Le Meridien St. Julians, Malta (converting to a Marriott Oct 2018) [Master Thread]
May 6, 2013, 12:14 am
#16
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Australia
Programs: QF LTS, Marriott LTP, ALL GOLD
Posts: 2,440
Just moved here after staying at the Westin. Wow... wish I had stayed at the Westin.
No Plat recongition at reception, I had to ask if I could take the points.
No upgrade to suite, but did get an executive room on the 9th floor.
Exec lounge is quite small and we arrived at 6pm and was offered a glass of wine. After that there were no snacks or another drink offered (or on display).
Then after my glass of wine headed downstairs to Kudeta for dinner and choose the mussels which were a special offer they had on. They arrivedm but half were ice cold and the remainder frozen so had to send the dish back.
On the subject of the pool area - it is quite small with limited sun loungers.
In contrast at the Westin, we got a suite upgrade, hot and cold snacks in the club lounge. Decent food offerings at the high end and more cafe style restaurant and overall had a nicer feel about it.
No Plat recongition at reception, I had to ask if I could take the points.
No upgrade to suite, but did get an executive room on the 9th floor.
Exec lounge is quite small and we arrived at 6pm and was offered a glass of wine. After that there were no snacks or another drink offered (or on display).
Then after my glass of wine headed downstairs to Kudeta for dinner and choose the mussels which were a special offer they had on. They arrivedm but half were ice cold and the remainder frozen so had to send the dish back.
On the subject of the pool area - it is quite small with limited sun loungers.
In contrast at the Westin, we got a suite upgrade, hot and cold snacks in the club lounge. Decent food offerings at the high end and more cafe style restaurant and overall had a nicer feel about it.
May 6, 2013, 3:50 pm
#17
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: DXB / WAW
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 726
Indeed Westin is much better and nicer with good quality restaurants. I didn't like room interior at Le Meridien, despite a suite upgrade to one of the highest floor (as SPG gold at the time I was staying there).
Aug 7, 2013, 3:36 am
#18
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,017
Sep 22, 2013, 2:57 am
#19
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,017
If you have an HSBC World MasterCard, you can get decent rates here:
http://www.privileges.hsbcpremier.co...glocale=en_US&
Not sure if they are better than the SPG Hotel offers page - but thought it worthwhile to show the link.
http://www.privileges.hsbcpremier.co...glocale=en_US&
Not sure if they are better than the SPG Hotel offers page - but thought it worthwhile to show the link.
Mar 16, 2014, 3:51 pm
#20
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: U.S. (sometimes)
Programs: UA 1k 1MM, AA Exec Plat, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, Accor ?????
Posts: 1,398
Just moved here after staying at the Westin. Wow... wish I had stayed at the Westin.
No Plat recongition at reception, I had to ask if I could take the points.
No upgrade to suite, but did get an executive room on the 9th floor.
Exec lounge is quite small and we arrived at 6pm and was offered a glass of wine. After that there were no snacks or another drink offered (or on display).
No Plat recongition at reception, I had to ask if I could take the points.
No upgrade to suite, but did get an executive room on the 9th floor.
Exec lounge is quite small and we arrived at 6pm and was offered a glass of wine. After that there were no snacks or another drink offered (or on display).
May 12, 2014, 9:55 am
#21
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: U.S. (sometimes)
Programs: UA 1k 1MM, AA Exec Plat, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, Accor ?????
Posts: 1,398
Answering my own question, they offered only a plate of three small, cold canapes. One was squid, which I didn't touch. Another was beef puree inside pastry, which I touched out of curiosity, but didn't eat. The third was vegetables inside a tortilla, which I touched and ate but didn't really enjoy. The lounge attendant confirmed that there was no hot food in the evenings. She did, however, kindly direct me to the excellent restaurants downstairs.
We did get an upgrade to a seaview suite, though.
We did get an upgrade to a seaview suite, though.
Feb 13, 2015, 9:29 am
#22
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CEB - primary/YVR -secondary
Programs: AC*Super Elite (100K) / PR*Elite / AY*Platinum (OWE) / SPG*Bonvoy Titanium (LTT)
Posts: 2,272
Now this property knows how to treat a Plat100 guest! Holy cow the suite is huge! 2 balconies, 2 full bathroom with shower and tub, a very long hallway to living room, etc. Etc.!
Even though the hotel is fully booked due to valentines.
On top of that, was greeted as "ambassador" guest, 3 front desk checking me in, a welcome drink of any choice (chose mojito), executive lounge access until midnight, free full brekky either at 2nd floor or 9th floor executive lounge in addition to 500 points, concierge that doesnt stop talking about what to do in Malta..And all for a brg rate of 82.50 net! Basically i told them with all the freebies im staying here for free!
Super duper friendly folks, completely unexpected
This property completely renewed my faith about the ambassador program. Lurkers please pass along to whoever my great pleasure staying here. Was unexpectedly surprised with the treatment as plat100
Even though the hotel is fully booked due to valentines.
On top of that, was greeted as "ambassador" guest, 3 front desk checking me in, a welcome drink of any choice (chose mojito), executive lounge access until midnight, free full brekky either at 2nd floor or 9th floor executive lounge in addition to 500 points, concierge that doesnt stop talking about what to do in Malta..And all for a brg rate of 82.50 net! Basically i told them with all the freebies im staying here for free!
Super duper friendly folks, completely unexpected
This property completely renewed my faith about the ambassador program. Lurkers please pass along to whoever my great pleasure staying here. Was unexpectedly surprised with the treatment as plat100
Feb 14, 2015, 2:11 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: BCT. Formerly known as attorney28
Programs: LH HON,BA GGL GfL,Hyatt LT Glob,Mrtt LT P,Hilt LT D,IC Amb,Acc P,GHA Tit,LHW Strlg,Sixt/Av/Hz D/Pres
Posts: 6,826
Feb 14, 2015, 11:35 am
#24
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CEB - primary/YVR -secondary
Programs: AC*Super Elite (100K) / PR*Elite / AY*Platinum (OWE) / SPG*Bonvoy Titanium (LTT)
Posts: 2,272
Oopsy daisy! My bad...i was just shocked with the initial diva treatment when i checked-in. Completely unexpected and i accidentally blurted out what was in my mind (it being europe, brekky was never free IME, it's either 500 pts or brekky). I mean if it was in Australasia, i wouldnt expect anything less
And it wasnt what was said but how they said it. They actually made me feel "important" and proud instead of the typical non-reactive check-in process behavior.
But it's ok, i made up for it as i'm a very heavy misc. and incidental charges user.
And it wasnt what was said but how they said it. They actually made me feel "important" and proud instead of the typical non-reactive check-in process behavior.
But it's ok, i made up for it as i'm a very heavy misc. and incidental charges user.
Last edited by supatight80; Feb 14, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Dec 14, 2015, 5:05 pm
#25
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, HHonors Diamond, IHG Uninspired, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, UK AMEX Plat
Posts: 2,152
Just had a great stay here, as a returning guest and a 47-night gold. (These 3 nights are the ones to get me to platinum!). Upgraded to a junior suite with sea view on the 8th floor, which had lovely views of the bay and the church opposite. Bedroom was a good size, lounge room quite good too, and a very large balcony. Executive lounge access given including breakfast there (no mention of any drinks available later, and didn't end up going to look as they had half price drinks at the bar 6.30-8pm so we just went there!). Able to check in around 1.30pm, and a large fruit plate dropped off shortly after.
We'd opted for a rate that was about 90 euros a night, but included 25 euros a day food/drink allowance at the bar and restaurants. IIRC the normal rate was coming up around 80 euros a night, so seemed a good deal. Between a 25% discount on food for SPG members if you showed them your membership card, the November-December happy "hour" of all drinks half price 6.30-8pm, executive lounge for breakfast and our €25/night allowance, we did well! Food was excellent, not much more than you'd pay outside, and some nice drinks. Some of the staff did struggle with things though, luckily we weren't normally in a rush and could wait for the manager to pop over and fix things as needed.
We'd opted for a rate that was about 90 euros a night, but included 25 euros a day food/drink allowance at the bar and restaurants. IIRC the normal rate was coming up around 80 euros a night, so seemed a good deal. Between a 25% discount on food for SPG members if you showed them your membership card, the November-December happy "hour" of all drinks half price 6.30-8pm, executive lounge for breakfast and our €25/night allowance, we did well! Food was excellent, not much more than you'd pay outside, and some nice drinks. Some of the staff did struggle with things though, luckily we weren't normally in a rush and could wait for the manager to pop over and fix things as needed.
Jul 16, 2016, 11:30 am
#26
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 368
Was going to book, but the SPG booking engine thinks all the base "classic" rooms are smoking.
Example
Already booked the nearby Hilton. But called the Le Meridien on a lark and all rooms are non-smoking. Bad metadata in the booking engine?
Example
Already booked the nearby Hilton. But called the Le Meridien on a lark and all rooms are non-smoking. Bad metadata in the booking engine?
Last edited by inY; Jul 16, 2016 at 12:54 pm Reason: Called hotel, got clarity
Jul 20, 2016, 3:28 am
#27
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: HELsinki
Programs: BONVOY Lifetime Platinum , Ay Platinum, Hhonors Diamond
Posts: 152
2 years since my recent trip to this property and i have to say that the hotel has gone down.
Overall physical condition is still nice, however rooms are getting older and some minor things here and there.
Executive lounge has still nothing but soft drinks and coffees and couple of fruits during the day, but evening service has gotten better (no more one ready made plate)
But the main thing that irritated me most was that they refused to give me 4pm late check out as a Plat. Had to fight for the benefit that should be quite clear for non resort properties. Basically i asked day before check out if they could confirm that 4pm was fine (was actually hoping for all the rooms to be kept until 4). What they told me was that the hotel is fully booked and 4pm check out benefit is subject to availability but they would leave a note and asked to contact again on day of departure. Now this irritated me quite a lot because i had other plans for the day and basically now wasn't sure how to organize the day.
Then on day of departure i asked again and were still refused untill i once again (actually for 3rd time) explained that it should be a quaranteed benefit and could show them the rules on spg.com. After a long fight i was contacted that they are willing to make an exeption but not to my room but to the other room under my reservation.
Am i totally lost here or should you start to prepare to fight for the latecheck out benefit nowadays also?
Overall physical condition is still nice, however rooms are getting older and some minor things here and there.
Executive lounge has still nothing but soft drinks and coffees and couple of fruits during the day, but evening service has gotten better (no more one ready made plate)
But the main thing that irritated me most was that they refused to give me 4pm late check out as a Plat. Had to fight for the benefit that should be quite clear for non resort properties. Basically i asked day before check out if they could confirm that 4pm was fine (was actually hoping for all the rooms to be kept until 4). What they told me was that the hotel is fully booked and 4pm check out benefit is subject to availability but they would leave a note and asked to contact again on day of departure. Now this irritated me quite a lot because i had other plans for the day and basically now wasn't sure how to organize the day.
Then on day of departure i asked again and were still refused untill i once again (actually for 3rd time) explained that it should be a quaranteed benefit and could show them the rules on spg.com. After a long fight i was contacted that they are willing to make an exeption but not to my room but to the other room under my reservation.
Am i totally lost here or should you start to prepare to fight for the latecheck out benefit nowadays also?
Jul 20, 2016, 6:12 am
#28
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CEB - primary/YVR -secondary
Programs: AC*Super Elite (100K) / PR*Elite / AY*Platinum (OWE) / SPG*Bonvoy Titanium (LTT)
Posts: 2,272
2 years since my recent trip to this property and i have to say that the hotel has gone down.
Overall physical condition is still nice, however rooms are getting older and some minor things here and there.
Executive lounge has still nothing but soft drinks and coffees and couple of fruits during the day, but evening service has gotten better (no more one ready made plate)
But the main thing that irritated me most was that they refused to give me 4pm late check out as a Plat. Had to fight for the benefit that should be quite clear for non resort properties. Basically i asked day before check out if they could confirm that 4pm was fine (was actually hoping for all the rooms to be kept until 4). What they told me was that the hotel is fully booked and 4pm check out benefit is subject to availability but they would leave a note and asked to contact again on day of departure. Now this irritated me quite a lot because i had other plans for the day and basically now wasn't sure how to organize the day.
Then on day of departure i asked again and were still refused untill i once again (actually for 3rd time) explained that it should be a quaranteed benefit and could show them the rules on spg.com. After a long fight i was contacted that they are willing to make an exeption but not to my room but to the other room under my reservation.
Am i totally lost here or should you start to prepare to fight for the latecheck out benefit nowadays also?
Overall physical condition is still nice, however rooms are getting older and some minor things here and there.
Executive lounge has still nothing but soft drinks and coffees and couple of fruits during the day, but evening service has gotten better (no more one ready made plate)
But the main thing that irritated me most was that they refused to give me 4pm late check out as a Plat. Had to fight for the benefit that should be quite clear for non resort properties. Basically i asked day before check out if they could confirm that 4pm was fine (was actually hoping for all the rooms to be kept until 4). What they told me was that the hotel is fully booked and 4pm check out benefit is subject to availability but they would leave a note and asked to contact again on day of departure. Now this irritated me quite a lot because i had other plans for the day and basically now wasn't sure how to organize the day.
Then on day of departure i asked again and were still refused untill i once again (actually for 3rd time) explained that it should be a quaranteed benefit and could show them the rules on spg.com. After a long fight i was contacted that they are willing to make an exeption but not to my room but to the other room under my reservation.
Am i totally lost here or should you start to prepare to fight for the latecheck out benefit nowadays also?
Jul 20, 2016, 10:49 am
#29
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
2 years since my recent trip to this property and i have to say that the hotel has gone down.
Overall physical condition is still nice, however rooms are getting older and some minor things here and there.
Executive lounge has still nothing but soft drinks and coffees and couple of fruits during the day, but evening service has gotten better (no more one ready made plate)
But the main thing that irritated me most was that they refused to give me 4pm late check out as a Plat. Had to fight for the benefit that should be quite clear for non resort properties. Basically i asked day before check out if they could confirm that 4pm was fine (was actually hoping for all the rooms to be kept until 4). What they told me was that the hotel is fully booked and 4pm check out benefit is subject to availability but they would leave a note and asked to contact again on day of departure. Now this irritated me quite a lot because i had other plans for the day and basically now wasn't sure how to organize the day.
Then on day of departure i asked again and were still refused untill i once again (actually for 3rd time) explained that it should be a quaranteed benefit and could show them the rules on spg.com. After a long fight i was contacted that they are willing to make an exeption but not to my room but to the other room under my reservation.
Am i totally lost here or should you start to prepare to fight for the latecheck out benefit nowadays also?
Overall physical condition is still nice, however rooms are getting older and some minor things here and there.
Executive lounge has still nothing but soft drinks and coffees and couple of fruits during the day, but evening service has gotten better (no more one ready made plate)
But the main thing that irritated me most was that they refused to give me 4pm late check out as a Plat. Had to fight for the benefit that should be quite clear for non resort properties. Basically i asked day before check out if they could confirm that 4pm was fine (was actually hoping for all the rooms to be kept until 4). What they told me was that the hotel is fully booked and 4pm check out benefit is subject to availability but they would leave a note and asked to contact again on day of departure. Now this irritated me quite a lot because i had other plans for the day and basically now wasn't sure how to organize the day.
Then on day of departure i asked again and were still refused untill i once again (actually for 3rd time) explained that it should be a quaranteed benefit and could show them the rules on spg.com. After a long fight i was contacted that they are willing to make an exeption but not to my room but to the other room under my reservation.
Am i totally lost here or should you start to prepare to fight for the latecheck out benefit nowadays also?
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]