Hotel Online  Special Report
.

advertisement


..
Small Luxury Hotels of the World Adds 15 Properties; 
SLH Portfolio Reaches 374 Hotels in 60 Countries
.
May 19, 2006 - The global expansion of the brand of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has continued at an impressive rate with the recent addition of 15 new members. This growth follows closely on the heels of a 10% net growth in membership in 2006, and puts the SLH brand well on track to achieve its target of over 400 members for 2007. With the addition of the 15 new members, the SLH portfolio of hotels now includes 374 properties in 60 countries.
 
The continuing demand for membership has been driven by the fact that awareness of the SLH brand and the benefits that membership brings are at an all time high.  �We are confident that this steady growth can continue without compromising the exemplary standards of excellence that SLH hotels are renowned for,� commented Paul Kerr, Joint Managing Director of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.  �Discerning luxury travellers continue to rely on the power and exclusivity of the SLH brand for unique experiences and independent hoteliers want to reap the benefits associated with the brand.� he added. A strong testament to this is that in March 2006, global room reservations at SLH properties reached an all time high of over 10,000 reservations, representing a 26% increase over the same period last year. 
 
Europe remains the strongest area of development growth for the SLH brand, with the addition of ten new members thus far this year.  SLH�s Italian portfolio has been enhanced with the brand�s first member hotel in Naples (Grand Hotel Parker�s) and also a first in the popular resort town of Portofino (Hotel San Giorgio).  There have also been two new additions in Florence (Villa Olmi Resort and Residenza del Moro) bringing the brand�s total presence in the Italian city to five.  In France, SLH�s collection of 16 member hotels on the Cote d�Azur has been strengthened further by the addition of Villa Marie in St Tropez; while in the UK, Stapleford Park County House is the brand�s first hotel in the Midlands.
 
Several other coups for SLH include key additions in Eastern Europe - Riva Hotel in Hvar is the brand�s first hotel in Croatia, Hotel Telegraaf in Tallinn is a first for SLH in the Estonian capital, while Pachuv Palace in Prague adds to an existing collection of two hotels in the Czech Republic capital.  In Cyprus, the addition of The Residence will be SLH�s second member hotel in the town of Paphos.
 
Demand for membership in Thailand also continues to be healthy.  Three properties have been added so far this year, bringing the total collection of SLH hotels in Thailand to 19, which is the largest grouping in Asia.  Also in Asia, the Malaysian portfolio now consists of three members with the new addition of Cameron Highlands Resort located in the state of Pahang (200km North of Kuala Lumpur). SLH has also accepted a spa and golf hotel in the suburbs of Wisconsin, USA, just outside Chicago. 
 
The 15 new additions to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection are:
 
1.         Grand Hotel Parker�s (Naples, Italy)  
Built in the late 19th century and recently restored to its original grandeur, Grand Hotel Parker�s maintains the traditions and splendour of a bygone era.  Magnificent lounges filled with antique furnishings and exquisite 18th century tapestries provide guests with spectacular views across the Bay of Naples, while an intimate collection of suites and guestrooms offers unrivalled levels of luxury.
 
2.         Hotel San Giorgio (Portofino, Italy)  
Comprising just 18 rooms and located in a quiet and secluded spot in the shade of the trees between the Mount of Portofino and the fishermen�s houses, Hotel San Giorgio provides the perfect base to explore what is often referred to as �the jewel of Italy�
 
3.         Villa Olmi Resort (Florence, Italy)
Located on a six hectare estate at the gates of Florence, this is probably one of the most beautiful properties in the city.  The 18th century villa has undergone a stunning refurbishment to become one of the most exclusive hotels in Florence.  Guestrooms are adorned with 18th century frescoes and marble bathrooms, while a selection of mini-suites have their own private gardens.  Hand-picked antiques and breathtaking chandeliers add to the splendour and style of this exquisite hotel.
 
4.         Residenza del Moro (Florence, Italy) 
Situated in the heart of Florence on one of the city�s oldest streets, this is another spectacular addition to SLH�s Italian portfolio and the brand�s second new member in Florence.  The residence dates back to the 16th century, and although extensive renovation has taken place the original façade has been retained, along with a splendid 15th century garden.  Each of the eleven breathtaking suites features original frescoes, fine antiques, as well as contemporary art pieces; and all come with a full butler service. 
 
5.         Villa Marie (St Tropez, France)  
Considered to be one of the best hotels in St Tropez, the 39-room bastide and spa is set in the peaceful surrounds of a pine grove, with panoramic views of blue sea just beyond the vineyards. Villa Marie has elegantly furnished guestrooms, each individually interior designed, with hand-painted furniture, wrought-iron canopy beds and contemporary, white stone bathrooms.
 
6.         Stapleford Park Country House (Leicestershire, England)
As one of England's finest stately homes, Stapleford Park offers a stunning blend of architecture, history and landscape. Set in 500 acres of woods, parkland, beautiful gardens and with a heritage stretching back to the 14th century, the setting of this 55-room hotel is truly unique. 
 
7.         Hotel Telegraaf (Tallinn, Estonia)
Originally built as a bank, the 19th century building has recently undergone a US$14 million refurbishment and has been transformed into what will be one of Tallinn�s best hotels when it opens in June. The original façade of the building, as well as the main staircase, have been retained.  In addition to the 86 rooms and suites, the hotel will boast a 60-seat restaurant called Tchaikovski, which will offer a symphony of Russian cuisine.
 
8.         Pachtuv Palace (Prague, Czech Republic)
Arguably the most beautiful baroque residence in Prague, Pachtuv Palace is located in a magnificent and privileged riverfront position in the heart of the Old Town.  Located 50 metres from the historic Charles Bridge, and with breathtaking views of Prague Castle, the exclusive Pachtuv Palace comprises 50 fully serviced suites which offer a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city.  Each of the suites has been restored to their original charm with special attention paid to the architectural details. During its long history dating back to the 15th century, Pachtuv Palace has played host to both Mozart and Wagner. 
 
9.         Riva Hotel (Hvar, Croatia)
The hotel is situated on the idyllic island of Hvar, just off the coast of Split in Croatia.  When it opens in summer 2006 Riva Hotel will be SLH�s first member hotel in Croatia and the first luxury hotel in the area.  Located directly on the island�s picturesque harbour-front, the 54-room hotel offers excellent views across the water, while the promenade provides the perfect place to sit and appreciate the town�s 13th century architecture.
 
10.       The Residence (Paphos, Cyprus)
The Residence is part of the Azia Resort & Spa in Paphos in Cyprus and is SLH�s second member hotel in Cyprus.  A haven of individual pampering and innovative style, the 35-suite Residence is located close to some of the finest locations and treasures of the island.  Its west-facing rooms offer spectacular views of the sunset.  
 
11.       Lebua at State Towers (Bangkok, Thailand)
The 198-suite Lebua at State Towers in Bangkok occupies the 50th to 59th floors of the State Tower and offers breathtaking views of the Chaopraya River and the city of Bangkok.  
 
12.       AKA Hotel Resort & Spa (Hua Hin, Thailand) 
The resort consists of 55 one and two bedroom pool villas set in the peaceful surrounds of a hillside and provides the perfect setting to experience the stunning sunsets. 
 
13.       Twinpalms Phuket (Phuket, Thailand)
Twinpalms Phuket is located on Surin Beach, which is considered to be one of the best on the island.  The focal point of the resort is the 1,600sqm pool area and the integrated water gardens.  All guestrooms have views of the pool and the garden, as well as a �private feature garden�, a small landscaped area visible from the generously sized bathroom.
 
14.       Cameron Highlands Resort (Cameron Highlands, Malaysia)
The setting of Cameron Highlands Resort is both peaceful and picturesque, located on a lush hillside about ten minutes from the town of Brinchang. The Tudor style cottages indulge in panoramic views of the golf course and are decorated in a style reminiscent of traditional, colonial charm. The resort also homes the third wellness centre of the award winning Spa Village offering a variety of treatments inspired by the restorative properties of tea.    
 
15.       The Delafield (Wisconsin, USA)
The Delafield Hotel was one of the first buildings established in the restoration of the Delafield village following its abandonment in the 1980�s. Fashioned in a similar style to the traditional architecture and design of the 18th Century, the Delafield hotel is a tribute to American history, embracing the charismatic grace and sophistication of that era. The 38 suites are all unique furnished with antique artwork and Baker furniture; and are each equipped with luxurious spa bathrooms.     
 
The Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand is a collection of over 360 independently-owned exclusive hotels in 60 countries. 
.
Contact: 

Lanny Grossman
Director of Communications
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
370 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1506
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 953-2064
[email protected]

.
Also See: Small Luxury Hotels of the World Adds 59 New Member Hotels in 2005 / December 2005
Small Luxury Hotels Adds 53 New Members for 2005; Luxury Brand Marks Record Total with 329 Hotels in 57 Countries / December 2004

.


To search Hotel Online data base of News and Trends Go to Hotel.Online Search

Home | Welcome! | Hospitality News | Classifieds | Catalogs & Pricing | Viewpoint Forum | Ideas/Trends
Please contact Hotel.Online with your comments and suggestions.