Starwood announces first Le Meridien in Riyadh

Starwood Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement with Al Jazeerah Al Oula Real Estate Co to debut the first Le Meridien brand in Riyadh.

The announcement marks the first new build Le Meridien to open in Saudi Arabia since the brand was acquired by Starwood in 2005.

The 15-storey property will comprise of 219 guest rooms and 12 suites as well as three restaurants.

The hotel will also feature nearly 7000 sq ft of meeting and event space. Leisure facilities at the hotel will include a spa, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.

Le Meridien Riyadh is due to open in September 2016 and will be located on King Abdullah Road in close proximity to the King Khaled International airport and the capital’s main business district.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East president, Michael Wale, said: “We are delighted to work with Al Jazeerah Al Oula Real Estate Co as we debut our Le Meridien brand in Riyadh. Over the past seven years, Starwood has made significant investments in developing Le Méridien as a contemporary lifestyle brand focused on bringing destinations to life through cuisine, the arts and local culture. We believe Le Meridien Riyadh will offer a compelling experience in the capital, which has become a leading business destination in the Middle East.”

First Investment Company deputy CEO and Al Jazeera Al Oula Real Estate manager Tariq Al Adsani commented: “We are excited to work with Starwood to bring its Le Meridien brand into Riyadh. We believe a world-class brand like Le Meridien with its unique and contemporary approach will make the hotel a popular destination for both business travelers and the local community.”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East senior vice president acquisitions and development Bart Carnahan added: “Le Meridien is our largest brand in Saudi Arabia and we continue to see opportunities to grow the brand in the country. Today, our Le Méridien portfolio is the strongest it has ever been and the brand is poised for expansive growth around the world.”

Starwood currently operates 10 hotels in Saudi Arabia under the Sheraton and Le Meridien brands and recently opened the first Four Points by Sheraton property in the country in Riyadh. The company is also slated to open two more hotels in Medina – the Sheraton Medina Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Medina Hotel.

Saudi Arabia is the second largest market for the operator in the Middle East behind the UAE.