To achieve the goal of being the hotel of choice for java lovers, Le Méridien plans on having a dedicated coffee expert at each of its 100+ hotels.
"The lobby-based baristas will be responsible for encouraging social interaction and connecting guests to what’s happening locally, with recommendations on things to do around town.“It’s a bit of a twist on a concierge, but more integrated into the food and beverage scene,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader for Le Méridien.While hotels increasingly try to get guests to spend more time and money in their lobbies, Le Méridien’s coffee program seems to aim primarily at sociability. Guests will receive a voucher, making their first cup in the lobby free."
The concept is an interesting one. However, by striving to be the hotel of choice for java lovers, does Le Méridien alienate non-coffee drinks. For instance, I don't drink coffee, so this "barista" does nothing for me. The "baristas" sounds like a concierge that serves coffee. Ummm...no thanks!
I stayed at the Le Méridien in Arlington, VA earlier this year. Overall, I enjoyed the hotel a lot, but I don't know how this new baristas will add to the experience. Le Meridian is this upscale hotel at a reasonable price. I didn't feel like it need a gimick like a coffee barista to make me want to stay there more.
Maybe this is Starwood's master plan? Will each of its hotel brand have something distinct about it. The W hotel is the party hotel. The Alfot's have the XYZ Bars. Now coffee baristas at Le Méridien?
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