Relais et Chateaux is a global collection of almost 500 luxury hotels and restaurants. The group wanted to create a venue where guests could drop in, plan itineraries, make reservations and purchase gift certificates. In addition, there was a need to create an environment that recreated different regions through décor, cooking demonstrations and other interactive tools. R&C opened its first Maison des Relaix & Chateaux in Paris several years ago on the Rue des Malsheres, an affluent shopping district.

The Payoff. In its first year, the Paris Maison welcomed almost 10,000 visitors and that number has been increasing. It worked so well that R&C opened a second Maison in New York. While that one worked, it was decided to adapt and refine the concept. The original Maison in the Big Apple was closed and the new one will open this fall off Fifth Avenue with floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides – providing great visibility. The interior will be reflective of an R&C and there will be a demonstration kitchen providing chefs with a venue. In addition, there will be a “Library of the 5 Senses” with cookbooks all of the group’s chefs; and a “Story Room” designed to visually provide guests with the background on R&C.

And these Maisons translate into argent. In its second year in Paris, the Maison generated a 22% increase in sales over the prior year.  For more info, http://www.relaischateaux.com