Looking to read a detailed Le Méridien Thimphu Hotel review before booking your next trip to Bhutan? You’ve come to the right place!
The 5 star luxury hotel is located in the heart of Thimphu, near must-see attractions like the Centenary Farmers Market, Memorial Chorten, and National Textile Museum.
I spent 3 nights in a luxurious suite at the hotel. My Le Méridien Thimphu review features info on the hotels accommodation options, wellness programs, restaurants and unique on-site amenities.
Book A Luxurious Holiday at Le Méridien Thimphu in Bhutan
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan, famous for being the 6th highest capital in the world by altitude.
For those visiting Bhutan for the first time a visit to Thimphu is a must as the sky-high city offers jaw-dropping views, and is the hub of culture in the country.
Visitors are spoilt for choice with fun activities like bustling handicraft markets, historic restaurants, otherworldly Buddhist temples, the country’s best museums and impressive Tashichho Dzong Fortress.
While visiting the Bhutanese capital we stayed at the Le Méridien Thimphu. The luxury brand Le Meridien, part of the Marriott Bonvoy family, is also popular in Thailand. We’ve had the opportunity to visit sister properties Le Meridien Phuket, Le Meridien Bangkok and Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi.
Le Meridien Thimphu first opened its doors in 2014, designed by architect Reza Kabul. The property offers the exceptional 5 star service you’d expect from a large cosmopolitan luxury hotel but within a boutique atmosphere as it is home to just 78 well-appointed rooms and suites.
Upon arrival guests are greeted by the air-horse, imprinted on the ceiling of the main porch entrance. The divine horse is believed to uplift energy and life force, carrying messages to the gods, setting a serene spiritual tone from the very start.
When guests check-in they’re immediately immersed in Bhutanese life, as they’re warmly welcomed with a traditional white scarf, symbolizing a pleasant stay along with a traditional cup of herbal tea.
Le Méridien Thimphu Hotel Review Highlights
Before booking your trip, here are a list of highlights that make the Le Méridien Thimphu stand out from the rest:
- Le Méridien Thimphu is one of the most luxurious hotels in the Bhutanese capital.
- The property has just 78 rooms and suites, offering guests an intimate boutique vibe with the service you’d expect from a large 5 star city hotel.
- Le Meridien is a member of the Marriott Bonvoy family so guests can redeem and earn points during their stay.
- The hotel boasts the largest indoor banquet space in Bhutan at over 4100 sqf.
- The hotel organizes a cultural musical program an alternate days of the week at the restaurant so guests can enjoy local entertainment.
- Each day the hotel hosts a complimentary “hi tea” for all guests from 5-6pm. This includes a selection of Illy coffees, masala tea and light bites.
- Rest and relax at Explore Spa, offering massages, body scrubs, wraps, facials and unique Ayurvedic treatments.
- Keep fit on holiday at the sun-soaked 24 hour fitness centre, which boasts beautiful views.
- The hotel has a 11 metre long heated indoor pool, which can be used alongside the spa’s sauna and steam room.
- The property features 2 unique culinary concepts, from a lively buffet concept to chic cocktail bar.
Accommodation
The most important question you have to ask yourself when reading a Le Méridien Thimphu Hotel review is, “what type of accommodation would I like to book for my holiday?”
The hotel boasts 6 room categories, including an entry level Classic King, Deluxe Twin, Junior Suite and jaw-dropping Royal Suite.
All rooms boast artful design touches such as wooden floors and vibrant Bhutanese-area rugs as well as flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms, minibars and storage safes.
If looking to splurge for a special celebration book the Royal Suite and live like a Bhutanese King and Queen! The spacious 1400 sqt interior boasts both a mountain and Buddha Point view.
Stroll through the chic interior and you’ll find a cozy living room, 6-seater dining room, work desk, marble bathroom with a separate shower and jet tub, plush robe and slippers plus sweetly scented bath amenities by Malin + Goetz.
Explore Spa
If you’re looking to rest and relax on holiday book a relaxing body treatment at Le Méridien Thimphu’s wellness oasis.
Visit the hotel’s Explore Spa and you’ll be greeted by a friendly team who will sit you inside a relaxing lounge. While seated on a comfy couch flip through the spa menu and you’ll find a selection of massages, facials, wraps, scrubs, Ayurvedic treatments, foot baths, lip treatments, makeup services, manicure and pedicures, and waxing.
The 160 sqm space features 4 treatment rooms (3 single and one couples suites), as well as a hair salon, steam room, sauna, indoor heated pool and jacuzzi.
Explore Spa offers several signature treatments including an extremely relaxing Four Hand Massage, Epicurien Body Wrap, Limitless Facial, and Chakra Art, a unique therapy that incorporates colour-infused therapeutic muds.
The hotel’s fitness centre is located next door to the spa and the perfect place to keep fit on holiday thanks to wrap around windows with awesome views. The gym is outfitted with Life Fitness workout equipment, free weight and a personal trainer can be booked at a fee.
Le Méridien Thimphu Restaurants
No Le Méridien Thimphu review is complete until you’ve had an opportunity to wag your finger down each of the hotel’s marvellous menus.
The hotel offers 2 unique food & beverage concepts, from a bustling multi-cuisine open kitchen to trendy cocktail bar.
Latest Recipe
Latest Recipe is the hotel’s all-day-dining multi-cuisine culinary concept, open daily from 7am-11pm.
The dining room fills with natural light and features classic Bhutanese design elements, which pair perfectly with the playful open kitchen concept as guests can watch chefs cook live at each interactive kitchen station.
Each morning guests line up at Latest Recipe to indulge in a sumptuous buffet. The breakfast offering features a perfect mix of local Bhutanese specialities and classic Western fare. There’s also an a la carte menu featuring hot breakfast dishes like Buckwheat Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Brioche French Toast, Dosa and Masala Uttapam.
Visit Latest Recipe for lunch or dinner and to enjoy a flavour-packed feast. Reading the menu feels like you’re traveling around the world with your tastebuds!
In one sitting you can fork through Afghani Murgh Tikka, Italian pizzas & pastas, Tex Mex Nachos, Bhutanese Hogay Salad, Indian Curries, Himalayan Trout, Norwegian Salmon, English Fish & Chips, and American favourites like burgers, mac & cheese and Cajun Po Boy Shrimp Sandwich.
Latitude 27
Latitude 27 operates as a friendly coffee house by day and an intimate cocktail lounge by night.
The beverage menu features the largest selection of single malts and blended whiskies in Thimphu, alongside an array of classic cocktails. Some of the unique ingredients used at the bar include Bhutanese red chilli, Thengay black pepper and the local spirit called Ara, which is a rice fermented clear spirit.
You’ll also find a curated selection of fine wines from around the world and craft beers brewed locally in Bhutan.
You can pair your drink with a selection of bar snacks like Crispy Fried Chicken Wings, Tandoori Kukkad, Amritsari Fish Fingers, and Bruschetta.
Latitude 27 also hosts a daily “hi tea” for all guests from 5-6pm, featuring Illy coffee or tea and light bites.
If you’re at the property from 1-9pm pop by for a drink to enjoy discounted happy hour specials.
Fun Things To Do In Thimphu
All foreign visitors to Bhutan must coordinate their itinerary and visas with a local tour operator. Since you can’t rent a car in Bhutan and organize a solo road trip it’s important to do your research and hire a professional company that can create a bespoke itinerary for you based on your unique interests and needs.
Our 2 week trip was organized by MyBhutan, an award-winning boutique luxury tour operator. We highly recommend planning your trip with MyBhutan as they employ knowledgable guides and friendly drivers who know Paro, Thimphu and beyond like the back of their hands.
The experience was seamless as MyBhutan organized airport transfers, day tours, guided hikes and pick up and drop off at each of the hotels we stayed. MyBhutan’s team went the extra mile, providing hiking poles, sustainable water bottles, and portable WIFI so you can share your travel experience live without having to pay for an SIM.
During our stay at Le Meridien Thimphu the MyBhutan team took us to visit these top attractions, which are must-dos when visiting the capital:
- Buddha Dordenma Statue: is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains overlooking Thimphu. It celebrates the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Inside the temple you’ll find thousands of golden buddha’s and beautifully painted murals.
- National Memorial Chhorten: is a stupa built in 1974 to honour the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The prominent landmark with its golden spires and bells features a 3-story interior where visitors can smell Bhutanese butter candles while admiring impressive sculptures.
- Centenary Farmers Market: was established in 2008 with the mandate to provide a platform for Bhutanese farmers to sell their products. Foodies can visit to gawk at cases filled with dried pork belly, mountains of dried chili and yak cheese.
- Royal Takin Preserve: is a wildlife reserve that offers a natural home for the endangered Bhutanese takin, the national animal of Bhutan. The furry horned animal is attributed to a legend in Bhutan from the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley.
- Royal Textile Academy: showcases Bhutan’s regional variations in the textile arts. Guests can watch a short 10 minute documentary and then stroll through exhibits that explain the different fabrics and textile patterns used in different regions throughout Bhutan.
- Folk Heritage Museum: showcases authentic Bhutanese village life by displaying traditional farm equipment, kitchenware, weapons and traditional garments in a historic 4-storey hut.
- Wangditse Lhakhang: enjoy a scenic 1 hour hike to one of Thimphu’s most beautiful monasteries. Skip along a forest path past fluttering prayer flags to enjoy jaw-dropping views of the valley below. Once you reach the monastery meet with a monk to receive holy water and quietly enjoy the serenity of the 8 stupas inside.
- National Institute For Zorig Chusum: this arts school was established by the government in 1971 to preserve Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts. Visitors can step inside each classroom to watch as students practice painting, sculpture, wood carving, paper making, calligraphy, sewing, weaving and bronze casting.
- Mojo Park: if you’re looking to tap into modern Bhutan visit the city’s most popular live music venue. Order a local craft beer or craft cocktail while watching a 5 piece band sing traditional Bhutanese ballads as well as Western favourites like Hey Jude by the Beatles.
- Dochula Pass: The Dochu La is a mountain pass in the snow covered Himalayas is located on the road from Thimphu to Punakha. You’ll find 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens” that have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother.
Le Méridien Thimphu Hotel Contact
Chorten Lam, 975-2-337-788
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