CANNES, FRANCE—From the 12th annual International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) based here, W Hotels Worldwide announced the opening of its 45th hotel and first ever-ski retreat, W Verbier, as the brand celebrates its 15th-year anniversary.
Following the 1998 debut of the David Rockwell-designed W New York in midtown Manhattan, W now offers a global portfolio of 45 hotels and retreats.
“The lasting impact W Hotels has made on the hotel industry cannot be overstated,” stated Frits van Paasschen, CEO and president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. “Over the past 15 years, W has turned the staid hospitality landscape on its head and demonstrated that a hotel is more than a place to check in and checkout as it continues to reinvent the category it created with each new hotel opening around the world.”
The opening of W Verbier continues the W brand’s aggressive global growth. “W is future forward in our approach, drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy and 24/7 spirit of New York City,” stated Paul James, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels, St. Regis, and The Luxury Collection. “As we celebrate our 45th hotel and briefly look back on the W brand’s innovation over the past 15 years, it is clear that W defined and attracts a new generation of luxury traveler, who prefers a more contemporary attitude, modern style and personalized experiences in this new golden age of travel.”
As the 45th hotel globally, W Verbier and The Residences at W Verbier marks the entrance of W Hotels into Switzerland. The hotel is located at the base of the mountain in the Medran area of Verbier, part of a multi-component luxury development project owned by Les Trois Rocs. W Verbier offers 123 rooms and is located next to the main gondola offering immediate access to the resort’s ski slopes.