Small Luxury Hotels of the World Announces Travel to European Cities Dominated 2006 Bookings

South Florida and Caribbean Follow Suit for Leisure Getaways From U.S.

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. October 14, 2008

DECEMBER 19, 2006. According to Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the foremost luxury hotel brand which boasts over 400 properties in 65 countries, travel to Western European city centers dominated hotel bookings for 2006. High-end travelers appear to have been undeterred by ongoing talk of a weakening US dollar and disruption caused by airline restrictions, as bookings for SLH hotels in London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Venice and Barcelona led the way to projected reservations revenue for the brand in excess of USD$80 million.

More than 60% of SLH's guests originate from the USA and in 2006 the trend of seeking out a true European experience remained strong. Hotels such as The Goring and Dukes Hotel, both tucked away in the heart of London, benefited from this, as did other charming "home-away-from-home" hotels such as Relais Christine, Pavillon de la Reine and Hotel Vernet in Paris.

"Whether it's London, Paris, Rome or the 60 or so other countries where we have a presence, SLH offers discerning guests a reliable selection of the best hotels in the world. Above all, guests are confident that SLH hotels consistently offer an infinite variety of unique and memorable experiences that can't be matched", commented Paul Kerr, Joint Managing Director of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

For those guests seeking guaranteed sunshine and a well-situated chaise lounge, the Caribbean and South Florida were top of the list. Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Florida, as well as The Bentley Beach Hotel on South Beach were the two "it" spots in Florida, while Sivory Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Pink Beach Club in Bermuda satisfied other guests' warm weather cravings.

Although the number of SLH guests originating from countries like Germany, Russia and China have increased significantly over previous years, American travelers still account for 60% of SLH's business while guests from the United Kingdom are the second largest group.

Similar travel trends are expected in 2007; however, Small Luxury Hotels of the World expects to see a slight shift in destinations as the brand has recently diversified its portfolio for 2007 adding hotels in new locales such as Dubai, Oman, Peru, Argentina, Russia, Croatia, French Polynesia, Hong Kong and the Philippines, meeting the demands of a very well traveled and experience-seeking audience.

Other Interesting 2006 Trends & Stats:

• Dominican Republic hotels were top 2 visited by NY-based SLH Club guests

• Hotels in Boston, Rome and New York are most frequented by California-based SLH Club guests

• More guests are using the Internet as visitors to slh.com increased nearly 50% compared to 2005

Small Luxury Hotels of the World is an unrivalled collection of over 400 independent hotels in more than 65 countries, which offer an infinite variety of exceptional experiences. 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 800 525 4800 or via the Internet at www.slh.com. Travel agents can use the GDS code LX for LuXury.

Media Contact: Lanny Grossman, Director of Communications, 212 953 0801