Hosting a large meeting or conference in any major world city is not for the faint of heart. Whilst the local facilities may be a dream, traffic congestion can turn the logistics into a waking nightmare. Long haul business travellers may be familiar with the traffic in Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul. Meanwhile closer to home, the Chinese capital of Beijing is also notoriously busy. Where then, should delegates stay that’s close to the convention centre – but still cool -in these two destinations?
Beijing, China
The conference centre
Beijing is home to large convention centre complex, located just North of the Forbidden City. The venues available include China National Convention Centre, Global Trade Convention Centre, and China international HI-tech Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Hotel Sofitel Wanda
About the hotel: Located in the heart of the central business district, the hotel is only 30 minutes away from Beijing Capital International Airport via subway. Facilities include 417 rooms and 43 suits with access to a business lounge. The hotel also features ten meeting rooms and a grand ballroom, should you need to arrange something special away from the main conference facility.
What’s special? The hotel is located next to the Guomao subway station and can be reached by a five or ten minute walk. Traffic congestion can be easily avoided by traveling on the subway.
Visit: sofitel.com
Hilton Hotel Beijing
About the hotel: Centrally located in Beijing's Chaoyang business and diplomatic district the Hilton has 502 guest rooms and 12 function rooms. An independent executive tower also features a fully equipped business center.
What’s special? The hotel is located just North East of the Forbidden City, near to the convention complex and is less than 30 minutes walk, should you get stuck in rush hour traffic.
Visit: hilton.com
Four Seasons Hotel Beijing
About the hotel: The Four Seasons, Beijing is in the Yansha area of the central business district. The hotel has 313 guest rooms, including 66 luxury suites, which come with access to a 24-hour business centre and limousine service.
What’s special? The hotel is one of the closest places to stay to the convention complex, with the China International Exhibition Centre just a leisurely 15-minute walk away.
Visit: fourseasons.com
Istanbul, Turkey
The conference centre
Well-developed and centrally located, the Lutfi Kirdar International Convention and Exhibition Centre is Istanbul’s primary conference facility.
Crowne Plaza Istanbul Harbiye
About the hotel: With 285 guest rooms and 13 suites, the Crowne Plaza is located within the city centre, just 30 minutes from the Ataturk Airport. With 19 private function rooms, business meetings can also be held inside the hotel.
What’s special? The convention centre is within walking distance of the hotel and the Osmanbey metro station, located less than 400 meters away, is ideal for exploring the rest of the city.
Visit: crowneplaza.com
Hilton Istanbul
About the hotel The Hilton features 499 guest rooms, plus extensive meeting and events space. Capable of hosting over 1000 meeting attendees, the hotel boasts 27 meeting rooms, including a ballroom and a number of intimate boardrooms.
What’s special? The hotel is actually part of the convention centre building, which makes it idea for traffic free transit.
Visit: hilton.com
Ramada Plaza, Istanbul
About the hotel: With 162 guest rooms and 12 suites, the hotel is just three minutes from largest shopping centre in Istanbul by subway line. It is also next to the Osmanbey Metro exit and less than 30 minutes from Ataturk airport.
What’s special? Travelling time to the convention centre is around five minutes. If the facilities of the convention centre are fully booked, the hotel’s meeting rooms, ballroom and theatre can be another options.
Visit: ramadaplazaistanbul.com
Valerian Ho
