Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has added 44 properties to its brand for 2004 ahead of a predicted 5 per cent growth in central reservations – expected to reach US$55m next year.

SLH spokesperson, Brian Mills, said that this was because spending on luxury travel has recovered rapidly from economic problems, the war in Iraq and SARS.

“Exceedingly wealthy people are largely unaffected by international issues,” he said. “This is both because they can continue to make business and travel holiday arrangements for which money is no object and it is also the result of their mindset which is a determination not to be diverted from their plans.”

Although it has added an unprecedented number of hotels to its list for next year, SLH has also rejected a record number of applicants for membership.

Around 150 properties were not accepted because they were lacking “the necessary all-round quality of experience,” being unable to demonstrate “the intended provision of investment to maintain high standards,” or “representing ‘fake luxury’ with imitative décor or under-trained staff.”

To ensure standards are maintained across its members, SLH has announced it is seeking people who regularly travel overseas to become voluntary ‘international mystery inspectors’.

The group is to double its worldwide total of secret checkers to 60 and is looking for people to stay incognito in one of more of the brand’s 309 independently owned hotels in more than 50 countries.

Volunteers will get to stay at the hotel of their choice for free and then complete a 26-page report covering all aspects of guest satisfaction. Details: www.slh.com