Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts announced a series of Summer Soirée events, held at select properties worldwide this summer. The events transport guests and locals to the French Riviera with playful summer programming, including pétanque, refreshing aperitifs and new summer playlists. Pétanque is a traditional French pastime similar to Italian bocce, but typically played with metallic balls in an outdoor social gathering spot. Le Méridien pétanque courts are a new summer amenity unveiled at the hotels’ Summer Soirées. Hotels offering the court include Le Méridien Piccadilly in London; Le Parker Méridien in New York City; Le Parker Méridien in Palm Springs; Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco; Le Méridien Ile Maurice in Mauritius; Le Méridien Saigon; Le Méridien Bora Bora; Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove in the Seychelles; Le Méridien Split in Croatia; and Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi. The Summer Soirée series kicked off at Le Méridien Picadilly in London, continuing nightly through Sept. 20. In New York, the public can enjoy summer festivities through Labor Day by purchasing a $150 day pass. At Le Parker Méridien in Palm Springs, the Pastis and Pétanque at the Parker offer includes a complimentary room upgrade, a round of Pastis cocktails for two and breakfast for two, beginning at $219 per night. Additional Summer Soirées open to the public and hotel guests take place at Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco; Le Méridien Ile Maurice in Mauritius; Le Méridien Saigon in Vietnam; Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove in Seychelles; Le Méridien St. Julian’s in Malta; and Le Méridien Abu Dhabi. In Croatia, the events are open to hotel guests and SPG members. Other highlights of the Summer Soirées include the Sparkling program, offering modern twists on cocktail hour with three new summer cocktails created by Franz Zauner, global master barista, Le Méridien; and a new 24-hour hotel soundtrack curated by music partner Nouvelle Vague. “Our new Summer Soirées are a foray into French culture, truly immersing our guests around the world in cuisine, culture and musical inspiration derived from our roots in France,” said Brian Povinelli, senior vice president and global brand leader, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts. “The events around the world bring our brand full circle as we prepare in September to unveil our magnificently renovated flagship hotel in Paris, Le Méridien Etoile.”