Meetings Blog Jul 19, 2018
Sometimes when booking a travel incentive for your employees, you have a certain place in mind for your desired location. Maybe it’s by the beach, where employees can slip on their sunglasses and sip on exquisite cocktails. Or you could be thinking of choosing a cosmopolitan city, where they can be entertained day and night by the museums, parks, and shopping outlets that an urban environment does better than anywhere else. And don’t forget about the spots that are close to nature, offering the possibility for excursions into the surrounding mountains and other natural wonders. You already have a feel in mind for your incentive offering, so let us give you 3 great suggestions of our newly-opened hotels, whether you’re searching for sun, city, or nature.
Who could ask for better than an amazing location right by the beach? nhow Marseille at Palm Beach is a modern hotel with bright, pop elements that somehow combine perfectly with the relaxed, yet elegant atmosphere of the French Mediterranean. Your employees will absolutely enjoy relaxing here after reaching their hard-earned goals! This brand-new hotel in Marseille, France, is part of our nhow hotels, which features specially-designed hotels according to the style of both the city and the designers involved.
The nhow Marseille hotel was originally built in 1976 and just completed its renovation and total transformation in early 2018. Marseille architects Claire Fatosme and Christian Lefèvre, along with Madrid-based architect Teresa Sapey, collaborated with NH Hotel Group on this fascinating designer hotel and work-of-art. Your employees will be constantly surprised and delighted at everything this striking hotel has to offer, from its colorful paintings and carpets to its futuristic lounge…and more!
nhow Marseille sits right on the bay, with a nautical club just out front. It’s a truly unbeatable view. Many of the rooms at this nhow hotel feature a balcony or terrace, so your employees can enjoy simply sitting outside and watching the boats sail in and out of the harbor. They’ll also be able to take in incredible views of the rocky coastline and feel the ocean breeze softly tousling their hair. Bordering the nautical club is a string of parks and beaches, where travelers can take a stroll, go for a dip, or just sunbathe during their trip. Alternatively, back at the hotel, they can take advantage of all the amenities you can imagine: 2 swimming pools, 2 jacuzzies, a spa and a sauna, plus 3 onsite bars, a lounge and restaurant.
Marseille is also a perfect launching-off spot for exploring the nearby Calanques National Park or simply discovering the wonderful city center, which is just 10 minutes away from the hotel. From Marseille’s port, visitors can sail to Chateau d’If, the famed castle and island in the Count of Monte Cristo novel, as well as several other islands. Imagine holding the annual company conference with all your employees here, where results, future strategies and next steps would be presented with these views, services and environment serving as a memorable backdrop.
If you want your employees to have everything at their fingertips during their trip, the city center just might be the best option for your next incentive offering. And where better than the cosmopolitan capital of Spain: Madrid. The NH Collection Madrid Gran Via hotel is in the very center of Madrid on the Gran Via avenue known for its shopping, cafes, and theatres. Gran Via is a like a combination of Fifth Avenue and Broadway in New York City…but in Spain! If your employees know they have the chance to go to Madrid, they’ll work harder than ever.
This NH Collection hotel is perfect for accessing all the city’s sights: They can take a short walk to reach the Plaza Mayor and its giant arches or enjoy the world-renowned Prado, Thyssen, or Reina Sofia museums. Retiro Park is a great place to take a stroll or row a boat. If they are ever at a loss for what to do, travelers can use our handy Meeting the City guide to Madrid.
Madrid also boasts the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín (circa 1725). In its medieval-feeling rooms, they can enjoy roast meats like lamb and suckling pig, hearty soups, grilled or fried fish, and much, much more. Plus, they won’t want to pass up the chance to brag to their colleagues and friends about dining in the oldest restaurant in the world.
Alternatively, your employees may just want to relax back in their hotel room. With 94 rooms (including Superior rooms, Premium rooms, and Junior suites), you will be able to book exactly what you’re looking to reward your employees. This new NH Collection hotel features rooms with elegant hardwood floors, Nespresso coffee machines for a quick pick-me-up, rain-effect showers to get refreshed, and comfortable mattresses with a choice of pillows. Even one day at this hotel will have your employees feeling pampered and rejuvenated!
The hotel also has a stunning rooftop terrace where travelers can soak up the energy of the city and enjoy a spectacular cocktail. Called the Picalagartos Sky-Bar, it’s open from April to October and overlooks the glittering Gran Via avenue, with views of the city skyline. The bar sets the perfect environment in which to close all manner of deals. The cocktails here are truly magnificent, having been designed by mixologist Joel Jamal, the winner of Madrid’s 65th Regional Cocktail Contest for Bar Bosses and Young Barmen 2018. Or why not host your clients for a relaxing dinner, or even use the space to organize a networking event. Here, your invitees or employees can delight in the Spanish and Mediterranean dishes served by the hotel’s Picalagartos restaurant, with a menu designed by chef Javier Muñoz-Calero (who also has a restaurant in Madrid’s world-famous Reina Sofia museum.)
Known as the Pink City for its pink-tinted architecture, Toulouse won’t disappoint anyone who travels here. If used in your incentive program, your employees will have the option of strolling Toulouse’s cobbled streets teeming with culture or exploring the rich natural offerings outside the city. The majestic Pyrenees mountains are just an hour from Toulouse and are a must-see for all people who visit this area.
As the base during their trip, your employees will stay at brand-new NH Toulouse Airport, which is close to the city and all major transportation routes for easy coming-and-going. This 4-star hotel is housed in a contemporary building to the east of the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. Its exterior design will certainly catch your eye, with a distinctive, camouflage-style pattern known as Razzle Dazzle. And just outside of it, guests will find a world of possibilities to explore…
It’s true, that the Pyrenees mountain range is visible from Toulouse but those with a limited schedule will be better of looking for excursions slightly closer. Have you heard of Carcassonne? A hilltop town, famed for its incredible medieval citadel, La Cité. Its vast walling dates back to Gallo-Roman times and features a stunning 52 towers, surrounding the imposing 1100s Gothic church, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus and more. Within the walls you will find a set of terracotta towers, which are Roman towers which one once served as ‘The Inquisition Tower’. As well as being the perfect mini-escape for one or a small group, Carcassonne is ideal for a team building session, using the town’s history as a basis to activities.
What about wine? Toulouse is situated between two famous wine regions, the Atlantic Ocean-bordering Bordeaux region and the Mediterranean Sea-bordering Languedoc-Roussillon region. The latter is a well-kept secret, but with wine as equally exquisite as Bordeaux. Plus, travelers will encounter fewer tourists and more wine varieties – and it’s said to be the birthplace of sparkling wine! There’s no doubt about it that this region offers the perfect combination: a hotel with all the comforts when arranging meetings and events, and the possibility of organizing tastings of the best French wines found within the vicinity. Who could ask for more?
These 3 newly-opened hotel options are just what you’re looking for. Including these spots in your incentive program or as an incentive for employees will surely perk up the company and make everyone feel appreciated and motivated. Start planning the next travel incentive today with NH Hotel Group, whether you’re searching for sun, city, or nature. We’re near it all!
