Le Meridien Lav, Split
Grljevacka 2a
21312 Podstrana
Croatia
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1956
A certain feeling presides over places where the mountains meet the sea. It is an undeniable feeling of rightness, of distant elements coming together, as if every necessity were present. This same feeling of natural satisfaction presides over Hotel Le Meridien.
Situated in a cove eight kilometers from the city center, Le Meridien’s three buildings mimic both the color of the mountains and the way they seem to tower over the turquoise waters of the Dalatian Sea. For the past year and a half, this hotel has offered five-star service that does not neglect even the smallest needs of its guests. From a beautiful pebble beach to the indoor and outdoor pools, spa center, gym, tennis courts, casino and multiple bars and restaurants, a radio station and even an art gallery, Le Meridien is a self-contained resort. This all-inclusiveness is one thing that makes it stand out from other hotels in Split. According to Andrija Sola, a player on the Croatian basketball team and frequent guest of the hotel, “It’s the only hotel I can think of that really has everything you need. You never need to leave.”
A typical day at Le Meridien might unfold this way: the guest wakes and makes his way to breakfast, which includes a royal spread of exotic cheeses, breads, omelets and milkshakes made to order, fresh-sliced tropical fruit, Balkan olives, even fresh juices and tea, as well as more conservative fare like pancakes and sausage. After breakfast, the guest can make his way to the spa, where he’ll sit in Jacuzzi, sauna or one of two steam rooms designed with constellated star light on the ceiling. From the spa it’s a quick walk to either of the two pools, the gym, the tennis court or the beach, where guests can simply lounge in the sun or rent a jet ski if they are feeling adventurous. After a day of sunbathing, guests can choose from a wide selection of food at the restaurant, drinks at the bar, or maybe a few games at the casino.
Of course, some travelers prefer to sample the local color. But why come to Split in the first place? Though it is not as large as cities like Zagreb, Split has its own specialities to offer. Better known for its culture than its business, Split is a city of artists, musicians and actors. It is not uncommon to stumble on outdoor concerts and street markets while strolling the marina or the narrow streets of the old city, where seventies communist architecture collides with beautiful stone archways and windowsills.
Nor has the hotel neglected an aesthetic sense of architecture. The structure itself was actually built in the 1970s and functioned as a hotel until the Croatian war of independence in 1991, when it was converted to a refugee camp for displaced Croatians. Before reopening in 2007, however, it was completely redesigned. The result is a light, contemporary feel very much in tune with the radiant sunlight and the sea, which can be seen from every room.
The rooms themselves are nothing short of palatial. From the “rain” shower heads to the beautiful black and white pictures adorning the walls, to the quotes from luminaries such as Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde inlayed in the ashtrays and matchboxes, it seems like no detail has been left to chance. It is this combination of luxury and quirkiness that make Le Meridien stand out from many other resort hotels.
The philosophy behind Le Meridien is that business and pleasure can and should be combined. The hotel functions as both a resort and a business center. Throughout July and August, the 381 rooms are mostly filled with vacationing Europeans. Beginning in September, however, Le Meridien is a destination mostly for business conferences. The hotel is also a regular destination for politicians and celebrities such as Ivanna Trump and even Paris Hilton, who recently stepped off her yacht just long enough to watch a few rounds of roulette in the casino.
As the closest seaside for much of central Europe, Croatia has long been a popular tourist destination, especially for Czechs. Split itself is the gateway of Croatia, its location making it the ideal point from which to explore the rest of the country. With numerous flights from all over Europe, Croatia is the perfect holiday destination, whether you’re interested in sunbathing, fine dining, history or hiking. With convenient taxi, limo and even yacht service to the airport in Split, as well as shuttles to and from central Split, Le Meridien is the perfect Croatian accommodation. With services to accommodate every taste and scenery to satisfy every sightseer, Le Meriden in Split provides a holiday you will want to return to, and can.
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