lcpteck

We are proud to announce that the Le Méridien Thimphu (Bhutan) is now part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The hotel was accepting reservations as of December 24, 2014, for future dates on or after December 25, 2014.

SPG Category 5.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

lcpteck

Classic - 344 sq ft / 32 m²
Deluxe - 420 sq ft / 39 m²
Junior Suite - 807 sq ft / 75 m²
Royal Suite - 1,421 sq ft / 132 m²

lcpteck

Added important wiki information.

All rates are non-refundable. Everything is pre-paid hence no flexible rates.

lcpteck

General Manager - Tim Bilfinger

bocastephen

Excellent news! Bhutan should be on everyone's bucket list.

EuropeanPete

+1. Bhutan is genuinely spectacular.

This makes a pleasant stay in Bhutan relatively affordable although it's just in Thimphu which isn't the most exciting part of the country. I think that I will go back on my next trip to Asia.

mahasamatman

Based on the hotel's "special conditions", Bhutan must really want to discourage tourism from outside their local area. This has to be the most ridiculous resort fee in the world.

bocastephen

It's a standard fee for all visitors and is not related to the hotel. Bhutan was a totally closed country a number of years ago, and is a more recent entrant to global tourism - and they want the industry to be controlled, they don't want to be another Nepal.

The daily fee, which is a good value, is far cheaper now than what it was a few years back when we started sending clients to Bhutan. It's a good value for what you receive, and it ensures every visitor is accompanied by a local licensed guide while on tours (you are allowed to wander freely on your own outside of the tour plan schedule) and provides each visitor with a fairly consistent experience, and provides funding for many national programs. Additionally, the guides can control access to, and behavior at the many critical temples, shrines and other protected spaces to avoid 'incidents' or damage.

If you ever wondered what the imaginary Shangri-La might look like, or what Tibet was before it was invaded and destroyed by the communist Chinese, Bhutan is your only opportunity to visit such a place. The Bhutanese are remarkably warm, friendly and welcoming - and if you like "fun" airplane landings, your arrival into Paro airport will rival anything you've tried at Universal Studios.

mahasamatman

I never said it was related to the hotel, only that they mention it.

So it's a good deal if you like overpaying for services you don't want or need.

Interesting how this forum will almost universally rant over a $10 resort fee, but then see posts defending what is esentially a $330 resort fee (for a couple).

bocastephen

We're not talking about water, internet and a newspaper here - the fee, which is not a resort fee but a government tourist tax, offers good value especially given there is no option to visit Bhutan as an independent tourist and go around alone - it's just not allowed.

Starwood resort fees don't go into education funds, anti-poverty programs or provide healthcare and drinking water. Think of it as a charitable contribution to the health of the nation.

mahasamatman

So the government is like the Outer Limits - they will control all that you see and hear. I guess that works for some people, but I think I'll skip it until they allow free travel.

And lottery money in the U.S. goes directly to education, right? Sorry, but I'm not gullible enough to believe that's where the money is going.

3rdworldresident

One day i will visit this country for sure.

lcpteck

Same here now that Starwood is there.

lcpteck

Hope you can still walk when the time comes.

makin'miles

I just wanted to update this thread to provide a little bit of information on the booking process for the Thimphu property.

Indeed, you can book rooms directly on spg.com, including points redemptions and cash+points (category five). I've booked four nights in mid-May on cash+points, and its worth noting the cancellation deadline is about six weeks prior to that date, at which time a deposit is taken.

The day after booking, I received an email from the hotel regarding fees/visa:


So, travelling solo, the hotel will assess a fee of USD170/day and provide a number of services through their preferred tour agency partner. This amount is less than the daily minimum package set by the government, but is in addition to the hotel rate, does not include meals etc.

The hotel's tour agency partner is also able to take care of visa arrangements for my entire stay, including nights where I may not be staying at the property (I'd like to move to the Paro property, but its not yet accepting bookings). I was told that I could just book flights with Druk Air directly (which can be done online) and provide the information to the hotel.

I asked about the opening date of the LM Paro, and they just indicated that, per their website, it should be open May 1 - so no 'inside' information. They indicated that they would not be able to assist with a booking once it is open, so its possible there are two different management/owner groups here.

I'm hopeful someone will have a stay to report on prior to May, but if not I'll be sure to do so.