United Developers, the creative force behind Place Vendôme, has announced that Starwood Hotels &Resorts Worldwide, Inc. will operate two new hotels and a serviced apartments’ complex as part of the forthcoming multi-billion Qatari Riyal mixed-use development currently under construction in Lusail City.

The two hotels and serviced apartments’ complex will cater to travelers looking for a lavish hospitality experience in the heart of Qatar’s newest shopping and entertainment destination. Slated to open in 2018, the three mid-rise properties will add a total of 650 guest rooms to the luxury development. This will comprise of a Luxury Collection Hotel that will embody classical Parisian elegance; it will feature 250 luxuriously-appointed guest rooms, including two presidential suites. The Luxury Collection hotel will mark the entry of the brand into Qatar, offering global explorers a unique gateway to this visionary destination.

The second hotel, Le Méridien Lusail, will offer a more contemporary style that reflects culture and design from across France. It will offer 250 guest rooms, including a presidential suite in one wing, while the other wing will offer 150 serviced apartments with a range of options from studios to four-bedroom suites designed to cater for individuals or large family groups. Le Méridien will offer signature features such as Le Méridien Hub, an innovative reinterpretation of the traditional hotel lobby.

“We’re pleased to be collaborating with Starwood Hotels & Resorts on the development of the Luxury Collection Hotel and Le Méridien Lusail,” said Sean Kelly, Project Director for Place Vendôme. “The two hotels and serviced apartments’ complex are a perfect match for our brand and will help make guests’ stay at Place Vendôme an unforgettable experience.”

Place Vendôme is a project of United Developers, a group of four Qatari investors who partnered to align their expertise in retail, real estate, construction and contracting. United Developers envisions Place Vendôme as a groundbreaking example of the entrepreneurship, vision and energy of Qatari commitment to the nation’s development. The project broke ground on March 17, 2014 and is scheduled to open in 2018. In addition to the two hotels and the serviced apartments’ complex, the 1,000,000m² development will

feature a mall containing over 500 retail outlets, restaurants, a central entertainment and a unique luxury precinct that will showcase some of the world’s leading luxury brands.

The development will be reminiscent of Rue de la Paix, the famous high-end shopping street in Paris, of which Place Vendôme is the starting point. The architecture is intended to radiate luxury, extravagance and European glamour, setting the tone for the entire leisure and shopping experience.

The hotels will serve as hospitality anchors for the project. The Luxury Collection Hotel will connect to the mall via the department store adjacent to the luxury court. Le Méridien Lusail and the serviced apartments will sit at the northern end of the development and will connect to the high street fashion section of the mall. Together, the hotels will contain up to 20 food and beverage outlets, including fine dining options overlooking the canal and a de café, plus swimming pools, rooftop lounges, kids’ clubs, ballrooms and event space, a spa, and a business center.

“We are delighted to work with United Developers to introduce The Luxury Collection and Le Meridien in Lusail, allowing us to strengthen and diversify our brand portfolio acro the country,” said Neil George, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions and Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Africa and Middle East. “These signings reinforce our commitment to Qatar, where we will double our current portfolio by 2020.”

Strategically placed at the heart of Lusail, Place Vendôme aims to become the region’s destination of choice for retail, leisure, entertainment and luxury by the sea. Rising in parallel with the infrastructure in Lusail City, the development will be served by new roads, public transportation, parks and marinas.

Place Vendôme adheres to and supports the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. The project reflects United Developers’ commitment to Qatar’s economic diversification as well as human and social development through the opportunities and jobs that the project will create during construction and upon completion.

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