Allegra Bortone
Google
Our stay at Le Méridien Melbourne unfortunately did not meet the expectations of a 5-star hotel. We were two adults and a 5-year-old child, and had booked a room with two double beds. Upon arrival, however, we found ourselves in a tiny room with no space even to place our luggage, and with two queen-size beds – clearly unsuitable for two adults to sleep comfortably in one. Given the situation, we requested and paid for an upgrade to a suite.
The new room was modern, well laid out and had a nice bathroom, but the services offered were disappointing for the standard advertised. In the suite there was a sofa bed for our child: when we asked for it to be prepared, we returned to find it simply unfolded, without a pillow or blanket – a detail far from negligible considering the cold and the winter season.
Breakfast was by far the most disappointing aspect of our experience. There were no real gluten-free options, apart from a simple plate of fruit or an egg. The buffet looked messy and unappealing: spilled yogurts, blackened avocados, and food presented without care. Even more surprising, espresso coffee was not included: guests had to settle for self-service machines, or pay extra for a proper espresso. Something I have never seen in a hotel that claims to be 5-star.
In summary: while the suite itself was comfortable and modern, the services, customer care, and especially the breakfast fell well short of international 5-star standards. Overall, the experience felt closer to a 4-star hotel than to true luxury.