Global hotel group, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts has added to its European portfolio following the announcement that it has signed a management agreement for a 381-bedroom hotel in Split on the Croatian Adriatic coast.  The hotel, formerly one of Croatia’s most luxurious resorts, is currently closed for redevelopment and will re-open as a Le Méridien in early 2006.

The hotel will be the only internationally affiliated hotel within the area of Split, and the plan is to develop a fully integrated sea front resort destination offering three restaurants, four bars and 2,000 square metres of flexible meeting space - the largest conference space in Croatia.

There will be health and leisure facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, spa facilities, a private beach with water sports and two tennis courts.  Also on site will be a casino, nightclub and medical centre.

Robert Riley, Le Méridien’s chief executive officer said:  “This hotel project represents a fantastic opportunity for Le Méridien to move into an emerging destination that has recently experienced ongoing stability and substantial growth. Strong inward investment and the anticipated accession to the EU over the next five years will also contribute to the overall success of the region.”

Located on the sea front at Podstrana six kilometres to the south of Split city centre, the hotel is 20-minutes by road or boat from the city centre. It is a 40-minute drive from Split-Kastela International Airport, which is currently being redeveloped.  The airport is served by a variety of international scheduled and chartered airlines from key European cities.

As well as being an important commercial city, Split is a popular tourist destination offering an attractive coastline with important historical and cultural elements. UNESCO lists much of the centre of the old city as being a world heritage site.  It has one of the largest commercial ports on the Mediterranean attracting an increasing number of visitors and cruise-ship passengers. 

London-based Le Méridien currently operates a portfolio of more than 130 upscale hotels in 56 countries worldwide, including 44 in Europe.
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