Le Meridien Hurghada to open on the banks of the Red Sea in early 2004

Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts today announced the signing of a management agreement with Egypt's Falcon Hotels and renowned architect Mr. Amr El Alfy to operate the new Le Meridien Hurghada, due to open early next year.

Currently under construction in Salh Hashish, the premiere resort area within the Hurghada Red Sea region, the 520-room Le Meridien Hurghada will open as one the most luxurious five star resorts of the city. Built from local coral stones excavated during construction, the hotel's stunning design will allow the hotel to blend into its unusual environment. Featuring a series of terraces gently set into the surrounding Hurghada hills, the hotel's unique architecture will afford every guest room a panoramic view of the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. A magnificent private beach, majestic lagoons and an exclusive private marina will surround the hotel's grounds.

Owned and designed by Mr. El Alfy, the project is considered one of the most outstanding creations of his illustrious career.

"We are naturally quite proud to be working in partnership with Mr. El Alfy and Falcon Hotels to operate this world-class resort," said Hassan Ahdab, Le Meridien's Regional Managing Director for Africa and the Indian Ocean. "We know that this exclusive resort, which took eight years to develop, is destined to become one of the gems of the Red Sea."

Le Meridien Hurghada will offer an extensive range of water sports and leisure activities, centered around its magnificent private beach, a vast marina and three fresh seawater and natural salt swimming pools. The property will also feature a wide variety of food & beverage options, including six restaurants, nightclub and coffee shop. In addition, a 500 metre (1640 foot) promenade will offer a range of retail opportunities, including several shops featuring the works of local artisans.

For meetings and conferences, the hotel will offer 1,640 square metres (5,400 square foot) of meeting rooms with including a 1000 square metre (3,300 square foot) ballroom, able to accommodate up to 1000 delegates. Guests will also enjoy the services of a fitness centre and business centre.

Elsewhere in Egypt, Le Meridien manages Le Meridien Pyramids at Giza, Le Meridien Heliopolis, Le Meridien Luxor and Le Meridien Makadi Bay, which is also located in Hurghada.