Review: Le Meridien Abu Dhabi

Ben Schlappig
January 7, 2016
14

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi bottom line

This hotel seemed to be very well intentioned. All the staff I interacted with were friendly and meant well, even if they seemed to be spread a bit thin.

As far as the decor goes, the hotel is desperately in need of a renovation. I guess I understand why that hasn’t yet happened based on the fact that it was supposed to be torn down a few years ago. I got the sense, however, that:

Many of the hotel’s guests had booked through some kind of vacation packages/through consolidators, and weren’t necessarily booking specifically because this was a Le Meridien property, or because it was part of SPG
The restaurants on the hotel’s premises are probably what do best for this hotel, as it’s a popular hotel with locals

So would I return? No, unless the hotel is renovated, I can’t imagine I would. But I also don’t have any hard feelings towards the hotel, as I’m guessing they’ve run the numbers and decided there wouldn’t be an ROI on a renovation at this point.

I do still find hotel branding to be a bit of a mystery… especially for Le Meridien, which I consider to be a brand which lacks an identity.

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lovetospendit Guest
September 26, 2016, 7:02 pm

"I do still find hotel branding to be a bit of a mystery… especially for Le Meridien, which I consider to be a brand which lacks an identity." >>> check who is the owner of the hotel (same in the horrible Hilton Al Ain) and you will understand why they are still a Le Meridien and almost do what they want.

This place is a nightmare but Starwood can't complain regarding who are the...
"I do still find hotel branding to be a bit of a mystery… especially for Le Meridien, which I consider to be a brand which lacks an identity." >>> check who is the owner of the hotel (same in the horrible Hilton Al Ain) and you will understand why they are still a Le Meridien and almost do what they want.

This place is a nightmare but Starwood can't complain regarding who are the owners, so they do what they want and sell this hotel in package with tour operator (mainly germans) and live on the reputation of the food court (super cheesy too in my opinion, but unique in abu dhabi).

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JC New Member
January 8, 2016, 10:21 am

I've always wondered what Ben is holding in that pic.....

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Super VC10 Gold
January 8, 2016, 9:33 am

The whole place looks depressing as hell. Honestly Ben, rather than having to kill time in god-awful places like this, don't you ever wish you had a HOME to go to?

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Anthony Diamond
January 8, 2016, 9:13 am

Lucky,

When can we expect some more Marriott reviews? Many SPG loyalists will be able to earn and redeem points at these properties in the not-so-distant future. In particular I am interested in Ritz-Carlton, Edition, Autograph, Renaissance and JW Marriott reviews.

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Sergey Guest
January 8, 2016, 8:32 am

Our family is going to have an overnight connection in AUH (travelling US-Australia on EY F), we arrive at 8PM, departure at ~11AM next day. As I understand, EY does not give a comp. hotel for F pax, so we have to book a hotel. Is it worth to stay in the city ( I doubt we can see a city since we arrive about 8PM and leave early) or there are good options around/close by to airport?

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me Guest
January 7, 2016, 9:59 pm

Looks like a dump. No thanks.

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Travel4b Gold
January 7, 2016, 8:41 pm

A hotel just waiting to be featured on luriddigs...

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Christian Guest
January 7, 2016, 8:10 pm

What, they didn't post your driver's license number, date of birth, mother's maiden name, bank account number, and social security info on the card?

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jessie Guest
January 7, 2016, 8:00 pm

As a frequent traveller to Abu Dhabi and SPG Plat, I've been to all SPG hotels in Abu Dhabi, and been to this particular hotel three times (and twice in le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi). I won't stay here with that winter rate ($120), but twice I stayed as mattress run for promotion with their spring/summer rate (around $60-80 including tax) plus SPG BRG (2000 pt option). Then pretty good deal. ;)

Reading this review...
As a frequent traveller to Abu Dhabi and SPG Plat, I've been to all SPG hotels in Abu Dhabi, and been to this particular hotel three times (and twice in le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi). I won't stay here with that winter rate ($120), but twice I stayed as mattress run for promotion with their spring/summer rate (around $60-80 including tax) plus SPG BRG (2000 pt option). Then pretty good deal. ;)

Reading this review gave ma a good laugh. Actually hotel facilities look nicer in Ben's pics. ;) Sure, this hotel is very old-fashioned with late 70ties/early 80ties Arabian(what was imagined as such at that time, I guess) style deco, gold-color framed giant mirror and lamps (lol..), pathetic style spa/pool/even lounge club etc. Nevertheless, I wouldn't completely slash this hotel. Considering its age, it's reasonably well-maintained hotel. Pros: generous upgrade to suite for Plat (I got same suite in the pics), very friendly front desk staffs & bellmen, full variety of / impressive breakfast of that calibre (actually I preferred breakfast & service here than that of le Royal Meridien although it's depending on what you appreciate more in breakfast venue), reasonably new gym equipment and popular Irish pub in the garden area (but be aware of the crowd and possible band music noise during weekend nights). Btw latest recipe restaurant (breakfast venue) was completely renovated, so feel very clean and modern unlike the rest of the property. Ben might be right about package tourists guests. I couldn't find much class or elegance in most of guests there (same in the club lounge).

Regarding renovation, what I was told is that as the building has some sort of historical heritage importance (one of the first hotels in Abu Dhabi created by agreement(?) or for celebration(?) btw Queen Elizabeth & Sheikh Zayed, they are not considering to smash the entire building itself, rather to keep old deco (as part of historical heritage) but renovate room and facilities etc. Personally I support this direction of renovation.

Give it a try to Aloft Abu Dhabi next time and would love to read your review on the hotel. I have been a sort of loyal guest to Hyatt Capital Gate (as Hyatt Diamond) but tried Aloft Abu Dhabi once and considering its darn good rate, I had such a pleasant stay (sure, I am still going back to Hyatt Capital for its elegance) but became a fan of Aloft. Looks like SPG is aggressively pushing Aloft brand across the whole UAE now, so look forward to more Aloft properties soon in the country.

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Paul Rowland Guest
January 7, 2016, 6:36 pm

A great review as always Ben, nice to see your face on a picture for a change! We need more selfies. I cannot believe how dated that hotel looks, but I suppose if they are going to knock it down there is no reason to update it. Thank you.

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pavel Guest
January 7, 2016, 6:29 pm

looks like somewhere the genie from Aladdin would stay while on a business trip

also Latest Recipe is the worst name for a restaurant I've ever heard

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No Name Guest
January 7, 2016, 6:02 pm

We know who you are SPG Member # 007, just in case you post a bad review?

Seriously that letter came across as creepy as hell, what did they do hire a former Stasi member to run membership services?

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Tina Guest
January 7, 2016, 5:52 pm

so the st. Regis Abu Dhabi would be the one if sightseeing is on the list?
Trying to figure out where to stay for the short trip later in march

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Nai Member
January 7, 2016, 5:38 pm

Le Royal Meridien in Abu Dhabi is a much much nicer property, though can be a pain to deal with locals coming to party at the rooftop bar at night.

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lovetospendit Guest

September 26, 2016, 7:02 pm

"I do still find hotel branding to be a bit of a mystery… especially for Le Meridien, which I consider to be a brand which lacks an identity." >>> check who is the owner of the hotel (same in the horrible Hilton Al Ain) and you will understand why they are still a Le Meridien and almost do what they want. This place is a nightmare but Starwood can't complain regarding who are the owners, so they do what they want and sell this hotel in package with tour operator (mainly germans) and live on the reputation of the food court (super cheesy too in my opinion, but unique in abu dhabi).

JC New Member

January 8, 2016, 10:21 am

I've always wondered what Ben is holding in that pic.....

Super VC10 Gold

January 8, 2016, 9:33 am

The whole place looks depressing as hell. Honestly Ben, rather than having to kill time in god-awful places like this, don't you ever wish you had a HOME to go to?