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The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Launches A Portal To The World’s Most Exceptional Destinations Through The New

New York, NY – July 21, 2008 – The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 65 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries, today launched the new www.luxurycollection.com, unveiling a world of exploration featuring unique, authentic and enriching experiences at the world’s most desirable destinations. Far more than a hotel website, www.luxurycollection.com is an international travel destination site with exclusive travel information, original editorial content, insider travel tips, and recommendations from local destination experts.  The new brand site also features exceptional photography from National Geographic Image Collection, giving The Luxury Collection’s affluent global explorers access to the magnificent settings surrounding each Luxury Collection property.

Inspired by the world of art museums and galleries, the site is designed to showcase the rich diversity of The Luxury Collection portfolio, which features some of the world’s most iconic, award-winning properties, including Hotel Danieli, Venice; Hotel Imperial, Vienna; Grande Bretagne, Athens; Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa, French Polynesia; The U.S. Grant, San Diego; Palace Hotel, San Francisco and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.

“Today we proudly unveil the new luxurycollection.com, offering our global guests a rich online experience that will mirror the unique and authentic experiences found at The Luxury Collection’s Hotels and Resorts,” said Phil McAveety, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.  “For today’s affluent global explorer, The Luxury Collection is the curator of extraordinary destination experiences where nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do.”

Destinations
The Luxury Collection invites sophisticated global explorers to uncover the indigenous offerings, heritage and treasures at each distinctive Luxury Collection locale through the innovative design and rich content of www.luxurycollection.com.  Visitors to the Destination pages will find exclusive editorial content featuring international travel tips and recommendations from local destination experts, a property overview and highlights page featuring each property’s signature crest and color, and links to additional Luxury Collection properties located within the region.  From Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa in Argentina to Hotel Pitrizza in Italy, The Luxury Collection’s affluent global travelers are invited to unlock the rich history indigenous cuisine, and surrounding natural beauty in over 65 destinations.

Pursuits
Travelers can discover ancient heritage at the world’s most celebrated locations, be pampered at award-winning indigenous spas, or unwind in peace and tranquility at exclusive hideaways, all by accessing The Luxury Collection’s Pursuits.  Guests seeking once-in-lifetime authentic experiences will be able to search the Pursuits page for extraordinary opportunities and events at each Luxury Collection destination relating to interests ranging from Architecture & Design, Award-Winning Cuisine, Secret Hideaways, Yachting, Adventure, Romance and Wildlife. 

Global Cultural Calendar
Distinctive locales, unforgettable events and limitless possibilities are easily accessible with The Luxury Collection’s exclusive Cultural Calendar.  Offering an international view of upcoming events curated by each region, the site allows guests to search the Cultural Calendar and choose a destination based on the experience that awaits them, from Chinese New Year in Mauritius to the Bali Arts Festival in Indonesia to the International Aegean Sailing Rally in Greece.

Exclusives
Guests can explore and discover exceptional experiences with the Exclusives page including Featured Offers, Destination and Limited Edition packages.  For families, visitors will find Love Your Family packages at Luxury Collection destinations all over the world featuring group activities and special kids programs. A page with Featured Exclusives caters to every mood and desire with offers from the best golf courses at some of the world’s most exotic destinations to the ultimate weekend of pampering and relaxation at The Luxury Collection’s finest spas. Visitors can also link to The Luxury Collection’s exceptional Epicurean Packages.

Privileges
The Privileges page allows guests to contact a personal Luxury Collection Concierge©, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and learn about The Luxury Collection’s latest signature services and recently launched partnerships with industry leaders Luggage Forward and NewspaperDirect.  The joint venture with Luggage Forward, the leading provider of door-to-door luggage and sports equipment delivery, will now allow guests the luxury of traveling luggage free with The Luxury Collection’s Luggage Liaison travel service.  The partnership with NewspaperDirect, the world leader in multi-channel newspaper and magazine content distribution, will now allow guests to have access to a world of newspapers and publications at their fingertips.

To explore the new Luxury Collection website, please visit: www.luxurycollection.com

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts:
The Luxury Collection® is a selection of 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. Magnificent décor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Today, The Luxury Collection is a glittering ensemble of more than 65 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning hotels that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class in some of the most desired destinations in the world.   Most recently, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Resort, was honored with the 2008 Travel + Leisure Design Award for Best Small Resort in the world. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com