khabah

I feel that this hotel will be rebranding to Westin - this article references the "former Le Méridien" as well as a "clean, open style" and a "focus on well-being." A few LinkedIn searches have also turned up mention of a Westin Bora Bora coming soon. In any case, that article mentions an increase of rooms to 138 including 85 overwater bungalows, and an opening date in October 2023.

Sad if Le Méridien will lose another property, especially to become another beige Westin.

khabah

FrontOfTheCurtain

I had heard the same. I also heard that Richard Schilling, the former GM of the St Regis Bora Bora, will be the GM at the Westin Bora Bora.

I too will miss it being a Le Meridian.

UASPG

Same here and it seems that Marriott is trying to push owners to switch from Le Meridien to other brands.

Replacing Le Meridien by Westin does not make much sense to me; W, Ritz-Carlton or Luxury Collection would have been more upscale (with higher rates) choices.
I thought that W was the obvious choice, if they no longer wanted the property to be under the "Le Meridien" brand.

flayum

They just updated their IG:

Wonder if this will be bookable before the deval and if they'll be at bargain prices like the Maldives property. If so, might need reconsider my already planned July trip to the StR and Conrad.

UASPG

https://www.facebook.com/lemeridienborabora/

https://www.tiktok.com/discover/hote...a-bora?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/lemeridienbora/?hl=en

Alfonso904

Any idea on the award and cash rate yet?

UASPG

.
"Le Méridien Bora Bora is temporarily closed for renovation. We look forward to welcoming you back in the fourth quarter of 2023 for a fully enhanced experience."

The people I talked to (including some who know people, that are working on the construction), said that the hotel will not be finished in 2023.

So, far, nobody indicated that they knew for sure what the new brand will be, but there is a consensus that it will not be "Le Meridien". A local guy, that does not live far, said that he had heard that the hotel will become a Westin.
It's very hard to believe that the owner would select "Westin" as the new brand for his property. In my opinion,Le Meridien is one notch above the Westin and the hotel is in French Polynesia, so selecting a brand that originated in France over the Westin would be a no brainer. I would understand if the new brand was a W or an Edition or a Luxury Collection or a Ritz-Carlton (my least favorite of the 4), as those brands are considered as higher categories in comparison to Le Meridien.

Monsieur Louis Wane (also the owner of the Conrad Bora Bora), if you read this post, my recommendation is that you keep the Le Meridien brand for this property.

https://www.vinci-construction-proje...eridien-hotel/

Pictures below taken on February 9, 2023.

UASPG

'
Well, I guess that it's too late for me to influence Louis Wane.

https://www.journaldespalaces.com/ca...Technique.html




Position sought:
Technical Director
Reference: n°157565
City: Anau
Country: French Polynesia
Contract: Permanent Contract
start date: As soon as possible
Experience: Experienced
Position status: Executive
Position category: Accommodation / Technical
Salary: contact us
Housing: Yes
Date put online: 02/12/2022
Offer still valid for the week of 06/02/2023
SHARE
TO APPLY

Westin Bora Bora

Westin Bora Bora is recruiting...

Technical Director (M/F)

DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFER
For its upcoming grand opening, the Westin Bora Bora is recruiting its Technical Director.

If you want to join the Marriott International group, established in more than 130 countries worldwide with more than 8000 hotels under more than 30 different brands...
The ideal candidate provides a high level of property maintenance knowledge. The incumbent has overall responsibility for the upkeep of the building, grounds and physical property, with particular attention to safety, security and asset protection. Responsible for budget management, capital expenditure projects, preventative maintenance and energy conservation.

REQUIRED PROFILE

Education and Experience

• Higher diploma; 6 years of successful experience in a similar position or in professions related to technology or maintenance. Excellence technical competence in cold/electricity and plumbing.

• English essential

• Having knowledge of island destinations

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Management of Maintenance Operations in accordance with budgets
Management of Maintenance Budgets
Maintaining quality standards
Managing profitability
Conducting activities relating to Human Resources

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

At Westin, we are committed to nurturing the well-being of our guests by providing a refreshing environment, thoughtful amenities and revitalizing programming to ensure they leave feeling better than when they arrived. We recognize that travel can disrupt the well-being of our customers, and we are motivated to support them as partners to help them stay in control and rise above it all on the road. Everything we do is designed to help guests look their best, and they appreciate our supportive attitude, forward-thinking service and in-depth knowledge of how best to help them throughout their stay. We are looking for dynamic people who are excited to join the team and ready to jump into any situation to lend a hand. If you are someone who is positive, adaptable and intuitive, and who has a sincere interest in the well-being of others around you, we invite you to discover how at Westin, together, we can rise.

BENEFITS

Accommodation

UASPG

.
I should have started by looking here.

Complex Dir-Hotel Technology (Dual Property)
Job Number 22207340
Additional Information Supporting Westin Bora Bora and St. Regis Bora Bora
Location Westin Bora Bora
Categories Information Technology
Posted Date 12/01/2022
.
.Dir-Human Resources-A
Job Number 22203440
Additional Information French language skills required.
Location Westin Bora Bora
Categories Human Resources
Posted Date12/01/2022
.
.Dir-Finance-A
Job Number 22203441
Additional Information French language skills required
Location Westin Bora Bora
Categories Finance & Accounting
Posted Date 12/01/2022
.
.Dir-Engineering-A
Job Number 22199225
Location Westin Bora Bora
Categories Engineering & Facilities
Posted Date 11/16/2022

flayum

Wow, great find on all that info! Definitely a weird choice on the Westin branding. I wonder if they'd do a partial opening before the construction completes to keep to the October target?

UASPG

"JUST RETIRED ON THE 1 DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2020 IN THE RIVIERA MAYA IN MEXICO.
WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST.
KIND REGARDS RS"


If you have heard that Richard Schilling might come back to Bora, it means that he changed his mind about his retirement, after he posted the above message.
I was also told about that plan. I believe he is now writing a book on his experience in French Polynesia.

I could not get any information on the Westin GM. Could it be that Emmanuel Richardet (I saw him earlier today and should have asked), GM at the St Regis, is or will be a Complex General Manager for the St Regis and the Westin?
The examples of Complex General Managers, that I have seen, were all for properties that had the same owners. In this case, Louis Wane, the Le Meridien /Westin owner, sold the St Regis a few years ago.
Just a wild guess on something that will probably not happen.

UASPG

Passing by the Le Meridien this year, as well as last year, I was under the impression that the old bungalows became bigger. In fact, the size is the same, but they made the patios larger.
That probably explains why the next brand will not be W, The Edition or Ritz-Carlton, are those usually require a larger square footage.

It seems that Marriott is telling the owners of properties operating under the Le Meridien brand is not very well known in many countries and that switching to a better-known brand will bring in more bookings.
Starwood did a very good job after they acquired the brand and I don't see travelers being more attracted to a Westin (with its business, neutral decor image) when they visit Bora Bora. I understand that they are trying to stick a healthy lifestyle (food, exercise) image to the brand, but when I think about Westin, that is definitely not the first image that I have in mind.

Le Meridien properties that have been or are being rebranded:

- Plaza Athenee Le Meridien (this one made sense, but the hotel was probably better when it was under the Le Meridien's name).
- Le Meridien Piccadilly
- Le Meridien Chiang Mai
- Le Meridien Bora Bora
and at least another one that I cannot recall.

At the same time, Marriott is communicating about "revamping" the brand.

https://hospitality-on.com/en/hospit...diens-branding

flayum

Confirming UASPG's expert insider info, the rebranding is pseudo-official: Bobwi The Westin Bora Bora. Website isn't live, but shows up in search. Opening is shown as Nov 2023.

Echoing UASPG's speculation about cross-talk between the StR and Westin, there may be some despite the different owners: the marketing director lists herself for both properties on LinkedIn as of March. Although she does say: "It’s a true honor to represent an exquisite destination and unique resorts with the most incredible team and be part of the very anticipated opening of the beautiful #westinborabora in 2024."

Traveler Dave

Traveler Dave

https://www.marriott.com/search/hote...rshaCode=BOBWI