As part of growing the brand and becoming stronger, SLH has created tougher standards of excellence for not only prospective new hotels looking to join, but for existing members as well.  The crackdown on quality has resulted in the departure of nearly 30 existing members from the brand for having not maintained the level of quality and standards of excellence required to be part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

The exacting new SLH commitment to excellence has stimulated world-wide interest in the brand resulting in a record number of over 200 applications received for 2005 allowing SLH to select the best of the best.  A further growth by an average of five additional members every month is anticipated throughout next year. 

The SLH Directory for 2005 features 329 hotels which offer a total of 17,250 rooms, up from 16,500 in 2004, and a highest-ever figure for the brand.  Small Luxury Hotels predicts the milestone of 400 total members will be passed by 2006/7 and that a figure of 500 can be reached by 2010.  The most rapid growth is expected in China, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the USA.

For 2005, Small Luxury Hotels has grown its member hotels proportionately most strongly in France (up 10%), North America (up 18%), Greece (up 20%), Thailand (up 50%), and Spain (up 60%).

Of the total of 329 Small Luxury Hotels for 2005, 56% are located in Europe/Middle East/Africa; 23% in the Americas; and 21% in Asia/Australia/New Zealand.  67 are beach resort properties; 105 are located in city centers; 77 are country houses (castles/chateaux); 13 are designated as eco-reserves or game lodges; 27 are spa resorts; 11 are sited on waterfronts; 7 are private islands; 7 are ski resorts, 8 golf resorts, and 7 sports resorts.

The expansion in membership also coincides with a surge in global reservations revenue for 2004 which is likely to top $60 million for the first time and forecast to reach nearly $70 million in 2005.  Around 80% of this total continues to be generated through the travel industry and 65% originates in the U.S.

Ed Donaldson, VP of Marketing, The Americas, commented, � As luxury properties that fit our standards and niche marketplace emerge in different parts of the world, we will continue to aggressively make them available to our dedicated clientele.  Conversely, as existing member hotels become lax in maintaining the highest level of comfort and quality, we will rigorously weed them out as to not diminish the excellence of the brand and fellow member properties.� 

The Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand is a collection of 329 independently owned exclusive hotels in 57 countries.  Carefully selected for their style and sophistication, Small Luxury Hotels feature award-winning properties including spas, country houses, golf resorts, island retreats, city sanctuaries, and game and wilderness lodges.  Reservations can be made at any Small Luxury Hotel by calling 800 525 4800 or through the Internet at www.slh.com .  Travel agents can use the GDS code LX for LuXury