Global luxury hotels company, Splendia has seen a considerable increase in the number of customers choosing to stay at small, intimate hotels.
A recent study carried out by Splendia, based on 2010 sales figures as well as feedback from customers, illustrates that more and more people are looking for something unique and really special when they book a hotel, so they are opting for smaller, intimate hotels.
Fiona Gillen, VP Marketing at Splendia explains:
“Going one step further than boutique hotels, intimate hotels have as little as just one room. Being among a select few guests means guaranteed outstanding personalised service and intimacy, a luxury that larger chain hotels are unable to offer on the same level.“
This growing trend in the hotels industry is very much in line with the Splendia promise delivered by the Luxury & Character Hotels brand since its launch in 2004: to offer customers a unique and memorable hotel stay. Thanks to its team of travel experts who relentlessly scour the globe for small, independent hotels – real hidden gems – that may otherwise remain unknown, Splendia prides itself on its matchless selection of carefully chosen hotels.
Below are five of Splendia’s best kept secrets – some truly intimate hotels:
SUITE SISTINA – Rome, Italy
Suite Sistina is a small Art Deco hotel at the heart of Rome with just nine rooms. A stone’s throw from Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps, it is one of the most romantic hotels in the Italian capital. This exclusive hotel guarantees privacy above all. The interesting décor is heightened by original lighting and a well-informed shopping assistant will be at your service upon request.
ZANNOS MELATHRON DELUXE – Santorini, Greece
Old-fashioned splendor and charm are embodied at the Zannos Melathron Deluxe in the town of Pyrgos, the highest point of Santorini. It has just ten suites, which are spread over two historic buildings – one a Renaissance villa from 1750 and the other a 19th century mansion. Each suite has its own theme and original décor. An outdoor pool built into the stone flooring is located on the old patio of the mansion, from where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views.
HOTEL CORRAL DEL REY – Seville, Spain
In the heart of the old town, this six-room hotel was once a noble house dating back to the 17th century. It is where modern luxury is combined with the craftsmanship of previous centuries – remarkable architectural highlights include Roman marble columns and vaulted cellars discovered during restoration. The hotel has a rooftop garden with an outdoor pool and a priceless view of the world’s largest gothic cathedral, La Giralda.
CASA AMARELO – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This luxurious five-room hotel can be found among artists’ studios and charming Brazilian homes in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro’s bohemian quarter. The hotel is a blend of French elegance and warm Brazilian hospitality; contemporary design is mixed with antique Brazilian furniture from the 1950s and ‘60s. Just minutes from the picturesque beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, the hotel has a garden with an outdoor pool and an amazing view of Downtown Rio.
HOTEL ONE BY THE FIVE– Paris, France
Unique and sexy, this one-suite hotel offers an experience like no other – ideal for couples looking to escape into their own private love nest. One by the Five is a contemporary dream; gold ceilings, chandeliers and a circular room are all part of the experience. The scarcely-decorated bedroom is designed to give the illusion of floating on a cloud – the bed is bolted to the wall, so it hangs in the air, and you can even produce a starlit sky at the touch of a button. Off the room is a tiny patio, where you can watch the sunrise over the Seine.
Splendia is the global leader in online bookings for Luxury & Character Hotels. Representing more than 5,000 properties across 130 countries, Splendia guarantees the best rates with no hidden extras, exclusive guest benefits and an unquestionable quality service 24/7. Launched in 2004, Splendia has an expert team of 100 people with a Head Office in Hong Kong and branch offices in Barcelona and Miami. Alven Capital, investor in Splendia since 2006, was joined by Crédit Agricole Private Equity in 2008 to support international development.
