Marriott International is signing Le Méridien Melbourne, in partnership with owner and developer Jinshan Investment Group. Set to open in 2020, the 235-room hotel will boast the brand’s distinct mid-century modern approach to design and bold ‘Destination Unlocked’ positioning. This signing reinforces Le Méridien’s global growth, following openings in Italy, South Korea, China and the United States, within the last 12 months.
“The arrival of Le Méridien into Australia is a momentous move for Marriott International,” said Richard Crawford, senior director development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. “It comes at a perfect time. Alongside Melbourne’s growing demand from domestic travellers, new international direct routes from the United States, Asia-Pacific and South America are driving continued growth in international visitation.”
Situated amid art galleries, boutiques and bistros, Le Méridien Melbourne will be located near the city’s cultural centre, fronting the Bourke/Spring Street tram stop and a stone’s throw from Victoria’s Parliament Square. The 12-storey hotel converted from an existing low-rise building draws inspiration from both the brand and Melbourne’s light and modern nature.
The intimate and residential hotel will transform the traditional lobby space into the brand’s signature Le Méridien Hub, which evolves from a bright and fresh coffee house by day, to a sophisticated cocktail bar by night. Set amid this space, guests will enjoy music from French Bossa Nova band Nouvelle Vague, who curated the soundtrack for the hotel and all Le Méridien hotels worldwide, as well as the intimate 70-seat bar M Salon and 50-seat Latitude Bar, which will offer light bites and illy coffee, prepared by the hotel’s creative Master Barista.
Le Méridien Melbourne will also feature Cuisines, a 90-seat all day dining restaurant; a 210-square metre function space and three breakout rooms; a heated swimming pool and large fitness centre.
“Marriott International is pleased to reintroduce Le Méridien to Australia, in particular to Melbourne,” said Sean Hunt, area vice president, Marriott International, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. “Melbourne is known as one of Australia’s most European-style cities, especially with its art, culture and food attractions. As a Parisian-born brand focused on unlocking a destination, Le Méridien is the perfect fit for the city and the hotel is set to become a landmark for cultural-focused travellers visiting Melbourne.”
“We’re excited to partner with Marriott International to open Le Méridien Melbourne,” said Tony Chau, project manager, Jinshan Investment Group. “The brand’s focus on culture will provide a distinctive offering for visitors to Melbourne; it was always our intention to partner with a brand with such an exceptional point of difference. Le Méridien Melbourne will play a significant role in catering to cosmopolitan and forward-looking travellers to the city.”
Upon opening, Le Méridien Melbourne will join Marriott International’s growing portfolio in the Pacific, with 27 hotels in operation, including Le Méridien Isle of Pines and Le Méridien Nouméa. Marriott International also operates two Le Méridien hotels in the South Pacific; Le Méridien Bora Bora and Le Méridien Tahiti. The opening comes as part of Marriott International’s commitment to open 50 hotels in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific by the end of 2021.