Sol Melia Announces Ambitious Plans for US Hotels

The Melia Atlanta.

Sol Melia, often viewed as the leading hotel company in Spain and Latin America, has announced the start of operations in the US with the opening of the Melia Atlanta.

“The company achieves its objective and begins operations in the so-called ‘capital of the south’ of the United States and with an eye on new destinations,” says a news release.

The hotel will begin operations under management agreement on 15 October and the owner will commit a US$35 million dollar renovation over the next two years, adds the release.

The 502-room hotel has been run to date by the Marriott chain under the name Renaissance Atlanta Hotel Downtown. It has attracted both travel and leisure business.

“The takeover is a landmark for the Sol Melia growth and diversification strategy, allowing the company to gain a foothold in the biggest market in the world and earn brand recognition which will enhance the opening of hotels in new destinations in the US,” according to a release.

Sol Melia is “immersed in an intense period of growth,” the company says.

“In the Americas the hotel company operates hotels in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela and Costa Rica, amongst others and also achieved a major deal in the USA in June with the sale of its TRYP brand to the giant Wyndham Hotel Group, creating a strategic alliance to develop the new ‘Tryp by Wyndham’ brand in major markets, including the US,” according to the company.

By David Wilkening