Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is set to manage the newly named Le Meridien St Petersburg – formerly the North Crown Hotel – in Russia.

Following an extensive renovation scheduled for completion in 2008, Le Meridien St Petersburg will feature 322 guest rooms, two restaurants, a 14,000sq ft (1,300sq m) spa and an indoor swimming pool as well as 23,000sq ft (2,140sq m) of meeting and event space.

Bovis Lend Lease International will provide construction and design management.

Eva Ziegler, senior vice president of the brand, said: “As Le Meridien continues to grow its global footprint, our focus is on international destinations which bring the brand’s passion points – art, architecture, design, cuisine and fashion – to life.

“With St. Petersburg’s rich history, cultural offerings, spectacular art and architecture, it is an ideal location for Le Meridien.”

Starwood acquired the Le Meridien brand in November 2005, and this new site is the third Le Meridien property in Russia.

Elsewhere, a Starwood property called The Resort at Singer Island in Florida, US, is scheduled to open in December 2006.

The US$210m (£112m, 165m euro), 21-storey resort will feature 239 suites and 66 residences, a Caribbean Grill and a rum lounge, an 8,500sq ft (790sq m) spa and 4,000sq ft (370sq m) of meeting space. Atlanta-based Hirsch Bedner & Associates designed the property. Details: www.starwoodhotels.com