News for the Hospitality Executive |
Hotels� Ability to Offer �Experiences� Remains a Core
Part of
Small Luxury Hotels of the World�s Selection Process
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Brand Expands to More than 440
Hotels in Over 70 Countries
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February 7, 2008 - With product alone no longer sufficient
to attract discerning travellers, Small Luxury Hotels of the World has
continued in its quest to identify hotels that have the ability to offer
guests a truly unique and memorable experience. From a majestic Indian
palace, which is home to the world�s first gold spa, a sun-drenched private
island in the Seychelles with just 16 intimate villas, to the only hotel
in Turkey designed around the principles of Feng Shui, Small Luxury Hotels
of the World has once again sought out the very finest and most unique
of experiences.
The luxury brand of independent hotels has added 74 properties to its already impressive portfolio, with first-time additions in Bulgaria, Dutch Caribbean, Grenada, Guatemala, Mongolia, Mozambique, Chicago, Shanghai, Geneva and Istanbul. From heritage hotels, to destination spas, eco resorts, coffee plantations, chic safari lodges and dynamic city centre hotels, the choice is more diverse than ever. �The challenge that every luxury hotel brand faces in today�s increasingly competitive climate is how to inject that element of surprise and deliver beyond travellers� expectations; whether it be a stunning and unexpected location, exceptional service or the vast array of experiences that guests encounter,� commented Paul Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. �I believe that with the sheer diversity of hotels it adds to its portfolio every year, Small Luxury Hotels of the World more than meets this challenge,� he added. EMEA Remains Strongest Region of Development In 2008, Small Luxury Hotels of the World has continued to penetrate
new markets, both in terms of the countries and the range of cities that
it has a presence in. Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) remains
the strongest region of development for the brand with the addition of
38 hotels. Italy saw a further nine hotels added to its previous
portfolio of 36, giving a total of 45 and placing it on par with France
as the European country with the largest concentration of Small Luxury
Hotels of the World properties. France saw the addition of six hotels
in 2008, bringing its total level with that of Italy, at 45.
In Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World has made some notable
additions to its portfolio, with the inclusion of over 20 new hotels.
In particular, there has been significant growth in China with a further
three hotels added, as well as the addition of another four hotels in Australia.
Hotels� ability to offer �experiences� remains a core part of Small
Luxury Hotels of the World�s selection process. Whether it is the unmatched
location of Qualia, nestled into the secluded northern tip of Australia�s
Hamilton Island, surrounded by the unsurpassed beauty of the Great Barrier
Reef, or the unique insight guests will gain of Mongolia�s natural environment
and graceful hospitality when they camp out overnight, as an optional and
inimitable part of their stay at Terelj Hotel. Alternatively, The
Lodge at Woodloch, which, set in 75 private acres of rolling, northeast
Pennsylvania woodland, is where uplifting experiences are said to recharge
guests� energy and focus.
City Centre Hotels Still Reign Strong The expansion of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand however,
has not focused purely on the leisure traveller. A number of key additions
have been made in strategic city centres around the world, leaving business
travellers and city enthusiasts safe in the knowledge that they can still
enjoy the standards of excellence that Small Luxury Hotels of the World
demands of its hotels. Whether it is the seclusion of The Mansion
Hotel, Shanghai�s only heritage boutique hotel in the historic French Concession
area, or the former 18th century limestone residence, which is now home
to Casanova Hotel in Barcelona, Small Luxury Hotels of the World has something
to suit every travellers� need. Major business hubs such as Hong
Kong, Singapore, Milan, Moscow and Atlanta have seen the addition of The
Luxe Manor, Naumi Hotel, Petit Palais Hôtel de Charme, Pokrovka Suite
Hotel and The Glenn Hotel, respectively.
Applications to be part of the brand of Small Luxury Hotels of the World
remain as strong as ever as the growth of the luxury boutique market, especially
in Asia, has been spurred by an increase in consumer demand.
In spite of this, Small Luxury Hotels of the World�s selection criteria
remain strict and on average only 5% of applications are successful.
Hotels interested in applying to be part of the brand can find full details
on www.joinslh.com.
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Contact:
Lanny Grossman
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