The De Vere Grand Hotel, a VisitBrighton Convention Bureau partner, has recently completed a £300,000 refurbishment of its largest events space, the Empress Suite. The upgrade enhances the Grand’s reputation as one of the city’s largest and most flexible conference and meetings venues for organisers and delegates alike.

The overhaul, handled by Paton Developments includes new fittings and furniture, upgraded lighting, new window dressings and refurbished soundproofed partitions. The new suite can be sub-divided into four sections, all with sophisticated audio visual technology allowing for conferencing up to 800 delegates.

Niki Rule, business development director at the Grand Hotel comments: “This is a unique, flexible suite and one of the premier large event spaces on the south coast. The redevelopment has given the room a lighter and fresher feel and since its completion we’ve already had many positive comments about the redecorations. Many clients have particularly commented on how the new wooden blinds in the Pavilion windows frame the room’s fabulous sea views perfectly. There has been a lot of renewed interest in the hotel since the suite’s refurbishment which has been great for business.”

Darren Johnson, VisitBrighton convention bureau sales manager says: “The Grand continues to offer the highest level of facilities and service in Brighton and with its impressive seafront location has consistently been a popular venue for large events. The refurbishment offers greater comfort and flexibility and will be a great pull for event organisers and delegates to the city.”