President in residence

The 10th floor suite at the Europa Hotel, Belfast, used to sell for £175. Since President Clinton and his wife Hillary stayed there at the end of last year, it has been renamed the President Clinton Suite and now commands £300. It is already in considerable demand.

Over the coming months the suite will be turned into a museum piece, complete with photographs and other memorabilia of the Clintons' visit.

Organising such a visit is a feat about which few hoteliers could boast, but one that marks the height of a career for the Europa's general manager, John Toner.

When White House officials first contacted the Europa last August, Toner had to double check to make sure he was hearing correctly. The call was to enquire whether the hotel could accommodate President Clinton and his entourage for one night on 30 November when he and his wife would be coming to Belfast to reinforce the peace process.

"We were overwhelmed to be asked," says Toner. "Normally the president would stay in his embassy when away, but there is no American embassy in Belfast and the consulate is too small."

After confirming that the request could be fulfilled, it was action stations for an establishment with the unenviable reputation of being Europe's most bombed hotel. During the "troubles", the hotel was a victim of about 30 attacks.

A chequered history had done nothing to enhance the hotel's reputation either. Originally owned by Grand Metropolitan, it was taken over by Forum Hotels, sold to Emerald Hotels and then run in receivership before being sold to Hastings Hotels for some £4m in August 1993.

It wasn't until February 1994, after a facelift costing a massive £7m, that the Europa once again opened its doors for trade. Business off the back of the peace process was brisk, with occupancy levels up to 85% from the 55% they had been prior to the sale to Hastings Hotels.

For Toner, the White House request was confirmation that the Europa had shaken off the past and was ready to compete in the international arena. "Clinton's stay was a statement of a return to reality," he says. "We had finally dispelled our bad image."

The Europa has often been used as a venue for large and prestigious events, but the Clinton visit was like no other operation previously encountered.

Security was the first problem to be addressed. A list of the hotel's full and part-time staff was supplied. On the day of the visit, only six staff members were given clearance to serve the President. In addition to Toner, deputy general manager Doug Heady, maintenance manager Alan Turnbull, head concierge Martin Mulholland, room attendant Sharon Kane and food services manager Brian Tracey held this honour.

President Clinton used the back entrance and one service lift, which was cordoned off for his exclusive use. Surrounding drains and waste bins were checked and sealed off and bullet-proof glass was put in the windows of the Clintons' suite.

Security steps

Metal detectors were installed in the foyer where RUC officers sat at two tables. US marines stood guard in the corridors on the 10th floor, and the ninth and 11th floors were out of bounds.

Security was made top priority for the visit, but as Toner points out: "When you're accommodating the most powerful man in the world you can't be too careful, can you?"

A punishing schedule of engagements meant that it was 10.30pm before the President arrived at the hotel. Toner slept in the hotel for two nights before the visit, helping to smooth the way for the arrival of the 400-strong official press entourage who camped out on the second floor of the hotel, converted from a business centre to a 24-hour press haven.

Advanced telephone communications meant that anyone calling the White House from anywhere in the world would have had their call diverted to Belfast, where the phone was answered "The White House, Belfast" by White House staff.

Food was also arranged to exact specifications. Europa chefs were carefully watched over by White House dietary advisors, and prepared orange juice, herbal tea and bagels for breakfast. Food was passed to the President via his valets who had travelled with him from the White House.

There was, however, one unexpected development. The Europa had provided a packed lunch for the Clintons during their helicopter flight from Belfast City Airport to Derry. But at the last minute President Clinton had a change of heart, and requested a hot meal.

"We had 30 minutes to prepare something and get it to the airport to reach the flight that the Clintons were due to go on," recalls Toner. "Unusually there were no exacting specifications. I phoned through to head chef Gerard Rosato who suggested salmon because it would be quick to prepare.

"He was already cooking it by the time White House officials arrived in the kitchen."

In the end, Rosato cooked Ulster coddle broth, fresh salmon with lemon sauce and fresh vegetables and potatoes. The food was taken under RUC escort to the airport and just made the flight.

The only other special requests were for foam pillows, extra towels - and a big mug for the President.

Tourism boost

The stopover cost the entourage about £150,000 for the 115 rooms taken by the President's party, but for Toner the financial dividend was the tip of the iceberg.

"At first I was sceptical about the visit, but having met President Clinton I believe he is genuinely keen to reinforce the peace process," says Toner. "His visit has done a lot to boost tourism and that will be to everyone's benefit."

So how do you follow such a visit? "I don't know," confesses Toner. "I don't think there is an encore."