Mini-Review: Le Méridien Munich

Posted on October 31, 2020

Le Méridien Munich*****

Munich was my choice for the last (2019-2020) New Year's break. And although I was very much satisfied with the Pullman, I wanted to try a more central option as I would be arriving and leaving by train. For this hotel mini-review, I explain the reasons why I chose Le Méridien Munich among so many others.

As always, I take four crucial elements when choosing accommodation, more specifically in this order of importance:

cleanliness,
location,
structure/comfort, and
service/staff.

Disclaimer: this is an honest and personal review of my stay, as a regular paying customer, not a sponsored partnership.

Cleanliness

I must be fair and perhaps give them a break because the hotel was full due to New Year's Eve. But although the room and bathroom were indeed spotlessly clean upon arrival, I did have a couple of issues during my stay.

One day, after leaving the robes and towels on the floor to be changed, they were simply re-hanged. On top of this, for two days in a roll, I returned late afternoon to the hotel to find the room was not serviced at all.

I must admit I was a little shocked as I have never had this issue even in smaller hotels, let alone a 5-star one in a top European destination.

Location

As mentioned, my goal was to stay as close as possible to the center, which in Munich means the stretch between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz. So this time I focused on the obvious, which is one of the many many hotels around Hauptbahnhof. And although the surroundings of big train stations are not exactly attractive in any way, it is undeniably a practical base and totally safe in Munich.

Which brought me to the Le Méridien Munich. Located just a stone's throw from one of the entrances to the Hauptbahnhof, right across the street. From international and local trains to trams and 4 U-Bahn lines, all this only 600m from Karlsplatz, you have it all on your doorstep.

TIP: This is a top location during Oktoberfest as well since it's walking distance from Theresienwiese, where it takes place.

Structure & Comfort

Le Méridien Munich is set in a renovated and modern building. It has a large open-air patio with a seating area, as well as a restaurant/beer garden.

The room was surprisingly spacious for such a central location, with the usual amenities.

Deluxe King Room

Finally, you have a fitness and wellness area, with an indoor pool and a jacuzzi. It is pretty and well structured but unfortunately, it was impossible to enjoy it. My complaint here could also be related to the NYE period but the fact is that there were so many kids screaming and running around, with their oblivious parents not paying any mind. Since this is an underground area, all the noise was echoed and simply unbearable. It was a pity for such a cozy ambience.

Service & Staff Friendliness

The staff was overall friendly but again, there were a couple of incidents that I had never come upon before. Apart from the two incidents shared in the Cleanliness section, there were a couple more.

We had decided to have breakfast brought into the room, instead of going for the buffet. One morning, breakfast arrived earlier than scheduled. Waking up to a ringing doorbell is really not the nicest start to the day...

On our check-out morning, we decided to order our breakfast for 10am. At 8:40am, a hotel employee started ringing several doorbells around us, calling someone's last name. We were definitely awakened by the commotion. So much for sleeping in ????

Taking all of this into account, I have to say I was quite disappointed with their service.

BALANCE

Although the structure and location are great, the issues with room service were significant enough that I don't recommend it. If this is less important to you, or if I just happened to be unlucky due to the NYE period, then it could be a good cost/benefit. But I personally won't be trying it again. Thumbs down ????

Booking.com

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Do you have good cost/benefit hotel recommendations for Munich? Comment below and let me know!