Le Royal Meridien to run Abu Dhabi Grand Hotel

The Le Royal Meridien has formally took over the management of the five-star Abu Dhabi Grand Hotel yesterday.

The Rotana Hotels group ceased management of the property which it managed since May 1999. "There will be no change in the name of the hotel. It will continue to be called Abu Dhabi Grand," a senior official of the Dhabi Group, owner of the Abu Dhabi Grand Hotel told Gulf News yesterday.

Also, the expansion of the hotel begun during the management of Rotana Hotels, will continue as it is being financed by the owners. The Dh120 million expansion of the hotel will see the addition of a five-storey block taking the total number of rooms from 197 to 305.

Meanwhile, key personnel of the hotel have been transferred to Rotana Hotels group to be absorbed in their properties in the UAE. The other staff may continue in the Abu Dhabi Grand. "It is customary for staff to remain in their jobs when a new management takes over," said a Rotana Hotels spokesperson.

Le Royal Meridien is the premium brand of hospitality major Le Meridien, and manages some 10 per cent of the group's portfolio.

Le Royal Meridien manages the beachside Le Royal Meridien Spa & Resorts in Dubai. The Abu Dhabi Grand will be their first management contract in the capital. Le Meridien manages a luxury property of the Abu Dhabi National Hotels in the capital.

With this new deal, the Le Meridien group will manage two hotels in Abu Dhabi. "The group manages two beach hotels in Dubai, one by Le Meridien and the other by Royal Meridien," said a senior industry official, adding that as a premium brand, it would add value to the hospitality sector in the capital.