Hilton Expands Luxury Portfolio with Small Luxury Hotels Partnership

Hilton Expands Luxury Portfolio with Small Luxury Hotels Partnership

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 12, 2024

Hilton has announced a major expansion of its luxury portfolio by adding nearly 400 boutique properties from the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection. This partnership makes these unique hotels available through Hilton's direct booking channels, including Hilton.com and the Hilton Honors app.

This collaboration significantly broadens Hilton's reach in the luxury market. By integrating SLH properties, Hilton enhances its prestigious lineup, which includes Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, LXR, and Signia by Hilton. These new additions offer travelers a variety of unique lodging experiences, from rustic retreats and rainforest lodges to coastal villas and city sanctuaries.

Hilton Honors members will particularly benefit from this partnership. They can earn and redeem points at participating SLH hotels, and enjoy exclusive perks such as free Wi-Fi, member discounts, room upgrades (subject to availability), and complimentary continental breakfast for Gold and Diamond members. The flexibility of the Hilton Honors program continues with options like Points & Money payments, no resort fees on point bookings, and a fifth night free on standard reward stays.

The SLH collection includes properties that offer personalized experiences reflecting local cultures and unique settings. Some notable examples are:

Hermitage Bay, Antigua and Barbuda: The property features elegantly designed suites that blend bright, beautiful interiors with natural wood accents and soft linens. Guests can unwind with Caribbean-inspired sundowners in the lounge or enjoy alfresco dining featuring organic produce sourced from local suppliers and the hotel's own kitchen garden.

image

Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Hong Kong: This luxurious hotel has recently been reimagined to offer light-filled spaces, refined dining options, and intricate touches that showcase top craftsmanship. Guests can enjoy a serene retreat within the city, featuring grand yet intimate accommodations that blend Hong Kong’s warm hospitality with chic, French-inspired design elements.

image

Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan: The boutique hotel boasts spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and forests, providing a serene and spiritual escape. The lodge's suites are designed to reflect Bhutanese farmhouse aesthetics, offering a rich cultural experience.

image

Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen, Denmark: This intimate hotel offers just 38 sophisticated rooms and suites, each designed with elegance and luxury in mind. Guests can indulge in the hotel's state-of-the-art wellness center, choose from five diverse dining options—including a classic French Brasserie—and enjoy the rustic charm of a wine cellar. 

image

Grove of Narberth, Wales, UK: This boutique escape is known for its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, featuring big, comfy sofas, roaring fires, and beautiful gardens. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the rolling hills and dine at one of the most celebrated restaurants in Wales.

image

Nobu Hotel Marbella, Spain: By day, the hotel exudes relaxed luxury with its pristine sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters, known as the Golden Mile. By night, it transforms into a high-end dining destination featuring the world-renowned Nobu restaurant. Guests can indulge in exceptional cuisine and enjoy the vibrant nightlife at the exclusive La Plaza, making it a prime destination for luxury travelers.

image

Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa, Wyoming, USA: This 40-room hotel is renowned for its excellent dining, relaxing spa, and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can explore the great outdoors with activities such as skiing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The lodge’s chic Western-style décor, complete with warming fires, offers a perfect blend of comfort and adventure for travelers seeking an authentic Jackson experience.

image

Since the announcement in February, 390 SLH properties have joined the partnership, with more expected as the relationship between SLH and Hilton develops. This strategic move aligns with Hilton's goal of creating distinct, localized travel experiences for its guests.

Statements from Leaders

Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton, stated, “Integrating with Small Luxury Hotels of the World allows us to expand the Hilton stay experience and travel aspirations for all guests, with special opportunities for our loyal Hilton Honors members. The hundreds of independently minded properties are highly complementary to our renowned luxury portfolio and support Hilton’s ongoing efforts to expand and create distinct, localized travel experiences for our guests.”

Shaun Leleu, Chairman of SLH, added, “Through this collaboration, Hilton guests and Hilton Honors members will receive a warm welcome at SLH member hotels, allowing them to experience our distinctive approach to hospitality. This alliance expands the reach of our boutique hotels to Hilton's loyal and discerning clientele, transforming the global landscape for independently owned hotels in a remarkable way.”

For more information about booking these properties and joining Hilton Honors, visit Hilton.com.


Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels Launches UAE Engagement for Eco-Tourism

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels Launches UAE Engagement for Eco-Tourism

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels has launched a UAE engagement initiative as part of its Global Alliance Collaborator (GAC) program. The program connects communities and organizations across the UAE with global partners, supporting the development of movable underwater hotels at 33 destinations worldwide.

The eco-luxury underwater hotels, designed under a U.S. Patent-approved concept, will feature 26 guest suites located about 30 feet below the surface, offering panoramic views of marine ecosystems. The project also integrates coral reef restoration using Biorock technology, promoting biodiversity and long-term sustainability.

image

Tony Webb, founder of Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels, said, "Our vision is to create opportunities for collaboration between nations while protecting fragile marine environments. By inviting participation from the Emirates, we see alignment with regional strategies such as Dubai’s D33 Agenda and Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030."

As part of the initiative, local organizations in the UAE are encouraged to promote participation in the GAC program. The program offers employment opportunities in hotel and resort operations and provides a platform for regional media to raise awareness about sustainable tourism and marine conservation.

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels emphasizes community involvement, workforce development, and environmental benefits. A core aspect of the initiative is supporting coral reef restoration to enhance local ecosystems while contributing to global sustainability goals.

About Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels LLC

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels, LLC is an international eco-tourism venture developing movable underwater hotels that combine luxury travel with marine conservation. Based on U.S. Patent Design D736,947, the project integrates advanced engineering, sustainable practices, and global community collaboration.

For more information, visit Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels or contact Tony Webb via email at info@PlanetOceanUnderwaterHotel.com.


Sterling Launches Sterling Ameris Kasauli, Its 5th Resort in Himachal

Sterling Launches Sterling Ameris Kasauli, Its 5th Resort in Himachal

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts has launched Sterling Ameris Kasauli, a boutique retreat nestled amidst pine-clad slopes and panoramic Shivalik views. Located along the scenic Dharampur–Kasauli Road, the resort invites travellers to slow down and rediscover mindful mountain living.

Once a colonial hamlet, Kasauli has grown into one of North India’s most loved escapes, where misty mornings, heritage trails, and a gentle pace of life blend seamlessly. Just a short drive from Chandigarh and Delhi NCR, Sterling Ameris Kasauli offers peace, wellness, and understated sophistication for travellers seeking a serene getaway.

The resort features Shivalik-facing rooms with private sit-outs, combining contemporary mountain chic with natural elegance. Warm palettes, handcrafted accents, and design simplicity mirror the quiet grace of its surroundings.

Dining at Valley View offers more than a meal, it’s a mindful experience. The pure-vegetarian menu features local classics like Siddu, Sepu Vadi, and Cholai Kheer, reinterpreted with modern sensibilities and served against panoramic mountain views. As evening falls, the terrace transforms into an open-air lounge, ideal for yoga, relaxation, or leisurely conversations.

As part of Sterling’s Discoveries & Experiences program, guests can explore Gilbert Trail, Manki Point, Christ Church, Sunset Point, or join guided pine walks to fully experience Kasauli’s charm.

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, said, "Sterling Ameris Kasauli reflects our intent to grow with purpose, expanding into destinations that embody serenity, design, and discovery. Our ‘What a Trip’ curated circuits link destinations like Kasauli, Chail, Shimla, and Kufri into immersive travel experiences, shaping a soulful travel ecosystem across India."

Madhav Gupta, Director of Satvik Bliss Pvt. Ltd., added, "Our vision for Ameris Kasauli was to create a retreat that honours the land’s natural grace while offering guests refined simplicity. Partnering with Sterling was a natural choice, and together we hope to present Kasauli as a destination that stays with you long after you leave."

About Sterling Holiday Resorts

Sterling Holiday Resorts is a leading hospitality brand in India with a footprint across hills, beaches, jungles, heritage, and spiritual destinations. With five resorts in Himachal Pradesh, including Chail, Kasauli, Kufri, Shimla, and Manali, Sterling offers immersive experiences for today’s travellers. A wholly managed subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Limited, Sterling continues to blend local character with national scale, crafting memorable stays across India’s favourite holiday destinations.


ITC Hotels Signs New Luxury Property in Patna

ITC Hotels Signs New Luxury Property in Patna

By Hariharan U

Published on October 8, 2025

ITC Hotels is expanding its luxury portfolio with a new 140-room property in Patna, in collaboration with Kumar Infra Hotel Private Limited (KIHPL). The hotel, set on a 1.5-acre site, is expected to raise the bar for luxury accommodation and dining in Bihar and the surrounding region.

The project was awarded to KIHPL through a competitive government bid under Bihar’s tourism development initiatives, with ITC Hotels finalised as the operator. The property will offer world-class amenities, meeting facilities, and curated experiences that reflect the cultural and heritage ethos of the region.

Speaking on the announcement, Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels, said, "It shall be a privilege to showcase our iconic culinary and service excellence in Bihar through this ITC Luxury Hotel. Our luxury properties epitomize the culture and ethos of each destination offering indigenous experiences while celebrating the rich heritage of the region through distinctive architecture, arts, crafts & rituals."

Manish Kumar, Director of KIHPL, added, "We are excited and honoured to have entered into management agreements with ITC Hotels for a new luxury hotel in Patna. It is a matter of pride for us to develop this project with the vision of Bihar Government to strengthen the commercial and cultural identity of Patna. We look forward to our association with ITC Hotels to develop an iconic luxury project to elevate the tourism potential and hospitality landscape of Bihar."

The upcoming ITC Hotel in Patna is expected to attract both business and leisure travellers, contributing to the growth of the state’s hospitality sector while offering guests a luxury experience that highlights the city’s culture and charm.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.