Le Méridien Munich: a hotel without surprises near the train station

During my last stay in Munich, I decided to stay at the Meridien Munich.

As for the location, everyone will find it well or badly located, depending on the purpose of the trip. The hotel is literally across the street from the train station, so it’s ideal if you’re arriving by train or plane (there’s a direct line between the station and the airport). On the other hand, it will be out of the way for those who wish to get closer to the historical center of the city. This is not a problem, there is a very good public transport network but you have to keep in mind that you will not choose for the view nor for the environment (as in all big cities the station areas are not ideal after a certain time in the evening).

Arriving in the evening by a late flight it was exactly what I was looking for to quickly leave my luggage.

The reception is in the standard of Starwood hotels: smiling and efficient. Even if you have no status in their loyalty program, you will be thanked for your loyalty and shown enough attention to make you happy you made this choice.

A very good first impression, in the Starwood standard

The check-in is done quickly and I head for my room. For a short stay and not having to spend much time in the establishment I booked a “superior” room which is in fact the entry-level offer.

Along the way, I appreciate the setting of the lobby, decorated in a modern and friendly way. The sound and olfactory signature is also very pleasant. This may seem like a detail, but it counts a lot, even unconsciously, in the lived experience and the things one remembers.

The corridors.

A superior room that’s a little bit small.

The room seems to have been renovated recently. Sober decoration but which makes one feel good. The signature bedding “Le Meridien” is well known and is among the best products on the market at this level. However, the size of the room is not impressive.

At first sight it could seem sufficient even if it has nothing “superior”. However, because of the structure of the building and the fact that I am on the top floor, a whole corner of the room is spoiled by what I think is a pillar or a column. Consequently, the room is significantly smaller. In my opinion, only certain rooms should be affected by this situation, but it might be a good idea to assign them only as a last option.

The proof in pictures:

The bathroom, without being huge, is of acceptable size and has a good sized bathtub.

Nothing like a video tour…

My room overlooked the back of the hotel and the patio. It may be green and quiet in summer, but in autumn it is not impressive.

Good point for the breakfast: the buffet is both rich and copious, as often in Germany. It’s funny to see how breakfast really varies according to the country’s culture, more than the rest of the services.

For me, who likes “hearty” breakfasts that allow me to skip lunch, it was perfect.

I did not test the restaurant nor the SPA, which I had heard so much about, as I spent most of my time outside the hotel.

On the other hand I could test the bar (which in the evening is much more modern and “trendy” than these photos taken during the day.

I keep complaining about hotel bars, even so-called luxury ones, which are generally more than insufficient on cocktails, both in terms of offer and execution. Good news here: the menu includes a number of specialties and other “signature” cocktails, and the two I tried made a much better impression than my usual experience. In the same line as the Sheraton Stockholm. So, with a little effort, an hotel can avoid the customer looking for a specialized bar in town or going to the competing palace.

In the end, a successful experience without being exceptional. It is at the level of what is expected from a Le Méridien, no more and no less, even if the rooms on the top floor are really small, which is logically a bad point. It’s fine for a single person, two people would be a bit cramped.

Will I return to Le Meridien Munich? By ease surely on occasion but I don’t forbid myself to try others hotels from time to time.

I leave you with this sound advice posted in the lobby…