THE MICHELIN STARS OF THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY
The award competition for the leading destinations, venues, hotels and individuals – the Meetings Star Award – has become a reference point and sort of Michelin star selection within the meetings industry. Winners for 2023 were announced in fifteen categories at the gala award ceremony on 21 February 2024.
WHICH ARE THE BEST CITY MEETING HOTELS?
Among 277 certified hotels from 19 New Europe countries, winners were announced in five categories (city, resort, spa, boutique hotels and congress centres). A dedicated category awarded the best Slovenian hotels and convention centres.
Each hotel can receive up to three stars in accordance with our criteria:
3 STARS⭐⭐⭐ – final score from 4.81 to 5.00
2 STARS⭐⭐ – final score from 4.61 to 4.80
1 STAR⭐ – final score from 4.41 to 4.6
In the category of city meeting hotels, 103 certified hotels received the stars. The stars represent recognition for all recipients and prove their quality.
Urban hotels are characterised by their location in the city centre. Their design most commonly includes conference capacities or large conference centres. Most certified hotels in this category have four or five stars.
BEST CITY MEETING HOTELS 2023
WINNER: W Budapest
Our hidden guest assessors had this to say about W Budapest: “Entirely different and grand.” The hotel is different thanks to its innovative and meticulous renovation that aims to attract a specific target group. The hotel dons a slew of preserved details, from a breathtaking staircase, original terrazzo, windows renovated to look as if they were from 1886, stucco details to frescoes and more ornaments that one could explore for days. The building has undergone a stunning renovation. We can say the hotel is grand because of its unmatched offer and services that rekindle the idea of grand hotels in a modern and youthful way. Hence, we believe W Budapest heralds a new era for luxury hotels, bringing back glamour and transforming hotels into the epicentres of urban social life. W Budapest has excelled in connecting the local community, with its instantly recognisable lobby protruding onto Andrássy Avenue. Although the radical colour combinations seem bombastic, everything is perfectly measured, apart from the high price. Yet, even the prices will eventually adapt to the market prices. The top of the hotel pyramid in Budapest is dynamic, ever-changing and exciting. At present, the glamorous newcomer has taken the crown. Thumbs up!
2. ANANTARA NEW YORK PALACE BUDAPEST
The excellent hotel service of this refined gem outshines the astounding architectural design. Hats off to Anantara Budapest.
3. ANDAZ VIENNA AM BELVEDERE
Hotel Andaz heralds new times. It catches attention with its mighty architecture, unparalleled hospitality and countless surprises, all wrapped in an alluring pack.
4. MATILD PALACE BUDAPEST
An unmistakable exterior, a refined and meticulously created interior, and effective hotel service make this hotel one of the leading regional city hotels. A welcome addition to Budapest’s extensive and intriguing five-star congress offer.
4. PARISI UDVAR HOTEL
Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest symbolises the rebirth of the city’s Golden Age. This distinctive building, lovingly restored in the heart of Budapest is set to deliver a memorable experience to all, thanks to its old-world charm.
5. ART’OTEL ZAGREB
The hotel is a timeless and elegant urban hideout. The essence of the hotel is its story, reviving an age-old concept. Hotels were once the heart of urban social life, and their cafes were urban agoras.
6. KOZMO LUXURY HOTEL
It is known that clothes make the man; however, Kozmo Luxury Hotel Budapest has shown that thought-out architectural renovation creates an unmissable experience. Its personnel is responsible for unforgettable experiences.
7. INTERCONTINENTAL LJUBLJANA
The most prestigious hotel in Ljubljana is far more than your run-of-the-mill five-star luxury hotel. It represents a quantum leap for the hospitality industry in Ljubljana.
8. MARRIOTT BUDAPEST
Marriott Budapest is an establishment where you can trust the hotel team to pull off a spectacular event and meet the most demanding requests. The hotel embodies Marriott’s slogan – People first.
9. SKOPJE MARRIOTT HOTEL
The hotel bets on its quality and elegance to outdo the fierce competition in the city. The hotel is charming and refined. Should you host your event here, the attendees will surely enjoy their stay.
10. HYATT REGENCY SOFIA
Hyatt Regency Sofia offers guests the doorway to the exclusive level of hotels without compromises. With its typical Hyatt qualities, lovers of the hotel chain will appreciate the offer.
We sincerely congratulate all the finalists in the category of best city meeting hotels.
HOW DOES THE EVALUATION OF HOTELS TAKE PLACE?
The competition primarily showcases best-case examples favoured by event organisers and satisfied attendees, tailored to their needs.
The two-phased evaluation includes a self-evaluation by the hotel and an unannounced visit by the hidden congress guest. Our assessors evaluate a hotel based on clear criteria and present where the hotel can improve. The assessors are experts with a wealth of experience in the meetings industry with additional knowledge and experience from the hospitality industry.
Our evaluation matrix is named the Hidden Congress Guest evaluation, comprising 654 criteria. Each category is calculated based on the percentage of fulfilling criteria and the average grade, enabling the hotels to improve each segment and criteria. Find out more about the award competition here.
All certificate recipients can be found in Kongres Magazine’s venue and hotel finder FIND VENUES at https://kongres-magazine.eu/search-venues/. You can seek hotels according to the certificate or final mark.
