Jan 24, 2015, 9:27 am
Last edit by: lcpteck
The pre-opening thread can be found at Reload this Page Le Méridien Thimphu, Bhutan - First Starwood Hotel in Bhutan - Opening Dec 2014
Tourist Tariff on Applicable Reservations
For New Reservations
Per government law set by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), a tourist tariff will be levied on guests from all countries except India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. This tariff, which is not included in the hotel’s room rates, is valid throughout the year.
This mandatory tourist tariff can be arranged through the hotel’s partnered travel agency at the following discounted rates:
In addition, a one-time visa fee of 40 USD per person will also be levied.
The tourist tariff offered includes the following services and charges, which are handled by the hotel’s partnered travel agency:
For Cancelling an Existing Reservation with a Paid Tourist Tariff
If a guest cancels a reservation after paying the hotel’s partnered travel agency for the tourist tariff, the agency will impose a cancellation penalty based on laws set by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB). This penalty amount is based on the tourist tariff rate set by the TCB—250 USD per day from March to May and from September to November, and 200 USD per day from June to August and from December to February—as the agency would need to deposit the prerequisite amount directly to the government body.
Per TCB laws, the following penalties are based on how much advance notice is given for a cancellation:
For more information or assistance regarding this tariff, please contact the hotel’s reservations team at lemeridien.thimphu at lemeridien.com or at (975)(2) 337833.
Credit/Debit Card Policy
At or before check-in, the entire amount for a guest’s stay—including room rates and all applicable taxes—will be charged to the credit card that has been provided to guarantee the reservation. Per national policy, once an amount has been charged to a credit card, partial or full refunds cannot be charged back.
If an amount needs to be refunded, it will be transferred to the guest’s or company’s savings account via a real-time gross settlement (RTGS) transfer, which requires the following details:
Account name
Account number
Bank name
Bank branch address
SWIFT / IFSC code
Smoking Policy
As mandated by the laws of the Kingdom of Bhutan, all guest rooms and public spaces are 100% non-smoking.
Temporary Pool Closure Until July 1, 2015
Until July 1, 2015, the swimming pool will be unavailable due to a maintenance and upgrade project. Please contact the hotel for further information.
Tourist Tariff on Applicable Reservations
For New Reservations
Per government law set by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), a tourist tariff will be levied on guests from all countries except India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. This tariff, which is not included in the hotel’s room rates, is valid throughout the year.
This mandatory tourist tariff can be arranged through the hotel’s partnered travel agency at the following discounted rates:
- A booking for one guest: 170 USD per person per night
- A booking for two guests: 165 USD per person per night
- A booking for three or more guests: 160 USD per person per night
In addition, a one-time visa fee of 40 USD per person will also be levied.
The tourist tariff offered includes the following services and charges, which are handled by the hotel’s partnered travel agency:
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Daily sightseeing with an English-speaking guide
- All applicable government taxes
- All museum and monument fees
For Cancelling an Existing Reservation with a Paid Tourist Tariff
If a guest cancels a reservation after paying the hotel’s partnered travel agency for the tourist tariff, the agency will impose a cancellation penalty based on laws set by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB). This penalty amount is based on the tourist tariff rate set by the TCB—250 USD per day from March to May and from September to November, and 200 USD per day from June to August and from December to February—as the agency would need to deposit the prerequisite amount directly to the government body.
Per TCB laws, the following penalties are based on how much advance notice is given for a cancellation:
- 30 or more days before an arrival date: No charge
- 21 to 29 days before: 10% of total amount
- 14 to 20 days before: 15% of total amount
- 7 to 13 days before: 30% of total amount
- Less than 7 days before, or without notice: 50% of total amount
- No-show, or after arrival: 100% of total amount
For more information or assistance regarding this tariff, please contact the hotel’s reservations team at lemeridien.thimphu at lemeridien.com or at (975)(2) 337833.
Credit/Debit Card Policy
At or before check-in, the entire amount for a guest’s stay—including room rates and all applicable taxes—will be charged to the credit card that has been provided to guarantee the reservation. Per national policy, once an amount has been charged to a credit card, partial or full refunds cannot be charged back.
If an amount needs to be refunded, it will be transferred to the guest’s or company’s savings account via a real-time gross settlement (RTGS) transfer, which requires the following details:
Account name
Account number
Bank name
Bank branch address
SWIFT / IFSC code
Smoking Policy
As mandated by the laws of the Kingdom of Bhutan, all guest rooms and public spaces are 100% non-smoking.
Temporary Pool Closure Until July 1, 2015
Until July 1, 2015, the swimming pool will be unavailable due to a maintenance and upgrade project. Please contact the hotel for further information.
Le Méridien Thimphu, Bhutan [Master Thread]
Apr 7, 2015, 11:17 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: LH Sen, SPG Plat
Posts: 38
Le Méridien Thimphu, Bhutan [Master Thread]
Completed a two night stay here early April, and figured people might be interested in a brief stay report:
Booking
We booked the Le Meridien as an upgrade to a tour package through our operator, for an introductory rate.
I later emailed the hotel directly to add my SPG membership and inform them that this stay was part of our (delayed) honeymoon.
General Property Information
The website didn’t give too much information about the property, hence we were positively surprised to find this to be a brand new building in a very central location in Timphu. It’s an easy walk to some of the local attraction as well as the main street with its shops & restaurants.
There is a club lounge, but it was closed during our stay. We were offered to have drinks at the bar in the evening, but didn’t get a chance to take them up on the offer due to a pretty intense sightseeing program.
There are two restaurants on site. Unfortunately the staff did not make the effort to provide more detail on the options, and combined with the fact that the tour included meals in regular restaurants but not in the upgraded hotels we did not feel compelled to try it for dinner.
Breakfast was included in the rate, and it was a nice buffet of Western & Asian/Indian dishes, including eggs to order.
Welcome & Check-in
Our tour guide was asked to call one hour before arrival, and we were warmly welcomed by the staff, including a front desk manager. We were greeted with a traditional silk scarf and tea.
Check-in was done in the lobby, and the general manager stopped by briefly to welcome us. We were then lead to our room, an upgrade to a corner suite on the top (4th) floor.
We got a nice welcome surprise in the form of a wine bottle, a small cake, pastries, fruits and nuts.
Room
The suite is very spacious, with the entry door leading to a room with a dining table, bar, sitting area and work desk. Attached is a spacious half bath.
The bedroom can be closed off, and is by itself pretty spacious. The king bed is very comfortable and of western standard (can’t say the same for some of the other places we have stayed in Bhutan).
The en-suite bathroom is again very large, with dedicated tub and shower as well as a double vanity.
Both rooms have ample natural light with wonderful views to both sides of the valley.
Overall Summary
The hotel is very nice and in a great location. One can tell that the property has been open for just a few months now – which is both positive and negative. One the positive side the hotel is in great condition and feels new and fresh. On the other hand some things are not quite working yet, e.g. we had some key problems initially (although that can happen anywhere), the lounge is not open yet and there was a certain feeling of ‘nervousness’ when dealing with some staff members.
On the other hand it was exactly the staff that made this stay more special than others in Bhutan. I felt they really went out of their way to make us feel welcome as guest, be it from the heartfelt greetings every time we passed the lobby over the interest in our travel plans and impressions so far to the small signs of personalized service, e.g. when a staff member was bringing two croissants from the fresh batch out of the kitchen to our table on the 2nd day breakfast since she remembered us liking them so much the previous day.
Overall highly recommended – although I cannot comment how a ‘regular’ stay without Platinum status and/or a special occasion would look like.
Booking
We booked the Le Meridien as an upgrade to a tour package through our operator, for an introductory rate.
I later emailed the hotel directly to add my SPG membership and inform them that this stay was part of our (delayed) honeymoon.
General Property Information
The website didn’t give too much information about the property, hence we were positively surprised to find this to be a brand new building in a very central location in Timphu. It’s an easy walk to some of the local attraction as well as the main street with its shops & restaurants.
There is a club lounge, but it was closed during our stay. We were offered to have drinks at the bar in the evening, but didn’t get a chance to take them up on the offer due to a pretty intense sightseeing program.
There are two restaurants on site. Unfortunately the staff did not make the effort to provide more detail on the options, and combined with the fact that the tour included meals in regular restaurants but not in the upgraded hotels we did not feel compelled to try it for dinner.
Breakfast was included in the rate, and it was a nice buffet of Western & Asian/Indian dishes, including eggs to order.
Welcome & Check-in
Our tour guide was asked to call one hour before arrival, and we were warmly welcomed by the staff, including a front desk manager. We were greeted with a traditional silk scarf and tea.
Check-in was done in the lobby, and the general manager stopped by briefly to welcome us. We were then lead to our room, an upgrade to a corner suite on the top (4th) floor.
We got a nice welcome surprise in the form of a wine bottle, a small cake, pastries, fruits and nuts.
Room
The suite is very spacious, with the entry door leading to a room with a dining table, bar, sitting area and work desk. Attached is a spacious half bath.
The bedroom can be closed off, and is by itself pretty spacious. The king bed is very comfortable and of western standard (can’t say the same for some of the other places we have stayed in Bhutan).
The en-suite bathroom is again very large, with dedicated tub and shower as well as a double vanity.
Both rooms have ample natural light with wonderful views to both sides of the valley.
Overall Summary
The hotel is very nice and in a great location. One can tell that the property has been open for just a few months now – which is both positive and negative. One the positive side the hotel is in great condition and feels new and fresh. On the other hand some things are not quite working yet, e.g. we had some key problems initially (although that can happen anywhere), the lounge is not open yet and there was a certain feeling of ‘nervousness’ when dealing with some staff members.
On the other hand it was exactly the staff that made this stay more special than others in Bhutan. I felt they really went out of their way to make us feel welcome as guest, be it from the heartfelt greetings every time we passed the lobby over the interest in our travel plans and impressions so far to the small signs of personalized service, e.g. when a staff member was bringing two croissants from the fresh batch out of the kitchen to our table on the 2nd day breakfast since she remembered us liking them so much the previous day.
Overall highly recommended – although I cannot comment how a ‘regular’ stay without Platinum status and/or a special occasion would look like.
Last edited by pegloff; Apr 7, 2015 at 11:37 am Reason: Photo links corrected
Apr 12, 2015, 12:56 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: LH Sen, SPG Plat
Posts: 38
I did not see either a pool or a gym, but according to the website there should be an indoor pool.
To be honest I did not need either, because our schedule was pretty busy (usually left around 8/8.30am and did not return until 8 or 9pm)
To be honest I did not need either, because our schedule was pretty busy (usually left around 8/8.30am and did not return until 8 or 9pm)
Apr 12, 2015, 7:03 am
#5
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ*G, Mar LTT, Hyatt Glb, AA LTG, LY, HH, IC, BA, DL, UA SLV
Posts: 12,018
This thread has now become our Master Thread. The pre-opening thread can be found at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...l#post24653563
Thanks,
yosithezet
Co-Moderator, SPG Forum
Thanks,
yosithezet
Co-Moderator, SPG Forum
Jun 20, 2015, 7:14 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: somewhere north of stateside...
Posts: 4,143
I had an outstanding five night stay here in May.
Having been open less than six months, I was particularly impressed with two aspects of the hotel. First, the staff really are amazing. Incredibly kind, helpful, and very interested to ensure that you have an enjoyable stay and an even better trip. The GM leads a really strong team, and the front office management trainee (from India) and the manager of the bar both really stood out.
I also found the food to be really very good. I had come from a few days at the Andaman in Langkawi - where the food was generally meh - and I was really really impressed by the quality of food that the hotel was able to deliver. I'm sure there are some challenges sourcing ingredients in Bhutan, but they did an awesome job. In the bar, they've also developed a signature drink, a Chilini, based on the national liquor, ara (its similar to soju). Its really delicious and definitely worth a try. Prices are very very reasonable.
The location is very central and a big benefit of staying in Thimphu, rather than one of the hotels further out, is that you have a variety of places to visit and eat independent of your guide. Unfortunately, there were some issues with the pool leaking, so it was closed for repairs (this was noted on their website).
A couple of very small items that are only meant to be constructive:
1) It would be awesome if they could source decaf Illy beans, which were not available;
2) I was upgraded to a great suite - very spacious (I think the one in the pics above). While the bed was comfortable and the bedroom had a very relaxed/Bhutan feel, I really felt that the tulip chairs, the yellow neon fabric and a few other items didn't really suit the decor of the hotel. The modern look works well in the lobby, but less so in these rooms. The massive lamp in the bedroom also got in the way of the curtains etc.
3) Finally, the hotel has partnered with Keys to Bhutan, a fairly large agency. While the hotel was really outstanding, to be honest I wasn't overly impressed with Keys to Bhutan (information provided, responsiveness etc) in advance of the trip. My driver and guide were good once I got there, but the service from the Meridien was definitely better than the service from the agency... something for them to maybe survey/think about.
All in all, so highly recommended and really worthwhile. People think that Bhutan is expensive, but on a per night basis its no different than a big American or European city once you're there - go, and stay at Le Meridien.
Having been open less than six months, I was particularly impressed with two aspects of the hotel. First, the staff really are amazing. Incredibly kind, helpful, and very interested to ensure that you have an enjoyable stay and an even better trip. The GM leads a really strong team, and the front office management trainee (from India) and the manager of the bar both really stood out.
I also found the food to be really very good. I had come from a few days at the Andaman in Langkawi - where the food was generally meh - and I was really really impressed by the quality of food that the hotel was able to deliver. I'm sure there are some challenges sourcing ingredients in Bhutan, but they did an awesome job. In the bar, they've also developed a signature drink, a Chilini, based on the national liquor, ara (its similar to soju). Its really delicious and definitely worth a try. Prices are very very reasonable.
The location is very central and a big benefit of staying in Thimphu, rather than one of the hotels further out, is that you have a variety of places to visit and eat independent of your guide. Unfortunately, there were some issues with the pool leaking, so it was closed for repairs (this was noted on their website).
A couple of very small items that are only meant to be constructive:
1) It would be awesome if they could source decaf Illy beans, which were not available;
2) I was upgraded to a great suite - very spacious (I think the one in the pics above). While the bed was comfortable and the bedroom had a very relaxed/Bhutan feel, I really felt that the tulip chairs, the yellow neon fabric and a few other items didn't really suit the decor of the hotel. The modern look works well in the lobby, but less so in these rooms. The massive lamp in the bedroom also got in the way of the curtains etc.
3) Finally, the hotel has partnered with Keys to Bhutan, a fairly large agency. While the hotel was really outstanding, to be honest I wasn't overly impressed with Keys to Bhutan (information provided, responsiveness etc) in advance of the trip. My driver and guide were good once I got there, but the service from the Meridien was definitely better than the service from the agency... something for them to maybe survey/think about.
All in all, so highly recommended and really worthwhile. People think that Bhutan is expensive, but on a per night basis its no different than a big American or European city once you're there - go, and stay at Le Meridien.
Jun 20, 2015, 3:36 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 794
3) Finally, the hotel has partnered with Keys to Bhutan, a fairly large agency. While the hotel was really outstanding, to be honest I wasn't overly impressed with Keys to Bhutan (information provided, responsiveness etc) in advance of the trip. My driver and guide were good once I got there, but the service from the Meridien was definitely better than the service from the agency... something for them to maybe survey/think about.
All in all, so highly recommended and really worthwhile. People think that Bhutan is expensive, but on a per night basis its no different than a big American or European city once you're there - go, and stay at Le Meridien.
All in all, so highly recommended and really worthwhile. People think that Bhutan is expensive, but on a per night basis its no different than a big American or European city once you're there - go, and stay at Le Meridien.
This mandatory tourist tariff can be arranged through the hotel’s partnered travel agency at the following discounted rates:
A booking for one guest: 170 USD per person per night
A booking for two guests: 165 USD per person per night
A booking for three or more guests: 160 USD per person per night
It seems like per diem would go up to almost 8-900/night. Which is much more expensive than any American or European city.
Jun 20, 2015, 5:59 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: somewhere north of stateside...
Posts: 4,143
In addition to the room rate, did you have to pay an extra 330 + FIT charge + other surcharge mentioned in the wiki and also on the hotel website?
This mandatory tourist tariff can be arranged through the hotel’s partnered travel agency at the following discounted rates:
A booking for one guest: 170 USD per person per night
A booking for two guests: 165 USD per person per night
A booking for three or more guests: 160 USD per person per night
It seems like per diem would go up to almost 8-900/night. Which is much more expensive than any American or European city.
This mandatory tourist tariff can be arranged through the hotel’s partnered travel agency at the following discounted rates:
A booking for one guest: 170 USD per person per night
A booking for two guests: 165 USD per person per night
A booking for three or more guests: 160 USD per person per night
It seems like per diem would go up to almost 8-900/night. Which is much more expensive than any American or European city.
Mar 18, 2016, 4:32 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JGC premier
Posts: 348
Just a quick question on similar subject. I have an upcoming trip to Bhutan staying at Le Meridien. As most people know, Bhutan regulation requires travellers to book their trip through approved travel agent. Does it mean, then, i won't be able to accrue any points/gold benefit on this stay? Thanks in advance
Mar 18, 2016, 7:37 am
#10
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 3,223
Just a quick question on similar subject. I have an upcoming trip to Bhutan staying at Le Meridien. As most people know, Bhutan regulation requires travellers to book their trip through approved travel agent. Does it mean, then, i won't be able to accrue any points/gold benefit on this stay? Thanks in advance
Mar 18, 2016, 7:39 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Just a quick question on similar subject. I have an upcoming trip to Bhutan staying at Le Meridien. As most people know, Bhutan regulation requires travellers to book their trip through approved travel agent. Does it mean, then, i won't be able to accrue any points/gold benefit on this stay? Thanks in advance
Mar 18, 2016, 9:14 am
#12
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JGC premier
Posts: 348
Typically you will get credit. Where you want to be concerned is where you pay the TA and not the hotel. Then they can book one of their industry rates that would not qualify, not to mention the fact that you're not paying the hotel in the first place. I would bet booking through SPG would also qualify for the local regulations.
Last edited by Oxon Flyer; Mar 18, 2016 at 9:53 am Reason: fix quote frame error
Mar 18, 2016, 9:43 am
#13
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
...Actually, travellers need to pay for everything (even food, guide and transport) and deposit the money in advance through approved travel agent in order to get them to apply for visa from the government (no there's no such thing as individual travel visa), so in this case the tour company will Arrange and pay for everything as part of the (private) tour charge.. Which is why i'm asking, since it's not like we have much choice in this case due to government regulation.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Mar 21, 2016, 12:31 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
That is only true for tourist visas. Other visas such as business do not have any such requirements. You just buy a ticket, fly in and make your way to the hotel like most any other country.
Oct 15, 2019, 3:39 am
#15
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: 1K 1MM; Bonvoy Ambassador; Nat'l EE; Hertz PC; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,465
Stayed here for 2 nights as part of a 8 night trip throughout Bhutan, this was the first place I stayed on that trip.
I had used SNA's, and was upgraded 5 days out to a Junior suite. Arrived and was greeted by name (always wonder how they know), and check-in was performed in my room. Small arrival gift of fruit and some sweets. Room is plenty big, and has 1.5 baths, walk-in shower and soaking tub, and comfortable bed. AC also worked pretty well. A lightly stocked mini bar also exists with beer, wine, and snacks.
No active club lounge (still puzzled why one was built but isn't used..). Was told about happy hour in the bar from 6-8. There's a set list of drinks (wine, beer, and average spirits), as well as 4-5 canapes that can be ordered. I had drinks each night and sampled a canape each night as well, overall not too bad. Generally the hotel seemed to be at a low-ish occupancy, as I only saw a few guests in the common spaces.
Breakfast was served in the restaurant, with a rather basic buffet with few local items, eggs made to order (I think they were free?, I don't eat eggs, so not sure), along with pancakes, and waffles. They had each day a detox type juice which was delicious both days. Service was average, but was a little annoying it took 10 minutes to get an empty paper cup to take my tea both mornings.
Overall, property is a great option for those visiting Thimphu wanting to redeem or earn points. Would recommend for sure.
I had used SNA's, and was upgraded 5 days out to a Junior suite. Arrived and was greeted by name (always wonder how they know), and check-in was performed in my room. Small arrival gift of fruit and some sweets. Room is plenty big, and has 1.5 baths, walk-in shower and soaking tub, and comfortable bed. AC also worked pretty well. A lightly stocked mini bar also exists with beer, wine, and snacks.
No active club lounge (still puzzled why one was built but isn't used..). Was told about happy hour in the bar from 6-8. There's a set list of drinks (wine, beer, and average spirits), as well as 4-5 canapes that can be ordered. I had drinks each night and sampled a canape each night as well, overall not too bad. Generally the hotel seemed to be at a low-ish occupancy, as I only saw a few guests in the common spaces.
Breakfast was served in the restaurant, with a rather basic buffet with few local items, eggs made to order (I think they were free?, I don't eat eggs, so not sure), along with pancakes, and waffles. They had each day a detox type juice which was delicious both days. Service was average, but was a little annoying it took 10 minutes to get an empty paper cup to take my tea both mornings.
Overall, property is a great option for those visiting Thimphu wanting to redeem or earn points. Would recommend for sure.
