Sol Meliá relaunches its Gran Meliá brand opening three luxury hotels in Spain, China and Greece
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Sol Meliá relaunches its Gran Meliá brand opening three luxury hotels in Spain, China and Greece
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Category: Worldwide - Industry economy -
Hotel projects
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2009-02-18
Gran Meliá Colón in Seville, Spain, Gran Meliá
Shanghai in China, and Gran Meliá Creta in Greece all open in 2009
Sol Meliá focuses its investment on luxury brands, strengthening its international presence by means of its unique combination of service, design and good food, plus a wide range of activities in the fields of entertainment and relaxation
Coinciding with this year’s edition of FITUR and after the visit of the Prince and Princess of Asturias, Sol Meliá – the largest holiday company in the world –announced during a press conference the opening of three new luxury hotels this year: Gran Meliá Colón in Seville, Spain; Gran Meliá Shanghai in China; and Gran Meliá Creta on the Greek island of Crete. The three hotels are destined to become the Group’s pristine flagships. Sol Meliá’s luxury hotel and resort brand is an international standard-setter known for the passion and excellence of its service. With more than 50 years’ international experience, Gran Meliá now has more than 4,000 rooms in 12 luxury hotels around the world.
In these days of economic uncertainty, Sol Meliá will continue to invest in its people, its properties and its brands to ensure the company’s competitiveness in an increasingly demanding market.
In Seville, following a complete renovation, it is due to open the ‘hotel of the toreadors’, the Gran Meliá Colon; in Shanghai it inaugurates a luxury hotel; and in Crete it opens a whole new resort. Seen as the apex of the company’s achievement in terms of hostelry know-how and good sense, these new assets will become landmarks for the new level of hospitality and service offered by the chain. For 2010 the company plans to open a new Gran Meliá hotel in the Italian capital, the Gran Meliá Roma, a luxurious and exclusive hotel in the heart of the classical part of the city.
In the words of Sebastian Escarrer, Co-Vice President & CEO: “this recession does not come as a surprise to the industry and we are fortunate that the strategic plan developed 5 years ago was carried out successfully, allowing for the company’s financial security even under distressing market conditions such as those we experience today.”
Gran Meliá is carrying out an ambitious re-branding effort to cater to today’s expert and up-and-coming traveler. The investment in the Gran Meliá brand, visible in the development of new properties such as Palacio de Isora, Colón, Crete and Shanghai, and in the incorporation of modern brand imagery, decoration and completely renewed service package in existing locations, will redefine its place in the market as a modern classic hotel and resort brand.
As well, Gabriel Escarrer, Co-Vice President & CEO said: “while many could say our Spanish heritage is what makes us different internationally, it’s not a question of nationality: it’s rather a question of core ideas and values which are visible in our brands. In the case of Gran Meliá, those values allow us to offer timeless luxury with avant garde flair.”
Key to the effort, and originating out of the study of guest’s needs and desires are, Gran Meliá’s seven essential points of differentiation: Red Glove Service, Leading hotels, Meeting concierge, resort designer pools, SPA experience and signature dinning concepts.
Gran Meliá Colón, Seville
Sol Meliá will re-open the doors to one of its most successful properties, the former Hotel Tryp Colon, which will be launched as a Gran Meliá Colón and welcome its first guests on February 3, 2009.
Following a painstaking renovation of the landmark building, constructed in 1929 on the eve of the Seville World Fair, the Gran Meliá Colón is a hotel steeped in tradition, culture and heritage, which has been brought back to pristine condition.
Gran Meliá Colón has paid particular attention to Mediterranean and Andalusian quality cuisine in its star restaurant, “Burladero. Tapas & Tintos by Dani García”. The restaurant celebrates its 50th anniversary offering a reinterpretation of the Andalusian ‘tapas’, with all their traditional taste and flavour in a unique presentation. Dani García is determined to respect all the traditional values of Spanish cuisine with a visual display that excites all five senses. He has designed a menu based on the products of both land and sea.
Gran Meliá Crete, Greece
The Gran Meliá brand will travel over the Mediterranean ocean and open on summer 2009 on the island of Crete. Considered the island destination of Europe, the Gran Meliá Crete is a unique property located in a private cove developed by the Daios family of Greece.
The project, carried out in collaboration with Hellas Holidays Hotels S.A, is located in the exclusive region of Agios Nikolaos and offers 250 junior suites and 50 villas, each facing the ocean. Equipped with a full service marina, private beach as well as 150 private pools, the property was designed to satisfy the needs of individual travellers who desire ultimate luxury in an intimate location.
Gran Meliá Shanghai, China
Apart from being the tallest Gran Meliá hotel to open in the world, this new hotel will be a true skyscraper for the brand. To open in June 2009, this property has the unique opportunity to transmit the essence of Spain’s great tradition of hospitality on an international plane.
Located in the Financial & Trade section of Shanghai – the new heart of the historic Chinese metropolis - the Gran Meliá Shanghai is a modern hotel with 687 guestrooms, 596 Deluxe rooms, 44 Royal Service rooms and 46 Suites as well as a regal Imperial Suite. A destination for both leisure and business travellers, Gran Meliá Shanghai and will offer the complete range of services including a remarkable spa and a 2,500 sq meters pool.
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