Leading Hotels of the World, Preferred Hotels & Resorts or Relais & Châteaux: these major labels do not seem to be limited in their development by the wave of collections launched by hotel groups. to attract independent hotels into their fold. The largest of these brands with over 650 members worldwide, Preferredstrengthened its international portfolio with 15 new establishments between the beginning of July and the end of September, some of which will accompany business travellers on their journeys. These include the aptly named Hotel des Grands Voyageurs, recently opened in Paris, not far from Montparnasse station, in the Saint Placide district. A member of Preferred's Lifestyle Collection, it offers 138 rooms and suites, as well as two fifty-square-metre meeting rooms.
In North America, the original home of Preferred, the chain has also continued to expand, with a recently renovated boutique hotel in Miami, the Mayfair House, and a new luxury hotel due to open in December in Phoenix, Arizona, the Global Ambassador, with 141 rooms and a host of facilities for guests. top-of-the-range business meetings both indoors and out. At the same time, the L.V.X. version of Preferred now includes a hotel in the heart of Mexico City, near Reforma Avenue, the Volga, with a contemporary and arty feel.
In Asia, the American label is also used by two hotels in the Artyzen Hospitality group, Artyzen New Bund 31 in Shanghai and theArtyzen Singapore. Located in the lively Orchard Road district, this urban resort combines luxury and greenery with its rooftop garden and its infinity pool, as if suspended in mid-air. The 142-room design hotel will open its doors by the end of November.
Some of the new Preferred members offer an even more bucolic setting, such as the hotel Le Logis, nestled in the French countrysidenear Cognac. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, its château, whose history dates back to the end of the XVIe The 14-bedroom building, which dates back to the 19th century, is an exclusive retreat for VIP leisure travellers as well as business travellers. corporate groups in search of luxury and intimacy. Accessible by car from Bordeaux airport or by private helicopter transfer, the venue offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces in which to meet - with two meeting rooms and a cinema - and relax. Whether it's around the heated saltwater swimming pool, the pickleball court or the petanque pitch, not to mention exploring the surrounding region by bike or hot-air balloon.
(c) Richard Haughton
Even more than Preferred, which combines beautiful resorts and urban establishments in its portfolio, Relais & Châteaux has made a name for itself in the world of hotels. the leading exponent of charming hotels away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Close to its 600 member establishments, the French chain will have welcomed 27 new houses this year, some on the island of Saint Lucia or on the edge of the cold waters of Newfoundland, others in the lush vegetation of Costa Rica or in the middle of Portuguese vineyards. Not to mention a ranch lodge in North Carolina and a haven of peace, halfway between a palace and a guest house, in Luxor.
Nevertheless, Relais & Châteaux is continuing to build on the foundations of its reputation, the French art of living and gastronomy. As part of this initiative, the chain has welcomed Château de La Gaude in Aix-en-Provence into its family. Housed in an 18th-century bastidee Surrounded by listed French gardens, the site includes a Michelin-starred French restaurant, a Japanese restaurant and two brasseries.
Works of art and haute couture wines produced on the estate, 17 rooms and suites with minimalist decor or, more original, three contemporary cabins overlooking the vines as accommodation: Château de La Gaude lends its top-of-the-range environment to the most discerning guests. corporate meetings with a 49 m² meeting room and another for seminars of up to 40 people, while its gardens and open-air terraces can accommodate events of up to 100 people.
Although urban hotels are not Relais & Châteaux's main target market, its range of city hotels has recently expanded to include a hotel in RomeThe Palazzo Ripetta, close to both Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, has been run by the same family since the 1960s. Recently renovated, this 78-room establishment, including 30 suites, boasts a gourmet table and restaurant in the palace's inner courtyard, as well as a rooftop bar. For business stays with a touch of the dolce vita.
