Founded1972
HeadquartersBethesda, Maryland, USA (owner Marriott International)
FoundersAir France
IndustryHospitality, Tourism

About

Le Méridien is an upscale, design-led hotel brand founded by Air France in 1972 to house its crews in major hub cities. Marriott International owns it, having gained the brand through its Starwood acquisition in 2016. It has had several hotels in the UAE, including properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah named in a regional renovation programme.

Key figures

109Open hotelsJune 202129,439 rooms; Wikipedia
37 hotelsPipelineJune 20219,585 rooms
37CountriesMarriott100+ properties

Figures are as published by the sources listed on this page. Where a figure comes from the company itself we have not audited it.

Scope of operations

  • Upscale hotels and resorts in urban, resort and gateway destinations
  • UAE properties named in a 2013 renovation programme: Le Méridien Dubai, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi and Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort (Fujairah). Check the brand site for the current list

Founders and key people

  • Air France founder

Timeline

  1. 1972Air France founds the chain, opening a 1,000-room hotel in Paris
  2. 1994Air France sells its 57.3% stake to Forte Group for $207 million
  3. 2001Nomura Group buys the brand for £1.9 billion
  4. 2005Starwood acquires the brand
  5. 2016Marriott gains the brand through its Starwood acquisition

Current job openings

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