Le Meridien Picks Up Management Contract for Beach Resort

SUNNY ISLES BEACH-Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts has signed a deal with Miami-based developer Fortune International to manage the company’s 25-story condominium-hotel project under construction here. The tower will be London-based Le Meridien’s first beach resort in the US and Fortune International’s first venture into the hospitality sector.

The 210-unit oceanfront property has been called M Resort Residences; however, to reflect the new relationship, the name will change to Le Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Miami/Sunny Isles Beach. Pavarini Construction Co. began construction on the resort last summer and the developer plans a December opening, just a little behind the originally planned date of this fall. The project, located at 18683 Collins Ave., just north of Miami, has an expected sell-out value of $82 million.

Robert Riley, CEO of Le Meridien, says in a statement that the company is adding the property as part of its efforts to grow its brand in the Americas.Edgardo Defortuna, president of Fortune International, notes that the prestige of the hotel company will benefit the project. “Le Meridien’s expertise in managing world-class beach resorts in places like Bora Bora, Rio de Janeiro and Cancun will bring a great deal to the partnership,” he says.