Usually these luxury groups offer a central reservation service and information through a toll-free phone number and Internet site. In exchange, the groups collect fees from member hotels. How much usually depends on revenues and the number of guest rooms. Here, alphabetically, is a survey of four leading luxury groups. It began with 38 members, including the Savoy in London and the Mena House in Cairo.
Applicant hotels face inspection by two professional hoteliers.
Later, an executive committee votes. Hotels must pass two unannounced inspections every three years. Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, tel. Cuisine is a higher priority for this group than for the others, and rural locations are more common. Member hotels average 31 rooms.