In a year of unprecedented growth for Le Meridien, significant investment in Middle East and Africa hotels reflects continued commitment to both established and emerging markets.
DUBAI, UAE – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced a significant commitment to its Le Meridien hotels in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region through a comprehensive renovation strategy. Le Meridien and its ownership groups will invest more than $200 million in the renovations of 13 hotels and resorts in the MEA region over the next 3 years. The French-born brand has had a major presence in emerging Middle Eastern and African markets for more than 30 years, and as this region continues to evolve as an international business and leisure travel destination, Le Meridien has developed a focused approach to ensuring its global portfolio continues to meet high brand standards.
“Since acquiring Le Meridien in 2005, Starwood and its hotel ownership groups have made a tremendous effort to enhance and create a consistent portfolio around the world,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Meridien and Westin. “Le Meridien now boasts the best performance measures in the brand’s history, and our focused efforts on the Middle East and Africa hotels will only help ensure Le Meridien maintains its best portfolio ever.”
Le Meridien recently announced 10 new hotel openings over the next year, an unprecedented number for the brand, and as the European-rooted brand continues to grow globally, the consistency of its portfolio remains a key priority. The 13 Le Meridien hotels and resorts completing or currently undergoing renovations include:
- Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort (Fujairah, United Arab Emirates)
- Le Meridien Al Khobar (Saudi Arabia)
- Le Meridien Dubai
- Le Meridien Heliopolis (Cairo, Egypt)
- Le Meridien Ile Maurice (Pointe Aux Piments, Mauritius)
- Le Meridien Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
- Le Meridien Makkah (Saudi Arabia)
- Le Meridien Mandji (Port Gentil, Gabon)
- Le Meridien Mina Seyahi (Dubai)
- Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa (Cairo, Egypt)
- Le Meridien Re-Ndama (Libreville, Gabon)
- Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi
- Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa (Dubai).
Additionally, Le Meridien will this year add a new hotel in Egypt, where the brand currently operates four properties. Le Meridien Cairo Airport will open in September 2013. Located at Terminal 3, it will be the only hotel with direct access to Cairo International Airport terminals. Le Meridien Cairo Airport will feature 350 guestrooms, a 24-hour restaurant, specialty restaurant, coffee bar, lobby bar, lounge, fitness center, and swimming pool. The hotel will have approximately 750 square meters of meeting space, including a business center, ballroom, and six meeting rooms, for a variety of business functions.
Many of these renovated hotels along with Le Meridien Cairo Airport will integrate the Le Meridien HubTM experience into existing public spaces, re-interpreting the traditional lobby into a social gathering place for curious and creative minded travelers to converse, debate, and exchange. Le Meridien Hub offers both guests and locals an inspiring atmosphere where contemporary, curated artwork sets the environment and a sophisticated cafe experience sets the scene. Le Meridien Hub further builds on the brand’s award-winning arrival experience consisting of four elements: large-scale artwork in high impact areas to reset the mind and stimulate dialogue and curiosity; the sensory experience, illustrated through Le Meridien signature scent, sound and use of light, creating a unique and distinctive atmosphere; UNLOCK ARTTM programme, featuring LM100 TM artist designed key card collections that not only offer access to the guestroom but also to Le Meridien affiliated contemporary cultural centers in the city; and a 24-hour soundtrack.
Photo caption: Le Meridien Cairo Airport will open in September 2013.
