SLH member hotel expansion coincides with a predicted 5% growth in central reservations this year, expected to reach $55 million worldwide; a figure that is now within 10% of the peak year for bookings prior to 9/11.

Besides the addition of 44 hotels, the number of hotels that were not accepted speaks more to SLH�s standards for and dedication to luxury travel.  2004 marks a year with the highest number of properties that were not accepted into SLH membership, totalling around 150.  In some cases hotels were rejected because although appearing pretty and upscale, they were found to represent �fake luxury�, with imitative décor or under-trained staff.  Others lacked the necessary all-round quality of experience, and several could not demonstrate the intended provision of investment necessary to maintain high standards.  SLH Global Spokesman Brian Mills, commented, �No matter how superficially beautiful a property is, if the staff quality and ratio aren�t high and the owner�s attitude toward the property is short-term, it won�t meet our criteria or be accepted.�

A five-star golf resort in the Canary Islands, two Tuscany hideaway hotels, one a 10th century fortress, the other a 15th century palace, and a health resort in Singapore with a 6000sq.m. tropical garden spa are among the 44 hotels and resorts which have newly joined the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand for 2004.

The repertoire is further expanded with properties such as a lake resort in India that features 22 �heritage cottages� transplanted from their original village settings and a baroque 19th century �castle� overlooking the Hudson River in New York.  Diversifying the collection even more are safari lodges in Botswana and South Africa; country houses in Andalucia, the Dordogne and Hungary; as well as a wilderness retreat in New Zealand set within its own 2500-acre estate.  Waterfront hotels, ski resorts, hotels in major cities like Paris, Perth, Taipei and Warsaw, along with sought-after European holiday destinations such as St. Tropez, Heidelberg and Florence have also been added.

SLH�s Global Spokesman, Brian Mills, commented: �There is a new definition of luxury today that takes professional service, fine food, and indulgent comfort for granted.  The additional focus for the world�s richest people is on finding privacy, originality and exclusivity.  We aim to satisfy those needs and wishes with the addition of the best of the best in different sectors.� 

Mr. Mills further comments: �The wealthiest 5% want to reserve private beaches and swimming pools, the top suites and have their own chefs to prepare personalized menus.  Their chosen hotels and resorts have to be innovative in design, concept and facilities, and the whole experience should be summed up as scarce and rare.�
 

The Small Luxury Hotels of the World is an exclusive membership of over 300 independently-owned luxury hotels in more than 50 countries.  Carefully selected for their style and sophistication, Small Luxury Hotels features award-winning properties including spas, country houses, golf resorts, island retreats, city sanctuaries, and game and wilderness lodges.