With only 2 weeks’ notice (a period which included 2 Portuguese and 1 UK Bank Holiday) we were asked to source a hotel and plan a 2 day meeting in Europe for our client.

The preference was for an aspirational city that offered good accessibility from across the EMEA region – and excellent value. And of course, availability – for 120 delegates!

Following hot on the (high) heels of the Eurovision Song Contest, and before the glitter had settled, our group hit Lisbon. Home for the 2 days was the Sana Metropolitan Hotel – a 4* property located between the business and academic districts, and a short taxi or Metro ride to the heart of the City. With a choice of contemporary and comfortable meeting and catering spaces all co-located on the same floor, and a cosmopolitan feel to the Hotel, it offered an excellent fit – even if it was last minute. And for B&B rates of only 146€ it hit the mark on value for money also.

I must also mention Kais Restaurant which accommodated the whole group for dinner on their final night. Housed in a late nineteenth century warehouse by the riverside, it really is stunning. The building’s iron structure remains exposed to create an industrial-chic look, complemented by the furniture, furnishings and lighting design – all to the soundtrack of live Jazz and Blues music. And the food’s pretty special too.