Moscow
Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton is not Moscow's largest nor its highest hotel — that accolade goes to the Radisson Royal, housed in one of the 'Seven Sisters' skyscrapers built in the last years of Stalin's life. But the hotel stands out for its glitter and gold, rare types of wood and acres of polished Portuguese marble. And its location is similarly spectacular. Red Square is around the corner and the rooftop extension houses a sushi restaurant and bar with unbeatable views over the Kremlin. All the rooms are large, but the Presidential Suite is the size of a one-bedroom flat and has security cameras in every room. The Club Level is an entire floor dedicated to business travellers, with 24-hour snacks. Expect to bump into oligarchs, world leaders and the likes of Angelina Jolie and Karl Lagerfeld. ritzcarlton.com
Lyon
Radisson Blu
The Radisson Blu Lyon claims the distinction of being Europe's highest hotel. It's housed in a construction that looks like a glittering sharpened pencil, so if you get lost anywhere in the city, do as locals do and look heavenwards to find your way home. Views are of the UNESCO World Heritage Old City and on a clear day you can see the Alps and Mont Blanc. The Arc en Ciel restaurant dishes up traditional French favourites and a groaning cheeseboard. Meetings can be held for up to 350 delegates, who all (other hotel chains listen up) get free WiFi access. radissonblu.com/hotel-lyon
London
Hotel Verta
Riverside hotels in London are surprisingly thin on the ground, and the Hotel Verta is stunningly Thameside. This is a genuine fly in/fly out hotel, being located at Battersea's heliport. The Patrisey restaurant (great value two-course lunches for £15) overlooks the helipad and parking area, and it's thrilling to watch choppers taking off and landing as you munch your fishcakes. And real high flyers fear not: there's a private entrance for the truly VIP, as well as for conference goers. Meeting rooms are all flooded with natural light, and Foxtrot has stunning views towards Battersea Bridge. Rooms 402 and 502 are the best for space and river views; if booking a Superior, ask for 303. hotel-verta.co.uk
Istanbul
Conrad
This curvaceous hotel houses 27 meeting rooms, indoor and outdoor pools and a fabulous rooftop bar imaginatively called 'Summit'. Decor-wise there are refurbished rooms with leather headboards and neutral curtains and unrefurbished rooms that could do with a makeover. But if you get a Bosphorus view you won't really notice the interior. Executive rooms on three floors get occupiers two hours of free meeting hire for up to five people, plus access to a Club Lounge and plentiful snacks. If time isn't a pressure, it's a few minutes walk to the Besiktas ferry stop, which will connect you to the city's different districts, both Asian and European. conradhotels.com
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