Dec. 29, 2004 – Following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and the tidal waves that followed affecting coastal areas in South East Asia, we would like to stress that our priority continues to be the well being of our guests and staff.
We have hotels affected by this disaster in Phuket and Khao Lak in Thailand. Our teams at the hotels are working with the local authorities and tour operators to arrange for guests to return home as quickly as possible. We are also arranging to provide assistance to our staff members and their families.
Le Royal Méridien Phuket Yacht Club guests sustained no serious injuries and there is no major structural damage to the property. The hotel expects to remain operational.
Le Méridien Beach Resort, Phuket evacuated guests to safe areas. Arrangements are now underway with the help of tour operators for them to be flown home. A full inspection of the hotel will then take place to ascertain the damage to the property.
Le Méridien Khao Lak, Thailand, communication with Khao Lak has been difficult, but we can confirm that guests were evacuated from the hotel. Staff at the hotel are working with the authorities and major tour operators to arrange to transport guests to Bangkok. A detailed inspection of the hotel will then be carried out.
Le Méridien Baan Taling Ngam, Koh Samui is unaffected.
At Le Méridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort, Bali and Le Méridien Fishermans Cove, Seychelles guests are safe and no damage to the hotels has been reported. (Le Méridien Barbarons, also in Seychelles, is closed for refurbishment.)
Le Méridien Ile Maurice, Mauritius also reports no injuries to guests and no serious damage to the hotel. Le Méridien properties in India have not been affected.
The management and staff at Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts extend their condolences to all those throughout the South East Asia region who have lost family and friends as a result of this disaster.
Anyone wishing to obtain details of their family and friends can obtain emergency helpline numbers from Le Méridien reservations centres. The number for UK enquiries issued by the Foreign Office is 020 7008 0000. Information can also be obtained from major tour operators. Guests due to travel to the affected areas should also contact their tour operator.
Contact:
Le Meridien
http://www.lemeridien.com
166 High Holborn
London, WC1V 6TT
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7301 2000
Fax: +44 (0)20 7301 2011
