The Phoenicia, Beirut - hotel review

Located in the heart of the city, Phoenicia is one of Beirut’s most glamorous luxury hotels. Built in 1961, it was the original party pad and hosted the A-list elite from Marlon Brando to Bridget Bardot.

The hotel closed for twenty years, and after an extensive refurbishment, reopened in March 2000. Now on glistening form, Phoenicia has 446 rooms and suites, a huge spa and picturesque outdoor pool that overlooks the azure blue Mediterranean Sea.

Where is it

Perfectly positioned in Minet El Hosn, the hotel is sandwiched between the glitzy high-rise buildings of downtown Beirut and the magnificent yacht strewn harbour at Zaitunay Bay. Without traffic, Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is only 30 minutes away, although this can vary greatly at different times of the day.

Style

This is a massive five star luxury hotel, so think big. Large spaces dominate the ground floor with a dramatic lobby and bar, restaurant and outdoor area. It’s all decked out in muted pastel colours, with plenty of lux textures and fabrics throughout.

The design is minimalist, with a hint of arabesque. It feels very bright and breezy, the perfect tonic to Lebanon’s bustling capital.

Facilities

The hotel boasts a stunning courtyard on the ground floor where guests can enjoy lounging around the Versace-styled, mosaic tiled swimming pool, surrounded by cool cabanas, a massive marble fountain and a killer cocktail bar.

Below ground they have an impressive spa, with an indoor swimming pool, fully equipped gym that’s open 24 hours, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms.

Extra curricular

Shop till you drop at nearby Beirut Souks; forget haggling for a dusty ornament, this is the Paris of the East, darling, so think big brands like Christian Louboutin and Gucci, as well as independent couture and streetwear.

The nights are long in Beirut and nothing starts early, so you are perfectly positioned to have a bite to eat from one of the many restaurants in Mar Mikhael, grab a cab for a few drinks in the boho neighbourhood of Hamra and then head back to the hotel for a costume change before you dance the night away at Gärten, the coolest open air club in town.

Lebanon is not a big place, so if the heat of the city catches up with you, why not head to the rolling hills of Bsharri? Only a few hours from the city, enjoy a blissed out meal at Beit Douma, a fabulously restored country house that hosts extravagant weekend feasts prepared by the best local cooks.

Food and drink

The hotel caters for an international crowd and you can enjoy a breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet at the main restaurant, Mosaic. Breakfasts include everything from a winning cheese station, to an egg counter, pizza oven and salad bar. From sushi to shawarma, lunch and dinner has just as much choice. Trust me when I say that you won’t go hungry.

Indian mixologist, Olsen Pereira, makes a mighty fine Botanical Garden Spritz in the swanky Cascade Bar – and if you want your own Tom Cruise moment, join his cocktail master classes every Wednesday from 7-8pm. To book, sign up at reception.

Next to the picture perfect pool, Amethyste is ideal for a lazy lunch with a beer, and if you fancy something more sophisticated, then head to Eau de Vin on the weekend for an unforgettable fine dining experience.

Which room

There are twelve different types of room and suite, ranging from Club Intercontinental Rooms to the plush Presidential Suite. Our Premium Sea view room came with panoramic views over the harbour, massive bed, sitting area with desk and sofa and an opulent marble bathroom.

Best for

City slickers enjoying a weekend break in Beirut who want a gorgeous crash pad right in the thick of it.

Price

Phoenicia , Club Intercontinental Rooms start from $340 + 11% VAT a night (current exchange rate £281) and Premium Sea view start from $500 + 11% VAT a night (current exchange rate £413), +961-1-369 100; phoeniciabeirut.com