Le Meridien Continues Expansion In China

Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts today announced the brand is on track to increase its China presence with the addition of three new hotels in Taipei, Zhengzhou and Xi'an. Le Meridien’s first entry into Taiwan, Le Meridien Taipei, is slated to open in October 2010, to be followed by the openings of Le Meridien Zhengzhou in January 2012 and Le Meridien Xi'an in December 2013.  All three hotels will become a social gathering place for creative, open-minded and forward-thinking travelers as well as locals and offer a culturally enriching experience.  In the past year, Le Meridien has successfully opened three new hotels in China in the cities of Xiamen, Chongqing, and Qingdao.

“Currently Le Meridien has 29 hotels in the Asia Pacific market, which makes up 25-percent of our current global footprint,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, Le Meridien and W Hotels Worldwide. “Asia Pacific, specifically China, is an important growth opportunity for Le Meridien brand and Starwood Hotels overall.”

Of Le Meridien’s portfolio in Asia Pacific, there are seven hotels and resorts currently operating in China, including Le Meridien Chongqing, Le Meridien Qingdao, Le Royal Meridien Shanghai, Le Meridien Sheshan Shanghai, Le Meridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort, Le Meridien Xiamen and Le Meridien Cyberport, Hong Kong.

All Le Meridien hotels have branded signature programming in three focus areas from Arrival to In-Room and Cuisine.  The award-winning Arrival Experience aims to make the first 10 minutes of the guest’s stay memorable and unique. This curated experience commences from the moment a guest arrives at the hotel until they reach their guestroom.  The Arrival Experience includes four signature components from the artwork on the door, which is a visual and audio “wall” of sound and art; the Sensory Experience, illustrated through Le Meridien’s signature scent, sound and use of light; UNLOCK ART programme that transforms the keycard into a collectible piece of art and offers not only access to the guest room but also to a Le Meridien affiliated contemporary cultural center; and a unique 24-hour soundscape in the elevator, which transforms riding an elevator into an “elevating experience.”  All these cultural experiences are curated by Le Meridien’s Cultural Curator, Jerome Sans and developed under his guidance by Le Meridien’s creative family of cultural innovators LM100.