Review: Le Meridien Munich

I stayed at the Residence Inn Munich over New Years. It was a solid place with breakfast and nearby the central east rail terminal.

I wouldn't bother sticking to center of the city because it's bound to have high tourist like prices and noise. I simply used the S-Bahn to get around to the central terminal, which was like an 8 minute ride.

Nice review. Do you know anything about the Aloft nearby? I've stayed at Alofts before, but it's much cheaper for my visit than Le Meridien.

Have been travelling to Munich for business for a long time. With a decent company rate at around 150 EUR I was from time to time staying at the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski in Munich which is substantially more luxurious than the SPG properties there. Also the Sofitel is quite nice and well located. However, given the structural flaws in the GHA and LeClub loyalty programs these two do not really represent valid alternatives in case someone is looking for a hotel with an appropriate point earning or redemption possibility.

Four Points for Oktoberfest. It's right near the grounds and right in the middle of the action. Small rooms, as is generally the norm in Europe, but I love it.

Where's your pictures from the magical markets of Munich?

Too bad you missed out on the Sofitel right across the street, which is such a unique property (in contrast to the Meridien).
Would have loved a review.

We stayed at the Aloft at the end of November. Staff was absolutely fantastic, rooms were well designed and wired well for the contemporary traveler. It's right across from the train station too.

Useful pictures.

The Aloft is equally convenient, being across the street from the Le Meridien and is similar to the Alofts in North America. Obviously the breakfast won't compare, and I'm not even sure what they offered because I took the points as my Platinum amenity given that it was a 1 night stay before a morning flight, so I knew I'd be having breakfast in the MUC Senator lounge.

Yes, being right there at the station is great for an overnight or weekend stay...but the other SPG properties are VERY close by S or U ( and very significantly cheaper). I stayed at the Sheraton Westpark on New Year's Eve specifically to avoid being right at the station: and 3 stops, 5 minutes, very easy, nice hotel ( and about € 50 cheaper). Plus they pre-upgrade to Suite as SPG plat ( although in the end I couldn't use it because I arrived so early and opted to accept the club room that was ready).

I'm sorry, but that hotel room looks like a glorified dormitory. The bathroom is industrial. The only good thing were the Malin + Goetz toiletries and the single bathrobe. I can't believe that a supposed upscale Le Meridien doesn't have a coffeemaker in the room.

We stayed here (Le Meridien) on points for Oktoberfest and were very pleased. Excellent location (10-15 minute walk to festival tents and across street from train station) and the staff was very nice. We used concierge for clothing purchase advice and to get tickets for main tent seating and were very pleased (almost too close to the band !).

I stayed at this hotel back in March of 2009. It was nice for the price I paid back then. Haven't been to Germany in a few years.

Aircon in summer: does it work? It seems most hotels in Munich have issues with the aircon. Thanks

How can one go to Munich and not stay at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel. Truly Bavarian, still Family owned 5-star Luxury! Fond Memories.

I've stayed at both the aloft and Meridien in Munich multiple times.

As a platinum I would say the Meridien would slightly edge out the aloft, if you are into breakfast. They seem to change their minds on what the platinum breakfast is though, as our last stay there didn't include the warm food options.

Personally I prefer the aloft. The rooms are large, modern, and the lobby / bar has a bit of an upscale youth hostel vibe to it. One other benefit to the aloft is it has DIY laundry, which when you are traveling in Europe on a longer trip is awesome.

If there is a huge difference in price I would do the aloft hands down.

@Ben Skelton: Aloft looks great and DIY laundry is highly preferred. Thanks a lot for the recommendation!
How about Aircon in the Aloft, is it cooling it down well (to 20 degrees)?
Also, is there a solid door to the bathroom (as opposed to a 'see through' or glass door, my pet peeve).

Thanks in advance!

Was it a platform bed? I would appreciate it if you could mention that in your reviews- the bed is the most important part of the room, no? Platform beds are often in Le Meridiens and I find them extremely hard and sleep poorly in them.

Otherwise a nice review.

Good job avoiding the bread part of the buffet. The Laugenstaenge and Brezeln are to die for in Munich. I stayed in the Aloft once while in Munich, after having lived an hour south of it for a few months. It was solid. One of the previous commenters is right about not staying near the Hauptbahnhof. The train makes it very easy to get there, and it's not one of the better parts of Munich to stay in. Going over towards Theresienwiesn or the Altstadt will bring cheaper rates and much better views.

Also, if you're ever going to Salzburg from Munich by train, be sure to check out Bernau and Prien am Chiemsee. There's an island in the middle of the lake with a near full size copy of Versailles built by Mad King Ludwig.

Grant