Orient-Express, the name behind an elite collection of travel experiences, first came into being in 1883 as one of the world’s most exciting and indulgent train journeys. Today those same two evocative words also embrace hotels, cruises and other luxury rail adventures in 25 countries, across five continents. The creation of this company has in itself been a fascinating global journey: it began as a single property, the Hotel Cipriani in Venice. Founder and Director James B Sherwood acquired this legendary hotel in 1976 and went on to purchase the first two Orient-Express carriages a year later, before scouring Europe to discover others to make up a full train. Each one was painstakingly restored, from the original marquetry to the glamorous Lalique glass panels, before, in 1982, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – returned to splendour - pulled out of London’s Victoria station and headed south for Venice.
Today we own, or part-own and manage, 51 businesses. 41 are hotels, including iconic assets such as Hotel Cipriani in Venice, the Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg, Hotel Ritz Madrid, Mount Nelson in Cape Town, Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, The Observatory in Sydney and Maroma Resort and Spa on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. There are two restaurants; ‘21’ Club in New York and La Cabaña in Buenos Aires. Six tourist trains include the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Europe, the Eastern & Oriental Express in South East Asia and The Royal Scotsman. The company also part-owns and manages PeruRail in Peru, which operates, among other routes, the Cusco-Machu Picchu train services used by nearly every tourist to Peru, including the first class Hiram Bingham train experience. The m.v. Road toMandalayprovides luxury cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Burma and Afloat in France operates luxury péniche-hôtels (barges) on the inland waterways of France.
Each of these properties is unique and many are destinations in their own right. Yet all are alike in being managed locally, to the highest standards, by staff who regard them as their own properties and are encouraged to innovate and contribute new ideas. Every hotel and train has its own name and personality, and all are in exceptional locations, whether at the heart of a major city, beside a beautiful beach or in peaceful countryside. Many are positioned next to world-famous sights: the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the Amalfi coast, Australia’s Blue Mountains, the magnificent temples at Angkor Wat, to name but a few.
All are very much a part of the environment where they are located, and guests will find each stay an enriching experience, the opportunity to discover more about the world around them. Orient-Express is also highly committed to responsible tourism, and goes to great lengths to ensure its properties add to their surroundings and have a positive impact on local communities. As a member of the International Tourism Partnership, Orient-Express aims to work together with the people and places around each property in ways that are appropriate to the individual location.
Orient-Express Hotels Ltd., owners or part owners and managers of 49 luxury hotel, restaurant, tourist train and river cruise properties in 24 countries, today announced that it has appointed Ali V. Kasikci as Regional Managing Director for North America, Mexico and the Caribbean, effective January 30, 2012. As part of his responsibilities, Kasikci will manage the renovation, reopening and relau...
Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. today announced that Paul White, President and Chief Executive Officer, has resigned from the Company and from the Board of Directors.
Bob Lovejoy, Chairman of the Board, has been named Interim Chief Executive Officer while the Board conducts a search for a permanent replacement. The Board has named a Search Committee chaired by director Mitchell Hochberg including...
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Lovejoy said, "My past 11 years with Orient-Express Hotels have been incredibly rewarding and it is an honor to have been named as Chairman. It is an exciting time for the Company. We have a growth strategy and business model that has the confidence of shareholders and investors. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members, our President & Chief Execut...
M Blanc has had a close association with Orient-Express since the Company entered into a partnership with him by acquiring the equity of Virgin Hotels in the two star Michelin restaurant and 32 room hotel, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Great Milton, Oxfordshire, in 2002.
In his new capacity as a Vice President, M Blanc will have a consultancy role throughout the Orient-Express portfolio of hot...
Thursday 2 December 2010
VIDEOS
Interview with Paul White, President & CEO of Orient-Express Hotels
"The authenticity that comes with a trip on the Orient-Express is what drives people to pay the money and experience what is a true Orient-Express experience," Paul White, President & CEO of Orient-Express Hotels told CNBC on the Orient-Express trains.
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