Le Meridien takes design hotel concept to US
London based hotel group Le Meridien has announced that it is to expand its design-led Art + Tech concept into the US by opening in Minneapolis.
Art + Tech is the brainchild of Le Meridien chief executive Juergen Bartels who believes that business travellers are tired of staying in similar rooms no matter where they travel and would like to see hotels with more individuality and design flair.
Mr Bartels said: “The Art + Tech by Le Meridien at Minneapolis will introduce the United States to a dramatically different style of hotel product offering an experience never seen before in a global luxury hotel group. We look forward to continuing to expand Art + Tech in other strategic markets as we move forward with our aggressive expansion plans for Le Meridien.”
The Minneapolis hotel, which is due to open this December will feature 255 guest rooms as well as 15,000 square feet of meeting space, a bar, restaurant and fitness centre. The property is owned by the Graves Hospitality Corporation who are also the developers and operators of the project. Graves is also expected to collaborate with Le Meridien on further Art + Tech properties in the US.
The first prototype of the Art + Tech concept was developed at the Russell Hotel in London. It is now being incorporated into traditional landmark properties including Le Meridien’s Grosvenor House in London. Several hotels, including the Minneapolis project, will be entirely comprised of Art + Tech, which includes public and meeting space as well as guest rooms. Of Le Meridien’s 40,000-plus rooms, the aim is to convert 5,000 into Art + Tech during the next three years.
Le Meridien is a global hotel group with 145 hotels in 55 countries worldwide. Headquartered in London, the group was purchased by Nomura International plc’s Principal Finance Group in July 2001 and merged with Principal Hotels, acquired by Nomura in February 2001.
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