Every year the world’s finest hotels are assessed and critiqued to sift out the very best of the best in their offerings of exclusive world-class accommodation, writes Michelle Snyman.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards are responsible for rewarding these legends of the hospitality industry, and are thus positioned as the pinnacle of achievement for luxury hotels worldwide.
Established in 2006, the World Luxury Hotel Awards celebrates excellence in the luxury hotel sector and rewards those establishments, who through their exceptional efforts, truly put that extra sparkle on the definition of a ‘luxury’ establishment. “It is about rewarding and congratulating hotels and spas that have excelled beyond the normal call of duty.”
Awards are presented to luxury hotels in different categories on a country, continent and global basis. The objectives of these awards are to recognise and celebrate service excellence and to encourage key players to strive to new heights to grow global competitiveness in the industry. As a result, the forerunners set the bar for each year’s standards and awards. The world’s top hotels including brands such as Swissôtel, InterContinental, Hilton, Kempinski, Anantara & Mövenpick Hotels compete annually to receive top honours.
From the hinterland regions of Australia to the island paradises of sunny Santorini or Bora Bora, the luxury hotels who receive these prestigious awards are often unparalleled in the experiences they offer guests with their one-of-a-kind awe-inspiring locations, top-notch service and overall superior luxury factor. These are the most sought-after rooms around the globe and many will accommodate the world’s elite – celebrities, dignitaries and global entrepreneurs who indulge in the extravagances on offer at these resorts.
By seeking out the crème de la crème in the industry, the World Luxury Hotel Awards create awareness about the value and importance of outstanding service delivery which ultimately raises service standards.
Furthermore, the public is given a voice that counts, as international tour operators, travel agents and hotel guests are allowed to vote annually for their favourite destinations and elect the final winners.
Voting is based on facilities and service excellence and hotels are encouraged to conduct voting campaigns in order to promote their participation among guests.
Growing numbers of discerning travellers around the globe are seeking excellent value, impeccable service and the highest quality these days and are now making a point of checking to see who has won a World Luxury Hotel Award before making their own travel choices. The Ultimate Hotel Guide featuring Award winners has also become increasingly popular amongst travel agents and tour operators that utilise it for global reservations. The 9th Edition of this luxury guide will be revealed at the October 2015 Gala Ceremony.
With over 1000 hotels from 145 countries nominated to participate in the world’s most prestigious Awards initiative for luxury hotels in 2015, the process and bestowment of titles are no small feat.
The Awards thus account for over fifty categories in the luxury hotel industry and include amongst others Luxury Private Island Resorts, Casino Hotels, City Hotels, and Lodges, as well as two new prestigious awards to be introduces in 2016: The Chairman’s Choice Award and The Timeless Heritage Award.
According to the team behind these prestigious awards: “We believe that World Luxury Hotel Awards category winners would serve as an inspiration to nominees and other luxury properties on the global front to raise their levels of service delivery in order to feel comfortable in competing on an international level and to set a benchmark for themselves.”
The World Luxury Hotel Awards sets a precedent to celebrate the iconic global accommodation leaders. By association, winner-hotels within the World Luxury Hotel Awards, become part of the very rare ‘legendary hotel’ association.
Gala Ceremony
The 2015 World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony will be hosted in the international destination, Hong Kong, China, by the prestigious property, Harbour Grand Hong Kong on 24 October. This will mark the third year that the annual gala ceremony will be hosted in Asia.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards Annual Gala Ceremony can be described as the “Oscars” Academy Awards of the hospitality sector. The Harbour Grand Hong Kong reflects the true essence and international standard of the luxury hotel industry. This multi-award winning hotel is located in the heart of Hong Kong Island within walking distance of the MTR station with easy access to the city’s business, shopping, dining and fashion districts.
All 828 contemporary-designed guest rooms and suites enjoy breath-taking harbour views. Guests can enjoy comprehensive facilities including the 27-metre outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium and spa & massage centre.
The 6,200 square feet pillar-less Grand Ballroom with crystal chandeliers, complimented with seven salon rooms, is the perfect venue for functions. Most of the five restaurants present European, Cantonese, Japanese and international cuisine.
From Western favourites to expertly prepared Cantonese and Japanese specialities, Harbour Grand Hong Kong fine dining restaurants present sumptuous cuisine against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s panoramic harbour view. Selected fine dining restaurants can be transformed into stylish and memorable venues for your corporate events – combining mouth-watering temptations with Harbour Grand Hong Kong’s world-class service.
Celebrating Hong Kong’s famous harbour side skyline, Harbour Grand Hong Kong will extend packages including favourable room rates to all World Luxury Hotel Awards Event attendees. The packages will include luxury accommodation as well as a ticket to the formal dinner event.
The annual gala dinner event will provide attendees with a spectacular display of world-class entertainment as well as tantalize the taste buds with an international fine dining experience including wine paring. Awards winners will be honoured by receiving their award recognition on stage as well as rub shoulder with the leaders of the hospitality industry and media representatives.
Attendees will be encouraged to relax at leisure at the Harbour Grand Hong Kong property as well as explore the surrounding tourist attractions.
Relax and unwind after a long day of meetings at the Harbour Grand Hong Kong’s state-of-the-art Fitness Centre – featuring a fantastic view of the Victoria Harbour as well as the hotel’s 27-metre long outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and children’s pool.
The world class spa is a haven of relaxation after a long day and guests are encouraged to indulge in relaxation.
A city that never sleeps, Hong Kong is bursting with an energy that never fails to exhilarate visitors. Dull moments do not exist. By adopting and adapting global trends, Hong Kong nurtures its own unique style to offer products and experiences, sought after by international travellers.
World Luxury Hotel Awards hope to welcome all 2015 Nominees to attend the annual gala ceremony in order to celebrate the achievements and success of 2015.
For more information visit www.harbourgrand.com and www.luxuryhotelawards.com
