Small Luxury Hotels of the World Celebrates 25% Reservations Revenue Increase for 2006

Paul Kerr, Joint Managing Director for SLH commented, "Our mission to find the very best hotels around the world that will deliver unique experiences to a very discerning group of guests is working quite well as the numbers indicate. We adapt and grow each year to surprise and delight our guests and I'm pleased too say, it's working."

It seems as if 2006 was a year comprised of all around increases for SLH as total reservations not only surged by 16% but the Average Daily Rate increased by nearly 10% raising the brand-wide average rate to USD$339 per night. Although SLH's portfolio has increased in size by roughly 2000 rooms, it is important to note that the brand-wide RevPar has increased 15% indicating a solid increase in bookings and room rates.

As predicted in years past, bookings made through the Internet are on the rise as nearly 20% of all SLH reservations for 2006 were made via the brand's award-winning website www.slh.com while 5% came through other online channels such as Travelocity and Expedia making a total of 25% Internet driven bookings. Significantly helping drive reservations through slh.com is the success of the brand's web-based Consumer Recognition Program aptly named "The Club" which with 40,000 registered members delivered 28% of all slh.com bookings in 2006 at an average rate of nearly $360 per night.

With the rise of Internet bookings, reservations made through travel agents declined slightly to 66% of the total, though still remaining the number one avenue for SLH bookings. SLH's "cash rich and time poor" clientele rely on the expertise and convenience of luxury travel specialists to direct them to the best hotels and destinations. Luxury travel counselors have come to trust and rely on SLH through the years and are happy to book any hotel stamped with the brand's seal of approval.

While London and Paris continue to dominate as destinations that deliver the highest revenue, hotels in Germany, Italy (specifically Florence and Venice), Ireland and Thailand showed significant improvement over the previous year. With a weakening dollar and increased travel closer to home for Americans, the USA was the number 1 destination in 2006 with the UK and France following respectively.

A recap of 2006 statistical highlights:

• SLH saw a 25% increase in total reservations revenue in 2006 over 2005
• SLH global average room rate rose to $339 USD; $360 USD through The Club/slh.com
• Hotels in London & Paris deliver the highest RevPar in the brand
• The USA was the #1 destination for 2006 followed by UK and France

Welcome to Small Luxury Hotels of the World | Small Luxury Hotels of the World is an unrivalled collection of over 400 independent hotels in more than 65 countries, offering an infinite variety of exceptional guest experiences. Each exclusive property boasts a unique character and charm all the while committing to a single standard of excellence guaranteeing guests an unsurpassed level of quality, service and luxury no matter their destination. Whether travelling for business, leisure or a combination of the two, you are sure to find an SLH property that meets your needs: from the exuberance of surf, snow and safari resorts to the more sedate elegance of resplendent country homes, secluded coral bays, eco-reserves, spa retreats or vibrant city centres. Each hotel takes pride in transforming an ordinary stay into an extraordinary experience - the only difficulty you face is which of the exquisite hotels within the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection to choose. When you see the SLH gold logo you can expect only the best.

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