The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd announces the addition of seven new members to its collection of more than 400 independent, luxury properties. Leading Hotels celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2018 and the new members effortlessly embody the collection’s nine-decade-long commitment to providing remarkable travel experiences and exacting standards to its guests.
Joining the collection are highly anticipated new hotels, like The Setai Tel Aviv in Israel’s ancient port city of Jaffa and Gran Hotel Inglés in Madrid’s trendy Las Letras borough. Well-established properties that are iconic in their destinations are also a part of the addition, such as the Parker Palm Springs in Southern California’s desert, Palazzo Avino in Amalfi’s seaside town of Ravello and Waldhaus Flims Alpine Grand Hotel & Spa in Switzerland’s fairy-tale forests. From the Parker New York, right in the bright lights of New York City, to the Hotel Weisses Roessl Kitzbühel, in the majestic Austrian Alps, the new members are now part of the vibrant future of The Leading Hotels of the World.
Palazzo Avino (Ravello, Italy)
For Amalfi coast bliss search no further than Palazzo Avino, perched high on the cliffs of the medieval hilltop village in of Ravello. Originally a 12th-century villa built for an esteemed Italian noble family, this multi-award-winning property has 33 rooms and 10 suites. It has been tastefully refurbished by the Avino family, keeping true to evocative medieval and baroque features. Enjoy a candlelit dinner or intimate Chef’s Table experience at Michelin-starred Rosellini’s Restaurant or sip wine at the Sommelier’s Table in the hotel’s wine cave. Private Amalfi Coast beach access, inspiring art, a serene spa and Southern Italian cuisine are all part of the Palazzo Avino journey.
Waldhaus Flims Alpine Grand Hotel & Spa (Flims, Switzerland)
With a history stretching back 140 years, Waldhaus Flims Alpine Grand Hotel & Spa enjoys an idyllic location, surrounded by a fairy-tale forest, amidst breathtaking mountains. The hotel sits in Waldhaus Park, one of the largest hotel owned parks in Switzerland, and encompassing three distinctive guest houses that are seamlessly connected by both covered walkways and underground passages. Traditional charm and contemporary style artfully blend throughout the property’s 143 guestrooms and venues. Three restaurants serve sophisticated local cuisine, while the two bars are ideal for savoring creative cocktails. A stunning Belle Epoque pavilion is the perfect location for concerts and events, and a dedicated ski room, tranquil spa, charming library, and hotel museum provide endless entertainment.
Hotel Weisses Rössl Kitzbühel (Kitzbühel, Austria)
Hotel Weisses Rössl Kitzbühel is located next to the 700-year-old historic center of Kitzbühel with its boutiques, restaurants, cafés and the Casino. Celebrated as the leading sports destination of the Alps, the town plays constant host to ski, snow polo, triathlon, tennis and golf tournaments. Hotel Weisses Rössl Kitzbühel was built in the 17th century and is owned by the Harisch family. It underwent a complete contemporary refurbishment in 2017 by famous Austrian architects. In addition to its 29 rooms and 18 suites, the hotel features two restaurants, a lobby-bar with open fire place, an extensive spa with indoor pool, saunas and a fitness center and conference facilities.
Parker Palm Springs (Palm Springs, CA, USA)
Sense of place is shaped at the glamorous Parker Palm Springs by wandering the thirteen lushly planted acres of California desert. A fire circle, fountains, fruit trees and herb gardens, hammocks strung between trees and hidden niches are just some of the surprising finds along the journey. Whether exploring the entire weave of walkways throughout the property, or simply following the path that leads from your room to breakfast at NORMA’S, dinner at the dark and seductive mister parker’s, or an afternoon drink at the poolside Lemonade Stand, you will be lost is the property’s magic. The luxe 1950s-era hideaway’s 131 rooms, 12 villas and the 2-bedroom Gene Autry residence are Moroccan inspired and feature Jonathan Adler designs throughout. The Palm Springs Yacht Club ensures ample relaxation, while red clay tennis courts, two outdoor pools and yard games of croquet and petanque provide endless entertainment.
Parker New York (New York, NY, USA)
With breathtaking views of New York City’s Central Park, a stay at the Parker New York places guests just steps from Fifth Avenue, Carnegie Hall and the bright lights of Broadway. The hotel’s 706 rooms and 23 suites provide access to a penthouse pool and sundeck and unmatched on-site fitness and beauty facilities. A range of dining options has food cravings covered: NORMA’S for breakfast all-day; Knave for a morning espresso or evening cocktail; Indian Accent for an elegant experience; and a “hidden” burger joint praised for having one of NY’s best burgers. As befits its sophisticated urban setting, the hotel also offers spectacular spaces for meetings and social events.
Opening In March:
The Setai Tel Aviv (Tel Aviv, Israel)
Located in the heart of the ancient port city of Jaffa, the highly anticipated Setai Tel Aviv opened on March 1. The five-building property was initially constructed as a fortress during the Crusader Kingdom's rule over Jaffa in the 12th-century and has since remained one of the most important properties in Israel from a historical, cultural and architectural perspective. The original buildings have been meticulously restored over the span of a 25-year preservation process, yielding 120 gorgeous guest rooms and suites that offer glistening views of the Mediterranean Sea and the historic Jaffa Clock Tower and Square. From the rooftop infinity pool to the full-service spa, authentic Turkish Hammam, and the lobby-level JAYA restaurant, The Setai Tel Aviv sits at the intersection of luxury and history and offers the same standard of service, hospitality and decor as The Setai, Miami Beach.
Gran Hotel Inglés (Madrid, Spain)
One hundred and thirty years after it first opened in 1886, the Gran Hotel Inglés is reborn. This storied property will officially re-open its doors on March 23, inviting guests to celebrate its luxurious history and welcome its modern and sophisticated future. The 48-room property was completely restored and renovated under the artistic direction of the Rockwell Group. Its elegant and evocative details bring to mind the interior of a luxurious art deco salon: hardwood floors, walls lined with padded leather panels, bronze furniture and glass details. The property also offers extraordinary dining venues and an exceptional fitness center with top-of-the-line exercise equipment, right in the trendy heart of Las Letras borough of Madrid.
Recent Renovations:
Bayerischer Hof (Munich, Germany)
In January 2018 the Bayerischer Hof completed an almost two-year, EUR 12 million renovation. The project was headed by renowned architect Axel Vervoordt, who collaborated on the redesign of the hotel’s Garden and Atelier Restaurants, astor@Cinema Lounge and the Palais Hall. An existing wing of the hotel was razed above the Komödie theatre to give rise to 28 new rooms and the Penthouse Garden Suite that occupies the entire 8th floor and is now the largest suite in Munich.
