and sitting rooms, and with a better view than most of the regular rooms. radissonblu.com
Limassol
AMATHUS BEACH HOTEL
Limassol is less than 40 miles from Paphos airport, which is one reason why it attracts conference visitors. Other factors include the obvious attractions of the Med, plus plenty to do in town. The hotel sits on a fairly decent stretch of sand and makes the most of its views with floor-to-ceiling windows and a huge terrace. Don't expect white-washed prettiness, though — it was designed on 70s Brutalist lines. Its newly refurbished conference facilities are among the best on the island. Five meeting rooms include the 400-seater Demetra. Room-wise, it's worth paying extra for a sea view — rooms at the back face a busy road that becomes a noisy racetrack during rush hour. amathus-hotels.com
Barcelona
PULLMAN SKIPPER BEACH
This oddly named hotel is located in Port Olimpic, an area that was redeveloped when the city hosted the 1992 Olympic Games. It's 100m from the beach, less than a five-minute walk from a metro stop and 15 minutes from Las Ramblas. If you get lost on your way home, make for Frank Gehry's gleaming fish sculpture next to the hotel. There are nine meeting rooms, all well-equipped, though as the business area is in the basement, any natural light enters from a central atrium rather than from windows. Post-work, head to one of two pools or take a stroll down the Port Olimpic's pedestrianised area, lined with restaurants and bars. pullmanhotels.com
Stockholm
HOTEL SKEPPSHOLMEN
Sweden receives only a few hours of darkness a night during the summer months, so if you're a SAD sufferer, look no further. But the city goes a little mad during the season of 'white nights', making the new Hotel Skeppsholmen a calm retreat. The hotel is located in two 17th-century buildings on a tiny island, where there are few people and even less traffic. Rooms are white-on-white, and conference rooms (for up to 150) are flooded with light and feature quirky chandeliers reminiscent of giant dandelion clocks. You can borrow a bike for free to take a tour of the island or its neighbours. And get those flares out. An adjacent building is a recording studio for Abba's Benny. hotelskeppsholmen.com
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