A journey of rediscovery - the Le Meridien undergoes a fascinating transformation
The Le Meridien brand has embarked on a well-plotted journey of re-discovery. There are great new things to come in terms of look, feel, products and experiences for our guests.
Le Meridien targets the needs and desires of the creative guest, who by definition is an active, self-confident, optimistic, forward-looking, curious, open-minded individual always looking to learn something new. The look and feel of the brand has been enhanced to reflect this core sensitivity and the pilot lemeridien.com website set to launch in a few weeks will be testament to this. Other superb initiatives guests can expect to see in the short to mid-term include exciting culinary journeys, refreshed in-room design, a trademark Le Meridien bed and a unique arrival experience! Stay tuned for much much more...
The Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina was also among the first hotels in the division to undergo Service Culture Training, starting from hotel leaders and filtering down to all associates. Pictured above is a group from the training, led by Director of Service Culture EAME for Le Meridien, Sheraton and Four Points by Sheraton brands. We talk to Ian about the transformation...
Please tell us a little about your background and what you do?
I have an operational and training background, I have been with Starwood for over 19 years. I worked through several operational positions including Major Domo (Head Butler), Executive Housekeeper, Guest Relations, EAM and acting GM. In my training role I spent 9 years in Bahrain as Director of Training where I was able to assist with 9 hotel openings and conversions, setting up towers and butler services in another 7 hotels.
What are the main phases of this brand invigoration process?
Chic, cultured discovery to take the current Le Meridiens from 120 products to a life style brand that is creative,chic, cultured and discovery. From products to ideas, from service to experiences.
Why Service Culture Training?
To create a true brand - our guests need to feel the difference, our associates need to adopt a new culture, a new way of doing the processes they currently perform and it has to become part of the daily culture of service within our brand
How will our guests benefit from all this?
Emotional connections will be formed making our guests feel more at home, welcome in every property, experiencing new ideas and creative solutions to their needs and for Le Meridien also to help our guests to connect and discover new experiences during their stay.