For Immediate Release
Press Contacts: Larry Meehan lmeehan@bostonusa.com direct line for media: 617-867-8231; Stacy Shreffler, Media Relations & Tourism Sales Manager, direct line: 617-867-8203 / email: sshreffler@BostonUSA.com; Jess Petitt, HEI Hotels & Resorts, phone: (203) 849-2228; Jerry Daly, Chris Daly,Media, phone: (703) 435-6293
Le Méridien Cambridge to Undergo $7.3 Million Renovation
HEI Hotels & Resorts, a rapidly growing hotel ownership and operating company, today announced that it will consummate the purchase of the Hotel@MIT on December 5 and immediately convert the hotel to the luxury Le Méridien brand. It will be the Boston market’s only Le Méridien hotel and is part of an aggressive expansion of the brand, which recently was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. The hotel will undergo a $7.3 million renovation to further enhance the guest experience.
“The distinctive, one-of-a-kind character of the hotel, with its high-tech charm and sophisticated service, makes it an ideal fit for the Le Méridien brand,” said Steve Mendell, HEI’s executive vice president – acquisitions and development “We expect the transition to the luxury Le Méridien brand to create a better guest experience and attract a more diversified customer base, especially as the brand begins to expand rapidly in the U.S. Already highly regarded in Europe, Le Méridien has more than 200 hotels worldwide. We believe upscale international travelers will immediately gravitate to the Le Méridien Cambridge and that it will quickly become the preferred luxury hotel in the market.”
The Le Méridien Cambridge is situated in the heart of University Park at MIT, a premier, award-winning office, high-tech and biomedical complex, within a short walk of Harvard Square. The property features 210 rooms, including 14 suites, 7,700 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, a full-service restaurant, a terrace garden for outdoor functions and a fitness center. The property is known for a distinctive guest experience, highlighted by the presence of MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab robots stationed throughout the lobby and a reputation for sophisticated service.
“As a global destination market, we are delighted to reintroduce the international Le Méridien brand back to the Boston area,” said General Manager Ryan O’Heir. “While most of the operations team will remain the same, we will be better equipped and supported to create a more unique guest experience and unparalleled service. Our upcoming renovation will be a tremendous benefit to the hotel and community.”
The Le Méridien Cambridge will undergo a complete $7-plus million renovation designed to retain the uniqueness and locational experience of the property. This renovation will include upgrading all guestrooms and the lobby, adding Le Méridien signature touches. The hotel will remain open throughout the renovation, which will be segmented and completed in phases to minimize guest disruption. Completion is scheduled for early 2009.
"This renovation will ensure our place as the top hotel in the market,” O’Heir said. “We look forward to welcoming back our previous guests and to attracting new ones to the Le Méridien Cambridge experience.”
About the Le Méridien Hotel Brand
One of the latest additions to the Starwood family of brands, Le Méridien is a European-inspired brand comprised of luxury and upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and residences with a French accent. Each of its hotels, whether city, airport or resort, has a distinctive character driven by its individuality and the Le Méridien brand values. With its underlying passion for food, art and style and its classic yet stylish design, Le Méridien offers a unique experience at some of the world’s top travel destinations.
About HEI Hotels & Resorts
HEI Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., is a leading hospitality investment firm that acquires, develops, owns and operates first-class, full-service and focused-service hotels throughout the United States under such well-known brand names as Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Embassy Suites, Le Méridien and Hilton. For more information about HEI, visit the company’s web site, www.heihotels.com.
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