Introduction: Short Trip to Central America
Review: Hilton Anatole – Dallas
Review: Air France Lounge – Houston Intercontinental Airport
Review: Executive Club – Houston Intercontinental Airport
Review: Air China (777-300) Business Class – Houston to Panama
Review: The Westin – Panama
Review: Nacion Sushi
Review: Le Meridien – Panama
Review: Avianca (A320) Business Class – Panama to Bogota
Review: Avianca VIP Lounge – Bogota
Review: LATAM VIP Lounge – Bogota
Review: Copa Club – Bogota
Review: El Dorado Lounge – Bogota
Review: Avianca (A319) Business Class – Bogota to San Salvador
Review: Intercontinental Hotel – San Salvador/Metrocenter Mall
Review: Avianca (A320) Business Class – San Salvador to Dallas
I did not have a plan for the next hotel I would visit, I only knew that I would be leaving the Westin in a couple of hours. The Sheraton Bijao Beach Resort looked appealing, but I settled on the Le Meridien which was only minutes from the Westin.
Booking
I booked my stay for $99/night, at the government/military rate using my Marriott Rewards credit card. By doing this, I earned a total of 6,617 (4,082 base, 2,041 elite, and 494 credit card points) Marriott Bonvoy Rewards points. The credit card miles are incorrect because the hotel was labeled as “Professional Services”. I did not have any kind of services, professional or unprofessional. LOL. I am in the process of correcting the issue.
Arrival
I took an Uber from the Westin down the coast to the Le Meridien. The ride was not even 10 minutes. The entrance of the hotel faced a small side street. This was not bad in itself, but the road was torn up due to construction and it was a popular thoroughfare. There was dust EVERYWHERE.
Check-In
The front desk was straight ahead after I entered the property. I was welcomed to the hotel and thanked for my loyalty to Marriott. After copying my passport and swiping my card, the agent told me that my room was not yet ready. I had been complimentary upgraded to the Platinum Suite and was then offered 500 Marriott points or a welcome amenity. I chose the welcome amenity of chocolate and wine. The agent then invited me to have a seat at the bar to wait for my room.
…to the left of the front desk was a Concierge Desk where guests can request a myriad of things. Excursions, dinner ideas, etc.
After having a drink and some plantains at the bar, my room key was delivered by the same agent who was helping me at the front desk.
Room
The suite was located on the fourth floor. I left the bar, walked past the front desk, and made it to the elevators on the opposite side. After exiting the elevator, I took a right towards my digs, room 418.
This suite was ten times better than the Junior suite at the Westin. Upon entering, I was in a vibrant living area with floor to ceiling windows. There was a comfortable couch and, desk, and wall mounted TV.
To left of the entrance was a mini fridge and bar. The bar was well stocked, probably the best selection of any Marriott property I have visited.
After passing through the living area, I was in the bedroom. There was a king bed, desk, and wall mounted TV. The floor to ceiling windows carried over from the living area.
Now, I know that I said the Junior Suite’s bathroom at the Westin was nice, but this one blew it out of the water. I loved the décor and jacuzzi tub the most. Have a look for yourself, let me know what you think.
The welcome amenity showed up later, but it was “the wrong stuff”. Instead of wine and chocolates, I received wine and macaroons. I called the front desk and they apologized profusely. The hotel gave me the macaroons, wine, and the 500 welcome points. Ok then.
Dining
There were a few dining options at the property. The Lobby Bar, Saril Restaurant, and the Executive Lounge.
The Lobby Bar
The lobby bar was nice, but I only used it to have a drink when coming or going to dinner. There was a patio connected to the bar that appeared to be fun, however, it was just too dusty to sit outside.
Saril Restaurant
The restaurant was on the left side of the bar. It had adequate seating, but not much else. I never saw anyone eat there.
The Executive Lounge
The Executive Lounge was located on the first floor. It was hard to find because it was in the far back corner. Each time I tried to use the lounge, it was closed.
Fitness
The pool was located on the sixth floor. The pool itself was about the same as the Westin. I liked the views here better.
The fitness center was located on the second floor. The room was very, um, small. Guests could have a cardio session, but not much else. The view from the fitness center was nice.
There was also a conference room on the pool level. It had a really nice view as well. I do not think I could focus on speeches and such while staring at the ocean.
Final Word
I enjoyed my short stay at the Le Meridien. In my mind, I felt that it was way better than the the Westin, but they were not far off when I put them on paper. The room at the Le Meridien was the highlight. If I could have stayed in the room for my entire stay, I would not have had any regrets. All of this being said, I will stay at the Le Meridien during my next visit to Panama.
