Starwood Hotels & Resorts Expands Presence in Eastern Europe with Le Meridien Batumi

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT), in partnership with Red-Co Ltd, today announced that its Paris-born Le Méridien brand will open in Batumi, the brand’s first location in the Republic of Georgia. Scheduled to open in 2018, the 110-room newly constructed hotel will showcase modern architecture and design within the iconic Batumi Tower, a mixed-use development project that also includes a casino and unbranded residences. Designed by the Hausart Project, the landmark Batumi Tower is the tallest structure in the city and features a unique eight-cabin carousel wheel on the 27th floor.

"We thank the owners, Red-Co Ltd, for putting their trust in Starwood, and we look forward to a long and successful working relationship with them,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. "Le Méridien promises to ‘unlock’ each destination it enters for its guests and this hotel will inspire creative and curious minded travelers to discover the culture, the arts and cuisine of Batumi.”

Located in southwest Georgia on the Black Sea, Batumi is a popular resort destination and the country’s summer holiday capital. Le Méridien Batumi will be located within the heart of the city centre, ideally situated on the boulevard along the stunning Black Sea, just steps away from the port of Batumi and adjacent to the captivating Dancing Fountains.

Guests will experience signature amenities from the Paris-born hotel brand including Le Méridien Hub, the brand’s innovative reinterpretation of the traditional hotel lobby into an experiential space for creative and curious minded guests to converse, socialize and exchange. The signature Latitude Bar will serve coffee specialties from the brand’s long term partner, illy, as well as light bites by day and Sparkling aperitifs by night. The 110 modern guest rooms and suites will offer sweeping Black Sea views and will feature the signature Le Méridien Bed, a spacious work area and functional technology with modern design elements. The curated culinary offerings in the two restaurants promise discovery of new tastes while the Explore Spa, swimming pool and fitness centre will provide guests the opportunity to relax and unwind. The interiors of Le Méridien Batumi will be designed by Tbilisi-based design firm Rooms.

"We are thrilled to expand our presence in Georgia, a growing market at the crossroads of Asia and Europe,” said Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. "Le Méridien Batumi will join our Sheraton Batumi and Sheraton Metechi Palace hotels in the Republic of Georgia, and will be a great addition to the vibrant city of Batumi.”

About Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts

With more than 100 Hotels & Resorts worldwide and the strongest, most globally diverse portfolio in its history, the Paris-born Le Méridien brand connects the curious and creative-minded traveller to unexpected and engaging experiences within their destination. With its brand promise of "Destination Unlocked”, Le Méridien has transformed numerous guest touch points through global partnerships with creative minds such as Illy, the LEGO® Group, Johnny Iuzzini, Gray Malin, and Nouvelle Vague. Plans call for dynamic portfolio expansion within the next five years in some of the world’s most exciting destinations, concentrating on markets in Asia-Pacific and the Americas. For more information, please visit LeMéridien.com or follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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