Meliá Hotels International has announced plans to expand its presence in the Middle East with a new property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The hotel, which will operate under the luxury Gran Meliá brand, is scheduled to open in 2015 and will be located in Cairo Square.
The Riyadh property will include 252 guest rooms, multiple restaurants, a spa and a convention center, designed to appeal to both business and leisure travelers seeking upscale amenities. Gabriel Escarrer, founder and chairman of Meliá Hotels International, commented that Saudi Arabia represents a strong market for luxury hospitality and that the Gran Meliá brand aims to meet the expectations of discerning modern travelers.
Meliá Hotels International currently manages a global portfolio of more than 350 hotels and approximately 90,000 rooms across 39 countries on four continents. Its brand portfolio includes Gran Meliá, Meliá, ME, INNSiDE, TRYP by Wyndham, Sol and Paradisus, covering luxury, upscale and lifestyle segments. The new Gran Meliá in Riyadh marks a further step in the company’s regional expansion strategy, reinforcing its commitment to increase its footprint in key Middle Eastern cities.
The addition of a convention center at the Riyadh property highlights the company’s focus on serving corporate and event markets as well as leisure guests. With dedicated meeting spaces and upscale dining and wellness facilities, the hotel is positioned to attract conferences, business travelers and international visitors seeking premium services in the Saudi capital.
By placing a Gran Meliá in Cairo Square, Meliá is choosing a prominent Riyadh location that offers access to business districts and cultural points of interest. The new hotel is expected to boost local hospitality offerings and provide international-standard accommodations for travelers to the city.