Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts is planning to open nine new hotels within the next 12 months, the company has revealed. New properties are set for China, Egypt, India, Vietnam and the United States.
Since its 2005 acquisition by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, both Starwood and its hotel ownership groups have transformed Le Méridien into a contemporary, design-led lifestyle brand.
Le Méridien, which at the time of its purchase offered a strong international complement to Starwood’s then primarily North American holdings, 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 has soared under Starwood, with a new design perspective and truly unique positioning that helps guests unlock their destination through culture and cuisine,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and Westin Hotels.
“After significant investment and consolidation, Le Méridien boasts its best portfolio ever, and this will be a milestone year for us as we welcome an unprecedented number of new hotels into our ever-growing family.”
Le Méridien will open nine new hotels in the next 12 months, including: Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran to be located on Bali’s south-western coast, Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter located in the heart of Dunwoody; Le Méridien Zhengzhou in China, Le Méridien Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Le Méridien Dhaka in Bangladesh; Le Méridien Cairo Airport in Egypt; Le Méridien Jiaonan Resort in Qingdao, China; Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa in India; Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center in Greater Chicago.
All new hotels will feature the Le Méridien Hub experience, which re-interprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place for creative people to converse, debate, and exchange.
Source: www.breakingtravelnews.com