If you’ve ever tried to book a corporate event in Europe, you know the challenge: thousands of hotels, hundreds of event spaces, and planners juggling logistics, budgets, and expectations. So how do some hotels consistently rise to the top while others get overlooked? What are top meeting hotels in Europe doing differently to win RFPs, keep planners coming back, and create experiences attendees actually remember?
The answer isn’t just about square footage or location. Today’s top hotels are blending creativity, flexibility, and thoughtful touches. We’ll look at everything from historic charm and show-stopping rooftop terraces to wellness perks and tech-savvy meeting rooms. They’re designing experiences that make a planner’s life easier and give attendees moments worth talking about long after the last session ends.
Let's break down the strategies, design features, and standout offerings from Europe’s most booked meeting hotels. This is your insider guide to learning from the best so your hotel can attract more group/MICE business and truly stand out in a crowded market.
How the top lists work
Cvent’s Top Lists are built on hard numbers pulled straight from the Cvent Supplier Network. With nearly 340,000 hotels and venues on the platform and $17.7 billion in RFP value sourced in 2024 alone, the rankings show where planners are really sending business and booking events.
For the 2025 list, Cvent tracked sourcing activity from January through December 2024. Every step counts, from the first RFP to the signed contract. The ranking looks at:
Business received: the total value of RFPs a hotel pulled in
Business awarded: the value of the events actually won
Market share: how much of the local pie a property claimed
Conversion rate: how often RFPs turned into booked business
The method keeps things fair. A massive convention hotel doesn’t automatically edge out a smaller property that’s consistently winning repeat business. Instead, the list highlights the hotels and destinations that planners trust again and again.
What planners want from meeting hotels today
Event planners have a lot on their plates. Their clients expect experiences that wow, logistics that flow without hiccups, and results they can actually measure, all while keeping an eye on the budget. That means planners are hunting for hotels that deliver on a few key fronts:
Spaces that spark creativity and connection: Planners want venues that make people feel inspired, whether it’s a bright boardroom or a rooftop with a view.
Flexibility at every turn: One day it’s a workshop, the next a gala dinner. Hotels that can shift seamlessly between formats earn repeat bookings.
Smart tech without headaches: AV, Wi-Fi, hybrid setups: they want it all to just work, no stressful troubleshooting mid-event.
Sustainability that counts: Planners are looking for hotels that walk the talk. Think green initiatives, carbon-neutral options, eco-friendly dining.
Extra experiences that keep attendees engaged: From local culture to wellness perks, it’s about making every moment memorable beyond the meeting.
For even more inspiration and deep-dives into each hotel, download our ebook: Top Meeting Hotels in Europe.
16 ways top meeting hotels in Europe do things differently
The top meeting hotels in Europe are going above and beyond in ways that matter to planners and attendees alike. From rooftop terraces to historic charm, each of these 16 hotels shows a lesson in how to turn a space into a sought-after experience.
1. Location with a story – The College Green Hotel Dublin
Planners love this hotel because it’s central and historic. Overlooking Trinity College and housed in a former bank, it brings instant prestige and character to any event. The restored Banking Hall alone has enough wow-factor to sell itself, with marble pillars and chandeliers that feel straight out of a movie set.
The lesson: a great location is good, but a location with a story gives planners bragging rights. When attendees step into a space that’s as memorable as the meeting itself, the hotel becomes part of the experience, not just the backdrop.
Total meeting space: 646 sq. m
Guest rooms: 191
2. Meetings with a view – Anantara The Marker Dublin
Yes, the meeting spaces are sleek and flexible, but the real showstopper is the rooftop terrace. Sweeping views of Dublin Bay turn evening receptions into social media moments and make networking feel effortless. Planners know their events will be remembered and shared.
The lesson: Give planners a space where the photos practically sell the event for them. Views and atmosphere matter just as much as functionality, and The Marker nails both.
Total meeting space: 700 sq. m
Guest rooms: 187
3. Scale that stuns – Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower
This isn’t your average hotel ballroom. With 4,000 sq. m of event space, including a ballroom big enough to drive a car into, it’s built for high-impact moments. Add a glass-domed rooftop dining space, and you have an event package that screams spectacle.
The lesson: If you have the size, flaunt it. Scale plus show-stopping features equals bookings for conferences, product launches, and events that need to impress.
Total meeting space: 4,000 sq. m
Guest rooms: 280
4. Events that feel like theatre – W Barcelona
This hotel stages events. From drag queens at weddings to AI-powered beauty showcases and gala dinners with mechanical trees, every gathering is designed to be immersive, playful, and unforgettable.
The lesson: Don’t just offer a space. Help planners create a story. When the event feels like theatre, attendees leave talking about it, not just attending it.
Total meeting space: 6,800 sq. m
Guest rooms: 473
5. Business meets wellness – Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa
Planners love the Spirito Spa and heated outdoor pool as much as the meeting rooms. With the growing demand for balance during work trips, having wellness options on-site keeps attendees happy, focused, and energized.
The lesson: Blending business with wellbeing makes your hotel more attractive. When guests can recharge without leaving the property, the overall experience improves and planners notice.
Total meeting space: 1,200 sq. m
Guest rooms: 369
6. Cultural know-how – Frankfurt Marriott Hotel
This hotel caters specifically to Chinese guests, from tea in rooms to Mandarin TV channels. That kind of cultural sensitivity makes international groups feel welcome and helps planners avoid the small but important pitfalls that can disrupt events.
The lesson: Small touches for different markets make a big difference in bookings. Understanding attendee needs before they’re voiced builds trust and loyalty.
Total meeting space: 2,030 sq. m
Guest rooms: 593
7. Heritage reimagined – Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
Historic architecture meets modern events. The Winter Garden, a 19th-century glass-ceiling conservatory, is still a showstopper for today’s planners, offering a sense of elegance and drama that modern spaces often can’t replicate.
The lesson: If you’ve got history, make it part of the experience. Integrating heritage into events adds authenticity and wow-factor that planners love.
Total meeting space: 22,195 sq. m
Guest rooms: 402
8. Food as a selling point – Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid
With on-site Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chefs, planners don’t have to worry about outsourcing F&B. Memorable dining is already built in, turning meals into networking and brand-building opportunities.
The lesson: Lead with food. Exceptional gastronomy can be as persuasive as spectacular event space.
Total meeting space: 807 sq. m
Guest rooms: 169
9. Go big or go sky-high – Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile
A skyscraper hotel directly connected to Palais des Congrès, complete with a rooftop Skybar overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Big, bold, and unmistakably Parisian, it’s impossible to ignore.
The lesson: Views plus capacity equals irresistible for global conferences. Iconic settings make events feel special before they even begin.
Total meeting space: 3,000 sq. m
Guest rooms: 995
10. Technology with purpose – Hilton Prague
Smart meeting rooms, massive LCD screens, wireless sharing, and sustainability options are all standard. The tech makes meetings smoother without being gimmicky, and it supports corporate responsibility goals too.
The lesson: Invest in tech that actually improves the meeting experience. Planners will notice when it works seamlessly.
Total meeting space: 4,645 sq. m
Guest rooms: 791
11. Design that delights – Hilton Prague Old Town
Art Deco interiors meet modern functionality. Planners can host events in spaces that feel stylish and unique, rather than generic conference rooms, leaving attendees with a sense that they’re part of something special.
The lesson: Event space should have personality. Style adds to the perceived value of the experience.
Total meeting space: 1,022 sq. m
Guest rooms: 303
12. Rooftop wow factor – Riu Plaza España, Madrid
Rooftop terraces with sweeping city views paired with 5,000 sq. m of flexible event space make this venue irresistible. Planners love the combination of practicality and spectacle.
The lesson: Give groups a killer view and they’ll return. High vantage points and memorable settings are magnets for repeat bookings.
Total meeting space: 5,000 sq. m
Guest rooms: 582
13. Experiences beyond meetings – Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark
Rooftop BBQs, movie nights, even rooftop curling. Instead of just sitting through dry sessions, attendees are making memories. Events become social, fun, and shareable.
The lesson: Think beyond meetings. Curated experiences keep groups engaged and give planners stories to tell.
Total meeting space: 90 sq. m
Guest rooms: 446
14. Purpose-built for events – Maritim Hotel Amsterdam
Europe’s largest integrated conference hotel (opening 2025) with 52,000 sq. m of event space. Every element is designed with planners in mind, from room layouts to logistics flow.
The lesson: Designing with planners at the centre makes your hotel the go-to choice. Purpose-built spaces remove friction and elevate the experience.
Total meeting space: 51,999.9 sq. m
Guest rooms: 579
15. Design-led inspiration – Renaissance Barcelona Hotel
Natural light floods every meeting space, and a lush vertical garden atrium adds energy and creativity. Planners love that the environment inspires attendees rather than feeling purely corporate.
The lesson: Design influences mood and engagement. A visually compelling space helps attendees focus, collaborate, and enjoy the day.
Total meeting space: 441 sq. m
Guest rooms: 211
16. Small touches, big impact – Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam
Exclusive restaurant use, a daily social hour, and quirky features like a three-story “Little House” suite make every event feel curated and personal.
The lesson: Personal, human touches make your hotel stand out more than square footage. Thoughtful details create lasting impressions for planners and attendees alike.
Total meeting space: 600 sq. m
Guest rooms: 274
Key Takeaways
Here’s what you can learn from the top meeting hotels in Europe:
Story matters: Planners love hotels with character and history. Your location can sell itself if it’s memorable.
Views and atmosphere sell: Rooftop terraces, cityscapes, and striking interiors create moments attendees share long after the event.
Scale and flexibility count: Large, adaptable spaces make complex events easier to plan and more impressive to attend.
Events are experiences: Hotels that help planners stage creative, immersive moments stand out from the competition.
Wellbeing is expected: On-site wellness options show attendees are valued and improve overall event satisfaction.
Cultural awareness wins business: Small touches for international groups make planners’ jobs easier and help secure global events.
Heritage adds value: Integrating history or iconic design elevates events and gives planners bragging rights.Food is a competitive edge: Exceptional on-site dining turns meals into memorable experiences.
Technology should simplify, not complicate: Smart, functional tech makes meetings smoother and greener.
Design inspires: Thoughtful, stylish spaces boost engagement and leave lasting impressions.
Experiences beyond the meeting matter: Extra activities and curated downtime keep attendees happy and connected.
Personal touches leave an impact: Planners notice the little details that make events feel thoughtful and unique.
Make your hotel the one planners can’t ignore
The best meeting hotels in Europe think like a planner. They blend location, design, technology, and experiences into a seamless package that makes events memorable, manageable, and share-worthy.
By learning from these top performers, you can spot opportunities to add character, wow-factor, or personal touches that make your property irresistible to planners. If your hotel can deliver on these fronts, you’ll create moments that keep planners coming back.
For even more inspiration and deep-dives into each hotel, download our ebook: Top Meeting Hotels in Europe.
Mansi Soni
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