Le Méridien Shenyang is my top choice among Marriott Bonvoy hotels in the same price range.

After moving from the Westin to Le Méridien, my most direct feeling is that the hotel is indeed much newer and much more aesthetically pleasing!

However, the reception lobby on the first floor feels just average. The check-in counter is immediately to the left upon entering. I mean, even for a hotel like R&F Le Méridien, though it's old, you can still tell the lobby belongs to a five-star hotel, right? This one is so small it feels like a mid-range hotel.

Then, walking further back, the lobby bar is behind. I feel it's probably due to the building's architectural layout limitations, so I won't comment much on it.

There were no suites, but I was upgraded to an Executive room. Their Executive rooms and standard room types actually don't have much difference; both are 42㎡, and the facilities are similar. The only difference is the addition of lounge access, which can be a general reference point. With floor-to-ceiling windows and bright French-style interior decor, the rooms are clearly superior to the Westin's severely inadequate lighting. There's a JBL speaker by the bed, and the toilet room has a Toto Washlet. The hardware feels modern again.

The lounge is on the 23rd floor of the hotel. A long row of floor-to-ceiling windows offers panoramic views of the entire city. Although there aren't many items for afternoon tea, there are at least desserts and small sandwiches, which is definitely better than the Westin, which offers nothing! For the evening happy hour, both hotels are probably about 50/50. Do they each have their own unique features?

Then I tried out the hotel's swimming pool. I wonder if this pool echoes its small lobby; I estimate its length to be only about fifteen or sixteen meters. You reach the end after just a couple of kicks. However, the changing rooms also have massage hot tubs and a steam room, which makes up for some of the drawbacks.

Additionally, one of the biggest advantages is probably the hotel's very central location. It's very close to Shenyang Railway Station, and Taiyuan Street is just a 5-minute walk downstairs. There are large complexes nearby like InCity and Wanda Plaza.

However, the nearest subway station, Taiyuan Street Station, is still a bit of a walk, about 600 meters. I considered cycling there (but be aware of parking restrictions there, or you might end up paying an extra 5 yuan dispatch fee like I did today 😂).

As for service, the lounge staff are okay and proactively ask about needs. As for the concierge, as I wrote previously about the InterContinental Dalian, this position might as well not exist. He just watched me open doors and carry my own luggage. Luckily, my suitcase was light. I wonder if he would be more proactive if he encountered an elderly person who genuinely needed help 🤷‍♂️.

Finally, if I were to compare this hotel with the Westin, considering that their current online prices are basically similar, and comparing location/design/experience comprehensively, I personally recommend this one more.

Post by NoahO Donnell04 | Aug 29, 2025