Segment information Reconciliation of assets from segments to consolidated (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 1,879,866	$ 1,892,027
Subtotal: Total hotels
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	1,607,865	1,619,896
Subtotal: Owned hotels
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	1,561,649	1,571,609
Segment: Owned hotels - Europe
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	723,899	706,111
Segment: Owned hotels - North America
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	494,919	544,957
Segment: Owned hotels - Rest of world
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	342,831	320,541
Segment: Hotels - part-owned/ managed
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	46,216	48,287
Subtotal: Total trains and cruises
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	150,982	144,579
Segment: Owned trains and cruises
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	100,335	98,523
Segment: Trains - part-owned/ managed
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	50,647	46,056
Segment: Real estate
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	0	1,924
Unallocated corporate
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	86,603	68,588
Assets Held-for-sale
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 34,416	$ 57,040