Initial re-development phase focused on the Tower One Project announcing the first new Le Meridien concept resort rooms in the world and two new international F&B concepts

Dubai, UAE 06 February 2014: Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort + Spa, Dubai's timeless beachside oasis, has revealed its highly anticipated refurbishment plans following an era of change and innovation.

Situated along the golden sands of Jumeirah Beach with the glittering towers of Dubai Marina as its backdrop, the award winning Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort + Spa is a leisure destination that continues to evolve and innovate alongside the glorious emirate of Dubai, maintaining its position as one of the Middle East's and World's premier spa and beach resorts.

The first stage of the renovation extends from the re-development and re-design of 108 rooms in Tower One and refurbishment of the public areas, to two new international branded F&B concepts, Geales - London's finest seafood restaurant and lounge by Concept Venues, closely followed by Zengo - an eclectic concept by celebrity Chef Richard Sandoval, serving Pan-Oriental fare.

The new, spacious, bright and elegant 108 rooms, restyled as the first new Le Meridien concept resort rooms, are available for booking from 5th February 2014, offering 24-hour butler service and a fresh new perspective on décor, amenities and comfort.

Decorated in contemporary pastels and complimented by light solid wood furniture, the new rooms will feature a signature Le Meridien Discovery Wall that takes inspiration from the serene and calming sea urchin, to create a tranquil and sophisticated feel. Walls are adorned with meticulously handcrafted art influenced by Le Meridien Coffee Culture, using coffee beans as natural materials and elements to create intriguing pieces that embrace local cultural discovery. Each room features Le Meridien signature beds, walk-in showers and bathtubs and Cinqmondes bathroom amenities.

Exuding understated luxury, all the new rooms in Tower One feature the latest in technology; adorned with touch screen panels and extensive entertainment networks including two LED TVs, a DVD/CD player and iPod dock, as well as high-speed internet access. As part of Le Royal Meridien's on-going quest to offer an unwavering personal level of service, the rooms also have their own private entrance, lobby, reception and guest services desk.

Pam Wilby, Complex General Manager for Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort + Spa and Grosvenor House Dubai, commented; "The refurbishment plans reflect a new era of change and innovation for Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort + Spa, as the property is reimagined for a new generation of global luxury travellers and UAE residents alike."

"The hotel is one of the most established beach resorts and spas in Dubai and as part of our continued journey to provide enriching experiences to our loyal guests and dynamic mix of new visitors to the hotel, the newly refurbished property will include 108 redesigned rooms and suites, two new global branded F&B concepts and a refreshed approach to operations. Meanwhile, Le Royal Meridien is investing in recruiting a vibrant team of fresh thinking and energized associates. Together these developments mark a significant milestone in the property's history in Dubai." Wilby concluded.

Geales and Zengo

A key part of the Dhs 55million renovation project will be the development of two new F&B branded outlets that will further strengthen Le Royal Méridien's position on Dubai's culinary scene. Joining the hugely popular Rhodes Twenty10 and Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen + Lounge will be Geales and Zengo.

Geales, established in 1939 in Notting Hill, London, and managed by Concept Venues, has firmly cemented itself in the UK Food & Beverage scene as the leading fish restaurant in London. Geales Dubai will be a casual seafood restaurant and lounge, featuring a menu that uses the freshest of ingredients, showcases a passion for food, and is a true reflection of British culture and tradition.

Meanwhile, Zengo by celebrity Chef Richard Sandoval, also chef- consultant behind the successful concept restaurants Toro Toro at Grosvenor House Dubai and Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen + Lounge at Le Royal Méridien, will become the fifth Zengo in the world and the first outside the US. Zengo Dubai will feature an artful blend of Pan-Oriental and Asian styles and flavours with its innovative and beautifully balanced dining and lounging concept.

For further information regarding Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort + Spa please visit: www.leroyalmeridien-dubai.com/

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About Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts
Le Méridien, the Paris-born hotel brand currently represented by 100 properties in more than 40 countries, was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) in November 2005. With over 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. By appointing a full-time Cultural Curator - French arts-provocateur Jérôme Sans - Le Méridien transformed numerous guest touch points, thus bringing unique and interactive experiences to its guests. Plans call for dynamic expansion of Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts within the next five years, concentrating in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific markets, including destinations such as India, Thailand and China. Le Méridien recently opened new hotels in Istanbul, Oran (Algeria), Arlington (Virginia, USA), Coimbatore (India), Koh Samui (Thailand), and Taipei, and will open in the next 12 months in Bali, Zhengzhou (China), Mahabaleshwar (India), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Cairo (Egypt), Tianjin (China), and Dhaka (Bangladesh). For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com.   

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,134 properties in nearly 100 countries and 171,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and ElementSM. The Company boasts one of the industry's leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.   

For media information regarding Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort + Spa Dubai:
Kaja Weller
House of Comms
Tel: 00971561316883
Kaja@houseofcomms.com

© Press Release 2014