They say that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. I beg to differ and Le Royal Méridien in Abu Dhabi is the proof. As one of the oldest hotels in the capital, it was due for a new look and after a year long upgrade it's goodbye to the old dated look and hello to the new, modern, uber stylish design.
Le Méridien Hub: a sensory experience
Located near the Abu Dhabi corniche, the hotel is easily reachable for both residents and visitors from out of town. Driving from Dubai I took my favorite road in the UAE: the Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E12), a dreamy stretch of road of about 30 Km from Yas Island to the Mina port in Abu Dhabi, with almost zero traffic, and an amazing view of wild beaches and turquoise waters.
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Upon entering the hotel, the first thing you will notice is the Le Méridien Hub: a reinterpretation of the traditional hotel lobby, an inspiring environment where Le Royal Méridien has focused in giving its guests a sensory experience.
SIGHT: The space features integrated floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and plenty of glass surfaces that capture Abu Dhabi sunny weather. |
Settling in
My check-in was swiftly done and in less than 15 minutes from my arrival I was on my way to my room located in the SPG members dedicated floor. I stayed in a deluxe twin room with sea view. The room covers a space of 30 M2 and it can host a max of 3 guests. I loved the blue hues with turquoise and teal accents. It offers all the facilities you need to either relax or conduct business like an interactive television, wi-fi, direct dial telephone and 24/7 room service.
The bathroom is quite lush with modern features and marble slates. I liked how the space has been used to offer choices for both a bathtub and a shower.
To check all of the available rooms and suites at Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi click here.
Below is a video focusing on Le Méridien Hub and the Deluxe Twin Bedroom that I stayed in, so feel free to have a look at the clip below before I proceed on telling you more about the outlets.
The bathroom is quite lush with modern features and marble slates. I liked how the space has been used to offer choices for both a bathtub and a shower.
To check all of the available rooms and suites at Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi click here.
Below is a video focusing on Le Méridien Hub and the Deluxe Twin Bedroom that I stayed in, so feel free to have a look at the clip below before I proceed on telling you more about the outlets.
However, it doesn't stop here, because there are 3 lighting moods: one bright, stimulating for the morning, the next brings forward the softer hues of the afternoon and the cycle completes with a calming, inviting ambiance for the evening. As a special mention goes to the afternoon to evening transition that marked by an evening ritual, which I won't tell the details of so that you can experience this really cute touch for yourself!
In addition, sight wise, you can't miss the two huge contemporary sculptures made of letters and numbers that are positioned on the sides of the Hub's front steps. The concept for these art works made by local artists members of the LM100 is to portray Abu Dhabi's diversity and position as an international crossroads. To find out more about the artistic collaboration between Le Royal Méridien and LM100 please click here.
SOUND: A beautiful sight can only be enhanced with the right sounds. With this in mind Le Méridien, again in collaboration with LM100, has introduced a new musical innovation called ‘Don’t stop the music’. This is a unique 24-hour playlist that is far more than just "ambient music", it's been created to inspire you with a selection of the best in pop, soul, rock and electro from four continents. The 1,500 tracks are divided into four moods to suit the time of day.
SCENT: So, you have fabulous sights and delightful sounds, your experience can only be completed with the unique signature scent by Le Méridien: the LM01™ created by Le Fabrice Penot and Eddie Roschi.
I've an acute sense of smell, and actually there are a couple of hotels in Dubai that I avoid, despite being 5* gorgeous hotels, because I cannot stand their signature scents, so I immediately noticed the one at Le Royal Méridien in Abu Dhabi, and I really liked it.
It's energetic with woody tones; I then found out that it's combining fragrances of incense, iris, ginger, cedar and moss. I also learnt that the scent concept is one of discovery, culture and exploration. Being that I am naturally an explorer, I realized why I had an instant liking to this scent.
In addition, sight wise, you can't miss the two huge contemporary sculptures made of letters and numbers that are positioned on the sides of the Hub's front steps. The concept for these art works made by local artists members of the LM100 is to portray Abu Dhabi's diversity and position as an international crossroads. To find out more about the artistic collaboration between Le Royal Méridien and LM100 please click here.
SOUND: A beautiful sight can only be enhanced with the right sounds. With this in mind Le Méridien, again in collaboration with LM100, has introduced a new musical innovation called ‘Don’t stop the music’. This is a unique 24-hour playlist that is far more than just "ambient music", it's been created to inspire you with a selection of the best in pop, soul, rock and electro from four continents. The 1,500 tracks are divided into four moods to suit the time of day.
SCENT: So, you have fabulous sights and delightful sounds, your experience can only be completed with the unique signature scent by Le Méridien: the LM01™ created by Le Fabrice Penot and Eddie Roschi.
I've an acute sense of smell, and actually there are a couple of hotels in Dubai that I avoid, despite being 5* gorgeous hotels, because I cannot stand their signature scents, so I immediately noticed the one at Le Royal Méridien in Abu Dhabi, and I really liked it.
It's energetic with woody tones; I then found out that it's combining fragrances of incense, iris, ginger, cedar and moss. I also learnt that the scent concept is one of discovery, culture and exploration. Being that I am naturally an explorer, I realized why I had an instant liking to this scent.
Food & Beverage outlets
whEAT
The Baker's Breakfast at whEAT
After a restful night, you will probably wake up ready to take on the world like The Avengers, but before that, you need to replenish your body with energy, so why not stop at Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi for a breakfast of champions.
I had two options for breakfast: the all-day-dining Cafe` Palmier or the artisan bakery and bistro` whEAT. As I couldn't (even with the best of intentions), have them both I decided to go with whEAT.
I had two options for breakfast: the all-day-dining Cafe` Palmier or the artisan bakery and bistro` whEAT. As I couldn't (even with the best of intentions), have them both I decided to go with whEAT.
A perfectly made cafe`latte by whEAT.
First of all, I want all of you baristas to watch the cafe` latte on the left. That's how a cafe`latte should look like.
Enough of those sickly looking and super strong lattes that I taste around, please! I really don't care for you to draw pretty hearts or leafs on the top, what I would much rather love, it's a well made cafe` latte!
How is that made? A well made latte needs to have the coffee shot sitting on the milk and very importantly it needs to be only 1/3 of the glass or cup. 2/3 of it must be milk.
Anything different is NOT a cafe` latte. Then we, cafe` latte drinkers, like to have a good foam on top, this should be about 1.5 to 2.5 cm thick anything more or less is just ruining the experience, if it's a big thick foam I just feel it's not value for money, if it's too thin I just think you can't do your job and deprived me of my latte experience, so please if you are reading this, take the picture I offer you from whEAT of how a cafe` latte must look like and go back to your drawing board until you can make it exactly the same.
Then, please write to me and I will be more than happy to come try it out.
As far as whEAT baristas go, well you made it to perfection and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
But let's move on to the food...the Baker's Breakfast is simply put one of the best breakfasts I had in weeks. I could easily make the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi on a Friday morning, just to come back and enjoy this! Everything, including the grilled tomato was cooked and seasoned to perfection.
A generous portion of veal bacon and two tasty poached eggs are sitting on thick toasts waiting eagerly to meet your palate! If a good day is seen from the breakfast, believe me after the Baker's Breakfast you are set for the most amazing of days!
Enough of those sickly looking and super strong lattes that I taste around, please! I really don't care for you to draw pretty hearts or leafs on the top, what I would much rather love, it's a well made cafe` latte!
How is that made? A well made latte needs to have the coffee shot sitting on the milk and very importantly it needs to be only 1/3 of the glass or cup. 2/3 of it must be milk.
Anything different is NOT a cafe` latte. Then we, cafe` latte drinkers, like to have a good foam on top, this should be about 1.5 to 2.5 cm thick anything more or less is just ruining the experience, if it's a big thick foam I just feel it's not value for money, if it's too thin I just think you can't do your job and deprived me of my latte experience, so please if you are reading this, take the picture I offer you from whEAT of how a cafe` latte must look like and go back to your drawing board until you can make it exactly the same.
Then, please write to me and I will be more than happy to come try it out.
As far as whEAT baristas go, well you made it to perfection and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
But let's move on to the food...the Baker's Breakfast is simply put one of the best breakfasts I had in weeks. I could easily make the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi on a Friday morning, just to come back and enjoy this! Everything, including the grilled tomato was cooked and seasoned to perfection.
A generous portion of veal bacon and two tasty poached eggs are sitting on thick toasts waiting eagerly to meet your palate! If a good day is seen from the breakfast, believe me after the Baker's Breakfast you are set for the most amazing of days!
With a focus on breakfast, lunch and light bites, whEAT serves dishes that are fresh, and full of natural produce to keep you healthy and happy.
The ambiance reminds me one of those lovely bakeries in Italy or France, with lots of light wood, natural lighting and a fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread to welcome you in. There are in fact 8 international types of breads that will take you all across Europe, from Ireland to Poland, from France to Germany, to Italy and more.
This is an ideal place for an on-the-go breakfast with its delicious muffins and brioches or if you are looking to try something more filling there is a good variety of breakfast dishes, from porridge. to BNB and croque madame, to mention but a few.
I started my day with a cafe` latte and the Baker's Breakfast which includes: 2 thick slices of toast, topped with veal bacon, poached eggs, tomato & béarnaise sauce. I hope you had your breakfast, because the photos below are guaranteed to get your taste buds frolicking!
The ambiance reminds me one of those lovely bakeries in Italy or France, with lots of light wood, natural lighting and a fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread to welcome you in. There are in fact 8 international types of breads that will take you all across Europe, from Ireland to Poland, from France to Germany, to Italy and more.
This is an ideal place for an on-the-go breakfast with its delicious muffins and brioches or if you are looking to try something more filling there is a good variety of breakfast dishes, from porridge. to BNB and croque madame, to mention but a few.
I started my day with a cafe` latte and the Baker's Breakfast which includes: 2 thick slices of toast, topped with veal bacon, poached eggs, tomato & béarnaise sauce. I hope you had your breakfast, because the photos below are guaranteed to get your taste buds frolicking!
Market Kitchen
The bright and modern design is a reflection of the menu at Market Kitchen
With over 20 restaurants around the world and accolades of awards Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is certainly a household name when it comes to dining experiences.
Bringing his successful concept of the “hotel as home” to the capital, with Market Kitchen, we experience a restaurant environment that's portrayed as a casual family kitchen not only in the setting but also in the menu.
I loved the decor of Market Kitchen, and in the evening I had the chance to attend a cocktail masterclass hosted by Market Kitchen's manager Bruno and Stratos' Bar Manager Alex.
I know that you loved previous articles on cocktails and cocktails recipes, so I will do a separate write up on the cocktail masterclass in the Food & Bar section, so stay tuned!
Bringing his successful concept of the “hotel as home” to the capital, with Market Kitchen, we experience a restaurant environment that's portrayed as a casual family kitchen not only in the setting but also in the menu.
I loved the decor of Market Kitchen, and in the evening I had the chance to attend a cocktail masterclass hosted by Market Kitchen's manager Bruno and Stratos' Bar Manager Alex.
I know that you loved previous articles on cocktails and cocktails recipes, so I will do a separate write up on the cocktail masterclass in the Food & Bar section, so stay tuned!
Amalfi
The Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, has embraced the contemporary look with style without forgetting the comfort. With a total of 10 food & beverage outlets you will be spoiled for choices and throughout your stay you will feel looked after by an outstanding service.
This is an ideal hotel for a city, family or business break.
To see the full list of outlets, offers and book your next visit please click here
This is an ideal hotel for a city, family or business break.
To see the full list of outlets, offers and book your next visit please click here
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