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Hotel Focus Magazine Feature, Autumn 2004 - 'Modern Classic'

Address:	Great Eastern Hotel, Liverpool Street EC2
Tel	020 7618 5618
Fax:	020 7618 5619
Email:	Contact by email
Website:	Visit their website

Hotel Focus Magazine Feature, Autumn 2004 - 'Modern Classic' Information:

The Great Eastern Hotel mixes traditional and contemporary with a great sense of style, says Astrid Mannion

The words ‘old’ and ‘cutting edge’ don’t usually go together – but, with the Great Eastern Hotel, they certainly do. Way back when, it was the Square Mile’s first hotel but, following the completion of a £70m refurbishment in 2000, the property now exudes modern glamour. Its bold design makes clever use of the original Victorian architecture, creating stunning spaces with plenty of exciting options for event organisers.

For instance, the recently updated Great Eastern Room has a restrained decor that works equally well for stylish conferences and elegant weddings (it holds a civil licence). Seating up to 250 with abundant natural light, its chic white walls are great for projecting logos or decorative images.

On site are also numerous modern meeting rooms, ranging in capacity from 10 to 80, and no fewer than three bars and four restaurants, of which most have stylish private rooms. Aurora, Fishmarket and George (see box under) are available for exclusive hire.

‘Great Eastern Hotel is an interesting building because of its contemporary feel with a classic twist, which makes a great backdrop for functions,’ says Thomas Lennard, the hotel’s private dining and events manager. ‘We have an events team that will not only push the boundaries, but go well past them and create events that people remember and talk about.’

After our recent visit, we can see what he’s talking about. Throughout August 2004, the hotel transformed its six-storey central atrium gallery into London’s only all-weather beach (think sand castles, ice-creams, tropical cocktails and beach bars). Inspired by the hugely popular ‘Paris Plage’, it was a godsend for those trying to escape the summer’s temperamental weather.

The hotel has also won a reputation for innovation in contemporary art, hosting events in association with the Whitechapel Art Gallery, as well as encouraging artists to create and display their work within the property. Looks aside, two other key factors ensure customers keep coming back to the hotel: the Liverpool Street location and the superior food.

Hazel Dawson, a supplier relations manager from TQ3 Travel Solutions, who recently organised a corporate discussion lunch at the hotel, was impressed. ‘We work with the hotel because we have many clients in the City who stay there for its convenient location. It is a fantastic hotel that has both charm and prestige, making it a perfect venue for meetings with clients or colleagues. The quality of food is superb, presentation is spectacular and the service is first class,’ she enthuses.

Claire King, a new business executive from the global venue-finding agency CCD, similarly has nothing but praise for the hotel. ‘It is in a league of its own in this location,’ is her matter-of-fact verdict. These are views echoed by many other event organisers, so if you’re looking to impress in the City, take their advice and head for the Great Eastern Hotel.

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For a taste of what’s on offer at Great Eastern Hotel, book a table at one of its many restaurants. With light from a beautiful glass dome, the elegant main dining room, Aurora, is great for business meals, while the unpretentious brasserie Terminus is open for tasty snacks throughout the day. Also laid back are George, the hotel’s pub, and the tiny Japanese restaurant Miyabi, which complements its eat-in options with a range of takeaways. Fishmarket restaurant and Champagne bar, meanwhile, is a must for seafood lovers. You’ll find reviews of them all on www.squaremeal.co.uk