PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain, Dec. 11, 2009 - Today, the leading Spanish hotel brand, Gran Melia Hotels and Resorts, announced the expansion of its regional presence in Asia with its newest five-star hotel, Gran Melia Shanghai, the brand's first property in China. The hotel is set to open on December 12th 2009, providing effortless access to the city's many cultural, entertainment and shopping attractions, accommodating discerning guests and business travelers from around the world.

The 686-room hotel will be located in the Lujiazui Financial & Trade Zone within the city's central Business District within walking distance to the famed Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. The property will boast impressive views of the Huangpu River and the Puxi district and will reflect the modern and contemporary design movement of 21st century China, with a minimalist elegance, impressive high ceilings and elegant furnishings throughout.

Gran Melia Shanghai
No.1288 Lujiazui Ring Road
Pudong New District
Shanghai, China

The REDLevel, Gran Melia's premium room category, will serve as an exclusive retreat for guests seeking the ultimate VIP experience with 119 rooms, 12 suites, one Presidential Suite and one Imperial Suite. In addition to the standard deluxe amenities offered, REDLevel guests will enjoy a private check-in area, continental breakfast, complimentary happy hours with hors d'oeuvres, and access to The REDLevel Lounge -- a private space for guests to relax in privacy.

For the business and corporate group traveler, the Gran Melia Shanghai will offer a range of meeting and convention facilities, including a Grand Ballroom with a cocktail reception capacity of up to 800 people. Additionally, there will be 17 meeting rooms which can accommodate groups from 20 to 150 people. Other business-focused services and amenities include WiFi throughout the building, fully-equipped business center offering secretarial and translation services, fax and email access, as well as two additional breakout rooms for up to 10 guests.

The property will also boast four world-class dining venues including a sumptuous traditional Cantonese restaurant "Suntime Century," an elegant Spanish restaurant "El Albero," and an a la carte Italian restaurant "Acqua," along with a breakfast buffet area and international coffee shop. Additionally, guests will be able to enjoy an energetic Cuban music bar "Havana Night" and a lobby bar, as well as the destination rooftop bar, "Red Passion," which will provide stunning views of the Huangpu River and the Puxi District set in an ultra modern setting.

Gran Melia Shanghai's guests will also have exclusive access to the on-property YHI Spa, Gran Melia's signature destination retreat. Named after the "Goddess of Light," the expansive spa will be dedicated to providing superior traditionally-inspired massage and beauty treatments as well as a series of pools containing revitalizing water ritual experiences. Adjacent to the spa, a full service Health Club will provide state-of-the-art fitness equipment to visitors.

The Gran Melia Shanghai's luxurious accommodations and world-class facilities will provide a modern retreat for travelers visiting this vibrant and energetic city of 20 million.

About Gran Melia
Into the realm of luxury emerges a bold new vision of what it means to live well, away from home, introducing Gran Melia Hotels & Resorts. Encounter the definitive statement of contemporary luxury from Sol Melia, the company that has been introducing the world to the warmth of Spanish hospitality for over 50 years. In the world's most coveted locations, discover an elevated guest experience marked by innovation and style. Gran Melia's signature RedGlove Service is where white-glove tradition and red-carpet elegance meet the inherently Spanish passion that inspires everything we do. www.gran-melia.com

About Sol Melia
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Sol Melia is the largest resort hotel chain in the world and market leader in Spain in both business and leisure travel. The company currently provides more than 300 hotels in 30 countries on 4 continents, and employs 37,000 people under its Gran Melia, ME by Melia, Paradisus, Melia, Innside, Tryp, Sol and Sol Melia Vacation Club brands.