Le Méridien New York, Central Park Reopens Following Conversion of Former Viceroy Hotel

Main Photo: The new Le Meridien Hotel Central Park

Date: July 2019

Location: Central Park, New York, USA

Name: Le Meridien New York, Central Park

No. of Keys: 240

Seller: The property was formerly The Viceroy Hotel, opened in October 2013, when it changed hands for US$149m.

Buyer: The Arden Group bought the hotel for US$41m in July 2018. Arden, headed up by Craig Spencer, Chairman & CEO, started in 1989, now has 15+ serious hotels, as well as commercial office buildings.

Paris-born Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, once owned by Air France, then TrustHouse Forte and now part of Marriott International, along with Arden Group, announced the opening of Le Méridien New York, Central Park, a 240-room hotel that offers breathtaking views of Central Park and Manhattan skyline.

The former Viceroy hotel was converted to showcase Le Méridien’s heritage and mid-century design. With a nostalgic nod to the glamour of the French Riviera in the 1960s, Le Méridien inspires travellers to explore the world in style, savour the good life and enjoy experiences that offer something more than meets the eye.

This marks the brand’s entrance into New York City, bringing its French heritage and the allure of the Côte d’Azur to the Big Apple. Ideally located at 120 West 57th Street, travellers are immersed in Manhattan’s most iconic 5th Avenue location next to high-end storefronts such as Tiffany’s, Harry Winston, and more, further speaking to the crossroad where the New York jet set meets nostalgic 1960s high fashion and glamour.

Additionally, travellers are just steps away from must-see attractions such as Carnegie Hall, Museum of Modern Art, Radio City Music Hall, Broadway and Central Park.

“Le Méridien connects creative-minded travellers with inventive and sophisticated experiences that touch on the French style and sensibility of the brand,” said George Fleck, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing & Management, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts. “At Le Méridien New York, Central Park we’re combining our signature style with the undeniable energy of New York City.

Designed by renowned firm Roman and Williams, the hotel’s façade cleverly blends traditional elements with a modern flair, while the interior features a combination of custom designed and vintage details. Welcoming accommodations and suites on 28 floors offer stunning views of Central Park and are adorned with gold finishes and marble surfaces. The guestrooms are outfitted with Le Méridien’s signature bed, HD Samsung SmartTVs, illy espresso machines, Mondaine work spaces and superior Wi-Fi. Guests will also be able to enjoy a revamped state-of-the-art fitness centre and take advantage of the hotel’s sprawling scenic views of Central Park on its outdoor rooftop terrace.

“We’re beyond excited to bring Le Méridien to New York City,” said Shahram Khan, General Manager of Le Méridien New York, Central Park. “Every Le Méridien property is one-of-a-kind, but this one represents something special being the sole property in NYC. Our new hotel will merge the brand’s boutique, European elements with the vibrancy and hustle of the greatest city in the world – bringing to life a truly unique experience that we hope will make a lasting impression on each and every one of our guests.”

For guests’ dining pleasures, Petit Plates offerings include unique bites inspired by European classics which are infused with a distinctly local flavor for a chic twist. The Sparkling programme is the perfect complement to these light bites. Adding a modern twist to the traditional aperitif hour, Le Méridien Hub transitions into sparkling evening ambiance providing a sophisticated array of spirited libations.

The property also offers over 1,000 square feet of meeting room space. The Empire meeting room accommodates up to 30 guests within 700 square feet of space, and America’s Boardroom is a 306-square-foot executive boardroom with adjacent pre-function space which accommodates smaller groups of up to 12 guests.

Le Méridien Hotels also offers guests a sensorial environment – this unique atmosphere is created including the brand’s signature scent, which was developed with NYC-born brand MALIN+GOETZ. Aptly named LM002 for airplane tail numbers, the alluring scent is featured in the public spaces of all properties globally. Paying homage to its French roots, the brand also has a signature soundtrack that fills the Hub and public spaces, curated by French Bossa Nova band Nouvelle Vague.

While the initial conversion is now completed, additional renovations including guestroom upgrades are slated to be completed in 2020. HEI Hotels & Resorts operates the hotel and oversaw the renovation process.

HEI Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality owner and operator based in Norwalk, Connecticut. Founded by brothers Gary and Steve Mendell, HEI owns and manages over 50 full service, upper-upscale and luxury hotels in the USA under the major brands.

Price: US$41m

Price per Key: (pre-refurb): US$170,833

THPT Comment: Wow, a significant shift in price in five years…great deal for Arden at under $200k per key

First Seen: Hotel Online

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