Le Meridien adds two new properties to Saudi portfolio

The group assumes management of the 189-room Le Meridien Medinah and the 111-room Le Meridien Taif in one of the group's most rapid periods of country-specific growth in recent history.

Saudi Arabia has long been identified as an area for major development over the next two years. The group already manages the 329-room Le Gulf Meridien Al Khobar, the 284-room Le Jeddah Meridien and the 231-room Le Majd Meridien Makkah, which was added in June.

Sami Zoghbi, managing director of Le Meridien Middle East and West Asia, explained that the group has already shown that it has an excellent grasp of the Saudi marketplace thanks to their experience gained from their two existing properties.

"In addition, we have shown our commitment to the Kingdom, with the addition of a further three properties in the last six weeks. We expect to announce further properties in Saudi Arabia within the next 12 months."

Le Meridien Medinah is located on the outskirts of the Holy City of Medinah, and is just 10 minutes drive from the Holy Mosque, the destination of pilgrims from around the world.

The hotel is owned by the Ministry of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is well equipped to host conferences and weddings, as well as pilgrims and tourists.

It is perfectly situated within easy reach of the Holy Mosque, yet is spacious enough to accommodate large numbers of visitors as well as conferences, symposiums and weddings - all of which are growing sectors in the country.

Accommodation at Le Meridien Medinah comprises 189 rooms, including 27 executive suites and eight Royal Suites. Other facilities include a fully-equipped health club and nine conference and meeting rooms, with capacity for a total of 1,500 people. The hotel also has three outlets.
Meanwhile, the group also announced the opening of Le Meridien Taif, in the mountain resort area of the Kingdom. The resort is known as the "summer capital" of Saudi Arabia, thanks to its verdant landscape and favourable climate.

Zoghbi added: "Our location is our key selling point, as the hotel is located in one of the rich suburbs of the city, close to the stunning mountains. With the addition of Le Meridien branding, visitors know they will receive international standards and facilities."

The 111-room property comprises 78 single and double rooms, as well as six executive suites, two Royal Suites, 20 small villas and five large villas, providing a wide selection of tourist accommodation.

All rooms have satellite television, individual climate control, laundry and valet service. The property has five outlets, a fully equipped health club and swimming pool, as well as extensive conference facilities.

The two new properties form part of Le Meridien's rapid expansion programme in the Middle East and West Asia region, where it currently manages 25 hotels and will be opening additional properties in Kuwait and Kovalam, India, this autumn - and has a target of 40 city and resort hotels by the end of 2004.