After a decade of unstable ownership and a lack of brand clarity in the marketplace, Le Méridien is poised to not only recapture but to exceed the allure and infinite promise of its early days in 1970’s Paris with the support of new owner Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT). Since its acquisition by the hotel giant in November 2005, Le Méridien’s financial performance has exceeded all forecasts and the brand is set to substantially grow its footprint worldwide. In addition, Starwood, well known for its innovations and branding prowess, has developed a unique brand positioning that capitalises on Le Méridien’s heritage and distinguishes it from competitors in the upper upscale hotel arena. Over the next few months, Le Méridien will reveal a series of brand defining initiatives, partnerships and artistic events that signal a fresh approach aimed at attracting the world’s creative class.

Blackstone Group has just purchased the Hilton Group of Hotels for a record $26 Billion! This acquisition gives the Blackstone Group, whose 2,800 hotels include brands such as Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites and The Waldorf-Astoria Collection, approximately 500,000 hotel rooms, which is about 60,000 less than the current market leader in terms of number of rooms, InterContinental Hotels Group.