South: Meetings venue opens at Luton Hoo
Helicopter rides, laser clay pigeon shooting and a high energy drumming group were all part of a weekend showcase event to celebrate the opening of Warren Weir – the £20 million exclusive use meeting and wedding venue at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa.
More than 150 guests, including corporate clients and representatives from local business organisations, stayed at Warren Weir over the weekend to get a first-hand experience of the facilities on offer. Arriving for afternoon tea, the guests then enjoyed a black tie dinner and the opportunity to join a high energy performance with drummers from BassToneSlap, who run team building events.
Welcoming guests to the taster weekend, Graeme Bateman, managing director of Elite Hotels, said: “It is the history of Luton Hoo that makes this hotel unparalleled. Many dignitaries have graced its portals, including Winston Churchill, who, 61 years ago made a key note speech to an audience of 100,000 in the forecourt of the mansion. I feel sure under its new guise, Luton Hoo will continue to welcome eminent people from across the globe, as well as being a centre piece within the local community.
“Warren Weir is the latest and final phase of the vision that started in 1999. The vision was to create a luxury resort here at Luton Hoo. Warren Weir has been designed to be a key part of the Luton Hoo experience and to enable Luton Hoo to handle events for up to 300 people. Architecturally its design is inspired to complement the mansion and clubhouse and will essentially be an exclusive use facility providing much sought after privacy for meetings, seminars and events.
“In the current economic downturn, there remains a major crisis of confidence which is affecting virtually everybody in each and every country. Luxury propositions are being strongly scrutinised and at the same time, consumers are becoming more and more demanding and discerning. Luton Hoo and Elite Hotels may not always appear the most cost effective option for meetings or events, but I am confident we can guarantee an affordable solution.”
The following day guests were invited to join a range of activities including helicopter rides, golf, guided walks around Luton Hoo’s 1,065-acre estate and history tours of the 18th century mansion house.
Key features of Warren Weir include:
• 84 bedrooms and suites, with views over the lake, weir, private gardens or river
• Five individually designed function rooms adaptable for conference or leisure use and licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies
• First floor hospitality lounge with balcony views over the water meadows
• Exclusive leisure facilities, including an indoor pool, fitness studio and snooker room
• Kitchen available for clients who want to bring in their own chefs to cater for special dietary requirements
Warren Weir has already been used for several large weddings and conferences, with events booked ahead into 2010.
