Preferred Hotel Group offers film festival glitz & glamour

Whether you’re celebrity spotting, a film enthusiast, or yearning to be pampered like a star, Preferred Hotel Group offers first-class treatment with a personal touch to enhance your film festival experience. From Cannes to Venice and Berlin, Europe hosts some of the most prestigious film festivals whilst farther West, film buffs flock to Sundance and Toronto.

Combine your journey with a luxury stay at a Preferred Hotel Group property; reside at the chic Hotel Gray D’Albion in Cannes, or visit The Glasshouse, the intimate boutique hotel in Edinburgh. Whatever you’re looking for, be it adventure, glamour, romance, or culture, there’s a perfect stay for you – providing escape from everyday life, just like a captivating film.

Enjoy the cameras and bright lights of the red carpet with some of the following stays:

Cannes International Film Festival - Cannes, France (13-24 May 2009)

One of the world’s most prestigious film festivals for showcasing European cinema, Cannes attracts thousands each year including many influential figures in the movie industry and a string of A-list celebrities.

Hotel Gray D’Albion (summithotels.com)

Perfect for celebrity spotting, Hotel Gray D’Albion, a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts, is an elegant hotel situated on a private stretch of shore in Cannes. It’s a great location to catch a glimpse of celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Beyoncé who holiday along the French Riviera and visit the festival. Prices start from £110/119 Euros for a standard room for one night.

Edinburgh International Film Festival – Edinburgh, Scotland (EIFF) (17-28 June 2009)

Making its debut in 1947, EIFF is a well-known platform for innovation and young talent. Audience favourites in recent years include Tsotsi and Man on Wire.

The Glasshouse (preferredboutique.com)

Hailed as the ‘Most Stylish Hotel’ by the Scottish Style Awards, this Preferred Boutique member is an intimate property that exudes a real ‘VIP’ atmosphere. The luxury hotel possesses magnificent features such as its contemporary lavender-scented rooftop garden with exceptional city views. Prices start from £145/158 Euros for a double room for one night.

Karlovy Vary International Film Festival – Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic (3-11 July 2009)

An important event for Central and Eastern European film, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has a rich tradition of cinema dating back to 1946.

Grandhotel Pupp (summithotels.com)

The world-famous Grandhotel Pupp, a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts, has been featured in various movies from Casino Royale to La Vie En Rose and Shanghai Knights. For star-quality pampering during your stay, visit the Spa Clinic Harp, which offers complete spa and relaxation programmes and access to the Spa Complex at Castle Bath, situated five minutes from the hotel. Prices start from £190/202 Euros for a double room for one night.

Venice Film Festival – Venice, Italy (2-12 September 2009)

The Palazzo del Cinema, the main screening at the Venice Film Festival has hosted some of Hollywood’s greatest actors from Woody Allen to Al Pacino and Nicole Kidman. International film maker, Ang Lee will host the jury as president in its 66th anniversary this year.

Metropole Hotel (summithotels.com)

Metropole Hotel, a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts, presents glorious views encompassing the breathtaking scenery of Venice. The hotel boasts an impressive private collection of fine art and antiques and services for a memorable stay such as breakfast under the gazebo in its lush garden. Prices start from £259/275 Euros for a standard room for one night.

Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal (summithotels.com)

This exquisite 17th-century Venetian Palazzo is just a few steps from St. Mark's Square. A member of Summit Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Monaco consists of 100 rooms, furnished with grand decor and spectacular views of the Church of Santa Maria della Salute and the island of San Giorgio. The hotel is situated next to Cà Giustinian, the historical site of Biennale. Prices start from £197/210 Euros for a standard room for one night.

Berlin International Film Festival – Berlin, Germany (11-21 February 2010)

Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2010, the Berlin International Film Festival is the city’s largest cultural event, hosting up to 400 films each year including many world premieres.

The Regent Berlin (preferredhotels.com)

Expect to receive celebrity treatment at this opulent hotel, renowned for its personal service and classic elegance. The Regent Berlin, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, features a presidential suite located on the eighth floor with stunning views over the Gendarmenmarkt Square. Prices start from £202/215 Euros for a superior room for one night.

andel’s Hotel Berlin (summithotels.com)

Keep up with the latest star trend with a stay at the hip new andel’s Hotel Berlin, a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts. Situated near the famous Alexanderplatz Square, the hotel’s trendy Sky Bar on the 14th floor has an extensive menu of classic cocktails to accompany its stunning views over Berlin. Prices start from £140/149 Euros for a superior room for one night.

And further afield, here are some of the film festival highlights not to be missed:

Toronto International Film Festival - Toronto, Canada (10-19 September 2009)

Toronto International Film Festival prides itself on being a world leader in creative and cultural discovery through the moving image. Last year it featured the world premiere of Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire.

Soho Metropolitan Hotel (preferredhotels.com)

From inspired culinary creations and rejuvenating spa treatments to advanced in-room technologies, the ‘SoHo Met’ is a modern luxury property with a vibrant scene. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, this stylish hotel has an amazing three storey, loft-style penthouse for the ultimate luxury experience and its Senses Bakery and Restaurant is perfect for those looking for a fine gourmet experience. Prices start from £154/163 Euros for a double room for one night.

Marrakech International Film Festival – Marrakech, Morocco (4-12 December 2009)

A top city for cultural getaways, Marrakech is also making its mark on the map for its film festival, which is fast becoming one of the biggest film events in Morocco. Last year’s jury included award-winning screen writer Barry Levinson whose films include Rain Man and Good Morning Vietnam.

Es Saadi Gardens & Resorts (preferredhotels.com)

Guests can enjoy the fine art of Moroccan hospitality at this legendary Marrakech resort, which is the official partner of the ‘Festival International du Film de Marrakech.’ The resort is set within exotic gardens and comprises the hotel, palace, villas, spa and casino. The Es Saadi Palace & Villas, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, features an oriental theme and facilities such as a personal butler, gardens and private heated swimming pool. Celebrity guests include Leonardo Di Caprio, Martin Scorsese and Matt Dillon. Prices start from £349 for a junior suite for one night.

Sundance Film Festival - Utah, US (21-31 January 2010)

Sundance made its mark with the infamous debut of sex, lies and videotape back in 1989 and has become a key platform for international independent filmmakers bringing audiences some of the world’s best contemporary cinema. The festival celebrated its 20th anniversary this year and is held annually at venues in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Sundance, Utah.

Sundance Resort (preferredboutique.com)

Sundance was born in 1969 when Robert Redford bought the local ski resort of Timphaven with a vision for environmental conservation and artistic experimentation. Surrounded by beautiful natural alpine settings and rustically elegant cottages, Sundance Resort, a member of Preferred Boutique, has been named a world-class resort by US Condé Nast Traveller and offers outdoor recreation activities all year round. Prices start from £156 for a standard room for one night.