Melia Hotels International Announces ME Miami, the ME by Melia Brand's First Property in the U.S.

Today, Melia Hotels International, one of the world's largest resort hotel chains, announced their next major launch; ME Miami, introducing the ME by Melia brand's first property in the United States. This new Bayfront property, slated to open in spring 2015, marks a pivotal moment in the brand's evolving global expansion strategy by making its way to one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and the U.S. headquarters of Melia Hotels International.

"We are incredibly excited about the launch of ME Miami and are thrilled to begin this project in one of the most iconic cities in the United States," said Gabriel Escarrer, CEO and Vice Chairman of Melia Hotels International, "with its strategic location and all the offerings the city of Miami has to offer."

Under the ownership of the private-equity, alternative investment manager, CGI Merchant Group, the downtown property will take over the current location of Casa Moderna Hotel at 1100 Biscayne Boulevard. It will be a part of the trendiest location in Miami, as the area will host Zaha Hadid's new project, and the new Miami World Center, which will include a huge shopping mall.

ME Miami will boast 129 rooms, two rooftop pools, and more than 5,000 square feet of renovated space that will be converted into new dynamic food and beverage facilities with dining and event spaces. All public and private spaces, including a robust spa, will be completely remodelled to reflect the eccentric, yet luxurious amenities that ME by Melia prides itself on. Furthermore, ME's signature Aura Managers will be onsite as experts on downtown Miami and its cultural offerings.

One of the property's signature food and beverage amenities will include the first ever STK Rebel, a casual version of the traditional steakhouse, which will include indoor and outdoor dining options.

"The opening of ME Miami represents a significant undertaking for CGI, one that spanned two years and comprised a substantial financial commitment, a tremendous amount of resources, as well as exhaustive due diligence to find a partner befitting of such a significant project for downtown Miami," said Raoul Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of CGI Merchant Group.

"The city truly sits at the crossroads of two great hemispheres. Given Melia Hotels International's extensive experience in Europe and Latin America, and Miami being the ME by Melia brand's first foray into the US, it was the optimum choice. We are proud of this partnership and know it will bring great value to the City of Miami and the residents of The Marquis Tower, as Miami stands as one of the most attractive gateway cities in the US."

The announcement of ME Miami follows the highly successful summer 2014 launches of ME Mallorca and ME Ibiza as well as the celebrated ME London opening in 2013. The brand will continue to expand with the exciting development of three future properties in crucial markets including ME Milan Il Duca and ME Caracas, both slated to open in 2015, and Zaha Hadid's ME Dubai slated to open in 2016.

The ME by Melia brand is the most innovative luxury brand operated by Melia Hotels International and currently includes six locations – ME London, ME Madrid, ME Cabo, ME Cancun, ME Ibiza, and ME Mallorca. Melia Hotels International is confident that ME Miami, located in the hub of Miami's social and business life, will further raise its international brand awareness in the U.S. market.

For more information, please visit: www.ME-by-Melia.com

About CGI Merchant Group
CGI Merchant Group is a private-equity, alternative investment manager, that capitalizes on commercial real estate and infrastructure opportunities by using an entrepreneurial approach to building stakeholder value. Within the past six months, the Firm has deployed more than $150 million of capital in multiple assets classes ranging from retail to office to leisure . The Firm has a wealth of knowledge of the capital markets, and when combined with ingenuity and experience we believe distinguishes us from other alternative investment managers. We are contrarian, value-oriented investors in real estate and infrastructure focused on risk management. We operate our investment and capital management platform in an integrated manner with key relationships with our investment banker Torus Capital and strategic adviser Princeton Advisory Group, this is our investment management philosophy.