Award-winning luxury hotel group, Le Meridien, continued its worldwide expansion in 2003 by adding 15 new hotels to…
Award-winning luxury hotel group, Le Meridien, continued its worldwide expansion in 2003 by adding 15 new hotels to its already impressive portfolio, giving guests access to a total of 130 hotels in 56 countries and territories throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. A further 15 properties, already in development, are phased to open over the next three years, with more projects in the pipeline.
As with all Le Meridien hotels, each new acquisition is different in style and ambiance, reflecting fascinating aspects of the local setting and culture and thus satisfying the international guest`s demand for a network of outstanding hotels in attractive locations.
Global excellence
Le Meridien`s core principles and fresh-thinking approach travel well. From landmark hotels in the hub of vibrant cities, to tranquil resorts in exotic climes, each guest enjoys an exceptional level of hospitality delivered through a superbly trained, highly motivated staff dedicated to excellence. Luxurious, comfortable accommodation and an extensive range of up-to-the-minute facilities and amenities are especially designed to appeal to business and leisure travellers alike, while the gourmet is assured of a choice of exciting, innovative cuisine throughout the world of Le Meridien.
Also key to Le Meridien`s success is that essential blend of global experience and European sophistication – an award-winning combination, and just one of the many reasons why international travellers stay faithful to the brand.
Always with an eye to the future, Le Meridien premiered its unique Art + Tech design concept in several properties in 2003. This skilful fusion of cutting-edge technology and ingenious artistry is featured in some of Le Meridien`s newest hotels, including those in Vienna, Hamburg and Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA).
Le Meridien brings international expertise and european style to more destinations
In 2003, the rapidly expanding, award-winning group opened 15 new hotels around the globe:
EUROPE
Hotel des Indes, The Hague, Netherlands (January — 92 rooms) Situated in the heart of The Hague, this former town house is undergoing a 28-million euro restoration to reveal its original architectural splendour. A new health spa will be seamlessly incorporated and, upon completion, this historic landmark will be renamed Le Meridien des Indes.
Le Royal Meridien Hamburg, Germany – (September — 283 rooms) Featuring the essential components of Art + Tech, many rooms, as well as the top-floor restaurant, offer floor to ceiling, panoramic views over the Alster Lake. Le Ciel Restaurant et Bar is a gourmet`s paradise, with a concept created by two-Michelin-starred chef, Michel Rostang.
Le Meridien Lingotto Art + Tech, Turin, Italy (October — 142 rooms) A unique interpretation of the Art + Tech concept by internationally renowned designer, Renzo Piano (who designed Paris` Georges Pompidou Centre and the Osaka International Airport, among other highly-regarded structures). The hotel is integrated into the former Fiat factory built in the 1920s, which incorporates the Pinacotera Agnelli Museum, shopping centre, conference facilities, concert hall, multiplex cinema and iconic, transparent bubble meeting room originally used for a meeting of world leaders, with adjacent private heliport.
Le Meridien Vienna, Austria (November — 302 rooms) On the famous Ringstrasse in the historical heart of the city, opposite the renowned Vienna State Opera and adjacent to the Hofburg Palace, this full Art + Tech hotel has transformed an historic 19th century apartment block of Imperial Viennese architecture into a modern luxury hotel paying homage to Vienna`s vibrant contemporary art scene. Spacious Art + Tech guest rooms; a Wellness centre, complete with indoor pool and fitness area; Restaurant Shambala, created by Le Meridien`s culinary consultant two star Michelin Chef Michel Rostang; plus 1,200 sq. m. of private meeting space, make for the perfect business or leisure destination.
THE AMERICAS
Le Meridien Minneapolis, U.S.A. (May — 255 rooms) The very first Le Meridien property to fully-feature the Art + Tech design, this new hotel features Minneapolis` hottest new bar, Infinity Room.
Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs, California, U.S.A. (June — 119 rooms) Formerly The Givenchy Spa & Resort – Set in 14 acres of lush orchards and gardens, in the heart of the Palm Springs Desert resort area. The luxurious spa, hiking trails, six tennis courts and 10,500 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space, plus over 30,000 sq. ft of outdoor event space, make for an exceptional experience. A multi-million dollar capital improvement project, due for completion in the Autumn of 2004, promises to make this world-class resort a market leader in the region.
ASIA PACIFIC
Le Meridien Ahmedabad, India (November — 67 rooms) Designed for business and leisure travellers alike, and with stunning views over the Sabarmati River, features include a health club with indoor pool, a comprehensive business centre, restaurant and 24-hour coffee shop – plus a discotheque.
Le Meridien Jaipur, India (December — 120 rooms) The newly-opened Le Meridien Jaipur promises to be a haven of tranquility, nestling in 13 acres of landscaped gardens and surrounded by lush green fields. Facilities include a 42-seat cinema, two restaurants, plus bar and discotheque, a business centre, health club and spa, treatment and meditation rooms, and a Penguin Club for children. The ballroom accommodates 600.
THE MIDDLE EAST
Le Meridien Kuwait (February — 80 rooms) Just five minutes from the main business district and with views of the Arabian Gulf and Kuwait Towers, this boutique hotel offers a choice of restaurants, 24-hour room service, a business centre, outdoor swimming pool and a small gymnasium, as well as meeting facilities for up to 50 people. Guests receive complimentary breakfast during their stay, plus free transfer to and from Kuwait International Airport, 15 minutes away.
Le Meridien Tashkent Palace Hotel, Uzbekistan (April — 258 rooms) Enjoying a prime location opposite the Grand Opera House, this historic hotel in Tashkent has been lovingly refurbished to five-star standards and now boasts a range of business and meeting facilities. Recreational opportunities include a health club and pool, rooftop restaurant and popular jazz bar.
Le Meridien Medina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (July — 189 rooms) On the outskirts of the Holy City of Medina, just 10 minutes drive from the Holy Mosque, accommodation includes 35 suites, including eight Royal Suites. The spacious hotel, which features a fully-equipped health club, three restaurants, and nine conference and banqueting rooms with capacity to hold a total of 1,500, is owned by the Ministry of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Le Meridien Al Hada Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (July — 111 rooms) Located in the summer capital of Saudi Arabia, the verdant landscape and mountain peaks provide a stunning backdrop to this mountain-resort hotel. Owned by the Ministry of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the property, which includes 25 villas and eight suites, offers five dining outlets, extensive conference and banqueting facilities and a fully-equipped health club, plus swimming pool.
AFRICA
Le Meridien Ogeyi Place, Port Harcourt, Nigeria (July – 86 rooms) The first international hotel in Oil City, as Port Harcourt`s business district is best known. Features include an Executive Floor, fine-dining restaurant, swimming pool and a fitness centre, plus oriental steam baths.
Le Meridien Palais des Roses, Agadir, Morocco (July — 402 rooms) On the seafront, just 15 minutes from the city centre of Agadir, guests are offered a choice of 6 restaurants plus themed nightclubs and bars, together with copious sporting diversions. The Spa Centre specialises in facial and body treatments, including massage and hammam.
Le Meridien Ile Maurice, Pointe aux Piments, Mauritius (December — 198 rooms) In a sheltered bay and just 15 minutes from the island`s capital of Port-Louis, there are endless opportunities for every water sport under the sun. Multi-purpose conference facilities accommodate up to 340 seated, 500 at a reception.
Le Meridien`s ongoing expansion plans will see the launch of many more exciting hotels in top cities and resorts around the world, including:
2004
EUROPE
Le Meridien St Julians, Malta (September 2004 –275 rooms) Located on the waterfront at Balluta Bay in the grounds of the historic Villa Cassar Torregiani, guests may opt for sea-view accommodation or rooms facing the valley. Two-Michelin-starred Chef Michel Rostang will develop menus for the contemporary Mediterranean brasserie, Champagne Lounge and the top-floor pool deck bar. Facilities will include a business centre, spa, pool, beauty treatment rooms and exercise studio, shops, and a conference centre for up to 315 delegates. Renovation of the villa, built in the late 1800s, will incorporate five lavish suites in the Art + Tech design concept.
ASIA PACIFIC
Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach Resort & Spa, Thailand (Q1 2004 — 258 rooms) Situated on 89 hectares of land with two lakefronts and 260 meters of beach front, this close-to-nature retreat will comprise a three-storey main building surrounded by 27 villas, each 72m. sq., and eight 80m. sq. spa villas. Just a one-hour drive from Phuket International Airport, the five-star resort will offer meeting space for up to 400 in theatre style. The Penguin Club, a supervised play centre housed on an island in the middle of a large pool, promises day-long fun for children.
Le Meridien Kovalam Beach Resort & Spa, Trivandrum, India (February 2004 — 188 rooms) – The first five-star beach resort in Kerala is to boast a health club, Ayurvedic spa and three swimming pools. Accommodation will comprise luxurious rooms and cottages, plus five suites at the adjacent Halcyon Castle. Guests are to have the choice of three restaurants, including a poolside grill and bar, while the Convention Centre will offer various meeting rooms for up to 500 delegates.
Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Q2 2004 — 422 rooms) Situated within the Kuala Lumpur Sentral precinct, with panoramic views over the city centre and lake gardens. Direct access to Sentral Station`s new state-of-the-art express rail service means Kuala Lumpur International Airport may be reached in just 28 minutes. Contemporary interior design and the choice of three restaurants and bars reflect the country`s ethnic diversity. Guests will have access to a health club, plus freeform outdoor swimming pool with surrounding roof deck garden. Conference and banqueting facilities include a ballroom and a themed multi-function room.
Le Meridien Cyberport, Hong Kong (April 2004 — 176 rooms) Boasting stunning views of the South China Sea and Lamma island, the 13-storey hotel at Telegraph Bay will be the first in Asia Pacific to feature the Art + Tech design concept. A key component of the Cyberport development, the hotel will benefit from sophisticated telecommunications, including a satellite master antenna system with 150 channels and high-speed internet connections. Facilities include an outdoor, heated swimming pool, spa and fitness centre, meeting facilities, three restaurants, a bar and a delicatessen.
Le Meridien Changi Village Hotel, Singapore (April 2004 — 380 rooms) Located 12 km from Changi International Airport and close to the Singapore Expo, the hotel is also just a 45-90 minute ferry trip from Malaysia and Indonesia. The minimalist-style hotel set amidst lush landscaping and close to the beach, will offer 14 function rooms and a choice of restaurants and bars. Recreational opportunities include a fitness centre and roof-top spa, plus outdoor infinity edge swimming pool.
THE MIDDLE EAST
Le Meridien Makkah Al Majd, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (February 2004 — 231 rooms) Situated 150 metres from the Holy Mosque, the majority of rooms at the new 20-storey hotel overlook Al Haram Alsharif Plaza. The business centre is to offer secretarial services as well as computer workstations with Internet access. Other features will include a choice of dining outlets and a range of conference and banqueting suites.
Le Meridien Hurghada, Egypt (September 2004 — 520 rooms) An exclusive resort on the banks of the Red Sea, terraces set into the surrounding hills will afford panoramic views over the crystal-clear waters from every guest room. Lagoons, a private beach and marina, plus three seawater and natural salt swimming pools surround the hotel`s grounds, providing endless water sports and leisure opportunities. Six restaurants, a coffee house, a nightclub, several shops, fitness and business centres, plus 1,640m. sq. of meeting space, including a ballroom accommodating 1,000, will be incorporated.
Grosvenor House Hotel and Apartments by Le Meridien, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Q4 2004 — 400 rooms) Situated on the Dubai marina, with unrivalled views, accommodation at this 46-storey tower hotel is to comprise luxurious rooms, suites and one, two and three-bedroom apartments, all with private balconies, plasma screen televisions and the latest in-room technology. All rooms will feature 24-hour butler service. Other facilities will include a business centre, numerous restaurants and bars, plus a conference centre incorporating a multi-use ballroom. Recreational opportunities are to include a spa and health centre, gymnasium and two swimming pools. Guests will also have access to spa and beach facilities at the nearby Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa.
AFRICA
Le Meridien Abuja, Nigeria (December 2004 — 570 rooms) A city centre hotel located next to the Abuja Conference Centre and close to the many government institutions, the property will feature a shopping arcade, four restaurants, two bars and a night club, plus private function rooms, including a ballroom. Guests will have use of the health club, squash and tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool.
2005
Le Meridien Ibom Resort, Nigeria – (January 2005 — 151 rooms) Situated on a plateau with commanding views of the surrounding forest, the luxury resort, just 5 km. from Uyo, in Nigeria`s oil-producing region, will be designed in elegant, contemporary African style. Key features are to include 1,200 sq. m. of flexible conference space, two fine-dining restaurants, a fitness centre, swimming pool and 18-hole golf course.
Le Royal Meridien Shanghai, China – (Q3 2005 — 722 rooms) Situated on Shanghai`s famous Nanjing Road in the heart of the commercial centre and main shopping area, this super-luxury hotel is designed to rival any throughout China. The impressive range of hotel facilities is set to reflect the very best of modern-day Shanghai, and includes the latest in-room technology, a gastrodome of international restaurants and bars, a Cantonese restaurant, two ballrooms and multiple-function rooms.
Le Meridien Tower, Kuwait (Q4 2005 — 70 rooms) This city boutique hotel, just minutes from the key business and shopping districts, will feature the unique Art + Tech design concept in all guest rooms. Facilities include a business centre, health club with swimming pool, two restaurants and a grand multi-purpose banqueting hall.
Le Meridien Marhaba-Casablanca, Morocco (December 2005 — 300 rooms) A new property in the heart of Casablanca`s business and cultural district, the 21-storey hotel will boast a technically-advanced business and conference centre, fitness club and pool, a discotheque, meeting rooms and a ballroom accommodating up to 300. A range of dining outlets will cater to everything from informal gatherings to elegant fine dining, and will include a rooftop bar with panoramic views over the old medina, the Hassan 2nd Mosque and seaport.
2006
Le Meridien Frankfurt Airport, Germany (Q1 2006 — 680 rooms) A new breed of luxury airport hotel will be unveiled at Frankfurt Airport with the launch of this dramatically-designed futuristic, five-star Art + Tech property. Constructed atop the new Airrail Centre, each guest room will feature every modern accoutrement and comfort, such as flat screen plasma television sets with high-speed internet access, multi-jet power showers, and the exclusive Le Meridien bed, featuring the finest linens and duvets. Facilities are to include a Grand Lobby with bar and lounge, restaurants, and business, wellness and fitness centres. The Art + Tech Forum will provide 2,000 sq. m. of flexible meeting space, accommodating 500 in its largest room.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
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