Marriott Partners With Owner/developer Jinshan Investment Group to Debut Le Meridien Brand in Melbourne, Australia
Marriott International today announced the signing of Le Meridien Melbourne, in partnership with owner and developer Jinshan Investment Group. Slated to open in 2020, the 235-room hotel will boast the brand's distinct mid-century modern approach to design and bold 'Destination Unlocked' positioning. This signing reinforces Le Meridien's dynamic global growth, following recent openings in Italy, South Korea, China and the United States, all within the last 12 months.
“After opening stunning hotels in Rome, Seoul and Denver last year, we are thrilled to continue our growth momentum in Melbourne,” said Brian Povinelli, SVP and Global Brand Leader, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts. “With its light-hearted yet sophisticated style, Melbourne and Le Meridien have a similar sensibility; and we are delighted to reintroduce the brand - born in Paris during an era of glamorous travel - to global guests and locals alike.”
“The arrival of Le Meridien brand into Australia is a momentous move for Marriott International,” said Richard Crawford, Senior Director Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. “It comes at a perfect time. Alongside Melbourne's growing demand from domestic travellers, new international direct routes from the United States, Asia-Pacific and South America are driving continued growth in international visitation.”
Perfectly situated amidst art galleries, boutiques and bistros, Le Meridien Melbourne will be located near the city's cultural centre, fronting the Bourke/Spring Street tram stop and a stone's throw from Victoria's Parliament Square. The 12-story hotel converted from an existing low-rise building will draw inspiration from both the brand and the light, airy and modern nature of the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria.
The intimate and residential hotel will transform the traditional lobby space into the brand's signature Le Meridien Hub, which evolves from a bright and fresh coffee house by day, to a sophisticated cocktail bar by night. Set amidst this thoughtfully-designed space, guests will be able to enjoy music from French Bossa Nova band Nouvelle Vague, who have curated the soundtrack for the hotel and all Le Meridien hotels across the world, as well as the intimate 70-seat bar called M Salon and 50-seat Latitude Bar, which will offer light bites and illy coffee, expertly prepared by the hotel's creative Master Barista.
Le Meridien Melbourne will also feature Cuisines, a 90-seat all day dining restaurant; 210 square meter function space and three breakout rooms; a heated swimming pool and large fitness centre.
“We're excited to partner with Marriott International to open Le Meridien Melbourne,” said Tony Chau, Project Manager, Jinshan Investment Group. “Le Meridien brand's focus on culture will provide a distinctive offering for visitors to Melbourne; it was always our intention to partner with a brand with such an exceptional point of difference. Le Meridien Melbourne will play a significant role in catering to cosmopolitan and forward-looking travellers to the city.”
Upon opening, Le Meridien Melbourne will join Marriott International's growing portfolio in the Pacific, with 29 hotels in operation, including four existing Le Meridien hotels; Le Meridien Tahiti, Le Meridien Bora Bora, Le Meridien Isle of Pines and Le Meridien Noumea. It comes as part of Marriott International's commitment to open 50 hotels in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific by the end of 2021.
For more information please visit: lemeridienhotels.com or marriott.com.au.
About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 6,500 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 127 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitterand Instagram.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
