Global hotel group, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, continued its worldwide expansion during 2003 by adding 17 new hotels to its already impressive portfolio.

Thirty-one new Le Meridien properties, located throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, are currently in the pipeline to open during 2004, 2005 and beyond.

As with all Le Meridien hotels, each new acquisition is different in style and ambiance, reflecting fascinating aspects of the local setting and culture. Luxurious, comfortable accommodation and up-to-the-minute facilities are designed to appeal to business and leisure travellers alike.

Le Meridien premiered its successful Art + Tech design concept in several properties in 2003. This skilful fusion of cutting-edge technology and ingenious artistry is featured in some of Le Meridien's newest hotels, including those in Vienna, Hamburg, Turin, Hong Kong and Minneapolis.

Le Meridien's ongoing expansion plans will see the launch of many more exciting hotels in top cities and resorts around the world, including:

2004

EUROPE

• 
  Le Meridien Stuttgart, Germany (November 2004 -- 281 rooms) - Located on Willy Brandt Strasse overlooking the castle grounds in the heart of the city, the hotel is closed in order to complete a €19m refurbishment progamme. When it reopens it will have 281 rooms including 28 suites; extensive meeting facilities, executive lounge, business centre, health club with pool, restaurant, two bars and parking for 180 cars. When it opens the hotel will be the only internationally branded five-star hotel in the Stuttgart.

ISRAEL

• 
  Le Meridien Dead Sea Resort & Spa, Dead Sea, Israel (opened June 2004 -- 578 rooms) - The hotel has the largest convention facility in the region - 1,120 sqm including six meeting rooms, four boardrooms, two ballrooms and outdoor function space. There are four restaurants; two freshwater pools; indoor and outdoor Dead Sea water pools; sulphur pools; two tennis courts; squash courts; a private beach and one of the most luxurious spas in the region. The hotel is set in lush landscaped gardens just a two-hour drive from Ben Gurion International Airport, 90-minutes from Jerusalem and two hours from Tel Aviv.

THE AMERICAS

• Le Meridien Sunny Isles Beach, Miami (December 2004 -- 210 units) - This new 25-storey project of one and two bedroom suites with state-of-the-art kitchens is located just north of Miami in Sunny Isles Beach. Combining a beachfront resort experience with sophisticated European style, the hotel will feature chic, contemporary design, 6,300 sq. ft. spa and fitness centre, beach cabanas, infinity-edge swimming pool and the newest BiCE restaurant, known for fine Italian cuisine around the world.

ASIA PACIFIC

• Plaza Athénée, Bangkok - A Royal Meridien Hotel, Thailand (opened April 2004 -- 382 rooms) - The hotel's prime location just minutes on foot from the Skytrain, shopping malls and diplomatic and business area, makes it ideal for corporate and leisure travellers. Guests have a choice of five restaurants and two bars, a health club with swimming pool and jogging track, plus a spa with five treatment rooms. The extensive conference facilities comprise a grand ballroom and 18 private suites. Additional meeting rooms are available at the business centre, which also provides a comprehensive range of services.
• Le Meridien Cyberport, Hong Kong (opened April 2004 -- 173 rooms) - Boasting stunning views of the South China Sea and Lamma Island, the 13-storey hotel at Telegraph Bay is the first in Asia Pacific to feature Le Meridien's Art + Tech room design concept featuring 42-inch plasma screen televisions, integrated guestroom entertainment and double rain showers. In keeping with the spirit of innovation found throughout the entire Cyberport development, Le Meridien Cyberport offers a completely wireless guest experience from the electronic check-in-anywhere service through to wireless LAN Internet connectivity in every corner of the hotel. Hotel facilities include three contemporary restaurants, three bars, meeting facilities, an outdoor heated swimming pool and fitness centre.
• Le Meridien Changi Village, Singapore (opened May 2004 -- 380 rooms) - Located 12 km from Changi International Airport, near the Singapore Expo, the hotel is also just a 45/90-minute ferry trip from Malaysia and Indonesia. The minimalist-style hotel, set amidst lush landscaping and close to the beach, offers 14 function rooms and a choice of restaurants and bars. Recreational opportunities include a fitness centre and roof top spa, plus outdoor infinity-edge swimming pool.
• Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort, Thailand (opened June 2004 -- 243 rooms) - Situated in 21 acres of land with two lakefronts and 260 meters of beach front. This close-to-nature retreat comprises of several three-storey buildings surrounded by 27 villas (17 with private pool) and a spa with 110m sq treatment villas. Just a one-hour drive from Phuket International Airport, this five-star resort offers meeting space for up to 700 in theatre style. The Penguin Club, a supervised play centre housed on an island in the middle of a large pool, promises day-long fun for children.
• Le Meridien Angkor, Cambodia (September 2004 - 233 rooms) - A new-build hotel currently in the final phase of construction in the heart of the historic town of Siem Reap. Opening in September 2004, Le Meridien Angkor is ideally located being the closest hotel to Angkor Wat. The hotel will have 233 rooms, two restaurants, a bar and lobby lounge, a ballroom, meeting rooms, fully equipped business centre, health club and spa offering a range of spa and beauty services.
• Le Meridien Karachi, Pakistan (September 2004 -- 320 rooms) - Located five minutes from the new airport on a 10-acre site, the 140-roomed main hotel is surrounded by single-storey colonial-style buildings which will provide an additional 180 rooms. There will be a choice of four restaurants, an Olympic-size swimming pool, retail outlets, health club and two banqueting suites for 1,000.
• Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (October 2004 -- 422 rooms) - Situated within the Kuala Lumpur Sentral precinct, with panoramic views over the city centre and lake gardens, direct access to Sentral Station's new state-of-the-art express rail service means Kuala Lumpur International Airport may be reached in just 28 minutes. Contemporary interior design and the choice of three restaurants and bars reflect the country's ethnic diversity. Guests will have access to a health club, plus freeform outdoor swimming pool with surrounding roof deck garden. Conference and banqueting facilities are to include a ballroom and themed multi-function room.

THE MIDDLE EAST

• Le Meridien Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Opened February 2004 -- 231 rooms) - Situated 150 metres from the Holy Mosque, the majority of rooms at the new 20-storey hotel overlook Al Haram Alsharif Plaza. The business centre offers secretarial services as well as computer workstations with Internet access. Other features include a choice of dining outlets and a range of conference and banqueting suites.
• Le Meridien Tower, Kuwait (August 2004 -- 70 rooms) - This city boutique hotel, just minutes from the key business and shopping districts, will feature the unique Art + Tech design concept in all guest rooms. Facilities include a business centre, health club with swimming pool, two restaurants and a multi-purpose banqueting hall.

AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN

• Le Meridien Abuja, Nigeria (December 2004 -- 570 rooms) - A city centre hotel located next to the Abuja Conference Centre and close to the many government institutions, the property will feature a shopping arcade, four restaurants, two bars and a night club, plus private function rooms, including a ballroom. Guests will have use of the health club, squash and tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool.

2005

• Le Meridien Ibom Resort, Nigeria (January 2005 -- 151 rooms) - Situated on a plateau with commanding views of the surrounding forest, the luxury resort, just 5 km from Uyo, in Nigeria's oil-producing region, is to be designed in elegant, contemporary African style. Key features will include 1,200 sq. m of flexible conference space, two fine-dining restaurants, a fitness centre, swimming pool and 18-hole golf course.
• Le Meridien Kathmandu, Nepal (Q1 2005 - 68 rooms plus four cottages with eight rooms each) - located in 500 acres of forest with an 18-hole golf course.
• Le Meridien St Julians, Malta (February 2005 - 280 rooms) - Located on the waterfront in Balluta Bay, the fashionable St. Julians resort area of Malta. Built in the grounds of the historic 19th century Villa Cassar Torregiani, which is being fully renovated, guests may opt for sea-view accommodation or rooms facing the valley. Two-Michelin-starred Chef Michel Rostang will develop menus for the Mediterranean brasserie, Champagne Lounge and top-floor pool deck bar. Facilities are to include a business centre, shops, spa, indoor and roof-top pools, beauty treatment rooms and exercise studios, plus a conference centre on one floor with 14 rooms including an amphitheatre. The largest room has a capacity for up to 315 delegates. Renovation of the villa, built in the late 1800s, will create five lavish suites in the Art + Tech design concept.
• Le Meridien Hurghada, Egypt (Q2 2005 -- 520 rooms) - An exclusive resort on the banks of the Red Sea, terraces set into the surrounding hills will afford panoramic views over the crystal clear waters from every guest room. Lagoons, a private beach and marina, plus three seawater and natural salt swimming pools are to surround the hotel's grounds, providing endless water sports and leisure opportunities. There will be six restaurants, a coffee house, nightclub, several shops, fitness and business centres, plus 1,640sq. meters of meeting space, which includes a ballroom accommodating 1,000.
• Grosvenor House Hotel and Apartments by Le Meridien, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Q2 2005 -- 400 rooms) - Situated on the Dubai marina, with unrivalled views, accommodation at this 46-storey tower hotel is to comprise luxurious rooms, suites and one, two and three-bedroom apartments, all with private balconies, plasma screen televisions and the latest in-room technology. All rooms will feature 24-hour butler service. Other facilities will include a business centre, numerous restaurants and bars, plus a conference centre incorporating a multi-function ballroom. Recreational opportunities are to include a spa and health centre, gymnasium and two swimming pools. Guests will also have access to spa and beach facilities at the nearby Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa.
• Le Meridien Dahab, Egypt (Q3 2005 -- 200 rooms) - An internationally acclaimed diving and surfing destination, Dahab overlooks the Gulf of Akaba, just a 45-minute drive from Sharm el Sheikh. All rooms at the seafront hotel, which has its own private beach, will have terraces and stunning sea views. Facilities are to include tennis and squash courts, two swimming pools, shops, a ballroom, three restaurants and a bar.
• Le Meridien Marhaba-Casablanca, Morocco (Q4 2005 -- 300 rooms) - A new property in the heart of Casablanca's business and cultural district, the 21-storey hotel is to boast a technically-advanced business and conference centre, fitness club and pool, a discotheque, meeting rooms and a ballroom accommodating up to 300. A range of dining outlets will cater for everything from informal gatherings to elegant, fine dining, and will include a rooftop bar with panoramic views over the Old Medina, the Hassan 2nd Mosque and seaport.
• Le Meridien She Shan, China (Q4 2005 -- 325 rooms) - Overlooking Yuehu Lake, the hotel is located in the National Tourist Resort of She Shan, in the Northern suburb of the Songjiang Satellite City in Shanghai. Facilities will include three restaurants, conference suites, a business centre, retail outlets and a health club.
• Le Royal Meridien Shanghai, China (Q4 2005 -- 770 rooms) - Situated on Shanghai's famous Nanjing Road in the heart of the commercial centre and main shopping area, this super-luxury hotel is destined to rival any in the city. The impressive range of hotel facilities will reflect the very best of modern-day Shanghai, and is to include the latest in-room technology, a gastronome of international restaurants and bars, a Cantonese restaurant, two ballrooms and multiple function rooms.

2006 and beyond

• Le Meridien Salmiya, Kuwait (Jan 2006 -- 80 rooms) - Located in the fashionable shopping district of Kuwait City, adjacent to the biggest shopping mall in town, the hotel is set to provide a tranquil retreat from the bustle of the city. The English tea lounge will be a feature of the property, which is to be designed in classic European style. A health club and restaurant are also planned.
• Le Meridien, Split, Croatia (Q1 2006 -- 381 rooms) - The only internationally affiliated hotel in the Split area, the hotel is currently being redeveloped to re-open as a fully integrated sea front resort destination offering three restaurants, four bars and the largest conference space in Croatia - 2,000 square meters. There will also be indoor and outdoor pools, spa facilities, a private beach with water sports and tennis courts. The hotel is 20-minutes by road or boat from the city centre and a 40-minute drive from Split-Kastela International Airport.
• Le Meridien Mubarakiya, Kuwait (Mid-2006 -- 92 rooms) - In Kuwait City, the heart of the commercial district, the hotel is in close proximity to key financial institutions, including the Stock Exchange. With the business traveller in mind, state-of-the-art technology will be installed in all bedrooms, and a business centre and three meeting rooms provided. A specialty restaurant, as well as a grillroom, will give guests a choice of all-day dining.
• Le Meridien Towers Makkah (June 2006 - 1320 rooms) - The hotel will be built in eight adjacent buildings on the outskirts of Makkah. Eight towers will make this the largest all suite hotel in Makkah, attracting families and individuals during the Umrah and Haj season. The suites will range from one to three bedrooms.
• Le Meridien Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (June 2006 - 200 rooms) - The hotel is to be built in the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Riyadh, where Government offices and head quarters of all the major corporations and businesses are located. Many major airlines fly into Riyadh and the load factor of these flights is consistently over 75 per cent.
• Le Meridien Hyderabad, India (opening July 2006 -250 rooms) - This project includes a hotel with 250 rooms, a ballroom with a 2000 capacity, eight meeting rooms, five restaurants and bars, a shopping arcade with 150 shops and an office complex. The hotel is located in the heart of the city within reach of Cyber City, the airport and shopping malls.
• Le Meridien Bangkok, Thailand (Q4 2006 -350 rooms) -Le Meridien Bangkok will be developed in the central business hub of Bangkok within close proximity of prominent business and banking headquarters, embassies, major entertainment and shopping centres. The hotel will be located 30-minutes from Bangkok International Airport and five minutes walk from the Sky Train making it ideal for both business and leisure guests. The hotel will feature Le Meridien's successful Art + Tech bedroom design. In addition there will be restaurants and bars, a ballroom, a choice of meeting rooms, fully equipped business centre, health club and spa.
• Le Meridien Chiang Mai, Thailand (Q4 2006 - 400 rooms) - Located in the heart of Thailand's second City, next to the famous Night Bazaar and the main shopping district at Chang Klan Road. This new build will offer 400 state-of-the-art guestrooms, a choice of restaurants and bars, meeting and banqueting facilities, swimming pool and fully equipped spa.
• Le Meridien Frankfurt Airport, Germany (opening date to be confirmed -- 680 rooms) - A new breed of luxury airport hotel will be unveiled at Frankfurt Airport with the launch of this dramatically-designed futuristic five-star Art + Tech property. Constructed atop the new Airrail Centre, each guest room will feature every modern accoutrement and comfort, such as flat screen plasma television sets with high-speed Internet access, multi-jet power showers, and the exclusive Le Meridien bed with duvet and fine linens. Facilities are to include a Grand Lobby with bar and lounge, restaurants, and business, wellness and fitness centres. The Art + Tech Forum will provide 2,000 square meters of flexible meeting space, accommodating 500 in its largest room.