The Belle Epoque Suite – a new state-of-the-art facility for business meetings, and those ‘get away from it all’ conferences or training sessions for up to 40 delegates theatre-style – has been unveiled by the owners of one of Brighton’s most iconic Regency boutique hotels, Blanch House in Atlingworth Street, Kemp Town.

The Belle Epoque Suite is part of a major refurbishment at the highly individual, new-look Grade II listed 12-bedroom Blanch House – reopened under new ownership in July 2011 and located in a discreet Georgian terrace only a short walk from the centre of the city and a stone’s throw from the seafront.

Proprietors Jeremy Ornellas and Kerry Turner have redesigned the hotel to have a ‘green’ ethos and respect the heritage of the Regency building whilst paying attention to comfort, personalised service and contemporary style, as well as the needs of the business guest with Wi-Fi in every bedroom. Indeed, for those special business occasions, there is the opportunity to hire exclusively the business facility, Champagne Bar, all 12 bedrooms (ranging from the luxurious to the fun and quirky), the Breakfast Room and the hotel’s ‘speciality house’ breakfast – using the best local produce – at all inclusive prices.

What does Blanch House’s ‘Belle Epoque Suite’ comprise? “We are offering a top-class intimate business venue, centred on a spacious comfortable multi-functional, stylish Meeting Room with natural light and contemporary decor – making it an ideal setting for conferences, company ‘away-days’, training workshops, meetings, and product launches,” explained Jeremy Ornellas. “It includes the latest state-of-the-art LCD projector; large electronic drop-down screen – suitable for anything from film, television and commercial screenings, to computer presentations and training; white boards; Wi-Fi; conference ‘phone; dedicated cloakrooms, as well as chilled Blanch House still or sparkling water and home made biscuits and cake served throughout the event.”

Blanch House Events Organiser, Sara Ornellas explained: “Our conference and meeting tariffs include VAT and our Daily Delegate Rate starts at £55 per person; our 24-hour rate, including accommodation, commences at £179 per delegate; and the price of a half-day event with lunch is from £49 per person. Meeting Room hire is £200 for a half-day and £350 for a full-day. The facility can accommodate up to 40 theatre-style, 16 classroom-style or in a u-shape, 20 boardroom-style, 30 cabaret-style and 40 for a banquet.

“One of our team will be dedicated specifically to an event and will have pleasure in looking after the client and delegates throughout their time with us, providing refreshments and meeting any other requirements they might have. At lunchtime, we can offer a quality buffet or a delicious business lunch, followed by coffee. Later, there is afternoon tea and coffee with home-made cake. In the evening, they can enjoy a sumptuous gourmet 3-course dinner or choose our fine dining menu. There is no better way to end a busy day than to unwind and enjoy a drink in our ‘residents’ Champagne Bar, serving a wide range of wines, spirits and non- alcoholic drinks.”

Brighton and Hove are great places for delegate team-building activities and entertainment, added Sara Ornellas. “We can arrange anything from cheese and wine tasting, horse and greyhound racing, to a relaxing holistic massage, visits to Brighton’s theatres, attractions, clubs, bars, and restaurants,” she explained. “Favourite activities include Jamie Oliver’s Recipease where people can learn to cook and make great food, and an exciting and fun treasure hunt arranged by local team building organisation: ‘Seriously Equipped’.

“For the more adventurous, we can even arrange activities ranging from beach volleyball, deep sea fishing and diving, to para-gliding, sailing and wind surfing! We will be delighted to arrange any package that suits clients and their businesses or organisations.”

Blanch House is a member of the Considerate Hoteliers Association (CHA) – a nationwide association of like-minded hoteliers, whose purpose it is to encourage, assist, cajole and motivate fellow hoteliers to adopt sustainable, environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices. As a member, Blanch House joins such illustrious CHA establishments as Combe House hotel and restaurant at Gittisham, near Honiton, Devon; Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons at Great Milton, Oxfordshire; Strattons Hotel and Restaurant in Swaffham, Suffolk; The Cavendish London; and The Savoy, London.