Small Luxury Hotels of the World on Track to Reach 450 Hotels

Adds 20 New Hotels Within First Quarter of 2007

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. October 14, 2008

JUNE 13, 2007. After growing the brand by a record 70 new hotels in 2006, Small Luxury Hotels of the World is continuing its upward trend with the addition of a further 20 hotels in the first quarter of 2007 alone, placing the luxury hotel brand well on track to reach its target of 450 hotels by year's end.

"Not only has the number of hotels increased but so too has the geographic reach of the SLH brand, adding even more depth and breadth to the experiences that we can offer our guests," commented Paul Kerr, Joint Managing Director of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Notable additions include hotels for the first time in Mongolia, Bulgaria and the Dutch Caribbean, as well as in the cities of Athens and Istanbul. With these latest developments, the SLH collection now comprises over 420 hotels in close to 70 countries.

Demand by hotels to become part of SLH continues to be driven by heightened global brand awareness resulting from such honours as being named "The Most Prestigious Luxury Hotel Brand" by The Luxury Institute for 2007, among others. In addition to public accolades, the benefits of being associated with such a brand, particularly Return on Investment, have become clear to the industry. RevPAR saw a double-digit growth of 16% in 2006, while average room rates delivered via the SLH booking channels increased by 8% year-on-year.

In terms of the geographic spread of new hotels, the EMEA region remains the strongest area of development growth for the SLH brand, with the addition of 12 hotels thus far; followed by Asia Pacific with the addition of five hotels, and three in the Americas.

Worthy of note is SLH's first hotel in Bulgaria (Hotel Yastrebets Wellness & Spa), as well as two hotels in Athens (Baby Grand Hotel and Theoxenia Palace). Hotel Les Ottomans in Istanbul is a stunning hotel and SLH's first in the Turkish capital. One of the only remaining Yalis (mansions) on the Bosphorous, and comprising just 10 prestigious suites, Hotel Les Ottomans is one of the most exclusive and luxurious properties in Turkey.

Italy also continues to be a strong area of growth for SLH, with the addition of two hotels this year bringing the Italian collection to 39; making it the second largest concentration of SLH hotels in Europe. There have also been three additions to the UK portfolio.

In Asia, SLH has made its first foray into Mongolia with the addition of Terelj Hotel Resort in Spa. Due to open in October 2007, it will be the country's first five star destination resort hotel and spa and will add even more diversity to the SLH experience. Overnight excursions to the Terelj Camp will provide guests with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine.

Also new to the brand, and definitely worthy of note, is The Raj Palace in Jaipur, India. It is reportedly the only palace in India to have been restored and converted into a luxury hotel - a process which was painstakingly carried out over 12 years. It is also home to the Shahi Mahal Suite, India's (and possibly the world's) most expensive suite at USD40,000 per night!

EMEA

1. Hotel Yastrebets Wellness & Spa, Bulgaria (www.slh.com/yastrebets) - 42-room hotel encircled by pine trees and located on the Borovets ski slope.

2. Hartwell House, Aylesbury, England - 17th century family home located just 40 miles northwest of London, comprising 46 individually furnished guestrooms.

3. Luton Hoo Park Hotel, Luton, England - Luton Hoo was built in the late 18th century and stands in an elevated position at the centre of large, listed parkland and gardens. Opening Sept 2007.

4. The Forbury, Reading, England (www.slh.com/forburyhotel) - A unique luxury townhouse hotel, comprising 24 guestrooms and suites, over four floors.

5. Hotel les Fr^enes, Avignon, France (www.slh.com/lesfrenes) - Considered to be one of the best places to stay in Provence.

6. Baby Grand Hotel, Athens, Greece (www.slh.com/babygrandhotel) - One of the highlights of this hotel is the 55 Graffiti rooms decorated with images of running water, mountains, forests, flowers and legendary cartoon heroes!

7. Theoxenia Palace, Athens, Greece - 71-room hotel including 4 suites, which reflect the grandeur and beauty of the Neo-classical period.

8. Skiathos Princess, Skiathos, Greece - Considered to be among the finest hotels in Greece - surrounded by beautiful gardens leading down to the white sandy beach and crystal clear waters.

9. Hotel de la Ville, Monza, Italy - Hotel dates as far back as 1800 and still gives the sense of being a charming private residence.

10. Villa Mangiacane, Sant'Andrea, Italy - A 'noble and majestic' villa set on a beautiful hill above Sant'Andrea in Percussina, halfway between Florence and San Casciano.

11. Pokrovka Suite Hotel, Moscow, Russia - Moscow's first genuine all-suite hotel, boasting some of the most spacious accommodation. Opening July 2007.

12. Hotel Les Ottomans, Istanbul, Turkey (www.slh.com/lesottomans) - 10 suite hotel in one of the only remaining Yalis (mansions) on the Bosphorous

Asia Pacific

1. The Raj Palace, Jaipur, India (www.slh.com/rajpalace) - Jaipur's oldest mansion, dating back to 1727. It will have the world's first Gold Spa.

2. The Bal'e, Nusa Dua, Indonesia (www.slh.com/thebale) - 20 luxurious Balinese pavilions with their own private pool, veranda, candlelit bathroom and shower hidden in its own secluded, scented garden

3. Terelj Hotel Resort & Spa, Mongolia - 150,000 sq foot resort reminiscent of an 18th century country palace located next to some of the most carefully protected parkland in the country.

4. Qualia, Hamilton Island, Australia - 60 elegant and timeless pavilions are sympathetically positioned in harmony with the island's unique location.

5. Woodbridge on the Derwent, Tasmania, Australia - Comprising just 9 luxury suites, Woodbridge on the Derwent is truly a home away from home.

The Americas

1. Harbour Village, Dutch Caribbean (www.slh.com/harbourvillage) - Located within an exclusive, private residential enclave on the leeward side of the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire

2. Loma del Mar, Mexico (www.slh.com/lomadelmar) - An exclusive and intimate haven of luxury nestled on the Ixtapa Mountains.

3. The Lodge at Woodloch; Pennsylvania - The first true luxury destination spa to open in over 10 years in North America nestled in Pennsylvania's lake region.

About Small Luxury Hotels of the World

SLH is an exclusive brand of more than 400 independent, luxury hotels offering an infinite variety of memorable experiences in 65 countries. Whether you are seeking a blissful spa retreat, the rustic charm of a country villa, a secluded beachside resort, the refined splendour of an old English country house or a sanctuary hidden amid the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling city centre, SLH only offers the very best. Reservations can be made at any Small Luxury Hotel of the World by calling toll-free 800 525 4800 or via www.slh.com. Travel agents need only remember the GDS code LX for LuXury.

Hotels interested in applying to become part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand may visit www.slhmembership.com for further information and details.

Media Contact: Lanny Grossman, Director of Communications, [email protected]