Le Royal Meridien Hamburg

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts Announces Opening of Le Royal Méridien Hamburg

New Five Star Hotel situated in the Heart of Hamburg on Lake Aussenalster

September 15, 2003 (London) - Offering the city's most spectacular views of Lake Aussenalster, Le Royal Méridien Hamburg officially opened its doors on September 1 to impressive occupancy levels and a host of high profile events, according to Klaus Brandstetter, general manager of the 284-room luxury hotel.

"The construction of Le Royal Méridien Hamburg has been closely followed and embraced by the people of Hamburg, and we are thrilled at the reception we’ve received both locally and from our international business clientele," Brandstetter said. "A great deal of focus was put on embracing the local culture in the hotel, and we are delighted that it has been so well-received."

Le Royal Méridien Hamburg hosted 241 guests on its opening day, and by the fourth day of operation the hotel reached 100 percent occupancy with all meeting rooms fully booked. Le Ciel Restaurant and Bar - the stunning rooftop restaurant, whose food concepts are created by Two Michelin Star Chef Michel Rostang - is equally popular and fully reserved for dinner for the next several weeks.

Le Royal Méridien Hamburg is Le Méridien's second full Art + Tech design hotel to open, following the debut of the new Le Méridien Minneapolis, which opened to similar acclaim in May 2003. Two additional Art + Tech hotels - Le Méridien Vienna and Le Méridien Lingotto, Turin, will open within the next few months in Europe.

Designed by Yvonne Golds of London-based Real Studios, Le Royal Méridien Hamburg's guest rooms feature the essential components of Art + Tech, including the signature Le Méridien Bed, 42 inch flat plasma screen televisions, high speed internet access, and separate power showers with assorted massage nozzles. Each of the handcrafted etched glass headboards in the guest rooms depicts one of five motifs designed by local Hamburg artists.

According to Golds, "This project allowed us to really explore the possibilities of Art + Tech. Working closely with the client and their art consultant, pieces have been individually commissioned for the headboards, light boxes and showcases in the bedrooms, while in the 8th floor bar and restaurant dramatic large-scale pieces are placed against the equally dramatic view. The lighting schemes subtly change throughout the day, bringing the focus onto the artwork during the evening."

Art + Tech was conceived to create a space 'that will not only provide luxury accommodations but an environment that will engage, surprise and intrigue Le Méridien’s guests.' Using a neutral backdrop, colour is used dramatically either in painted wall panels, soft furnishings or by the addition of colored gels into light fittings. Furniture is designed and detailed using a minimal palette of materials, pale maple, satin stainless steel and glass (clear, frosted and etched). Surfaces are kept clear wherever possible providing a minimalist, clutter-free feel.