Le Royal M'eridien Shanghai Opens
Reaches New Heights as Tallest Building in Shanghai Puxi
SHANGHAI, October 4, 2006. Le Royal M'eridien Shanghai opened its doors this week in the pulse point of Shanghai, the world's most electric and vibrant city. The opening of Le Royal M'eridien Shanghai further signals the brand's aggressive growth plan since it was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) in November 2005.
'As we aggressively expand the global footprint of Le M'eridien, we remain focused on destinations that are forward-looking and embrace culture and creativity. Our guest is progressive and deeply engaged in art, fashion, film, food and design. With Shanghai's contemporary and emerging art scene, trend-setting nature and position as an international business epicenter, it is an idyllic location for a Le M'eridien,' stated Eva Zeigler, senior vice president of Le M'eridien brand.
Located between historic Nanjing Road East and the greenery of People's Square, is Le Royal M'eridien, a new urban icon of ultra modern design. Rising 66 stories the hotel is located within close proximity to the Museum of Contemporary Art and will be the tallest building in Shanghai Puxi. Designed by Bilkey Llinas & Associates, the building adheres to strict Feng Shui design principles. The two antennas on the top of the building aimed at the sky not only provide a distinct design character, they also represent greatness. The sharp edges of the building symbolize a 'Bagua,' the Chinese mirror placed in front of residences designed to ward off evil and ensure prosperity and happiness.
'Just as the multi-dimensional city of Shanghai is changing the way the world does business in Asia, Le Royal M'eridien Shanghai will redefine the typical hotel experience by providing a new perspective for our guests,' said Akram Touma, hotel general manager. 'The experience we will deliver will appeal to the open-minded, progressive and curious individual.'
The 770 guestrooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows provide dramatic views of the Huangpu River, People's Park and the ever-changing Shanghai skyline with its storied skyscrapers, miles of neon and 19 million inhabitants. Each guest room includes individually controlled air conditioning, a 42'' plasma screen with satellite TV programs and a DVD, VCD and CD player, international direct dual lines telephone, wireless & Broadband internet access, glass bathroom with a rain shower system and a central floating wash basin, and separate sofa seating. Suites measure from 517 square feet to 4058 square feet and consist of a living room with working area and sofa, one or two bedrooms and a spacious bathroom.
The hotel is designed to handle a variety of events, from small board meetings to executive conferences, galas and weddings. It has more than 21,500 square feet of conference space, including a state-of-the-art business center, two grand ballrooms with natural light, five meeting rooms and one VIP room. Stylish and fully equipped with built in technology, the conference facilities include a simultaneous translation system, state of the art audio and video equipment, sound system, LCD projector and screen, professional lighting equipment, high-speed internet access and computer rental.
Eight private luxury treatment suites at 'Le Spa' offer a welcome counterpoint to the frenetic energy of Shanghai. 'Le Spa' experience is an eclectic fusion of Asian culture, Chinese wellness and European treatments designed to restore and revitalize the soul and live life to the fullest.
Le Royal M'eridien Shanghai features 10 restaurants and bars offering a variety of cuisines from around the globe. 'Le Bistro', an all day dining restaurant offers a mix of international cuisine, Asian and Western dishes developed and presented with a creative eye. Authentic Cantonese cuisine with Shanghainese and Sichuanese signature dishes is available at 'Ai Mei' Chinese Restaurant. French cuisine with flavors and ingredients of the Mediterranean is offered at 'Allure' French Restaurant while 'Favola Ristorante, Pizzeria and Wine Bar' presents dishes with an Italian flair. Cocktails, coffee and tea and small dishes are available throughout the day at 'Le Salon' Lobby Lounge and fresh juices at 'Chill Juice Bar'. The ultimate experience is arriving at '789' Nanjing Lu Semi-Private Club located on the top three levels of the hotel. '789' offers stunning views of the city while indulging visitors with a seafood ice bar, cigar room and private lounge.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
