RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERS FOR 2008

The 2008 Relais & Châteaux new members hail from such countries as Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy and the United States.  The seven new North American members will bring the total number of Relais & Châteaux properties in the association’s North American market to 67. 

 “We are tremendously proud and honored to welcome 34 outstanding new members to the Relais & Châteaux association,” said Jaume Tàpies, president of Relais & Châteaux. “Each of these new members exemplifies the association’s enduring dedication to quality as well as the ‘spirit’ that distinguishes the association through the five ideals – sense of place, harmony, being, personal generosity and fellowship.”

To qualify for membership, hotels and restaurants must assemble an application file that testifies to its exclusive nature and makes a case for its adherence to the qualities and ideals that define Relais & Châteaux.  These materials are examined to assess the establishment’s qualifications.  The property is then visited anonymously by an independent evaluation company that reviews hundreds of important criteria, as well as by current Relais & Châteaux member management.  Their reports are rigorously reviewed by the Board of Directors and finally, at the annual Board of Directors meeting every year, a decision is made about Relais & Châteaux membership.  Typically the process can take up to several years.

In addition to welcoming the association’s 34 new members for 2008, the 33^rd International Congress of Relais & Châteaux has attracted some 500 of the world’s most respected hoteliers and chefs including Patrick O’Connell from the Inn at Little Washington, Thomas Keller of The French Laundry and Per Se and more.  During this assemblage, the Congress has also addressed its membership synergies, marketing strategies and strategic partnerships.  Participants have attended International Congress events in the National Building Museum, Union Station, Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center, and the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.

Following is a list of the new 2008 Relais & Châteaux members:

Europe

Hostellerie La Butte Aux Bois, Belgium

Kong Hans Kaelder, Denmark

Lower Slaughter Manor, England

Au Soldat de L’An II, France

Flocons de Sel, France

Château de Bagnols, France

Villa Augusta, France

GästeHaus Erfort, Germany

Imaret, Greece

Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa, Italy

Arnolfo Ristorante, Italy

Hotel Airds, Scotland

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