Guide to Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts is one of the 30-plus Marriott family of brands and part of the Marriott Bonvoy program.

It differs from some of the other brands with its history and present-day European-focused amenities. As it grows its portfolio across the world, there is a lot to know and discover about Le Méridien hotels.

Originally owned by Air France to facilitate global travel for its passengers, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts is owned by Marriott International. Its properties are now owned by individual owners or management companies.

However, the important thing to know for consumers is that it is part of the Marriott Bonvoy family. This means you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy® points when staying there.

At present, the brand has more than 110 properties in over 30 countries and territories.

While not all Le Méridien hotels are 5-star hotels, the premium brand does stand out from other Marriott styles for its Mediterranean (particularly French) roots that influence much of the brand’s high-end amenities.

There is a focus on art and style in all areas of the hotel, and there's an upscale edge that puts this brand above other hotels in its competitive set — despite not charging the same rates as more luxury-focused brands like St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton.

There are various features worth noting when staying with this Marriott Bonvoy brand. Here are a few highlights of features that help its guests to “savor the good life."

Unlock Art

Art is so ingrained in this brand that even the room key cards are works of art that many people actually collect.

The brand also created a partnership with several art museums and galleries in different destinations. Guests can flash their room key and gain free access for a visit as part of the Unlock Art program.

Le Scoop

Several gelato and sorbet flavors, a favorite European treat, are available at every Le Méridien around the world. A recent partnership with Whispering Angel Rosé includes a special gelato flavor also available at numerous properties this summer. It comes in a nonalcoholic version, too.

You’ll see summer-style artwork influenced by the south of France where Le Scoop is available, which is part of the Au Soleil program that presents sorbet in a beautiful dish with space for a glass of wine or other libation.

Nouvelle Vague

If you can’t quite put your finger on it, but you're feeling a bit of French inspiration in the elevator or by the pool, it’s because of the music. Nouvelle Vague is the name for the French-inspired soundtrack playing throughout the hotel.

Master Baristas

Each property has a Master Barista who can prepare Illy brand coffee drinks to order at the main bar or coffee lounge. There is a range of coffee concoctions on the menu using beans from the Italian coffee company.

Sparkling by Le Méridien

Once the sun sets, baristas switch from coffee to a range of cocktails using sparkling wine; these are accompanied by destination-specific tapas-style plates. This means that in different parts of the world, you can enjoy this evening ritual with locally inspired elements.

LM002 from Malin+Goetz

Across the portfolio, you’ll also find Malin+Goetz toiletries, made especially for the brand, in guest room bathrooms. In fact, you can also buy the same formula online as one of the many hotel-themed products that brands make available for sale to recreate your favorite travel memories at home. There is also a signature, French-inspired fragrance that is used in all public areas.

Choosing a favorite hotel from a brand with more than 100 properties is subjective, but these are some popular choices in the portfolio. When looking to make a points redemption, note that Marriott Bonvoy has shifted to a dynamic pricing model. This means it is hard to know how many points you’ll need to save up for a redemption night without a little research.

Le Méridien Lav, Split

This seaside hotel and resort in Croatia has a long history of drawing in families and couples for fun in the sun. Its pools and beach are a great getaway in the summer, and its several historic buildings have views of the Adriatic Sea, the marina and surrounding hillside. Summer redemption rates can be as low as 58,000 points on the dates we checked, but during the cooler winter months, they drop down to around 40,000 points.

Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa

Only 35 minutes from Barcelona’s airport along Sant Salvador Beach on the Costa Daurada, this resort has a European-style spa and beautiful beachfront. The historic building dates back to 1929 when it was built as a wellness resort. The resort is celebrating its 15th anniversary as part of the Le Méridien brand.

On the dates we checked, summer redemption rates can drop as low as 42,000 points, but the property closes during the late fall and winter months.

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Marriott Bonvoy has a strong presence in the Maldives, with resorts from many of its well-known brands like JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. This property adds another option for points redemption and features all kinds of accommodation types, from overwater villas to beachfront or pool villas. Snorkelers and divers will love the variety of marine life around the coral reef here.

A redemption night here costs as low as 52,000 points, a rate that remains constant throughout the year. This represents an exceptional deal for points redemptions in what is a very pricy destination.

» Learn more: The best ways to rack up Marriott Bonvoy points

You can pay in cash or points when staying at any of Marriott Bonvoy’s hotels, but note that in order to earn points or take advantage of hotel elite status perks, you’ll need to reserve through a Marriott channel. Third-party bookings, like those made through an online travel agency (Expedia, Orbitz, etc.), typically are not eligible for benefits.

Book Le Méridien properties with a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card

Pay for your stay with a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card and you can accelerate your points earning to get you to that next vacation redemption. For example, when using the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (annual fee: $650), you can earn up to 21x bonus points at Marriott properties since the card comes with Platinum Elite status. Terms apply.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card has no annual fee, but you can still earn up to 14x points on Marriott stays since the card includes free Silver Elite status. You’ll earn even more if you have higher Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

» Learn more: The best hotel credit cards right now

Book Le Méridien properties with a Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Award

Marriott free night certificates come with certain Marriott Bonvoy credit cards or as an Annual Choice benefit from Marriott Bonvoy Elite Benefits. They range in value depending on the type of certificate you have.

Marriott certificates are worth a varying number of Bonvoy points depending on the one you have. These include:

• Up to 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

• Up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

• Up to 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

• Up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

• Up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

This means you will have to check the number of points required for a redemption night to see if your certificate will cover it. To use your certificate, you’ll need to make a reservation through Marriott's website .

» Learn more: Travel loyalty program reviews

With so many unique aspects that set this brand apart from other hotel names, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts is ideal for those who want to experience European touches around the world.

It's one of Marriott's “distinctive premium” brands, and you can earn and redeem Marriott points or Free Night Awards for a stay. Your only challenge is deciding which one to visit first.

(Top photo courtesy of Marriott)