NEW YORK—Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts has announced another unprecedented year of growth with 11 new hotels expected to open within the next 12 months. With these new openings, Le Méridien is on track to more than triple its portfolio in the Americas since the French-born brand was acquired by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide in 2005. In 2014, Le Méridien is slated to open hotels in both established and emerging destinations around the world from Chicago to Dhaka, Tampa to Bangkok and New Orleans to Thimphu.
“Last year, we signed more new Le Méridien hotels and resorts than any year since we added Le Méridien to Starwood’s portfolio of world-class brands,” said Simon Turner, president of global development, Starwood Hotels and Resorts. “We are proud to announce another equally strong year of growth momentum for Le Méridien, fueled by tremendous owner and developer interest around the world. The pace of both conversion and adaptive reuse projects has been the key driver of the brand’s growth, accounting for nearly all the openings this year in North America, and approximately half of those opening in other global markets.”
Over the past eight years, Le Méridien has undergone a full transformation, including a comprehensive portfolio review as well as a redevelopment of its brand strategy, marketing approach, and service training. With the strongest portfolio and performance levels in the brand’s history, as well as a host of innovative brand-wide programming, Le Méridien has new strength and renewed interest under Starwood.
“In 2014, Le Méridien will continue on a remarkable growth trajectory focused on global growth across the board,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader, Le Méridien and Westin. “With a reinvigorated brand positioning, built off our promise of unlocking the destination for guests, we are committed to offering a range of curated experiences around the arts, culture and cuisine in key destinations around the world.”
