I have recently returned from a trip to beautiful Rome where I was exploring some of the different venues, activities, and sights on offer to clients looking to run meetings, events, and incentive travel programmes in the Italian Capital. As you would expect, there is no shortage of stunning hotels, meeting venues, restaurants, and cultural attractions on offer in Rome, but where do you start when it comes to planning a truly memorable event in this fantastic City.
The culture and history of Rome is more than likely one of the main reasons you are considering holding an event there, and with a flight time of under two hours from London Heathrow, it is easy to see why this is such a popular event destination. Whether you are looking to hold a series of meetings or want a packed incentive itinerary, Rome will undoubtedly deliver!
I stayed at the stunning Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto which is situated right in the heart of Rome. This boutique property is simply superb and as you would expect from a 5* hotel, everything from the check in procedure, to the décor, and attentiveness of the staff was absolutely first rate.
One of the best things about this hotel is that you know you are in Rome the second you walk through the doors (this is something that Jumerirah do fantastically well with all of their properties). From the artwork and furniture, to the marble bathrooms and the fact that the whole hotel is located in two renovated 19th Century villas, everything works together to create a luxurious venue boasting all of the character and charm you would expect when in Rome.
When it comes to meeting spaces there is certainly no shortage although larger groups may struggle to find suitably sized conference facilities. Smaller groups on the other hand will have a great selection, from the ultra-modern to the more traditional, or even a combination of both (the Boscolo Exedra even has meeting rooms built over ancient Roman ruins that can be seen through glass floor panels).
Remember, when in Rome…
There is certainly no shortage of activities and things to do in Rome, which makes is a fantastic destination for incentive trips. There is of course an abundance of cultural attractions such as the Coliseum, the Pantheon, and Vatican City, but If you are looking for something a little different, maybe consider a private tour of the oldest Gelaterie (ice cream shop) in Italy, a driving tour of Rome in classic Italian vehicles (a Ferrari, Fiat 500, and Vespa where particular favourites), or a GPS treasure Hunt around ancient Rome to name just a few.
One of the highlights of our trip was a cookery class and dinner on Tiber Island. The venue for this experience was a stunning private apartment overlooking the Tiber, and the whole evening was seamlessly run by professional chefs who took us through the art of pasta making. What really made this stand out was the fact that it felt unmistakably Italian. We weren’t out for dinner in another restaurant or grabbing a bite to eat in a café – we were having a dinner party, in someone’s house, in the middle of Rome. Amazing!
There are almost limitless options for meetings, incentives, and events in Rome. Be sure to incorporate the Italian culture into your programme wherever you can through smart venue and activity choices and you will be assured of an unforgettable event.