NEW YORK—Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts announced a significant growth pipeline with nine new hotels expected to open within the next 12 months. Since its 2005 acquisition by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the brand continues to provide opportunities for new deal signings and conversions in both emerging and established markets, respectively.
“Starwood is seeing increased interest in Le Méridien among owners, especially around conversions,” said Simon Turner, president of global development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Le Méridien is benefiting from growing brand recognition and deal signing momentum around the world, and the brand’s long-established global presence remains a competitive advantage.”
Over the past seven years, Le Méridien has undergone a full transformation, including a comprehensive portfolio review as well as a re-development of its brand strategy, marketing approach, and service culture training. With the strongest portfolio and performance levels in the brand’s history, Le Méridien has had more new hotel deals signed in the past year than in the previous four years combined.
Le Méridien will open nine new hotels in the next 12 months, including:
Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran – January 31, 2013 – Located on Bali’s south-western coast, Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran overlooks the Jimbaran Bay and its well-known fishing village. Featuring a lagoon with direct access from some guestrooms, the hotel also offers several signature bar and restaurant experiences, as well as an ice cream shop; 118 guestrooms, including rooftop penthouses and villas with private plunge pools; modern fitness center; and glass chapel with stunning views over the island.
Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter – February 21, 2013 – Following a multi-million dollar, 18-month renovation, Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter will open this year in the heart of Dunwoody. The hotel will feature 275 guestrooms and suites, a ground floor bar and restaurant with outdoor seating, fitness center, pool, and meeting space.
Le Méridien Zhengzhou (China) – May 2013 – Centrally located in Henan Province, Le Meridien Zhengzhou offers 350 guestrooms and suites with contemporary art elements and the Le Méridien bed. The contemporary bathroom comprises a deep French-style bathtub and a rainforest showerhead.
Le Méridien Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) – June 2013 – Situated beside the Saigon River and close to various entertainment and commercial areas, Le Méridien Saigon will offer an Explore Spa and 350 guestrooms and suites.
Le Méridien Dhaka (Bangladesh) – July 2013 – Adjacent to the stock exchange, Le Méridien Dhaka provides 300 guestrooms and suites featuring a palette of warm tones. The property also offers a spa.
Le Méridien Cairo Airport – September 2013 – Le Méridien Cairo Airport will be located at Terminal 3, making it the only hotel with direct access to Cairo International Airport terminals. The hotel features 350 guestrooms, a 24-hour restaurant, specialty restaurant, coffee bar, lobby bar, lounge, fitness center, and swimming pool. A business center, ballroom, and six meeting rooms totaling approximately 750 square meters of meeting space.
Le Méridien Jiaonan Resort (Qingdao, China) – October 2013 – Situated on the city’s longest beach, this resort is located just two kilometers from the Jiaonan County government, less than five kilometers from Orient (Qingdao) Golf & Country Club, and just 30 minutes from the Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO).
Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa (India) – October 2013 – Surrounded by evergreen forests in the Western Ghats, Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa offers guests a relaxed atmosphere. Located near the city center on Satara Road, the resort is 90 minutes from the Pune International Airport.
Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center – January 2014 – Located in Greater Chicago, directly adjacent to the Oakbrook Center shopping destination, Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center is set to undergo a $20 million transformation prior to its 2014 debut. The hotel will feature 172 guest rooms and suites, fitness center, ninth floor bar, restaurant and meeting spaces, and a rooftop terrace.
All new hotels will feature the Le Méridien Hub experience, the brand’s signature arrival experience, and the Le Méridien specially designed scent.
