Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Wins Prestigious Recognition from Condé Nast Traveler

Historic hotel ranked No. 2 in Southeast Asia in magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards

The iconic Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was voted the No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia by readers of the industry-leading, U.S.-based travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler.

The historic luxury hotel, situated on the doorstep of world-renowned ancient Khmer archeological sites in Cambodia, earned the recognition in the publication’s closely followed annual Readers’ Choice Awards, which were announced on Oct. 3.

“The readers of Condé Nast Traveler are among the savviest on the planet. For them to name Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor one of the top hotels in Southeast Asia—a region full of remarkable hotels—is the ultimate validation,” General Manager Joseph Colina said. “We constantly strive to provide an unparalleled guest experience in a place of true splendor, and this recognition highlights that we are doing just that.”

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor originally opened in 1932 and is considered a national treasure. It was originally built as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat, which is today a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The hotel recently launched exclusive new multi-course tasting menus at its celebrated Khmer fine-dining restaurant 1932, offering diners a tantalizing introduction to the distinctive flavors of authentic Royal Khmer and modern Khmer gastronomy. The tasting menus are categorized by different historical eras and presented with optional wine pairings.

The hotel also introduced a new Champagne brunch served the first Sunday of each month.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor emerged last year from an extensive renovation and pandemic-related closure. Nearly all of the hotel’s 119 guest rooms and suites were fully refurbished, many with all-new Italian tiling and fixtures in the bathrooms. One of the hotel’s most distinctive attributes—its classic metal and timber elevator in the lobby—remains, as does the vintage ambience of The Elephant Bar.

The hotel’s sister property in Cambodia, the landmark Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, opened in 1929 and is a grand statement of Khmer, Art Deco and French Colonial styles. Raffles Hotel Le Royal recently introduced a new Gueridon Brunch served every Sunday, along with a Parisian brunch at Le Phnom 1929 available the first Sunday of each month.

Condé Nast Traveler is one of the two most important and distinguished monthly travel magazines in the North American media market, alongside Travel + Leisure. In April, T+L named Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels.”

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, now in their 36th year, are the longest-running and among the most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry.

ABOUT RAFFLES

Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

Appointment | Raffles debuts in India, appoints luxury hospitality veteran Abhishek Sharma as General Manager for Raffles Udaipur

Raffles Udaipur, the brand’s first forthcoming hotel in India, announced the appointment of Abhishek Sharma as General Manager. Abhishek is a well-recognized leader with over two decades of outstanding experience in luxury hospitality and has an exceptional network across the industry. In his new role, Abhishek will be leading the task of introducing the legendary Raffles brand to the country and taking charge of operations for Raffles Udaipur. 

Abhishek Sharma joins Raffles Udaipur with over 9 years of leading teams in the role of General Manager, throughout luxury hotels and resorts, including The Oberoi Group in India and Soneva Fushi Resort in The Maldives. Prior to that, Abhishek worked as head of food and beverage with renowned hotels in India, Maldives, Mauritius, and Egypt. His inspirational journey in food and beverage and hotel management includes various pre-opening and opening roles which will undoubtedly add value to this key launch for the Raffles brand in India

Commenting on the announcement, Puneet Dhawan, ‎Senior Vice President of Operations - India & South Asia, Accor said, “I am delighted to welcome Abhishek for this key launch of Raffles’ first outpost in India. Abhishek has wealth of experience that has enhanced his project management skills and strengthened his abilities in elevating guest engagement. He has aced the curation of bespoke and immersive guest experiences and I am confident that his knowledge and the ability to instill excellence in operations will be invaluable for the launch of Raffles Udaipur. His determination, diligence and meticulous operational techniques will help build strong brand ethos for Raffles Udaipur and deliver breathtaking bespoke experiences.”

At the helm of Raffles Udaipur, Abhishek Sharma, General Manager, said, “ I am filled with an incredible sense of excitement and responsibility as I lead the team at our first Raffles in the country. The Raffles brand is a global phenomenon that has set the benchmark for unparalleled excellence in guest experience and personalized services. The ethos of the brand is depicted across many noteworthy elements of the hotel, and I am particularly inspired by the signature Writers Bar for its sophistication and innovation, where we hope India’s renowned writers, present and future, will pen their stories.  I feel honored to be working alongside a dynamic team to bring the legendary service of Raffles to our guests.”

About Raffles Udaipur  

Located in the romantic and historic city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, the hotel is reminiscent of a grand country estate that brings a private oasis experience on an island. Set in the midst of Udai Sagar Lake that is home to migratory birds and bountiful flora and fauna Raffles Udaipur, with its evocative experiences gives a reason to discover the city of Udaipur, anew. A scenic 20-minute drive from the airport, followed by a gentle and calming boat ride, transports guests from the real world to the surreal. The 101 rooms and suites offer unhindered, breath-taking views of the lake and captivating sunsets. Bespoke dining venues and programs offer unparalleled gastronomy. The leisurely romantic walks in the outdoor spaces are serene, making it a haven for travellers who are on a constant quest of peace and rejuvenation. Legendary Raffles service coupled with discrete and charming promises to make guests in residence feel the extraordinary emotional luxury that the brand is committed to.

About Raffles 

Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles

is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. 

Raffles Hotels & Resorts releases white paper, Answering the Desire for Wellness in Luxury Travel

Paris - Well-being and all that it encompasses has become, now more than ever, an essential part of the overall travel experience, moving from megatrend to leading expectation as consumers worldwide seek to advance their health, mindfulness and peace of mind. With societal habits shifting and wellness taking on new and farther-reaching meaning in response to the global pandemic, the desire and need for wellness and its positive effects cannot be understated.

Serenity, harmony, relaxation, recovery and pleasure are the pursuits of well-being that fuel and rejuvenate luxury travellers globally. They are also the touchstones for wellness at Raffles Hotels & Resorts and the inspiration for the brand's white paper, Answering the Desire for Wellness in Luxury Travel.

The area of wellness has grown from grassroots movement to core framework and is now considered an essential practice that promises longevity, physical and mental health, and social well-being. According to a recent report by the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA), 44% of travellers are looking to the wellness segment for their next trip, once they return to travelling. The most important reason for taking a wellness vacation, according to 38% of travellers is "to return to everyday life feeling rejuvenated". In 2020, the importance of nature and spending time in the outdoors has been reinforced as a key pillar of wellness vacations.

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Raffles Udaipur to open by the end of 2020

Hannaford , Vice president, Commercial, Accor India and south Asia .He said, “For Accor India, we have two hotels in pipeline in 2020. In March, we launch the Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall. In the last quarter, we will be launching the much-awaited Raffles Udaipur towards the end of the year.”

Other properties coming up in the next two-three years include Raffles Jaipur, Fairmont Mumbai Sahar, Novotel Mumbai International Airport, Novotel New Delhi City Centre, Novotel Bengaluru City Centre, Ibis Bengaluru Hebbal, Ibis Mumbai LBS Road, Ibis Mumbai CST Road and Ibis Styles Goa Vagator.

When asked to comment on India as a top source market for Accor, He said, “India is considered one of the most important markets and this is the reason we are introducing our iconic brand, Raffles here; and continue to launch multiple hotels every year.

“Indian guests spend on hospitality experiences and this is evident at the global level as well. In terms of hospitality, India is a sleeping giant and has a great potential to become one of the best countries for the travel and tourism sector.”