Northstar

INSIGHTS | VENUE SHOWCASE 52 Jul-Aug 2016 meetings & conventions • mcmag-asia.com Words Sanjay Surana InterContinental Osaka brings in the business crowd Proximity to thriving Umeda provides the hotel with an edge PROFILE Opened in June 2013 as part of the Grand Front Osaka mixed-use complex, this 13-storey business property connects directly to the transportation hub JR Osaka Station. It is also located above the Congrès Convention Centre, and enjoys the convenience of having the business hub of Umeda right on its doorstep. FRONT DESK After accessing the hotel entrance at street level, guests are whisked up to the 20th floor lobby, a bright space with six-metre-high ceilings and wraparound plate-glass windows that offer striking views of the Osaka skyline. ROOM SERVICE With 272 rooms, the property offers a range of accommodations. Rooms average about 50sqm, and are bright and open, with light-wood finishings. Floors 26-28 house the Club Rooms, which top out with the 98sqm- Deluxe Suite. Club rooms, currently a ¥10,000 (about US$88) premium, come with dedicated check-in and check-out at the Club Lounge (to be renovated in June 2016), one free hour use of the lounge meeting room, breakfast, lunch, and light food. The largest rooms, the two- and three-bedroom service residences, occupy top levels 29-32. Floor Space: 600sqm Seating capacity: 12-486 (depending on venue and configuration) Overall Facilities: Four meeting rooms, including the Hinoki that can accommodate 250 people in a standing reception. ENTERTAIN Apart from the street level patisserie Stressed, the hotel's F&B options are located on the 20th floor. Signature restaurant Pierre serves modern French dishes. It also stocks more than 400 bottles of wine and has a 12-seat private dining room. Noka, where guests take breakfast, presents a wide range of international dishes buffet- style. For a nightcap, Bar Adee offers cocktails and small bites; the intimate 3-60 Lobby Lounge is where guests take afternoon tea. All That Spa draws its inspiration from Japan's tea culture and is the country's first Thémaé spa. It's part of a huge wellness centre that includes a complimentary gym and indoor pool. MEETING POINT IC Meetings offers a good range of F&B options; priced at ¥15,000 per person per day (minimum of 20 people), it includes lunch, two coffee breaks and conference needs. There are four event spaces – Hinoki, Sakura, Amber, and Onyx – that offer views of natural landscapes. Hinoki, the largest at 400sqm and with a six-metre- high ceiling, can accommodate 486 participants theatre-style or 250 in a reception. The most intimate rooms, Amber and Onyx, are better suited to boardroom sessions. X-FACTOR The hotel exudes a clean organic design that is modern yet warm, offering business travellers a no-fuss stay with good service. These factors make it an ideal venue for small- and medium-size meetings. Relax in Noka's private room for leisurely dining

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