Success for Small Luxury Hotels of the World(TM) Continues Through the New Year

LONDON, February 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Luxury Brand Generates Nearly US$89 Million (GBP55.5 Million) in Revenue

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), who is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has seen strong positive growth throughout 2010. The brand enjoys a presence in more than 70 countries and is made up of over 520 of the finest, small independent hotels. Further indicators of growth include a revenue increase of approximately 15 per cent since January 2010 and an 18 per cent increase in reservations compared to 2009.

Despite the brand's continued growth, SLH maintains strict selection criteria when hotels are invited to join the brand or apply via the dedicated website, http://www.joinslh.com. The belief in quality over quantity means that brands standards will never be compromised, with an application acceptance rate of 5 per cent. Although this means that tapping into new markets is not always immediate, customers are assured that only the best in each locale will join the brand. SLH received more than 1,100 applications in 2010, 55 of which were accepted.

Since it was established 20 years ago, Small Luxury Hotels of the World has strengthened significantly with the number of rooms across the brand increasing from under 5,000 in the first year to nearly 26,000 today; the average room size across the portfolio is 49. Priding itself on offering a diverse array of hotels all sharing a single standard of excellence, 41 per cent of SLH properties are resorts, 33 per cent are city centres and 26 per cent are country houses.

"This is a very special year for us as we reach our 20th anniversary," says Paul Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. "Having grown from 70 hotels in 12 countries to more than 520 hotels in over 70 countries throughout the last two decades is a testament to the fact that small, independent hotels see value in our brand and customers trust the name. Small Luxury Hotels of the World is all about offering our guests small hotels with big experiences while demonstrating a passion for high service standards. It's a recipe for success that we are very proud of."

    
                       00 800-525-4800; http://www.slh.com