LeMeridien, Abu Dhabi
Introduction
When looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi, there were a number of IHG options available. More than a few Crowne Plaza properties. And an Intercontinental. However, when booking my flights, the British Airways website advertised the LeMeridien Abu Dhabi. As I was after some Bonvoy points, I didn’t book through BA and instead logged on to the Marriott website. As it turned out, there were actually two LeMeridien properties in Abu Dhabi. One set in a high-rise in the centre of town and another beach front property not too far away. As both were similarly priced, I decided on the beach front properly.
The price was £420 for three nights. Steep? Maybe, but considering I paid just £100 less for one night in New York not so long ago, it seemed like a good deal. As I would be staying a few nights, I upgraded my room to an ocean view with lounge access. As such, the final price could have been a little cheaper.
This Trip:
- British Airways World Traveller Plus, B777, LHR-AUH
- LeMeridien, Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi: In Pictures
- British Airways World Traveller Plus, B777, AUH-LHR
- BA Galleries Arrivals Lounge, Heathrow T5
Check In
Once more, I checked in online just before leaving for Heathrow. And once more, it proved to be a little pointless. Once I arrived at the hotel, it was still a case of the usual formalities. Although unusually, I was given the choice of paying up front or leaving my card open for any extras. Why can’t it be like this everywhere?!
The Room
I was given a room on the 5th floor.
Upon entering, it was your standard cookie cutter room, with the bathroom immediately on the right.
I was expecting a separate shower cubicle, but what I had was good enough. It was spotlessly clean, which is the main feature I look for in a hotel room if I’m honest.
Moving on to the room itself, and a king sized bed was the main feature of the room.
There was both mains and USB powerpoints beside the bed.
Towards the far end was a slightly uncomfortable chair. I lasted around ten minutes in it before moving over to the bed!
In the opposite corner was a high desk and chair. Interesting concept – I found that I didn’t use the chair at all, and rather stood at the desk.
On offer was the usual tea and coffee facilities, plus two complimentary bottles of water.
There were a further two bottles provided in the bathroom, which were replaced on a daily basis. This meant I ended up with quite a collection by the time I came to leave!
Entertainment was provided by a rather large TV on the front wall. There was an ok selection of channels available, but nothing ground breaking. I found a couple of movies to watch on the local channels in the evenings.
One of the added features of this room over the standard room was the balcony. I always appreciate somewhere more private to sit, especially if the weather is good. And if it has a view, all the better!
Also provided in the room was a minibar and ironing facilities.
WiFi
One of the most important features of any hotel to most people these days is the WiFi. The LeMeridien provided free WiFi, although it was bloody awful!
I mentioned this to the front desk the following day, and they said that as a Bonvoy member I was entitled to the enhanced tier. This was priced at 200aed for the three days (around £42-£45). Lets just say, I would have felt VERY hard done by if I’d actually paid that much as the speeds were virtually identical to the free tier!
Hence the reason why this website was a little quiet for the time I was in Abu Dhabi. I could just about upload the articles… but any pictures – no chance!
Other Areas
Being a resort style hotel, there were many other areas of interest in the hotel. The property featured two pools and it’s own private beach.
Along with an area it classed as the village. This featured a Greek restaurant, an Italian restaurant, an English pub and a sports bar.
Also on site was a spa and a couple of night clubs.
Further Images
Verdict
The LeMeridien Abu Dhabi was a great place to spend a long weekend. The property itself was quite old from what I could gather. Although it was well looked after, and my particular room had the smell of new furniture and carpets.
The on site beach was a good addition, as was the location. The AbuDhabi mall was a 5 minute walk away. The hotel was also around a 20 minute taxi ride from the entertainment at Yas Island and the airport.
The downsides that I found was most notably the very patchy WiFi, along with the odd concept of the lounge. I was never quite sure whether I’d be charged for what I was having or not. It turned out, I wasn’t charged.
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/auhmd-le-meridien-abu-dhabi/
