Le Meridien returns to Dublin

Le Meridien has signed a contract for a new hotel in Dublin, marking its return to the city after an 18 month hiatus.

The five-star, 179-bedroom hotel is in the Grand Canal Dock re-development area, which is currently one of Europe's largest urban regeneration zones.

Le Meridien Dublin will include a destination spa, meeting facilities and 84 luxury residential apartments.

It will form part of a large two-phase, mixed-use complex, which also includes extensive office, residential, retail and entertainment facilities constructed by Irish developers Heritage Properties.

Le Meridien Chief executive Robert Riley said: "This project provides us with a rare opportunity to re-enter the Dublin market. We have excellent operational experience in Dublin and are looking forward to once again being part of this vibrant and strategically important European capital."

The company's last property in Dublin was Shelbourne hotel on St Stephen's Green. The Bank of Scotland transferred the management contract to Marriott in January 2004.

Construction starts next month and the hotel is expected to open in December 2006.

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