BEHIND THE SCENES by KONGRES MAGAZINE

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KONGRES MAGAZINE REPORT

Behind the scenes An elegant hotel manor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Mark Luxury Hotel Prague Writer: Photo: Kongres Magazine & The Mark Luxury Hotel Prague

Preface Interview with DANIEL TYLINGER, hotel Manager of The Mark Luxury Hotel Prague and presentation of elegant hotel manor. The hotel in the palace, which in 1958 was declared a cultural monument, is special no less so because of its garden in the middle of the city. The superior location of the building led to its 1996 purchase by Ballymore Properties and its subsequent renovation for the Kempinski hotel chain in accordance with the design of the Bryan Architects bureau. It was the renovation of 2008 that gave the hotel its present form and function. The hotel today belongs to the group of top Prague hotels located in the historical part of the city, in one of the superbly renovated buildings with a true soul. Alongside the Mark Hotel the Mandarin Oriental, Augustine Rocco Forte and the Four Seasons can all be bracketed.

Exclusive interview

PRAGUE FLAGSHIP - GATEWAY BETWEEN EAST AND WEST Interview with DANIEL TYLINGER, Hotel Manager of The Mark Luxury Hotel Text by “I love the atmosphere of the city, it is an easy city to walk and explore. It is also a safe city and I think the service is getting better... everybody is trying to represent and offer something new.” Q: First of all tell us more about hotel Mark and its transition from the Kempinski Hotel. What was the reason that you did it? The hotel was bought last year and we have new owners who decided to terminate the Kempinski management agreement and it will now be much more flexible, because as a direct owner you can make much quicker decisions. Before, the hotel was called Kempinski Prague and after this change we could not use the name any more, so we were looking for a brand name, trying to connect the history of the building and unique selling points. We decided to join the Leading hotels of the world because they are quite strong in the distribution and we need to have an international distribution. Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your background, because we heard it’s quite an interesting story? I was studying at a hotel school and than at a hotel management school. I started as a waiter in 1995 at the hotel Atrium in Prague, which was taken over by Hilton a year later. My field was food and beverage and than I changed to the operation part and administration. I was asked one day if I would like to try in sales from my ex boss and I said no but he said: “ Don’t tell your manager no, tell him yes. If you make it you will have a great career and you can always go down and continue with your marketing position.” I obviously said yes and now I am where I am.

aniel Tylinger is an example of a real career success story. His first employment in the hotel industry was as a waiter in the Hilton Hotel in Prague in June. This started him on the road to success as from that point on he began to move up the career ladder, working through the ranks of Event Coordinator, Corporate Sales Manager and Sales and Marketing Director at a number of leading Prague-based hotels

before arriving at the Kempinski Hotel Hybernska in August 2009 as Director of Sales and Marketing and then continuing in the rebranded hotel, The Mark Luxury Hotel as the Hotel Manager in charge of Sales and Marketing. Daniel studied hotel management at the University of Pittsburgh in London and also at the prestigious Reims Management School in France.

Q: Prague is in the premier league of the meetings industry in the region, together with Vienna and Budapest. What is Prague’s meeting secret? I think there is a lot of history and also the charm in the location. Our country was always considered as the heart of Europe or a gateway between East and West. What is charming is definitely the history and architecture; we also have a lot of famous people that were studying or living in Prague in the past. There is lot of connections with airlines so it is a combination of a lot of things and I think there are no more secrets.

Q: What makes the hotel Mark different from other competitors? Definitely the history of the building, because the hotel was a palace in the 17th century, but it is also very modern on the inside and it is a really good combination of contemporary design and history. We are exactly the opposite of our competition. We offer 90% suites and 10% standard rooms, which is not typical and is what makes us different. We can call our rooms ‘apartments’, because all 62 suites have kitchens. Last but not least is the private garden at the back of the hotel, which is also unique and is different from all the other public parks near the river. Q: Who is the typical hotel Mark guest? I would say between the ages of 40 and 50 and it would be a leisure traveller and not a businessman. Someone who would like to go and enjoy his vacation and private time and see the beauty of our city. Definitely guests that are staying a little bit longer than one night. Q: What’s going on right now in hotel Mark, any news you would like to share with us regarding the renovation of the meeting hall? Since the reign of a new owner we knew which weaknesses we had and changes we had to do, like opening to the local market, from the food and beverage point of view. It is the meeting room that we are constructing right now, which will be 200 sq.m and will take about 200 guests. I think that was our weakness. We still have an outlet shop in our hotel that is rented out by different companies and we would also like to extend our bar and come up with an idea for a small spa and fitness area, which is missing in our hotel, and we can do these kind of services in the privacy of our guestrooms. These are the things we would like to change and invest in and we are planning on doing that until the end of 2015. Q: Where do you see hotel Mark in five years time? As we are a new member of the Leading hotels of the world, we would like to become one of their flagships. We joined just recently, in June, and our owners are also looking for other opportunities in Prague and abroad to increase the portfolio of not having everything in one hotel, but maybe two, three or four abroad. We would like to maintain our position as the leaders on the market and do as much sales as possible, to increase awareness about Prague. 3

Q: What are the biggest opportunities that you see for Prague’s meeting industry? There are always opportunities and there is growth thanks to good cooperation and good work between Czech Tourism, Prague Convention Bureau and the City of Prague. We are still missing a big exhibition space in town, which I hope will change, but we are a very attractive destination for international companies and congresses. Q: What do you personally love about Prague? I love the atmosphere of the city, it is an easy city to walk and explore. It is also a safe city and I think the service is getting better, because there is not only competition in town but also between countries, with everybody trying to represent and offer something new. We are missing some international events that happen every year and will attract guests to come again and again. Q: What is your best advice for the regional meetings industry when we are talking about Central Europe or South-East Europe? I think we are not working in marketing or PR to put the cities on the map. If somebody hears about a country once or twice it’s definitely not enough. I think at the moment we are doing what we can, within our limits regards the funds, but we just have to talk positively about the city and turn the negative things to positive, because some of the people from Eastern Europe would first talk about all the negative things and I think we should do it the other way around we should be proud of what we have. Q: What is your favorite place in Prague? I love the Malastrana and the riverbank. I love to sit outside in any kind of garden or courtyard, of which there are a lot in Prague and are not yet discovered by tourists. You can make shortcuts between the streets, which are really interesting with a lot of small local art shops. I also like the castle hill with a beautiful view of the city. Q: Is there anything else you would like to say to are readers? Come to Prague and discover!

Behind the Scenes

THE MARK LUXURY HOTEL PRAGUE An Elegant Hotel Manor

Photo credits THE MARK LUXURY HOTEL PRAGUE

he Baroque palace, built in the 15th century and set in the centre of Prague, is a building with an eminent history. Among its many famous, noble residents was Count František Vežnik, after whom it takes its name of Vežnikovsky Palace. It later became the property of the famous Lobkowic family, one of the most famous families of Czech nobility, who managed the building until 1928, when it was sold to the Gremial health fund and until its most recent renovation was used as a clinic. The hotel in the palace, which in 1958 was declared a cultural monument, is special no less so because of its garden in the middle of the city. The superior location of the building led to its 1996 purchase by Ballymore Properties and its subsequent renovation for the Kempinski hotel

Hotel garden (photo collection Mark)

Exterior of the hotel (photo collection Mark)

chain in accordance with the design of the Bryan Architects bureau. It was the renovation of 2008 that gave the hotel its present form and function. The hotel today belongs to the group of top Prague hotels located in the historical part of the city, in one of the superbly renovated buildings with a true soul. Alongside the Mark Hotel the Mandarin Oriental, Augustine Rocco Forte and the Four Seasons can all be bracketed. The Hotel Mark has two advantages over other hotels: the first has already been mentioned - its garden. The second is being in one of the best locations in Prague, next to the Municipal House, the Czech National Bank and just a few steps away from the Prague triangle at the intersection of Hybernska, Na Prikope and Republic Square.

Behind the Scenes

Hotel room (photo collection Mark)

The hotel lobby with art sculptures (photo collection Mark) Hotel room (photo collection Mark)

The first surprise for guests are the mighty gates, through which an elegant hallway leads to the hotel’s garden. The 1,800 m2 garden with its beautiful sculptures also attracts the locals, especially lovers of good coffee and those drawn to its attractive lounge corners and the chef’s garden with spices. When night falls, the intimate and discreet lighting is captivating. As explained to us by Zuzana Novakova, the very professional hotel spokeswoman, the hotel is especially proud of the art exhibitions of leading Czech artists capturing seasonal themes. The interior of the hotel is completely given over to the needs of guests and ensuring their comfort. Due to the nature of the building, the hotel’s public spaces are interesting and unusual. The reception is hidden on the right side of the lobby next to the original baroque staircase, with numerous staff discreetly and elegantly taking care of guests. Around the hotel you will find an impressive collection of paintings, which creates an impression that you are in an art gallery. A special impression is left by the mighty lighting designed for the hotel by Czech glassmakers Lasvit. On the second floor the hotel’s convention centre can be found, which is to be renovated and expanded this year. Today, both congress halls can accommodate up to 120 participants. The presidential suite, which can accommodate up to 16 congress guests, is also often used for congress events. The hotel’s garden is anothera popular venue for receptions, accommodat-

ing up to 300 guests and for a seated banquet with a maximum capacity of 150 guests. As Daniel Tylinger, the hotel director, explained, all of the hotel rooms are actually suites. With the average room size is 50 m2 they are among the largest in Prague - even the smallest include a living room and a bedroom. The presidential suite, which is an apartment of 140 m2 with beautiful views of the Prague cityscapes, is the highest ranked suite. Indoor equipment is extremely tasteful, elegant and not at all gaudy. At every step one is accompanied by a pleasant smell, which is a sign of good maintenance. The hotel room or suite - is one of the best hotel experiences of Prague, also because in this hotel nothing is like you are used to anywhere else. One comes to the hotel restaurant Le Grill with good reason. Executive chef Ondrej Korab is one of the younger chefs of the new Czech culinary wave that has gained his knowledge from across the world. As he himself says, he learned the most from Chris Staines in the one Michelin star Foliage restaurant. Later he studied molecular cuisine from TV star Heston Blumenthal. From January 2014 he has been putting all of his knowledge on to the plates as the restaurant chef and the hotel kitchen chef. Dishes coming from his kitchen neither brag nor are boastful, but rather they are Czech-Worldly, colourful and elegant, and sometimes avant-garde. The cuisine is successfully complemented by a broad wine list. Breakfast is the 6

most beautiful memory for a good start to the day: indigenous, minimalist and sometimes experimental. In the hotel lobby the appetite is immediately roused by the presence of desserts and pastry chef Karolina Kocinova, who joined the team in August, is responsible for them. Karolina’s last post was in the hotel Kempinski Adriatic in Savdurija and these days you’ll find her creations bringing in the Mediterranean flavours – just imagine desserts made of black olives, Istrian truffles and rosemary sorbet. All of this you can taste in the garden, which is not only a cafe, day time restaurant and a Zen corner, but also a real wine cellar with selected wines. Both celebrity chefs are showing the ambition of the owners to create worldclass cuisine in the heart of Prague. We will definitely be hearing much more about both of them. As a rule, luxury hotels must surprise us. The Mark is special because of its timeless elegance. Nothing disturbs the view in every sense; it seems that everything is in its rightful place. With this and with all we have written above, this hotel is proving that this kind of lifestyle is certainly still worth something.

Chef Ondrej Korab (photo collection Mark)

Pastry Chef Karolina Kocinova

Behind the Scenes

THE MARK LUXURY HOTEL PRAGUE Hybernska 12, 11000 Prague 1, Czech Republic T: +420 226 226 111 F: +420 226 226 123 www.themark.cz

ACCOMMODATION • 13 Superior rooms - avg. size 28 m2 • 15 Grand Deluxe rooms - avg. size 43 m2 • 8 Junior Suites - avg. size 49 m2 • 8 Duplex Suites - avg. size 56 m2 • 18 Executive Suites - avg. size 55 m2 • 11 Premium Suites - avg. size 63 m2 • 1 Bohemia Suite - size 140 m2 with 49 m2 large terrace • 1 Presidential Suite - size 190 m2 with 56 m2 large terrace • Free Wi-Fi internet access • Wireless telephone • LCD TV with satellite and pay TV • Individually controlled air-conditioning • Laptop-sized safe • Large bathroom with separate bath tub and rain shower • Separate living room with kitchenette in all suites • Dining corner in suites • Media panel with iPod connection • Fully stocked large mini-bar

RESTAURANT, BAR & LOUNGE • La Grill Restaurant with International and Czech Cuisine • Two Step Bar and Winter Garden • Lobby Lounge • Courtyard Garden

POINTS OF INTEREST • Prague Castle • Charles Bridge • Old Town Square and Wenceslaw Square • Lesser Town • St. Nicholas Church • Vyšehrad Castle • Jewish Quarter • Strahov Monastery • Municipal House • Rudolfinum • National Theatre, National Opera • Lobkowicz Palace

TRANSPORTATION • The Mark hotel offers easy access to Prague International Airport by taxi. The central train station is conveniently located just 1 km from the hotel.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES • Fitness Centre and Spa • Massage SERVICES & FACILITIES • 24-hour room service • 24-hour Concierge service • Laundry / dry cleaning service • Airport limousine service • Valet parking service • Gift shop • Business corner • Complimentary shoe-shine service • International newspapers

VISITOR INFORMATION • Language: Czech • Currency: CZK (Czech Crown) • Electricity: The hotel operates on 220-volt power • Visas: Visa requirements are determined by nationality. The Czech Republic belongs to the Schengen area. LOCATION The hotel is located in the centre of Prague, in close proximity to all of its major historical and cultural

KONGRES EDITORIAL CALENDAR TOPICS AND DATES Published 6 times per year Kongres Magazine is far from being just a magazine. It is the only provider of integrated congress marketing communications, with which you can make effective dialogue with congress customers. Because we know what congress customers really need and how to ensure their long-term loyalty, we can make above-average, high-quality, relevant, independent, in-depth and interesting congress stories. In 2013 they will dedicate to you and your customers even more.

CONVENTA DAILY January 2014

CONVENTA DAILY 1 - 2 Daily newspaper, which will be released during the Conventa trade show and which brings to exhibitors and invited guests daily news from Conventa. Space close: 13.12.2013 Materials due: 20.12.2013 Delivery: 22. - 23.01.2014

SPECIAL ISSUE January 2014

CONVENTA 2014 Special edition, published as a catalogue of Conventa together with extensive destination presentations and presentations of participating partners. In terms of content this is the most comprehensive overview of the meetings industry in the region of Southeast Europe. Space close: 13.12.2013 Materials due: 20.12.2013 Delivery: 22. - 23.01.2014

SRING ISSUE March 2014

In Focus: ENERGY The uniqueness of your event is based on energy. The event can be quickly estimated as successful if it was just executed well and in line with the objectives. Effective are only a few events, which are the ones in which the flow of atomic congress energy is present, where participants become a part of the energy. In the spring issue we will highlight all the meetings industry topics related to energy. Themed supplement: KONGRES GOURMET 2014 Space close: 14.02.2014 Materials due: 21.02.2014 Delivery: 28.03.2014

SPECIAL ISSUE May 2014

MEETOLOGUE 2014 In Kongres magazine we have been publishing since 2010 CONGRESS TRAVELOGUES, which were renamed MEETOLOGUES. International Congress buyers thus discover little-known European convention destinations. All existing travelogues of the NEW EUROPE will be issued in a special issue of Kongres magazine, which will be released prior to IMEX trade show. With high-quality editorial content, travelogues completely replace the tedious and irrelevant catalogues of meetings suppliers. Digital versions of MEETOLOGUES are currently the most read sections of the Kongres magazine. Space close: 11.04.2014 Materials due: 18.04.2014 Delivery: 16.05.2014

SUMMER 2014 July 2014

In Focus: ENGAGEMENT Future of meetings industry depends on understanding the needs of new generations of congress participants who are looking for new different experiences. In the summer issue, we will explore what triggers positive experiences. To do this we must first build well, if we build events on authenticity, there is a good chance that we will initiate positive emotional reactions. We will present to you a few stories that are true, verifiable and relevant. Themed supplement: ADVENTURE PARKS 2014 OUTDOOR VENUES 2014 Space close: 20.06.2014 Materials due: 27.06.2014 Delivery: 25.07.2014

FALL 2014

September 2014 In Focus: â&#x20AC;&#x153;EDUTAINMENTâ&#x20AC;? We live in a period of edutainment, where connection of educational content with entertainment has become a vital component of events. We will discuss how to use technology at your events for greater interactivity, what kind of innovations are offered on the market. We will re-open the dilemma of whether technology can replace personal contact. Themed supplement: INNOVATIVE PEOPLE & EVENTS Space close: 22.08.2014 Materials due: 29.08.2014 Delivery: 19.09.2014

WINTER 2014 November 2014

In Focus: ENTERTAINMENT Meetings industry is characterized by a mixture of professional and fun motive, but certainly the most important thing is companionship in their profession and communities. What are the trends, innovations, and what are the examples of good practice will be revealed in the last issue in 2014. Moreover, as an integral part of the magazine we will present a whole series of new ideas for organization of congress parties. Themed supplement: KONGRES WAW - WINES AND WINERIES 2014, KONGRES HOLIDAY & PARTY GUIDE Space close: 18.10.2014 Materials due: 25.10.2014 Delivery: 15.11.2014