Preferred Hotels & Resorts Expands Hotel Portfolio in Central Europe

London, United Kingdom – January 2025: Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent luxury hotel brand and a global provider of sales, marketing, and distribution services to member hotels, is celebrating the continued growth of its hotel portfolio in the DACH region in 2024 and into 2025. Across a range of stunning locations these new additions promise to immerse guests in the essence of the destination through bespoke activities, exceptional cuisine, and authentic local experiences.

Following the appointment of Juergen Hoch as Regional Director, Central & Eastern Europe at the end of 2023, and the recent promotion of Raimund Notz to Account Director, Central & Eastern Europe, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has continued to expand the brand’s presence in the DACH region from its Munich office. The brand now boasts a strong portfolio over 28 member hotels across its diverse collections in Germany, Switzerland and Austria including six in its prestigious Legend Collection.

"We are thrilled with such dynamic growth within the DACH region, development in these countries will continue to be a strategic focus for Preferred Hotels & Resorts moving forward,” said Juergen Hoch, Regional Director, Central & Eastern Europe, Preferred Hotels & Resorts. "Each new member hotel brings its own unique story and charm, enriching our portfolio while embodying the values that resonate with today’s discerning travelers."

January 2025 sees Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort, in Grossarl, Austria join Preferred Hotels & Resorts as its newest Legend Collection member, being part of this exclusive group is only designated for distinguished properties who exemplify the very highest of luxury. Additional notable new regional members added to the portfolio in 2024 include Hotel Château Gütsch in Lucerne, Switzerland; Appenzeller Huus – Huus Löwen in Gonten, Switzerland; Das Achental in Grassau, Bavaria at Lake Chiemsee, Germany which has a restaurant with three Michelin Stars; and Hotel Kitzhof – Mountain Design Resort in Kitzbühel, Austria; and The Lodge in Verbier, Switzerland, part of Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition brand. These new additions align with Preferred Hotels & Resorts biggest year of growth yet post-pandemic, exemplifying the brand’s commitment to remaining a leader in independent hospitality and fostering partnerships with member hotels that are at the forefront of luxury and innovation.

Additionally, Beyond Green, the sustainable sister brand of Preferred Hotels & Resorts under the Preferred Travel Group umbrella, saw its first DACH member join in 2024. Set in the foothills of Austria’s Kitzbühel Alps, Bio- and Wellnessresort Stanglwirt harmonises natural beauty with eco-conscious practices. This expansion is part of a strategic focus to meet the rising consumer demand for transformative travel experiences that emphasise authenticity and sustainability.

In addition to Juergen, the Munich-based regional team also includes Raimund Notz - Director, Hotel Revenue Optimization - Central & Eastern Europe; Stephen Brauer - Vice President, Global Sales – Corporate Transient (Europe); Stefan Schoewel - Director, Leisure Sales – Central Europe and Nicole Eckerdt - Coordinator, Global RFP Programs. This strong in-region experience aligns with Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ strategy of on-the-ground expertise complemented by an international infrastructure and global network experience.

Media interested in any interview opportunities can contact Sarah Maxwell, Senior PR Manager – EMEA: smaxwell@preferredhotels.com.

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About Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 600 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. Through its curated global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high-quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.

About Beyond Green
Guided by a passion to embrace travel as a force for good, Beyond Green is a global portfolio of some of planet Earth’s most sustainable accommodations, representing more than 50 hotels, resorts, and lodges across 22 countries. Dedicated to creating a more purposeful way to explore the world, Beyond Green connects conscientious travelers with properties committed to the three pillars of sustainable tourism: environmentally friendly practices that go beyond the basics; the protection of natural and cultural heritage; and the enhancement of social and economic well-being in local communities. To ensure these standards are met, each member property undergoes a rigorous vetting process based on over 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Owned and operated by Preferred Travel Group, the family-owned company that also manages Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels of America, and Historic Hotels Worldwide, Beyond Green offers a new way to experience genuine hospitality, benefiting both people and the planet. For more information, visit www.StayBeyondGreen.com.

About Preferred Travel Group
Owned and operated by the Ueberroth Family, Preferred Travel Group is the parent company of brands and programs such as Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Beyond Green, Historic Hotels of America, Historic Hotels Worldwide, and PTG Consulting, representing more than 1,100 hotels, resorts, and residences across 90 countries, in addition to a global portfolio of destination marketing organisations and tourist boards. With more than 350 seasoned associates situated across 35 countries, the company connects independent hotels, hospitality companies, and destinations to key markets worldwide through strategic branding, sales, integrated marketing, revenue management, distribution services, and other consultancy services. Fuelled by its brand promise, Believe in Travel, the company and its hotel and travel brands champion an unwavering belief in the transformative power of travel and its ability to enrich lives, inspire a greater respect for the planet, and expand hearts and minds to other cultures and ways of living. For more information visit PreferredTravelGroup.com.