Four Seasons Leads the Luxury Hospitality World with Forbes Five-Star Accolades

By Author

Published on February 9, 2024

Four Seasons has once again solidified its position as the premier luxury hospitality brand, achieving an unparalleled feat in the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards. For the ninth consecutive year, the brand has outshone competitors by securing the most Five-Star designations of any company globally, underscoring its unwavering commitment to excellence in the luxury hospitality sector.

With an impressive tally of 66 Five-Star awards spread across 45 hotels, 15 spas, and 6 restaurants within its global portfolio, Four Seasons not only celebrates its rich legacy but also sets the stage for future growth and innovation in delivering exceptional service and experiences.

Alejandro Reynal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Four Seasons, expressed immense pride in the brand's achievements, attributing the success to the dedication and commitment of its global teams. He emphasized that the personalized service and genuine care provided by Four Seasons staff are the cornerstones of the brand's success and the reason it continues to lead in the luxury hospitality industry.

This year, Four Seasons Hotel Doha joins the prestigious list as the latest property to earn the coveted Five-Star status. Additionally, significant milestones were achieved by Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Four Seasons Hotel Boston, and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, each celebrating over two decades of maintaining their Five-Star ratings.

The brand's philosophy of unscripted care, exceptional craftsmanship, and personalized service is brought to life daily by over 50,000 employees worldwide. In recognition of their outstanding performance, Forbes Travel Guide's fourth annual Employee of the Year Awards named Kerson Francois, Engineer at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, as a finalist, celebrating his remarkable contribution to enhancing guest experiences.

Rainer Stampfer, President of Global Operations for Hotels and Resorts at Four Seasons, highlighted the brand's continuous efforts to elevate its offerings and adapt to the evolving needs of today's luxury traveler. He extended congratulations to all Four Seasons teams for their exceptional industry recognition and their role in maintaining the brand's leadership in the luxury hospitality space.

The Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, according to Amanda Frasier, President of Ratings, are a testament to Four Seasons' dynamic excellence in providing the highest standards of service across its hotels, resorts, restaurants, and spas globally. She commended the global teams for their sustained success and leadership in the awards over nine years.

As Four Seasons continues to expand and enhance its portfolio, it remains committed to being the most aspirational luxury hospitality and residential brand. With a focus on growing its core business of hotels and resorts, expanding its residential offerings, and delivering immersive luxury experiences through its Jet, Drive, and upcoming Yacht journeys, Four Seasons is poised for an exciting future filled with more accolades and successes.

Crowne Plaza Expands in Australia with New Openings in Adelaide and Sydney

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 22, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a remarkable milestone for its Crowne Plaza brand with the opening of two new properties in Australia—Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes and Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport. These openings mark the beginning of an ambitious expansion strategy, with three more Crowne Plaza hotels set to launch in the next 12 months.

Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes

Nestled in northern Adelaide, the Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes is part of a stunning seven-storey development. With 155 guest rooms, the property features artistic elements inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of South Australia.

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including king and twin-share rooms, suites, and kitchenette-equipped options. Catering to both leisure and business travelers, the hotel offers 24-hour in-room dining and boasts more than 442m² of versatile event space, accommodating up to 250 guests for conferences, weddings, or special occasions.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport

The Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport has undergone a major transformation, following a $15 million refurbishment in 2022. The upgraded hotel now showcases a refreshed reception area and redesigned guestrooms aimed at providing a relaxing, restorative experience for travelers.

Guests can enjoy 24-hour room service, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a sauna, and event spaces that feature ample natural light and private bar facilities—perfect for hosting corporate gatherings or social events. Conveniently located near Sydney Airport, this property offers a seamless blend of comfort and functionality.

A Glimpse into the Future

IHG’s commitment to growth extends far beyond Australia, with over 90 Crowne Plaza hotels currently in the pipeline for the Asia-Pacific region. Upcoming launches include notable properties such as Crowne Plaza Bangkok Grand Sukhumvit and Crowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9, further solidifying the brand’s footprint in Southeast Asia.

Additionally, IHG’s Vignette Collection continues to flourish with unique offerings such as the Shanghai Snow World Hotel—a 272-room property featuring direct access to a 90,000m² indoor snow area. This initiative showcases IHG’s focus on innovation and delivering one-of-a-kind experiences tailored to diverse traveler preferences.

Industry Insights

Commenting on the expansion, Tom Rowntree, Vice-President of IHG Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, shared, “The creation of the Vignette Collection brand has allowed us to grow a family of properties that offers guests one-of-a-kind experiences at hotels filled with individuality and character. The brand is a demonstration of both future innovation and hotels filled with rich history.”

The growth of Crowne Plaza in Australia underscores IHG’s broader strategy to cater to the evolving needs of travelers in the Asia-Pacific region, blending modern amenities with local cultural nuances.

As IHG continues to break new ground, the future of hospitality looks promising with properties that not only celebrate individuality but also push the boundaries of guest experiences

Celebrate the Festive Season in Style with Lords Hotels & Resorts

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 21, 2024

This festive season, Lords Hotels & Resorts invites you to revel in the magic of the holidays with grand celebrations, exceptional dining experiences, rejuvenating offerings, and exclusive stay packages. Whether you're looking for a serene holiday escape or a vibrant destination to ring in the New Year, Lords has it all.

To make your celebrations even more special, the group is offering a stay package with discounts of up to 30% at select locations. It's the perfect opportunity to create cherished memories with family and friends in stunning settings.

Speaking about the festive plans, Pushpendra Bansal, COO of Lords Hotels & Resorts, said, "We invite you to join us in commemorating Christmas and welcoming the New Year at our hotels, which are a haven of merriment for all ages. This delightful experience will surely immerse you in the essence of the season's enchanting celebrations."

With a presence spanning 70 hotels and over 3,000 keys across three nations, Lords Hotels & Resorts is known for its warm hospitality and exceptional experiences. This festive season, let Lords be your destination for unforgettable celebrations.

For more details and bookings, visit: Lords Hotels & Resorts Offers

Sterling Palavelli Godavari: A Reimagined Retreat in Konaseema

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 21, 2024

Sterling Holiday Resorts, a name synonymous with luxury and immersive travel, has reimagined its stunning property, Sterling Palavelli Godavari, nestled in the lush beauty of Konaseema. This 13-acre riverside retreat blends the region’s cultural richness with modern comforts, offering an unforgettable stay for travelers seeking tranquility and unique experiences.

A Natural Haven

Surrounded by sprawling coconut plantations and a vibrant biodiversity hotspot, the resort is home to 23 exotic species of flora. Guests can wake up to the breathtaking sight of blooming Amazonica lilies and thousand-petal lotuses in the central pond—a serene start to any day.

Heritage Meets Modern Luxury

Sterling Palavelli Godavari boasts accommodations that celebrate regional artistry while providing the ultimate comfort. Choose from Zamindar-style Houses and rustic Mud Houses for a heritage experience, Manduva Logili rooms showcasing local craftsmanship, or the newly upgraded spacious rooms and suites, featuring elegant, modern interiors that cater to the needs of art lovers and luxury travelers.

According to Mr. Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, "Sterling Palavelli Godavari epitomizes our commitment to creating travel experiences that immerse guests in the region's essence while providing unmatched luxury and comfort."

Culinary Delights

The resort's signature all-day dining restaurant, Konaseema, is a gastronomic celebration of local flavors. Relish delicacies like Pulasa fish, the iconic Pootharekulu, or indulge in a blend of Indian and international cuisines thoughtfully curated to revive native tastes.

Exciting Experiences and Activities

From laidback luxury to high-energy adventures, Sterling Palavelli Godavari has something for every traveler:

Relaxation: Dive into the Infinity Pool or rejuvenate at the Subuthi Spa.
Adventure: Speed-boat rides on the Godavari and thrilling on-site activities.
Celebrations: Host grand weddings or events in the resort’s 2-acre outdoor space with the Godavari River as a backdrop. For exclusivity, the houseboat offers CXO meetings and high-tea cruises.
Culture: Engage in local experiences like Burra Katha folk performances, Sankranti celebrations, temple trails, paddy cultivation tours, and jaggery-making workshops.

A Complete Getaway

Sterling Palavelli Godavari promises unforgettable sunsets, Instagram-worthy venues, and immersive cultural adventures, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all kinds.

Plan Your Escape
Book your stay now to experience the magic of Sterling Palavelli Godavari. For more details, visit www.sterlingholidays.com.

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