Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi faces redevelopment choices
Originally published on www.businesstravellerme.com 10/02/2012 - Filed under: News »
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi is about to decide whether to go for a phased renovation over the next two years, or all remaining 15 floors this year.
General Manager Shaun Parsons said the contract will be mobilised in April.
"A lot of it's going to come down to the dollars and cents," he said. "If there's more efficiencies from doing it one year, as opposed to stopping and starting over two phases, then that's something the owners will consider."
The renovation process is already underway with five floors of the 20-year-old Deluxe Tower completed last year.
"Rooms have had enhancements made during that time but wholesale renovation hasn't been something the hotel's gone through," added Parsons.
"They have served the hotel well but we're dealing with corporate travellers that are coming from Europe and other GCC countries that are well travelled.
"We're tendering the 15 floors out at the moment and will either do seven and eight floors over two years, or total 15-floor renovation in 2012."
Both options have their pros and cons.
Should the hotel go for the immediate option, it would create more short-term challenges, although it would still have an inventory of 132 rooms, comprising 77 rooms in its Royal Tower, alongside 55 renovated rooms.
Going for a phased approach would place less immediate stress on the overall operation, but possibly incur more costs – as well as dragging out the life of the older rooms.
"There are certain advantages to doing the 15 in one go and then hit the market with a full inventory of renovated rooms in 2013," said Parsons.
Either way, more changes will be implemented, with a new lobby in the next two years, in line with Le Meridien's Hub concept, as well as upgrades to The cafe, and Italian and Al Fanar restaurants.
Asked whether the hotel will go down the celebrity chef route, he said it's something being considered.
"We’ll be able to share a few more details later in the year, once we've signed the deals, but we’ll be bringing in two new operations in spaces that are vacant in key areas. They’ll be partnerships with third parties."
Parsons said the Abu Dhabi market is going through an interesting time with the number of hotels opening. Competition is immediately on its doorstep with Sofitel Abu Dhabi opening shortly (Capital Plaza) and not far away along the Corniche is Jumeirah Etihad Towers (opened) and St Regis Abu Dhabi (May).
"Supply is certainly at its highest point that it’s ever been. You name an operator, they’re here or coming. That’s why Starwood wants to reshape the hotel."
Among the hotel's current guests are the England cricket team.
For more information, visit leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com
Report by Dominic Ellis
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