LE ROYAL Méridien Abu Dhabi has emerged with an array of enhancements and facilities on the completion of the phase one of its redevelopment project.
The hotel introduced Le Méridien Hub, a reinterpretation for traditional hotel lobby by Le Méridien Brand, refurbished rooms and two new restaurants including café Palmier – an all-day dining venue, Wheat – a trendy bakery and bistro for casual dining.
General manager Shaun Parsons says: “At Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi we offer an ‘on-brand’ arrival experience with high impact art installations and elements of Le Méridien’s international art and cultural initiatives. Le Méridien Hub boats two giant human shaped metallic sculptures that are made from letters of alphabets from all over the globe and this reflects the diversity of nationalities living in Abu Dhabi. The position and location of sculptures reflects the notion of international crossroads which are inspired by the city itself.”
The renovation also includes a complete redesign of all the deluxe rooms and suites and has added Le Royal Club Lounge for its premium guests of Royal Club rooms and suites.
Phase two of the redevelopment, scheduled to be launched in Q1 2014, will see the birth of Stratos, Abu Dhabi’s only revolving lounge bar and grill, re-launch of Amalfi, the popular Italian restaurant, launch of Market Kitchen, a new international dining concept inspired by LM100 member, chef and restaurateur Jean Georges Vongerichten and the signature bar Latitude 24.
“We fully understand the importance of outstanding food and beverage to our business, especially in the Middle East, which is why we are introducing new culinary offerings at the hotel while at the same time revamping our existing restaurants,” explains Parsons.
The business centre functionality will be inbuilt with high tech computer screens and wi-fi. Amalfi, a multiple award-winning Italian restaurant, will have a facelift. Other upgrades will include a complete revamp of the elevators in deluxe tower and the installation of internet protocol television in rooms.
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Despite the renovation work, the property received favourable business and exceeded expectations for 2013. The hotel will continue to be operational during its renovation and will carry work out in phases for the convenience of its guests.
Located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi is a popular destination for leisure travellers as well as business travellers and consultants with geographical origins from Germany, UK, Australia and Asia as well as the GCC.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts took over the property under Le Méridien brand in 2005. It has undergone significant developments since, including a separate tower built up for the hotel’s Royal club rooms and suites.
Parsons concludes: “We have incorporated the whole redevelopment and transformation process into our new brand positioning title ‘Urban Stimulation, Land mark Transformation’ which is part of our marketing messages from the launch of phase one. This denotes the key location of the property and the scale of transformation it is going through to become a world-class hospitality destination.
“With all the on-brand experience in place and with the launch of phase two, we hope Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi will become a flag ship property for Le Méridien brand from Starwood hotels and resorts. 2014 will see Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi as a very contemporary multidimensional hospitality destination transformed from its legacy of being a land mark in the capital city of UAE.”
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi also announced that it will be the official hotel partner for Double Grammy Award nominee Susan Boyle’s first ever international concert to be held at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on December 13, 2013.