Le Méridien Debuts in Dehradun’s Doon Valley
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Dehradun has a new address for travellers. Le Méridien has opened its first resort in the city, set along the quiet Nun River and backed by the lower Himalayas.
The 103-room Le Méridien Dehradun Resort and Spa sits in the Doon Valley, about 45 minutes from Jolly Grant Airport and 15 minutes from the railway station. The location makes it easy for those heading to Mussoorie, Rishikesh or Haridwar. But the hotel is also betting that visitors may choose to stay put.
Dehradun has changed in recent years. It is no longer just a stopover town. With better roads and more weekend travellers from Delhi and nearby states, it is slowly turning into a short break destination on its own.
The resort’s design takes cues from the city’s old landmarks. The arches of the Forest Research Institute have been reworked into a more modern style. Inside, the spaces use soft colours, wood textures and local art inspired by Uttarakhand’s landscape.
Rooms look out to the river or the hills. The mood is calm. Nothing loud. Nothing too flashy.
Food is central to the experience. Riviera Café serves global dishes along with flavours from Uttarakhand. Longitude works as a coffee spot during the day and shifts into a bar in the evening. There is also a poolside bar called Aqua Current. The brand’s gelato counter, Le Scoop, adds a small playful touch.
The spa leans into the Himalayan setting. Treatments use local botanicals and traditional methods. Guests can also use the gym or spend time by the pool. For families, there is a club space with simple activities like pottery, painting and board games.
The hotel has tied up with the Forest Research Institute as part of its cultural programme. Guests can visit the campus, its museums and botanical collections.
There is also space for large gatherings. The property offers over 24,000 square feet for weddings and meetings, including open lawns by the river.
Hotel officials say they see strong demand for leisure travel in smaller cities. Dehradun, with its mild climate and slower pace, fits that trend. For now, the resort is pitching itself as a place to pause. Whether travellers choose to slow down is something the coming tourist seasons will show.
