Prince Alwaleed: “This is a historical achievement for Kingdom Holding”
HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) said that "This is a historical achievement for Kingdom Holding" as Paris's Four Seasons Hotel George V is ranked Best City Hotel Worldwide in the 2010 Gallivanter’s Guide for 8 consecutive years.
The George V's luxurious and elegant interior and architectural design has made it unique. The décor is a combination of classical designs with a modern touch. The hotel's interiors are adorned with magnificent tapestries and spectacular flowers. George V is exquisite in every detail and boasts top quality dining, with Philippe Legendre's Le Cinq restaurant which was awarded its third-Michelin-star (aka Macarons), the highest a restaurant can earn. As such, Le Cinq became one of the best tables in Paris. The restaurant of the Four Seasons Hotel George V is open every day of the year without exception. Moreover, the George V was ranked Top International Hotel in the ZAGAT Survey edition 2007/2008, the Zagat Survey of Paris Restaurants 2006/2007 edition ranked George V to have the Best Gastronomic Restaurant in Paris, Best Hotel Restaurant for dinner in Paris and Best Restaurant for Services and Cuisine in Paris.
The George V has received numerous recognitions: this year, the George V was ranked Best City Hotel Worldwide in Ultratravel magazine, the hotel was also ranked Best International Business Hotel by Conde Nast Traveler in 2006, "When it comes to catering for business travelers, hotels are finding that convenience and flexibility count as much as luxury. Paris's Four Seasons Hotel George V … will send a representative to greet you at the plane and expedite your way through customs," described the survey.
Furthermore, the George V was ranked Best City Hotel Worldwide in the 2008/09 Gallivanter’s Guide for 6 consecutive years, ranked Best European City Hotel in Europe for 8 consecutive years in Gallivanter's Guide in 2008 and World's Best International City Hotel in Andrew Harper's Hideaway report 2008 and Best International City Hotel in Andrew Harper's Hideaway report in 2005. The George V has also been rated the world's number one hotel by the ZAGAT Survey in its 2004 Top International Hotels, Resorts & Spas edition. The Survey described George V as a "jewel in the Four Season's crown" with its elegant rooms, magnificent views, fsouvenir-quality bathroom amenities, outstanding spa and sublime staff. The hotel was also ranked World's Best Hotel in the same year, in the Institutional Investor.
In September 2002, L'hôtellerie magazine published a report entitled: "Four Seasons George V Hotel Best Luxurious Hotel in the World in 2002-2003."
In March of the same year, Forbes Global published a survey of 25,000 executives who frequently travel to international destinations. The number one choice of these sophisticated travelers was the Four Seasons George V Hotel in Paris.
Prince Alwaleed acquired the George V in 1996 for $178 million. A two-year $125 million comprehensive renovation was started in December 1997. The total cost of acquiring the hotel and renovation amounted to $303 million, reflecting the Prince’s dedication to restore the glory of this landmark.
Since its reopening in mid December 1999, the Four Seasons George V has become internationally-renowned for its top notch services. When the hotel reopened Prince Alwaleed commented saying, “I am confident that the George V with its new look will be the crown jewel of hotels in the world. Great efforts have been exerted to offer the best luxury services. I am sure that guests of the George V will experience unparalleled service.”