Le Méridien has been recognised for their signature brand initiative, the 'Arrival Experience', receiving the award for ‘Best Innovative Concept in Full Service Hotels' at the Worldwide Hospitality Awards in Paris.

The Arrival Experience was globally launched in 2008 as part of the re-launch of Le Méridien brand and makes the first 10 minutes after arriving at the hotel a memorable and unique experience.

"Transforming the Arrival of our guests from a functional and process driven routine into an experience that emotionally connects with our guests and the local community was our goal. We have taken a unique approach by using contemporary art that is curated by our Cultural Curator Jerome Sans. We are delighted that the Worldwide Hospitality Awards have recognised our efforts with this prestigious accolade for the Best Innovative Concept and we see this as the first step towards making Le Méridien Hotels around the world "creative hubs", commented Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and W Hotels Worldwide.

Le Méridien transformed the hotel arrival experience using four touch points:

• THE TRANSITIONAL PORTAL – Instead of hotel doors, the entrance at a Le Méridien Hotel is a transitional portal, with a contemporary artwork appliqué, designed by LM100^TM Creative Community artists. The transitional portal transforms the mind of the guest to their environment as soon as they enter the hotel.
• SENSORY EXPERIENCE – Le Méridien's hotel lobbies provide a unique atmosphere composed of a distinctive scent and sound. This includes a signature scent, custom designed by LM100^TM members, Fabrice and Eddie Roschi, perfume experts of Le Labo as well as lobby sounds created in partnership with Sony BMG.
• UNLOCK ART – Le Méridien no longer just has key cards to unlock your room but provide complimentary access to a local contemporary cultural center. The key cards themselves are designed by LM100^TM members and become pieces of art and collectible items that guests can take home as a souvenir,
• ELEVATED EXPERIENCE – Le Méridien transforms the expected and predictable event of riding an elevator into an "elevated experience" through a 24 hour unique soundscape. Le Méridien has appointed Henri Scars Struck, the visionary Grammy-winning French composer/producer, and LM100 member who has created this unique soundscape for Le Méridien hotels globally.

Le Méridien has a commitment to providing interactive cultural experiences as an integral part of the guest stay. It aims to satisfy the target customer, "the creative minds", by offering an environment and a new perspective through art and culture and by transforming Le Méridien hotels into a creative hubs.

The Arrival Experience is currently implemented in 80% of Le Méridien hotels worldwide.