Sol Meliá Opens Two New Europe Hotels and One in Shanghai

Sol Meliá has announced the opening of three new luxury hotels this year: Gran Meliá Colón in Seville, Spain; Gran Meliá Shanghai in China; and Gran Meliá Crete on the Greek island of Crete.

In Seville, following a complete renovation, the brand is due to open the ‘hotel of the toreadors’, the Gran Meliá Colon; in Shanghai, it inaugurates a luxury hotel; and in Crete it opens a world-class resort. Seen as the apex of the company’s achievement in terms of hospitality know-how and good sense, these new assets will become landmarks for the new level of service offered by the chain. Looking ahead to 2010, the company plans to open a new Gran Meliá hotel in the Italian capital, the Gran Meliá Roma, a luxurious and exclusive hotel in the heart of the classical district of the city.

Key to the effort, and originating out of the study of guest’s needs and desires are, Gran Meliá’s six essential points of differentiation: Red Glove Service, Leading Hotels, Meeting Concierge, resort designer pools, SPA experience and signature dining concepts.

Gran Meliá Colón, Seville

Sol Meliá will re-open the doors to one of its most successful properties, the former Hotel Tryp Colon, which will be launched as a Gran Meliá Colón.

Gran Meliá Colón has paid particular attention to Mediterranean and Andalusian quality cuisine in its star restaurant, “Burladero. Tapas & Tintos by Dani García.” The restaurant celebrates its 50th anniversary offering a reinterpretation of the Andalusian ‘tapas’, with all their traditional taste and flavour in a unique presentation.

Gran Meliá Crete, Greece

Gran Meliá will extend the brand’s Mediterranean offerings with the summer 2009 opening of the Gran Meliá Crete, which will be an exclusive property located in a secluded cove developed by the Daios family of Greece.

The project, carried out in collaboration with Hellas Holidays Hotels S.A, will be located in the exclusive region of Agios Nikolaos and will offer 250 junior suites and 50 villas, all facing the ocean. The property will have a full service marina, private beach as well as 150 private pools.

Gran Meliá Shanghai, China

Apart from being the tallest Gran Meliá hotel to open in the world, this new hotel will be a true skyscraper for the brand. Set to open in June 2009, this property has the unique opportunity to transmit the essence of Spain’s great tradition of hospitality even further in the Asian Market.

Located in the Financial & Trade district of Shanghai—the new heart of the historic Chinese metropolis - the Gran Meliá Shanghai will be a modern hotel with 687 guestrooms, 596 Deluxe rooms, 44 Royal Service Category rooms and 46 Suites as well as a Regal Imperial Suite. A destination for both leisure and business travelers, Gran Meliá Shanghai will feature a spa and a 2,500-square-meter pool.