SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD'S BRANDY BOUISEKRAN DISCUSSES BOUTIQUE HOTELS AND LA VALISE PROPERTIES.
La Valise Hotels—La Valise Mexico City, La Valise Tulum, and La Valise San Miguel de Allende—proudly belong to the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) network. This exclusive alliance unites like-minded travelers and spirited hotels worldwide, each meticulously vetted and approved by SLH. Choosing to stay at an SLH hotel is a testament to seeking an unparalleled experience.
Our La Valise properties stand out as cherished members of this coveted community, exemplifying hospitality excellence that resonates with discerning travelers. Our guests, who traverse the globe unpacking their suitcases in various corners of the world, are seekers of profound experiences beyond the ordinary. Entrusting us with their most precious luxury—time—they indulge in the moments. Meanwhile, across all our La Valise locations—from the vibrant streets of Mexico City, through the tranquil shores of Tulum, to the enchanting atmosphere of San Miguel de Allende—we seamlessly deliver an ambiance of laidback, barefoot luxury within artistically-designed spaces, curated to offer unique encounters and flawless service.
We’ve spoken with Brandy Bouisekran, the revenue account manager for La Valise properties at SLH, to learn more about the platform and get a peek inside one of the most coveted hospitality communities in the world.
What are some of the criteria that distinguish SLH from other booking sites?
Most think that SLH is just another OTA, but we are not. SLH is an extension of the hotel; we have actual relationships with each property and provide a true partnership. SLH offers exposure and access to partnerships that could possibly be difficult for smaller properties to obtain. With over 30 years in the industry, we make it possible for small independent properties to make their mark in hospitality.
What is the process for selecting new hotels to join the platform?
Hotels can either be approached by our Development Team or express their interest in joining by contacting us via slh.com. All hotels go through an application process and are then inspected by our Development Team. After the inspection, they are sent to our board of directors for final approval. Once connected to the brand, hotels are also visited by mystery inspectors who are highly trained by our quality assurance team. We strive to inspect each hotel once a year to ensure they are upholding SLH qualities and standards.
How do you define the ‘hotel personality’ that identifies a hotel within your niche?
SLH boasts individuality. All of our hotels offer an organic atmosphere, which I would call ORGANIC HOSPITALITY. No two hotels are the same, even within the same city.”
Define what a ’boutique hotel’ means in 2023.
I would say a boutique hotel is a HOME AWAY FROM HOME. Boutique hotels offer personalization that bigger hotels have a hard time grasping. Staying at a boutique property, you’re not just a room number; you walk in, and they know your name, your breakfast preferences, and your drink orders. It’s a value that you cannot receive at a bigger property and almost makes you feel like the hotel was built just for you.
Why should guests book to stay in SLH properties?
Everyone travels to escape from some sort of reality, to make memories, and to have experiences that are different from everyone else. This is what SLH properties bring to travelers; it opens up your world to things you might not consider doing or seeing if staying somewhere else.
What advice do you have for hotels looking to become part of SLH?
Treat your property like it is the last hotel on earth. What I mean by that is highlighting the best things about your property, making it a place you want to stay, and asking yourself, ‘What makes me different?’ If you have trouble pinpointing these things, create a reason for someone to stay with you while keeping everything genuine.”