Sol Melia Wooing Mexican Money

MEXICO CITY— Spanish hotel chain Sol Melia is reportedly continuing its efforts to persuade Mexican tycoon and majority shareholder of Grupo Carso, Carlos Slim Helu, to become an investment partner in the chain’s business, which is said to include some 350 hotels in 30 countries. As further noted by a local newspaper columnist here, this coming November Sol Melia will open the 485-room Hotel Paradiso Rivera Cancun, the result of a $70-million investment. Next year, the company reportedly plans to strengthen its urban hotels in this country and, as such, is said to be analyzing locations in Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Cancun.