Seasoned traveller like me should have known better – take the pictures of a hotel website with a pinch of salt. Everything seems nicer on the hotel’s website. Due to my negligence, I ended up paying the price of a junior suite yet receiving a product that best befits a lower-tier hotel.
Located in the heart of San Francisco financial district, Le Meridien San Francisco’s location can’t be better. It is within walking distance to the bay area and also, the popular Union Square. But I was utterly disappointed when I saw the hotel lobby and more so, my junior suite.
The hotel seems to be trapped in a 1980s time capsule. While some of the fixtures looked modern, the hotel looks very dated. Some reviews on a travel portal also mentioned that the rooms are newly renovated but I seriously doubt so. If they did, the upgraded room didn’t show any revitalised look.
Junior Suite - Living Room
When I stepped into my junior suite, I got a shock. The wardrobe, writing desk and TV console are varnished in a dated rose wood tone. It is obvious that these fixtures have seen its heydays. Upon closer look, some of these fixtures are chipped at the corner. The sofa is definitely not as clean as it seems on the website. And the carpet must have had thousands of feet stepped on it, and it shows.
The bathroom is another story all together. Although it’s bigger than the standard bathroom, it’s so behind times. The granite tiles and unflattering lighting just don’t make you feel like take a bath.
And despite staying in a junior suite, the amenities are pathetic. There is no coffee machine or kettle. Every time we need hot water, we need to call the housekeeping. And there is no turndown service at all! Even the selection of TV programmes is so limited.
Unfortunately, there is nothing much that I can do because I took advantage of the promotional rates and had paid upfront. At one point, I did feel like changing hotel.
I didn’t use much of the other facilities in the hotel. The gym is in the basement and looks decent for a good workout. I didn’t go to the restaurant or bar. With so many better options around the hotel, I didn’t bother to check them out.
I’ve stayed at four different hotels in this trip and Le Meridien San Francisco has to be the worst among the four. My only consolation is, at the top floor, I get a pretty good view of the beautifully illuminated Oakland Bay Bridge.
Le Meridien
333 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111,
United States
Tel: +1 415-296 2900
www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/index.html
