Growth and Success Continue for Small Luxury Hotels of the World in Third Quarter

Luxury Brand Set to Break Record For Hotel Expansion and Revenue

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. October 14, 2008

NOVEMBER 2, 2006. Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has had a remarkable year thus far and all signs indicate that it will end 2006 on a record high, both in terms of reservations revenue and hotel growth. The luxury brand of SLH, which earlier this year was voted "Number One in Exclusivity" by the US-based Luxury Institute, has for the first time surpassed 400 hotels in more than 65 countries, with the addition of 70 hotels just this year alone.

The addition of new hotels has been in very large part due to the financial success SLH has delivered to its hotels. Results ending in the third quarter of 2006 are a prime example as SLH saw a 26% increase in reservations revenue booked through the brand's central reservation system YTD compared to 2005. While the total number of reservations and resulting revenue have naturally increased with the addition of rooms across the globe, an increase in both the average daily rate and revenue per room indicate that SLH's growth is not just due to having more inventory worldwide but rather a result of delivering higher rates and increased total reservations to its hotels. The average room rate globally delivered to SLH hotels through the various channels has increased 7% YTD and is currently $325 USD per night.

"It is our hotels' increased ability to achieve the highest yield through our brand that has helped drive SLH's consistent revenue growth and financial success. Our dedication to finding the best small hotels in the world and creating unique stay experiences has also helped increase bookings and customer satisfaction," commented Paul Kerr Joint Managing Director for Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Helping to boost the growth in reservations thus far in 2006 are SLH's hotels in London and Paris, which continue to be the two most popular destinations within the SLH collection. The seven London hotels delivered the highest revenues per room in the third quarter of 2006. Additionally, increased travel during the Northern Hemisphere's summer certainly played a significant role in driving revenue. SLH saw a record number of over 11,000 arrivals in June, followed by similarly high arrivals in July, August and September.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World is forecasting well over $80 million USD in total reservations revenue for 2006 and the current trends are indicative of meeting that goal. The brand continues to add new hotels to the collection in desired locations such as Hong Kong, the Philippines, Oman, Dubai, Peru and Argentina. Planned expansion into global markets such as South America, China and the Middle East will have a big part to play in the company's future financial success.

Key SLH Results and Stats:

• Reservation revenue up 26%

• Average room rate up 7% to $325 USD per night

• London & Paris reservations top destinations and revenue per room

• SLH now boasts over 400 hotels in 65 countries

The Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand is a collection of over 400 independently-owned exclusive hotels in 65 countries. Carefully selected for their style and sophistication, Small Luxury Hotels of the World feature award-winning properties including spas, country houses, golf resorts, island retreats, city sanctuaries and game and wilderness lodges. Reservations can be made at any Small Luxury Hotels of the World property by calling toll-free on 800 525 4800 or via the Internet at www.slh.com. Travel agents can use the GDS code LX for LuXury.

Hotels interested in applying for membership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World may visit www.slhmembership.com for further information and details.

Media Contact: Lanny Grossman, Director of Communications, (212)953-0801, [email protected]