GM roundtable – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, Spain
Ricardo Arranz de Miguel – GM
What are the USPs of your property?
Villa Padierna Palace Hotel is the only hotel in Marbella with three of its own 18-hole golf courses and a Michael Campbell Golf Academy. We offer unparalleled meeting facilities of several thousand m² (indoor and outdoor) and a 2,000 m² Medical Spa, the biggest on the Costa del Sol. We boast our own Racquet Club and, among our five restaurants and bars, the exclusive Beach Club “Club de Mar” with an excellent restaurant by the sea, which was inaugurated by First Lady, Michelle Obama, during her stay at Villa Padierna Palace Hotel.
What makes you different from the competition?
Villa Padierna Palace Hotel is located in a privileged and idyllic setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. A haven of peace and quiet, yet only 15 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Puerto Banús, Marbella’s luxury yacht harbour, with all its elegant designer boutiques.
The privacy and discretion of the hotel has made Villa Padierna Palace Hotel a favourite hotel for many celebrities and nobility.
What’s new at your property?
Whilst the hotel is constantly updated to keep up with its immaculate look, the Club de Mar underwent a renovation in spring. In 2017, the hotel will open its new “VP Kids Club”, which includes specially-created amenities, dedicated to our younger guests.
What booking trends are you noticing – source markets, types of clients, etc.?
Since its opening back in 2003, Villa Padierna enjoys a very loyal clientele that comes back year after year. Among other European travellers, one of the property’s key feeder markets is the UK. The hotel’s typical client is the high income private traveller, who visits to enjoy the Marbella microclimate, the hotel’s golf and other facilities in an elegant and refined, yet relaxing environment. Over the years, the hotel has also been recognised as an ideal setting for weddings from local and foreign couples alike, which has since become an important market for the hotel.
How have the needs of today’s luxury traveller evolved?
Nowadays, the average luxury traveller is better educated and more aware of the Green Movement that is impacting the travel industry. Just to name two of the initiatives, Villa Padierna Palace Hotel has undertaken in this direction is the fleet of e-bikes which is available to its guests. The latest addition is charging stations for TESLA car owners in the hotel garage. This makes Villa Padierna Palace Hotel currently the only hotel on the Costa del Sol offering such service and one of the very select few in Spain.
Danesfield House, UK
Anthony Cox – GM
What are the USPs of your property?
Danesfield House has a remarkable history to tell, the hotel as it stands today is actually the third house on this site, with the first recorded settlement in the land over 4,000 years ago by Danish explorers, hence the name Danesfield. The hotel grounds contain a scheduled ancient monument, the remnants of an Iron Age Hillfort, glorious landscaped grounds with waterfalls and water gardens developed in the 1840’s.
The current house was one of the last great country house built in England, having been completed in 1901 for The Hudson family, the wealthy soap making dynasty. All of the hotels 78 bedrooms sit within the footprint of the original house so you can imagine the scale of this very grand private residence. During World War II, the House became RAF Medmenham and was the Allied Center for Photographic Intelligence.
The house is now listed as grade II* by historic England, and is this year celebrating its 25th Anniversary as a luxury hotel. The location is peaceful and idyllic, yet well under an hour from central London and very handy for Heathrow. The South facing aspect of the house showcases wonderful views of the River Thames and the Chiltern Hills beyond that can be enjoyed from two south facing terraces, reserved exclusively for guests of the hotel to enjoy.
What makes you different from the competition?
Danesfield House is a proudly independent, owner managed property and we focus on a discreet and understated approach. The house has played host to many high profile events over the years, all of whom have selected Danesfield House for this approach and our ability to create truly exclusive events.
What’s new at your property?
In early 2016 we unveiled the stable courtyard refurbishment, a full redevelopment of 24 rooms to create 16 luxury suites at a cost of £2.2 million. Ranging from elegant and spacious junior suites through to duplex suites of generous proportions over two floors. The original features of the house have been carefully retained whilst the interiors nod towards a more contemporary, yet comfortable experience. Located within the area that would formerly have been the stables of the house they are set in a beautifully presented courtyard, conveniently located a short stroll from the spa.
What booking trends are you noticing – source markets, types of clients, etc.?
There has certainly been an increase in overseas leisure guests post the Brexit announcement and the short term conditions this has created. We have also seen the return of the staycation trend over the summer period with a higher number of short breaks taken by UK based travelers, with a longer length of stay a particular feature.
How have the needs of today’s luxury traveller evolved?
Time is luxury, and more and more luxury travellers are seeking to curate travel that is relevant and personal to themselves and are more inclined to seek authentic experiences rather than crave material things, that are now a given.
The Londa Beach Hotel, Cyprus
Jochen Niemann, GM
What are the USPs of your property?
The Londa Beach Hotel is the only beachfront boutique hotel in Limassol with stunning sea views of the Mediterranean, and a prime location not far from the city centre. Its contemporary interior has been specifically designed by Italian architects, and exudes elegance and sophistication.
What makes you different from the competition?
Our USPs help us stand out from the competition in Limassol which are typically much larger resort-style hotels with lots of rooms and limited service Our small size and boutique character enables us to offer personalised service and recognise each guest’s individual preferences.
What’s new at your property?
We are constantly looking into enhancing our guests’ experiences, with our current main focus lying on technology. Last year we upgraded the internet in the entire hotel, added more satellite TV channels and we also launched a Concierge application for our guests, whereby our guests are able to download various international publications free of charge, amongst other things.
What booking trends are you noticing – source markets, types of clients, etc.?
In general, the main source markets have remained the same. Depending on the variance of exchange rates or current political situations, the nationality percentages may vary slightly. Booking trends however have changed, there has been a massive increase with reservations coming through OTAs and a decrease in traditional tour operator bookings. As a result, reservations are made on a shorter notice.
How have the needs of today’s luxury traveller evolved?
Today the bulk of luxury travellers take their virtual office and e-mail accounts with them when on holiday, demanding fast internet connections wherever they stay. While 2MB and two passwords per guest room was more than sufficient a couple of years ago, hoteliers are now looking at providing almost unlimited access.
Le Clos Saint Martin, Ile de Ré
Mélanie Lefavre – GM
What are the USPs of your property?
Firstly, it is our location in Saint Martin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the beautiful Ile de Ré that makes us so special. The hotel exudes tranquility, with our huge private garden at the back of the property. We also offer two heated pools and an exclusive 200m² Clarins Spa which is the only Clarins-branded spa on the island. Le Clos truly offers a home away from home which is what guests love most about us
What makes you different from the competition?
The very typical Ile de Ré spirit of the property is foremost what makes us stand out amongst our competitors. Each room and suite is individually designed and offers a completely different feel. Le Clos Saint Martin offers a range of accommodation options including La Villa, Les Jardins du Clos, l’hôtel and le Clos Cothonneau, enabling us to cater to all clients’needs – from those looking for a romantic escape, families and even groups looking for meeting space. As forementioned, we also boast the only Spa by Clarins on the island. Finally, i think what makes the difference is the personalised service we offer, enabling us to make each stay unique.
What’s new at your property?
We recently opened a new space called “Les Jardins du Clos”, a newly refurbished 18th century house, which offers several meeting rooms and salons for seminars, meetings and events and also a 2500m² garden, where we grow vegetables and herbs for our restaurant.
For 2017, we will open six new 40m² suites, each exuding luxury and exclusivity.
We also now offer Sunday brunch all year round with local and vegan products and a selection of French wine and Champagne.
What booking trends are you noticing – source markets, types of clients, etc?
We have noticed that bookings have increased out of high season and guests now want to visit Ile de Ré out of season, favouring our amazing micro climate in spring and autumn. Phone reservations have also increased, as guests prefer to talk to someone so that they can personalise their stay and get local recommendations for restaurants and bookings.
How have the needs of today’s luxury traveller evolved?
Travellers are now seeking real experiences in an authentic and safe destination, wanting to experience the local way of life while on holiday.
Guests also enjoy being surprised with novelties during their stay, so we have put together a pre-stay questionnaire to gain insight into our guests habits and desires. We also propose a list of specific services called “Magic wishes” to make our client stay as memorable as possible.
The Arch, London
Eva Mount – GM
What are the USPs of your property?
The Arch London was inspired by the London landmark, Marble Arch, and the local neighbourhood. It spans out over seven Grade II listed townhouses and two mews homes encompassing approximately 55,000 square feet. Vibrant installations of commissioned art by emerging British artists can be found throughout the hotel, punctuating the formal spaces created by the glorious Georgian architecture. The 82 guestrooms and suites showcase some of these pieces alongside ten individually designed colour schemes. Intricately finished, the materials used within this remarkable building have been chosen for their aesthetics, as well as ability to emphasize the immaculately restored classic features.
What makes you different from the competition?
We are a family owned and run independent hotel with bespoke standards and service. We adapt quickly to the changing needs of today’s traveller and provide a warm personal service with particular emphasis on business and family travellers.
What’s new at your property?
We have a Winter Wonderland package which encompasses all the usual family requirements; so our guests are confident we have anticipated all their needs and children stay and dine free. It also includes a cocktail for Mum and Dad as well as breakfast.
What booking trends are you noticing – source markets, types of clients, etc?
The exchange rate has improved for international travellers since Brexit and as a result our International bookings are on the increase; particularly from the USA and Australia. We’ve had our best July, August and September since we opened in late 2009. As I am sure all other hotels will tell you, the booking pace is much shorter and bookings are still dominated for new business by the OTAs.
How have the needs of today’s luxury traveller evolved?
Guests’ expectations are more experience led. Today our business travellers are much more likely to travel with their families including pets so they too can experience the vibrant city in between their work commitments.
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