Travel

Make the most of working away from home by choosing a hotel where it’s easy to turn business into pleasure.

Istanbul
MÖVENPICK HOTEL
It’s likely to be a busy year for Istanbul, one of Europe’s Capitals of Culture 2010. And, as a World Travel Award winner for Europe’s Leading Business Hotel, the Mövenpick has the right credentials for a working visit. More than half of guests are repeat visitors, drawn to the hotel’s efficient service and handy location.

The Movenpick towers over uptown Istanbul, in the heart of the business district, and is only a short metro ride from the main tourist sites. The lower lobby ballroom might lack natural light, but it’s kitted out with chandeliers and has space for up to 550 delegates. Stay over a weekend and you’ll get your second night for half price, plus a room upgrade and breakfast. moevenpick-hotels.com

Geneva
PRESIDENT WILSON
Get down to business in this hard-working city, then ski into the sunset. The centre of Geneva is half an hour from Crozet, its closest ski resort, with Chamonix, Flaine and Morzine within an hour’s drive. So you could easily day ski, heading back to ease tired legs in your city centre hotel.

A good choice for work and play is the recently refurbished President Wilson, where you can practically see the slopes from its lakeside setting. As far as business goes, no one could accuse you of booking in just to be near the pistes. There are 12 meeting rooms, including one of the city’s largest ballrooms, and a 24-hour business centre. Anyway, if you stay on for a night or two you’re only being altruistic. Arrive on a Thursday to Saturday for two nights or more, and you’ll get one night free. In addition, The Luxury Collection will make a donation to Unicef’s program to protect children from life-threatening diseases (valid until end March 2010). luxurycollection.com/presidentwilson

Venice
HILTON MOLINO STUCKY
Venice’s qualifications as a romantic city are unquestioned. But conferences? Undisputed, too, if you book into the Hilton Molino Stucky. This red brick behemoth is a former flour mill and granary. At nine floors, it’s one of the highest buildings in Venice. It sits on Giudecca Island, across the canal from Venice’s Dorsoduro, and the rooftop pool arguably has the best view in Venice.

The conference centre is impressive. Huge, flooded with natural light, and with 14 meeting rooms catering for up to 1,000, it has a separate entrance and excellent acoustics. The only thing missing is those glorious views. The spa is another big hit, with large pool and well-equipped gym, plus quickie anti-stress treatments. You’ll need to book ahead for the hotel’s Aromi restaurant because it’s always packed with locals. molinostuckyhilton.com