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Networking in Stockholm, or business tripping in Chicago? Lisa Hughes investigates the best bases.

LittLe BLack Book STOCKHOLM

As MD and founder of Dees Wholefoods, an Irish vegetarian food company, Deirdre Collins travels the world spreading the word on nutrition. Her favourite city to do business in is Stockholm.
Stockholm is great for business travellers because The transport links are so efficient ... You can get online pretty much everywhere, and Wi-Fi is free at any hotel Ive stayed in. A good place for business meetings Try Nytorget Urban Deli (Nytorget 4, 116 40, +46 859 909 180; urbandeli.org) in the hip Sdermalm district. The food and service are amazing, as is the lively atmosphere. Best business hotel I like to stay at the J Hotel in Nacka Beach (Ellensviksvgen 1, 131 28 Nacka Strand, +46 8601 3000; hotelj. com), which overlooks both the ocean and the city. Its ten minutes outside the city and a peaceful spot. The boathouse Restaurant J serves wonderful food, if slightly on the pricey side. Business lunch The vegetarian buffet in the Ortagarden (Nybrogatan 31, 114 39, +46 8662 1728; ortagarden.com) is excellent value, but nothing in the city can beat Hermans in Sdermalm (Fjllgatan 23B, +46 8643 9480; hermans.se), which has supertasty vegetarian food and a terrace with great views. Best for business drinks The Skybar on top of the Radisson Blu Royal Viking (Vasagatan 1, 101 24 Stockholm, +46 850 654 000; radissonblu.com/ royalvikinghotelstockholm) is pretty spectacular. Tipping Ten per cent is the standard if youre happy with your meal and its common to leave small change as a tip in bars. Saving time on business travel Plan ahead and book online. Pre-book all your train journeys online and book a meal on-board to save time. It is also worth using a company to plan your meetings I used marketlink.se for my first visit to Sweden. Money saver Stockholm has a reputation for being very expensive but I dont find it any more so than Dublin. Buy a travel pass and the metro will take you from the shopping district to the old town, to trendy Sdermalm. On your downtime Pay a visit to Central Badet thermal spa (Drottninggatan 88, 111 36, +46 8545 213 00; centralbadet.se), an Art Nouveau haven in the middle of the city. A visit to the baths costs around 30 but there is no time limit on how long you stay.

Business hotels in Chicago

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Must-have travel gadget Hardshell EO Roller Case

Lightweight enough to use as a carry-on but durable enough to keep your electronics safe, the Hardshell eo Roller case has individual, expandable pockets for your tablet and laptop, and holds enough clothes for a long weekend ($299.95, goincase.com).
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July 2013

PARK HYATT With an enviable location on the Magnificent Mile, this sophisticated hotel, above, offers views across the city and Lake Michigan as well as having valet parking and free internet. The stylish NoMi Kitchen, with its outdoor terrace, is the perfect spot for morning meetings. (800 North Michigan Avenue, +1 312 335 1234; parkchicago.hyatt.com) FAIRMONT CHICAGO A stones throw from scenic Millennium Park, this luxury hotel boasts spacious rooms with iPod docks and 42-inch flat-screen TVs. The Fairmont Gold Concierge Level is a business travel haven with a private lounge, a free business centre with all amenities and 5,860 square metres of meeting space. (200 North Columbus Drive, +1 312 565 8000; fairmont.com/chicago) SOFITEL CHICAGO WATER TOWER Stay in a chic room decorated in bright colours and featuring plush white beds at this fourstar property. Located two blocks from the Magnificent Mile, the hotel offers excellent meeting and conference facilities, SoFit Recreation Centre and 24/7 business centre and concierge services. 20 East Chestnut Street, Downtown, +1 312 324 4000; sofitelchicago.com) COMFORT SUITES Forget tiny rooms, this hotel offers spacious studios and one or two bedroom suites with home comforts such as full kitchens and laundry services so you can travel light. The internet and breakfast are free, as is access to three meeting spaces and a 24-hour business centre. (320 North Michigan Avenue, +1 312 384 1208; comfortsuiteschicago.com)