Trip Report – Le Méridien Vienna

by Adam

This is part five of a twelve part trip picture report from my current travels to Kiev, Vienna, Tel Aviv, and Kraków. This trip report covers the Le Méridien Vienna.

For our weekend in Vienna, we decided to stay at the Le Méridien due to its central location and very positive reviews. Our options were EUR 169 per night, 12,000 SPG points, or 6,000 point and $110 for a superior room. We selected the 12,000 SPG points with one night coming from each of our accounts.

LM Vienna

Now, the hotel is called Le Méridien, but it has a very W vibe that’s present before you even walk in. The exterior of the hotel is illuminated in all kinds of funky colored lights…

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Walking inside, the W experience continues with a very cool lobby that is dark and looks more like a lounge, interesting elevators, illuminated artwork, and a DJ spinning tunes late-night (not audible from our room on one of the higher floors).

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As mentioned above, we booked a superior room, but were upgraded to an Executive Suite. No negotiating or Suite Night Awards required. A Junior Suite was also available, but only for one of the nights. I normally wouldn’t move but wanted to experience both for the blog (not a huge difference besides a little extra space and a dining room table).

The room does a great job of combing the traditional elements of the building (dating back to 1900) with the contemporary vibe the hotel strives to create. It was also the first time that I had an illuminated headboard!  Large and numerous floor to ceiling windows (with seats right below) provide great views out to the street and the city.

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I’m a huge fan of LM beds (I think they are my favorite across the SPG brands) and these did not disappoint. They were extremely comfortable like those at the Le Méridien Bangkok and Le Méridien Phily.
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There was also a separate seating area with a table, an additional 42 inch flat-screen, and a comfy lounger. The bathroom was modern with translucent bowl sinks, multiple shower heads, and more funky lighting. Luckily, the LM kept the door on the bathroom which isn’t always the case when hotels go for the “club feel” as their website describes.

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Artwork adorns the lobby on the way to the restaurant for breakfast.

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The free Platinum breakfast was extremely generous with several freshly baked breads and pastries, muffins, fruit platters, sushi, cheeses, an olive bar, an omelet and juice station, and more.

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Service at the hotel was top notch. A friendly efficient check-in desk and one of the best hotel concierge desks (they refer to it as the Ambassador Desk). They were always happy to help and had great recommendations for local restaurants, bars, and clubs that were non touristy and that they frequented themselves.

One touristy place you should stop by is Figlmüller Wollzeile, the home of schnitzel and an easy walk from the hotel! A little bit of salad, two lemons, and a gigantic schnitzel!  It was delicious…and I had to finish part of it for dinner later that night. In terms of restaurants, also consider checking out Palmenhaus, Fabios, and Hotel Sacher for a quick tasting of the famous Sacher chocolate cake. Our favorite spot for drinks was an abandonded SBAHN (underground) station that was transformed into a bar. It’s called the Underground and is a short walk from the Le Méridien.

Speaking of walking from the Le Méridien, the hotel is at the end of the Ringstrasse, which is the central shopping and entertainment area of Vienna. The Vienna State Opera is literally down the street and the Imperial Hofburg Palace, Albertina, Secession, and the Museumsquartier are just a short walk away. The Schönbrunn and Hofburg palaces were an easy SBAHN ride.

Oh, and thanks to reader Andrew for the reminder – The mini-bar is complimentary and restocked daily!!!

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5 comments

Andrew July 1, 2013 - 3:45 pm

Can’t agree more! I stayed here in the same type of room (same level SPG) in May and it was a great hotel. The fitness room and pool are also great. Excellent location and convenient to everything & transport. We felt more like a W Hotel guest too.
The mini-bar is complimentary and restocked daily.

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David July 1, 2013 - 4:33 pm

We loved the Figlmüller Wollzeile…especially their potato salad (no mayo)!

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Derek July 1, 2013 - 8:42 pm

Agreed! I always stay here when in Vienna! Close to every thing and the hotel is absolutely first class. Gotta love the free mini-bar. Sacher Cafe is so close it was a nightly stop for the Sacher Tort and iced Viennese Coffee! Great review!

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Udi July 2, 2013 - 1:09 am

Did you have the free platinum breakfast @ Le Moet or in the main restaurant? I was advised y hotel that the PLT BK is served @ Le Moet bar…
I have a stay there next month.

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