Abu Dhabi Landmark to Reinvent Guest Accommodation, Public Areas and Culinary Venues, Introducing Signature Le Méridien Brand Experiences
Abu Dhabi - 23 April 2013 - Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi has officially commenced the renovation of the hotel's guest accommodations and public spaces. Slated for completion by the end of the year, the hotel will also transform its existing food and beverage venues as well as introduce signature brand experiences. This renovation is part of a larger strategy by Le Méridien and its ownership groups to invest more than $200 million in the renovations of 13 hotels and resorts in the Middle East and Africa region over the next three years.
Starwood recently completed a month-long relocation to the Middle East during which time Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, had the opportunity to visit Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi. "Since acquiring Le Méridien in 2005, Starwood has reinvigorated the brand and made it relevant to today's traveller. Simultaneously, we have upgraded our global portfolio investing in renovation and new products and services, which has resulted in the best performance measures in the brand's history," said van Paasschen. "Following this extensive renovation, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi will be a flagship hotel for the brand in the Middle East and illustrious of our focused efforts on Le Méridien as we continue to expand its footprint in this important region."
The extensive renovation of Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi will include a complete redesign of the public spaces and all 277 rooms and suites to reflect the contemporary style of Le Méridien brand. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi will introduce Le Méridien Hub™, which re-interprets the traditional hotel lobby and offers creative people a place to gather to converse, debate and exchange ideas. The Hub will include a new Latitude Bar, serving illy coffee and other refreshments. As part of the renovation, the hotel will also add a new Club Lounge, offering guests of Le Méridien Club Suites a new level of comfort and exclusivity, including free WiFi as well as complimentary refreshments and beverages from 7-9pm.
As guests and local residents arrive at Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, they will discover a curated collection of high-impact contemporary art installations. This will include creations and artwork by local artists and members of the LM100, a group of international innovators chosen from the worlds of art, architecture and cuisine who use their creativity to develop original, interactive programs that transform the guest experience at Le Méridien hotels.
"We are thrilled to announce such a significant renovation project, which illustrates the commitment of our owners and the Le Méridien brand to provide guests with an inspiring experience," said Shaun Parsons, General Manager, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi. "With this renovation, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi will offer a truly unique destination for business and leisure guests in Abu Dhabi."
The hotel will also renovate its existing food and beverage venues, including Al Fanar, the unique revolving restaurant set on the hotel's rooftop; Soba, the Asian eatery; L'Opera, the all-day-dining restaurant; and the Italian restaurant, Amalfi. A new dining concept will be introduced to Abu Dhabi with the Market Kitchen, inspired by the internationally renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, an LM 100 member. The restaurants will be designed by LW Design Group, a UAE-based interior design firm, and the execution of the design will be carried out by AATI, a subsidiary of Al Tayer Group. The hotel's popular Irish Pub, PJ O Reilly's will also undergo an expansion and enhancement of its existing facilities.
Parsons added, "We also understand the importance of outstanding food and beverage to our business, especially in the Middle East, which is why we are introducing new culinary offerings at the hotel while at the same time revamping our existing restaurants to engage guests and local residents with exciting and diverse dining experiences."
Located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi is a popular destination for business and leisure travelers. The hotel will continue to be operational during its renovation and will carry work out in phases for the convenience of its guests.
For more information on Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, visit www.leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com
About Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts
Le Méridien, the Paris-born hotel brand currently represented by nearly 100 properties in more than 40 countries, was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) in November 2005. With more than 80 of its properties located in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Le Méridien provided a strong international complement to Starwood's then primarily North American holdings at the time of purchase. Since then, Le Méridien has gone through a brand re-launch, which included a large scale hotels product consolidation as well as redefining its brand strategy. Through creation of the LM100 artist community, Le Méridien has transformed numerous guest touch points, thus bringing unique, interactive and curated experiences to its guests. Plans call for dynamic expansion of Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts within the next five years, concentrating on markets in Asia-Pacific and the Americas. Le Méridien recently opened new hotels in Bali, Atlanta, Dallas, Istanbul, Oran (Algeria), Arlington (Virginia, USA), and Coimbatore (India), and will open in the next 12 months in Chicago, Zhengzhou (China), Mahabaleshwar (India), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Cairo (Egypt), Qingdao (China), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Tampa (Florida, USA) and Columbus (Ohio, USA). For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com or www.facebook.com/lemeridien.
For further information, or to schedule interviews with our General Manager and executive team please contact:
Kiran Kumar
Director of PR & Marketing, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi
kiran.kumar@lemeridien.com
T: +971 2 6742020
M: + 971 56 616 8553
LE ROYAL MERIDIEN
ABU DHABI
P.O.BOX 45505, KHALIFA STREET, ABU DHABI
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
www.leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com
© Press Release 2013
