STARWOOD-OWNED Le Méridien is planning new properties in the Far East over the next two years.
The first to open, next year, is the 345-room Le Méridien Xiamen, in the city's Huli district, and will include approximately 24,000ft2 (2,230m2) of meeting space, a spa, indoor pool and gym.
Le Méridien Taipei, the brand's first hotel in Taiwan, will open in early 2011 with 161 rooms, 17,000ft2 (1,580m2) of meeting space, health club and an indoor pool.
Starwood has also announced its top-end St Regis brand is to make its debut in Kuala Lumpur in 2014 with a 200-room hotel and 200 apartments. It will be located in the downtown Sentral Precinct, which is destined to become a new central business district.