Starwood Hotels announced last week its ongoing Luxury Collection® portfolio expansion in Europe with the addition of four new properties – Augustine in Prague, Caresse Resort & Spa in Bodrum, Falisia Resort & Spa in Portopiccolo and the Grand Hotel River Park in Bratislava.The announcement follows news of Starwood’s $300 million (£192 million) expansion in North America, which will take the number of Luxury Collection® properties past 100 hotels globally by the end of the year. This effort is made in tandem with the ongoing investment of more than $500 million (£320 million) by Starwood and hotel owners to restore some of the most iconic Luxury Collection® hotels in Europe.
Augustine, Prague (Opened June 30)
Set against a varied architecture of Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic styles, the hotel’s elegant interiors reflect the building’s monastic history, complete with furnishings inspired by the 1930s Czech cubism movement. The hotel also features an intimate ballroom, four meeting rooms, fitness centre and spa.
Caresse, Bodrum (Opened July 1)
Marking the entry of Starwood and The Luxury Collection brand into Bodrum, Turkey’s most prestigious resort destination, Caresse Resort & Spa features 84 contemporary rooms, suites and residences with panoramic views of the tranquil bay. Caresse offers five culinary venues including all-day dining restaurant: Glass and Glass Lounge, La Plage beach restaurant and a sushi bar.
Falisia, Portopiccolo (Opened July 18)
Falisia Resort & Spa is located in the exclusive Portopiccolo Sistiana beachfront development in northeastern Italy on the Adriatic coast. The idyllic resort will feature 65 elegant rooms and suites, a private beach with an infinity pool, two restaurants serving gourmet and healthy cuisine, a lounge bar, a dedicated spa and three meeting rooms.
Grand Hotel River Park, Bratislava (Opening August 1)
Designed by the award-winning Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat, the prestigious hotel is owned by Best Hotel Properties, which will also take over management of the hotel when it joins The Luxury Collection® in August. Grand Hotel River Park features 231 rooms and suites, two restaurants and a lobby bar, an indoor pool, as well as a fitness centre and spa, two ballrooms and five meeting rooms.
