“Over the last few years, we have seen a seismic growth in luxury travel,” said Satya Anand, Chief Operations Officer, Luxury & Southern Europe, Marriott International. “Together with the owners of these five new Luxury Collection hotels we are working towards meeting the increasing demand for luxury accommodations and offering our guests an extraordinary collection of luxury experiences in established and up-and-coming European destinations.”

“Marriott International has the strongest team of luxury talent in the industry, with boundless creative energy. This, combined with The Luxury Collection’s remarkable global growth strategy, consolidates our position as the leading hospitality company serving the luxury consumer”, said Mitzi Gaskins, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “Europe offers tremendous potential and we are committed to increasing our footprint significantly with the world’s finest luxury hotels over the next few years. Our goal is to open 12 Luxury Collection hotels globally by the end of 2017, and with these five additions in Europe, we are well on track.”

The Wellesley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Knightsbridge, London

An intimate and refined hotel converted from a luxurious 1920s townhouse, The Wellesley is ideally situated in the prestigious area of Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park and steps away from London’s finest boutiques and acclaimed restaurants. Hotel guests have the opportunity to explore London in the hotel’s Rolls Royce and access 24-hour Butler service to suit their needs, lifestyle and expectations. Famed for its exquisite style and impeccable service, The Wellesley features 36 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, with many offering panoramic views over the London Skyline. The hotel’s interior design is timeless with a sophisticated Art Deco style; bronze doors unveil a shimmering marble lobby highlighted by crystal chandeliers while the elegant guestrooms combine beautiful 1920s-inspired design with the latest modern amenities. Indulgent culinary venues include the Oval Restaurant; Crystal Bar, which features a vast selection of whisky, cognac and Armagnac; Jazz Lounge where guests can enjoy weekly live jazz performances; and the exceptional Cigar Terrace, an exclusive heated terrace complete with bespoke walk-in humidor and a connoisseur’s selection of the finest cigars. The Wellesley will become London’s third Luxury Collection Hotel when it joins the brand, slatedfor the first half of 2017.

The Westbury, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mayfair, London

Currently undergoing an all-encompassing renovation by Alex Kravetz Designs, The Westbury is located in London’s fashionable Mayfair, world renowned for its luxury shopping and historic British architecture. The hotel’s timeless chic design, defined by the geometric facade and the stylish furnishing, creates a delectable and contemporary environment paired with distinguished service. The Westbury features 225 guest rooms and 43 suites, all elegantly furnished with wood paneled entrances, Italian marble bathrooms and luxurious interiors. Guests will enjoy a unique culinary experience at Alyn Williams at The Westbury, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, or experience the exquisite Japanese cuisine of the intimate Tsukiji Sushi Restaurant. Under the same roof is the multi-award winning Polo Bar with its opulent design, Swarovski Crystal fittings and custom Fendi detailing, offering its sophisticated clientele an exceptional cocktail list to pair with attentively prepared bites. The hotel also features two large meeting rooms and a fitness centre. The Westbury is scheduled to debut under The Luxury Collection flag after its full renovation in spring 2017.

Hôtel de Berri, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Paris

Located in the 8^th Arrondissement of Paris, just steps from the Champs Elysées, Hôtel de Berri is set to become one of Paris’ most fashionable hotels. The former office building is currently undergoing an extensive transformation to convert into a 76-room modernist luxury hotel. Once completed it will feature 37 spacious and elegantly appointed suites as big as 110 square meters, a bar overlooking a large and quiet private garden, a specialty restaurant and a curated collection of contemporary and modern art, antiques and furniture. A fitness room and a spa suite are planned, whilst an intimate salon will be available for meetings and private events. A team of talented architects and interior designers has been working on a meticulous plan inspired by the aesthetic of legendary French 20^thcentury designers, contributing to position Hôtel de Berri as the hotel of choice for global explorers.  The new boutique hotel is due to open early in 2018.

Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Cortina

An iconic property set in the spectacular Dolomites mountain range in Italy, Cristallo Resort & Spa was built in 1901 and boasts a fascinating history. The resort is located in the Northeastern Alps, in the spectacular surroundings of Cortina, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, famed for the breathtaking landscape and surroundings. Just a few minutes away from the main shopping street and a short walk from the Faloria ski lift, connecting guests to the Dolomiti Superski area, the resort is in the center of Cortina. Featuring 74 rooms, 7 Royal suites and 2 Presidential suites, each of the charmingly appointed accommodations offer a sweeping view over the mountains and stunning vistas around the town. Cristallo also boasts four restaurants providing guests an array of Italian recipes and atmospheres. Ristorante Gazebo offers a casual dining experience in a unique circular room enclosed in crystal-clear glass with panoramic views of the valley; La Veranda is an authentic Italian restaurant; La Stube 1872 is the venue of choice for a fine dining experience; and The Cantuccio, is the Chef’s Private Table. Guests can also experience luxurious treatments at the Transvital Swiss Beauty Center. In addition, the hotel comprises a private event space, an indoor swimming pool and a golf course, in partnership with Golf Club Cortina. Owned by Hotel Cristallo SpA, Cristallo Resort & Spa will expand Italy’s The Luxury Collection portfolio to eight hotels when it joins the brand after the winter season.

The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan

Owned by Tsupani CJSC and the first hotel to open as part of The Luxury Collection in Armenia in autumn 2017, The Alexander will provide guests with unique access to authentic destination experiences. Located in one of the most prestigious addresses in the capital city, The Alexander will be set in the historic heart of Yerevan, close to the Republic Square. An eclectic array of cultural attractions will be steps away, including The Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, known for its literary anthology dating back to the ninth century, the famous seven fountains, as well as the History Museum and National Art Gallery, the largest art museum in Armenia. The Alexander will feature 114 luxurious guest rooms, including 17 opulent suites and a Presidential Suite. In addition, the new-build hotel will offer superlative event and meeting space including a ballroom, eight meeting rooms and a business center. The unparalleled wellness facilities include an indoor pool, spa and a fitness center. Culinary offerings at The Alexander will include an all-day dining restaurant, a cigar club and a lobby bar.

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts

The Luxury Collection brand is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble, recently surpassing 100 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information and new openings, visit theluxurycollection.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.