Recommend October 2015 - (Page 10)

hoteldesk Deluxe Suite at the Grand Hotel River Park in Bratislava. The Luxury Collection michelle marie arean The Luxury Collection, a Starwood brand, encompasses a range of hotel experiences-from historic, intimate retreats to modern classics. The Luxury Collection speaks to high-end travelers who want to have a truly authentic experience while traveling. he hotel's directory says it all you'll find 1 th century convents as well as legendary palaces, with such amenities as yachts for private excursions, butler service, culinary delights, and indulgent spa services. And that hotel directory continues to grow. According to Chris Austin, v.p., global leisure and luxury sales, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, "By year end, The Luxury Collection brand will be the largest luxury brand in the world with over 100 properties." This year, in fact, The Luxury Collection, with properties in 30 countries, announced a $300 million effort to expand and improve its hotel portfolio in North America. The brand invested in marquee hotel conversions and landmark renovations in the U.S., including the Hotel Ivy in Minneapolis, Sunset Key Cottages in Key West, Cal Neva in Lake Tahoe, The St. Anthony in San Antonio, Palace Hotel in San Francisco, and The Gwen in Chicago. This investment in the U.S. comes after a $500 million restoration program for some of the brand's European hotels such as the Gritti Palace in Venice, Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville, Hotel Maria "Starwood is the largest luxury hotel operator in the world; therefore the travel professional channel is an incredibly important one to us. Starwood provides our travel professional partners who are SPG Pro members access to ProLearning modules to learn more about our brands, which enables them to match the right brand to their clients and then earning 'loyalty beyond reason.'" -Chris Austin, Vice President, Global Leisure and Luxury Sales, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide 10 october 2015 Cristina in San Sebastian (Spain), Prince de Galles in Paris and Hotel Imperial in Vienna. In addition, The Luxury Collection saw four openings in Europe earlier this year, including Augustine in Prague, Caresse Resort & Spa in Bodrum, Falisia Resort & Spa in Portopiccolo (Italy), and the Grand Hotel River Park in Bratislava. Incidentally, this past July also saw the opening of The Grand Mansion in Nanjing, China. a r oy al stay For those clients seeking an ultra-chichi luxury experience, The Lu ury Collection portfolio fits the bill. or instance, the Royal Suite at Hotel Imperial in Vienna was once the private apartment of Prince Philip of Wurttemberg. The suite features silk upholstered walls and crystal chandeliers hanging from 23-ft.-high stucco-decorated ceilings; padded double folding doors that open onto a spacious master bedroom and salon; plus three additional connecting rooms with respective bathrooms may be added. Bathtime rituals bring a soaking bathtub, shower and double vanities with Bulgari bath amenities. Let's not forget the private butler who is ready to cater to your client's every whim. And butlers are also at the ready in Evora, Portugal at the Convento do Espinheiro Hotel & Spa, a former 15th century convent. ag ent per k Last month Starwood launched an SPG Pro member promo for agents when agents book five nights at a Sheraton property for their clients, they'll receive one free weekend night at any Sheraton of their choice. ● c ontac t i nf or mati on The Luxury Collection: starwoodhotels.com/luxury or spgpro.com recommend.com http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury http://www.spgpro.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend October 2015

Editor’s Notes
Hotel Desk: Starwood’s The Luxury Collection
Tour Talk: Defining Luxury
The Butler Did It
The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia
Spa Wars
Raising the Bar in Mexico
Spa Treats
Chic Stays
Official Florida Travel Industry Education Program—Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Course
Stay Well at MGM Grand
Southbound, by Design
Speaking “Bespoke” in Europe
Indulgent Experiences
New Asian Beauties

Recommend October 2015