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. The hotel’s directory says it all—you’ll find 15th 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 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 TheGrand Mansion in Nanjing, China.
a royal stay
For those clients seeking an ultra-chichi luxury experience, The Luxury Collection portfolio fits the bill. For 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.
agent perk
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.
contact information
The Luxury Collection: starwoodhotels.com/luxury or spgpro.com
