Oktoberfest - a celebration of things German - Le Meridien Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Cooler months in Abu Dhabi mean different things to different people. The beach is suddenly more accessible because the temperature is not a debilitating 52 degrees. Al Fresco dining becomes a must-do thing. Going for a run is no longer functional but enjoyable in weather punctuated by gentle breezes in the morning.
At Le Meriden Hotel in Abu Dhabi, it means that their unique Le Merdien Village becomes a hub of various outdoor activities, something that not many hotels can offer. The trees have not been farmed. The grass has not been treated with chemicals to ensure it becomes green and luscious. It is all natural, having been growing for more than 25 years. This really makes it a special property. Ina world of skyscrapers and modernity, it is refreshing that this property offers a charm that cannot be recreated overnight.
It was in this context I attended their Oktoberfest. This annual event has become immensely popular, not only with the growing German expat population, but also other residents who simply want to have a great time. The venue was another garden, this time the Pool garden, adjacent to the main Village area at the hotel.
At Le Meriden Hotel in Abu Dhabi, it means that their unique Le Merdien Village becomes a hub of various outdoor activities, something that not many hotels can offer. The trees have not been farmed. The grass has not been treated with chemicals to ensure it becomes green and luscious. It is all natural, having been growing for more than 25 years. This really makes it a special property. Ina world of skyscrapers and modernity, it is refreshing that this property offers a charm that cannot be recreated overnight.
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| Alpenklag really connected with the crowd. |
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| Staff at Le Meridien were totally into Oktoberfest |
Oktoberfest is not just about beer. I liked the family focus here. While parents were enjoying a wide selection of German food and drinks, their children were able to run around the Village gardens in a safe and fun environment. The food, enjoyable as it was (loved the cold cut selection) , was almost incidental. The beer selection, which included Bitburger, Koenig Pilsener, Licher Wheat, Koestrizer Schwarzbier and Wernesgruener Pils Legende was also almost irrelevant. It was just about fun.
Bavarian band, Alpenklang, flown in especially for the 3-day festival, belted out some German and popular English pop songs. It was brilliant seeing a group of about 60 people doing a train as they moved around the venue. A high point was undoubtedly the band's rendition of 'Walking on sunshine", an 80s classic by Katrina and the waves. Right here in Abu Dhabi.
This is why I like coming to Le Meridien. People genuinely relax here and as the mercury drops, I am looking forward to more similar evenings where a perfect balance is struck between dining, pleasure, family, value for money and of course nature!
Check their website to see which exciting events are lined up for November. http://www.lemeridienabudhabi.com/
The essentials
Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
Tourist Club Area
971 2 644 6666
Brandon Stoltenkamp
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