3 minute read
Le Méridien Munich
BACKGROUND This member of Marriott’s “upper upscale” brand opened in 2002. It underwent refurbishment in 2016.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Modern in style, the nine-floor hotel is set around a courtyard that provides some peace and tranquillity in the centre of the city. Unless you look up and see the flags and signs, it would be easy to pass by without realising you are outside the property, owing to the bright blue welcome art covering the windows and hiding the lobby.
WHERE IS IT? Right next to the Hauptbahnhof (central train station) – you can catch the S1 or S8 train from Munich airport. The hotel is opposite the station entrance on the south side.
ROOMS There are 381 in total, split across three room categories – Superior (23-28 sqm), Deluxe (29-34 sqm) and Executive (35-45 sqm) – and three suite types. Lower-category rooms are designed in a similar style to the Executive suite
I stayed in on the seventh floor, which was 60 sqm with a separate living room. It was decorated in shades of grey with rich blue accents, while large windows created a real sense of space and light. On all but the top two floors, the windows are floor-to-ceiling. Rooms are air-conditioned but also have windows that open if you prefer fresh air. Being in the middle of the city, you would expect some noise but the soundproofing is excellent – still, if you are worried about being disturbed, choose a room overlooking the courtyard. I slept well in the super-king bed. Rooms come with free wifi, desks, safes, ironing boards and tea and co ee facilities (Illy machines in suites). The minibar is normally complimentary in suites but was empty because of Covid. My bathroom was large, with twin sinks, a great oversized shower, generously sized Malin and Goetz toiletries and individually wrapped antibacterial wipes.
FOOD AND DRINK Longitude 11 bar is to the left of reception. In the present situation it is hard to get the measure of a place, as it was quiet with only a couple of other tables occupied. It normally serves snacks but food choices had been limited to soups, beef goulash (warm and tasty), chicken fricassée and cheesecake. The signature restaurant, Irmi (closed SunMon at the time of writing owing to the pandemic), o ers regional dishes such as cheese Spaetzle, roast pork, schnitzel and veal meatballs, along with locally brewed beer. A breakfast bu et is also served here – it is currently reduced in choice but I found it to have everything I needed (including cereal, bread, pastries, fruit, yoghurt, cheese, meats, an egg station and some hot items). Disposable gloves were provided for helping yourself. In warmer months the courtyard becomes the all-day Au Soleil Summer Lounge.
MEETINGS There are eight rooms, the largest a ballroom holding 220 guests for a reception or 180 theatre-style, with access to the courtyard.
LEISURE In the basement there is a 17-metre pool and a spa (currently closed in the middle of the day for cleaning), plus a sauna and spa bath (both closed). There is also a good-sized 24-hour gym. Hotel guests get free entry to MUCA (the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art), which is about a 15-minute walk away.
VERDICT A modern, comfortable hotel with spacious rooms in a great location for business or leisure. Julian Gregory
BEST FOR The pool – one of the largest in Munich
DON’T MISS The courtyard beer garden in the summer
PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in January started from €127 (US$151) for a Superior room
CONTACT Bayerstrasse 41; tel +49 89 24220; lemeridienmunich.com
