Elite Traveler Winter 2023/24

“Every day I hear people say ‘Relais & Châteaux is old fashioned’ — I am here to prove we arenot!”

In line with the brand’s democratic ethos, nearby members are consulted on new applications. Only once they approve are the inspectors sent in. There isn’t a colossal appetite for growth either: Laurent proudly tells me that if we counteract these newcomers against those who leave (voluntarily or due to their own dropped standards), the number of properties remains nearly level year over year.

just be to make advice and suggestions. We are thinking of o ff ering a Green badge or sign to our members — just as Michelin has with its Green Star.” If Gardinier remains worried about being behind the times, the stats prove his concerns are unfounded for now; a Relais & Châteaux badge remains a coveted accolade. “We receive around 500 applications a year,” Gardinier tells me. “But we only accept around 20.”

And do hotels ever get kicked out? “Yes,” Laurent replies. “But there are a few strikes. We send an inspector, they make recommendations. If they are not met, the member might get another strike. Sometimes we are told the process is too long, but we see it like family — we don’t want to kick people out.”

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