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Starwood Hotel & Resorts’ recently announced $200 million Le Meridien renovation project – which will overhaul 13 hotels and resorts in the MEA region – is underway at the chain’s Abu Dhabi property.
Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi is one of the first to commence work, which says Starwood president and CEO Frits van Paasschen, is aimed at creating a flagship property for the group worldwide. His comments followed the company’s month-long relocation to the Middle East.
General Manager Shaun Parsons confirmed the resort had received a “significant slice” of the investment pie but was unable to divulge the cost of the renovation project overall.
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The thrust of investment will be directed at the resort’s public spaces which will showcase the chain’s latest concepts such as its Meridien Club Lounge for premium guests and Le Meridien Hub, transforming the hotel’s lobby in a modern, sociable space.
The resort’s restaurants will see some of the biggest changes. In a first for the hotel, it has teamed up with hospitality group, Culinary Concepts, to create a third party restaurant – its Market Kitchen restaurant inspired by Chef Jean-George Vongerichten.
Its Italian Amalfi restaurant will also be revitalised and its pool-side Irish bar is expected to double in size, while the property’s revolving restaurant is to be updated into a modern bar and grill.
Parsons confirmed the hotel would remain open and operational throughout the renovations which, he says, are currently on target for completion by the end of the year.
“As a corporate hotel we can manage the project nicely,” he said, “the work will be scheduled in stages and while some elements may have to close, they will be reintroduced gradually to ensure there is no inconvenience to guests.”
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