The Le Méridien Thimphu proved to be a comfortable and centrally-located base for my time in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
Le Méridien Thimphu Review
I spent my first two nights in Bhutan here.
Booking
Let me say firstly that this is a wonderful hotel to use your Marriott Bonvoy points to pay for. Rates can exceed $600/night, but you can often get two cents or more per Marriott Bonvoy points when redeeming. 22,000 Marriott points or $484? Easy choice for me…
Location
Picture Bhutan as a small alpine city. The hotel is located right in the heart of it, meaning you can walk everywhere from the hotel and also easily reach points of interest like the Changangkha Lhakhang temple and Tashichho Dzong.
Check-In
During check-in I was warmly welcomed, thanked for being a Marriott Gold member, and offerred a cold towel and drink.
Room
My room, 316, was a standard room with king bed, though certainly large enough for me. It included a round table with two chairs, a desk, and a bed, with decorations above the bed and a colorful rug.
A hot water kettle with tea and powdered coffee, plus bottled water was included as well as a refrigerator, which was empty.
The marble bathroom included a tub, separate shower, single sink, and toilet. Shower toiletries were in bulk dispensers.
A nice welcome amenity was offered (a quartet of sweet treats) and maids do the towel folding here.
Dining
The hotel featured two restaurants and a bar.
Latest Recipe
I enjoyed a breakfast buffet at Latest Recipe, featuring Western-inspired dishes as well as some local and Indian dishes. The coffee was good and fresh-squeezed orange juice was even more delicious and available by request. Excellent omelets too…my preferred breakfast at home or wherever I am in the world.
Sese Shamu
Asian food with emphasis on Bhutanese cuisine.
Latitude 27
Coffee shop by day, bar by night.
During the day, there’s a coffee machine and a little bakery available in the lobby:
Room Service
One night I got hungry late…I had already eaten earlier, but called up room service and ordered lamb chops and butternut squash soup, both of which were excellent.
Pool
An indoor pool is located on the first floor. It’s a nice space and I did swim some laps, though the view out the window (of the parking lot outside the hotel, which is often busy) is a bit unsightly.
Fitness Center
One level up, a small fitness center offers a strength training side and cardio side with Life Fitness equipment.
Wellness + Spa
In addition to a full-service spa, the locker rooms have a wellness area with a steam room and sauna.
Service
I mentioned the young man above and the excellent service at breakfsat, but the ladies working the front desk were simply amazing…so kind. I requested a late check-out (beyond 2:00 pm) since I was touring and they graciously accommodated my request. I told them I was moving from the Le Méridien to the Six Senses, and they tried to get me to stay!
CONCLUSION
I have zero complaints about the Le Meriden Thimphu. It was an excellent full-service hotel and a great place to begin my time in Bhutan. I particularly appreciated the kind staff, delicious breakfast, and central location of this luxury hotel. Don’t forget to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy Points here…it’s a great deal as well.
Looks like a nice solid hotel overall.
Except for those chairs in the room. Were they actually comfortable to sit on?
More comfortable than they looked.
Matt – Wouldnt you say this was interesting re: Stuker rumors – had his own PR release and documentary crew for his 24 million mile flight
https://www.pr.com/press-release/911997
This stuker thing is getting weird
At least on the 24 million flight in May there was a UA rep onboard to honor. Which makes me think maybe it wasn’t the WashPo article.
There’s a lot going on behind the scenes with Stuker. Stay tuned.
Wonder if they just bought him out – wasn’t he planning to ‘retire’ at 25mn
How are you not platinum with Marriott?
Looks like a good hotel, although I don’t really know what a Le Meridien is supposed to be anymore. It was kind of like legacy Starwood’s version of Renaissance. Like business chain with a boutique-esque influence.
heading to the LM Paro and the Six Senses on thursday, so greatly enjoying these pre-journey!