Le Méridien Vienna: solid and without surprises

My latest trip to Vienna was the opportunity to stay at Le Meridien Vienna.

Le Méridien Vienna: a well located hotel

Le Méridien Vienna is located a few blocks from the museum district, on the outer edge of the area where most of the tourist sites are concentrated. Two blocks away from the Imperial Vienna, the location is a little less prestigious but just as convenient and most of the time at more affordable rates. In any case you can cover all the tourist sites on foot from the hotel.

Arrival and check-in

The arrival is done in the simplest way in the world by cab, the hotel being moreover at the edge of the “ring”, this circular artery which surrounds the hyper center.

The building is in the purest style of local architecture and blends happily into the beautiful Viennese cityscape.

A bit (too much) of a wait at check-in due to guests who seemed to be in dire need of socialization with the front desk staff too polite to tell them that the check-in desk is neither a psychologist nor the concierge.

As for me the matter will be settled in a minute, having done my mobile check-in on the SPG application. My standard room was upgraded to a Deluxe Courtyard View. The protocol of the loyalty program is followed to the letter without overdoing it, which allows me to spend only the time strictly necessary at the counter.

The lobby with, behind the large space dedicated to breakfast.

The Deluxe Courtyard View Room

On the way to my room I quickly observe the place. As always at Le Méridien, we are on a clever mix between a tasteful modern style and the anchoring in the local culture with a dose of French touch. The regulars will find an interior perfume that they know well, as well as a playlist especially elaborated with taste for the chain in the elevator and the lobby.

I was told that my room was a “renovated” room which doesn’t tell me if all of them have just been renovated or if part of the hotel has not been renovated yet.

Once the door is pushed, we enter a vestibule that allows us to discover the “office” area of the room.

A few steps later I discover the sleeping area. Stylish and sober, I immediately recognize the Le Méridien touch. Always tasteful, never flashy.

The bathroom is a good size but only has a (large) multi-jet shower. Nice.

As for the “courtyard view” it is only the view on the courtyard of the building, or in other words the roof that covers the restaurant / breakfast room of the lobby).

Can do better.

Now useless for Europeans with the disappearance of roaming fees but practical for foreigners, a wifi hot spot to take with you in town.

All this in video…

The result? A very pleasant experience. It is beautiful, sober, airy, a real feeling of space. And the bedding is up to par: you sleep very well.

Bar and restaurant: a mixed feeling

Le Meridien Vienna has a small bar/snack bar, a large room extending the lobby mainly dedicated to breakfast and which will be closed the rest of the time during my stay and a bar/restaurant that I will try.Both share the same space.

The design is successful and pleasant.

It is large and airy.

On the bar side, nothing to say about the few cocktails I tried.

A little less convinced by the restaurant though. The height of the tables and chairs is too low for my taste for a dinner. The place looks more like a bar than a restaurant and at the beginning I had to ask the flight attendant where the restaurant was… In the spirit it is more a bar where you dine than a restaurant.

The menu offers a “fusion” cuisine of foreign dishes, mainly Asian, and European influences.

It is original and good. However, I regret that the local cuisine is not represented at all. Another negative point: there are only main courses on the menu, in terms of quantity. So either you have a big appetite and take two, or just one and risk being a little hungry afterwards.

Another drawback is that most of the room is quite dark and the music is too loud. I understand that a DJ works from a certain hour but before that a less noisy atmosphere would be appreciated for dinner.

Add to that the high prices…nothing to say about what I was served but if you consider the overall experience it’s still a bit expensive.

Fitness and swimming pool : not bad

Let’s finish with the hotel’s gym and pool.

The gym is not extremely large, but as the saying goes, it “does the job”. However, it is not easy to make room for floor exercises and it still feels crowded.

The pool, located in the basement right next to the gym, is large enough to do short laps. It is adjoined by a jacuzzi.

Sauna and hammam are also on the menu.

The pool water, if not cold, could be a few degrees warmer. And as for the general aspect of the place, it is clear that the renovation has not (yet?) been done. It’s starting to look worn and the colors are not in the best taste. This is a far cry from the Bristol Warsaw pool where I was the previous weekend.

Frictionless check-out

Le Méridien Vienne allows mobile-check out via the SPG application. I was able to check out of my room without having to go through the reception, which is a great time-saving experience.

Bottom line : solid but perfectible

In conclusion, Le Meridien Vienna is a safe bet and a very pleasant place to stay. On the other hand, the restaurant is in my opinion perfectible in terms of overall experience and the pool deserves a makeover. At 166 euros per night the experience is good but wIe would not have tolerated less.