Read indepth magazine
Four Seasons to Launch Luxury Rentals Service
High-end hotel chain Four Seasons have responded to the growing popularity of peer-to-peer holiday rental websites such as Airbnb by offering its own luxury rentals portal.
The new service allows people to search for upscale private villas, residences and holiday homes across the world, with listed properties in the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia and more planned to be added soon.
Prospective guests can also make special requests ahead of there visit such as booking a private chef or chauffeur, have the fridge fully stocked, housekeeping, fitness facilities and childproofing of the home.
Jose Soriano, Vice President of Worldwide Residential Operations at Four Seasons said: “We’re seeing a steady increase in multi-generational and small group travel, guests who want to get away with children, grandparents or groups of friends to celebrate holidays or mark special moments. And these guests are looking at residential options.”
In recent years the hotel industry has been getting to grips with the disruptive threat of peer to peer websites which act as community marketplaces.
This latest announcement is an indication that the industry is taking a “if you can’t beat them, join them” attitude and it will be interesting to observe if other established hotel groups follow suit.
Four Seasons Hotels was founded by Canadian businessman Isadore Sharp in 1960.