By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Hai Pa Wang Group (海霸王集團), which acquired the hotel property at the Kaohsiung 85 Sky Tower (高雄85大樓), is the focus of industry speculation over which international brand will operate the long-awaited hotel the group is building. After earlier reports in March suggesting Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, new information circulating within the local hotel industry now points to another Marriott brand: Le Méridien.
Industry sources in Kaohsiung have confirmed the latest rumors, saying the proposed hotel brand has been upgraded to Le Méridien, which sits in Marriott’s Premium tier. However, Hai Pa Wang Group has so far declined to officially confirm any brand partnership. The Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau said the company has told city officials that a final decision has not yet been made.
Hai Pa Wang Group purchased floors 34, 35, and 37 through 85 of the former Grand Hi-Lai Hotel property in 2019 for NT$5.44 billion. Progress was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and handover issues, but interior demolition began last year, and mechanical and electrical work is now underway.
If confirmed, the Kaohsiung project would become Taiwan’s fourth Le Méridien hotel, joining existing locations in Taipei, Taichung, and Hualien.
