Publication: PRESS RELEASE
Date: March, 2006

VANCOUVER’S LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL CELEBRATES AAA FOUR DIAMOND STATUS

VANCOUVER, BC, March 2006 — For the seventh year in a row, Vancouver’s hidden gem, Hotel Le Soleil continues to shine as an Automobile Association of America (AAA) Four Diamond property. The prestigious four-diamond recognition is defined by AAA as a hotel that meets or exceeds the following description: “Exceptional, significantly exceeding requirements in the physical and operational categories of judgment; offers luxurious accommodations, as well as extra amenities; the management and staff rank well above average”.

Hotel Le Soleil first achieved four-diamond status less than one year after it opened in 1999 and has maintained this prestigious distinction every year since. The hotel is also on Condé Nast Traveler's esteemed 2004 Gold List of the world’s best places to stay and has been named by Resorts & Great Hotels Magazine as “One of the Top 100 Hotels in the World”. Hotel Le Soleil has also received Canada Select’s 4 ½ Star honour.

“We are very excited that Hotel Le Soleil continues to be recognized for its commitment to quality,” says General Manager Sheena Pillay of the hotel’s four-diamond status. “However, we are even more thrilled that travelers from around the globe rate us as one of the best hotels in the world. Our goal is to create an atmosphere of personalized luxury that ensures each guest feels special. Our success is simply a result of the attention we give to every one of our guest’s individual needs.”

Meaning “The Sun” in French, Hotel Le Soleil is aptly named; as every guest’s reception is warm, friendly and completely unpretentious. The property, which was custom designed in the style of Europe’s most sophisticated boutique hotels; transports guests to another time and place. As they enter the lobby, visitors are greeted by thirty-foot-high vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, fluted columns and Louis XVI style furniture imported from Sedital, Italy.

The hotel’s intimate conversation area adjacent to the lobby is reminiscent of a 19th century French salon and each of the 119 beautifully designed suites is sumptuously appointed with artwork, furniture and fabric hand picked from the finest local and European artisans.

Furniture pieces throughout the hotel are custom-made in the “Biedermeier” style and bedrooms are lavishly appointed with silk brocade coverlets, feather pillows, down duvets and plush combed cotton bed sheets. Bathrooms are extensively tiled in the finest marble and come with an impressive complement of Aveda body care products.

Perfectly situated in the heart of the city’s financial, shopping and entertainment districts, Hotel Le Soleil has distinguished itself as Vancouver’s luxury boutique hotel with special features for business and leisure travelers alike.

The hotel’s Elle Suites cater to professional women who travel frequently. Although Elle Suites appear the same as other corner suites, featuring two full walls of windows and a larger living area with desk space, they also include office supplies and additional amenities geared towards the needs of women travelers.

Amenities available include soaker tubs with bath bombs and essential oils, Aveda body products, a make-up mirror, small wooden body massager, a variety of women’s magazines, low fat and low carbohydrate snacks in the mini bar and a selection of nylons and personal care products to choose from. Hotel Le Soleil’s concierge will also provide an up to date list of local events that may be of particular interest to women and help out with spa appointments.

Hotel Le Soleil also offers a special package designed for business travelers who don’t want to worry about incidental charges. In addition to a well appointed suite and breakfast, the package includes all of the business essentials, from valet parking to an in-suite fax machine, complimentary local calls and high speed Internet access. For those who require additional services, we are happy to customize a package to suit your individual needs.

The hotel’s drive packages continue to be popular with BC and Washington residents alike. This ‘quick getaway’ option includes a deluxe one bedroom suite and valet parking. This special is available throughout the year for those who need a luxurious escape that’s close to home.

Hotel Le Soleil guest suites feature all the conveniences expected by today’s travel connoisseur. In addition to two-line speakerphone with dataport and high speed internet, guests are provided with bathrobes, a hair dryer, an electronic safe, a cordless bedside phone, an iron (with ironing board) and an umbrella. Every morning, guests can enjoy complimentary in-room coffee and tea and morning newspaper delivered daily to their door.

For more information on Hotel Le Soleil, call 1-877-632-3030 or visit the hotel’s web site at www.hotellesoleil.com.

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About the American Automobile Association’s Four Diamond Rating

Each year, more than 60 AAA tourism editors visit lodgings, restaurants and attractions throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Tourism editors conduct unannounced evaluations judging such areas as cleanliness, amenities and service.

AAA distinguishes lodging and restaurant properties on a scale of one to five diamonds, with five being the highest rating. Less than three per cent of the nearly 30,000 AAA-rated lodgings are awarded Four Diamond designations each year.

According to AAA’s Lodging Requirements & Diamond Rating Guidelines, “Four Diamond establishments are upscale in all areas. Accommodations are progressively more refined and stylish. The physical attributes reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout. The fundamental hallmarks at this level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail.”


For more information, please contact:
Sheena Pillay, General Manager
Hotel Le Soleil
567 Hornby Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 2E8
Tel: 604-632-3014
Fax: 604-632-3025
Email: magedg@hotellesoleil.com