Marriott International has signed its first Le Méridien in Australia, with the brand scheduled to launch in Melbourne come 2020.
Converted from a low-rise building, the 12-storey, 235-room Le Méridien Melbourne will feature facilities such as a 210m2 function space, three breakout rooms, a heated swimming pool and fitness centre.
The traditional lobby space will be reimagined into the brand’s signature Le Méridien Hub, which evolves from a coffee house by day to a cocktail bar by night. Other F&B concepts include the 70-seat M Salon bar; the 50-seat Latitude Bar, which will offer light bites and illy coffee; and Cuisines, a 90-seat all day dining restaurant.
The hotel sits amid art galleries, boutiques and bistros, with the city’s cultural centre close by. It fronts the Bourke/Spring Street tram stop and is located a stone’s throw from Victoria’s Parliament Square.
Commenting on the brand’s launch in Australia, Richard Crawford, senior director development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International, said: “It comes at a perfect time. Alongside Melbourne’s growing demand from domestic travellers, new international direct routes from the US, Asia-Pacific and South America are driving continued growth in international visitation.”
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.
The signing comes as part of Marriott International’s plan to open 50 hotels in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific by the end of 2021.
