Marriott International today announced the signing of the 235 room Le Méridien Melbourne, in partnership with owner and developer Jinshan Investment Group. The hotel is slated to open in 2020.
“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 Méridien Hotels & Resorts. “With its light-hearted yet sophisticated style, Melbourne and Le Méridien 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 Méridien 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 Méridien 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 Méridien 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 Méridien 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 Méridien 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 Méridien Melbourne,” said Tony Chau, Project Manager, Jinshan Investment Group. “Le Méridien 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 Méridien Melbourne will play a significant role in catering to cosmopolitan and forward-looking travellers to the city.”
Upon opening, Le Méridien Melbourne will join Marriott International’s growing portfolio in the Pacific, with 29 hotels in operation, including four existing Le Méridien hotels; Le Méridien Tahiti, Le Méridien Bora Bora, Le Méridien Isle of Pines and Le Méridien Nouméa. 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.
Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.