It’s been little more than eight years since Marriott International first entered into discussions with, Cambodian real estate company, Grand Lion Group to open a luxury resort near Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Now, with the debut of the Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort just completed in January 2018, the two groups have done it again, this time to manage and operate a new hotel in the coastal city of Sihanoukville (main picture), located in Cambodia’s southwest.

Designed by the lauded Bangkok-based Tandem Architects 2001, and interior design firm JKY Concept, the five-star hotel, is part of Grand Lion Group’s USD200 million development, the hotel and luxury residence complex — Gold Coast at Sihanoukville.

Coming under the Le Meridien brand, the 388-room site which – spread across the 58 storeys of the Lyon D’or residence tower, will receive a Ground-breaking ceremony in January 2019, with a completion date penciled in for January 2022.

Grand Lion work with investments of between US$10 million and US$100 million, in development projects where an injection of cash and/or operational expertise will increase the commercial value of the property, with it’s focus currently set within Cambodia.  So, it would seem Marriott are well placed to develop their presence with the ambitious, local partner.

Commenting on the strategic importance the region holds for the company, chairman and CEO of the Grand Lion Group, Mr Lundy Nath (above) said, “With the increasing growth in visitation to Cambodia, the time is ripe for us to introduce a global hospitality brand in Sihanoukville. The region’s unspoilt beaches, pristine waters and laid-back ambience will appeal to international visitors in search of a relaxing coastal getaway.”

“Gold Coast at Sihanoukville will complement the Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap and the nearby Angkor Archaeological Park by providing an extended stay for guests to explore another dimension of Cambodia. This mega project aims to be among the first to open a new chapter in luxury beach destination experiences in Sihanoukville.” He added.

Marriott currently operates 550 hotels comprising more than 170,000 rooms in Asia Pacific. But this portfolio is expected to almost double, with 500 properties in the pipeline and scheduled to open by 2021.

Click here for more information about Courtyard by Marriott.