Four Seasons opens in Beirut

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© Copyright Hotel Designs


After ten years of construction, a Four Seasons hotel has opened in Beirut, Lebanon.

The front of the hotel has been brightly lit and the interiors of the hotels were inspired by Lebanese culture.

The hotel features Lebanese artwork, carved screens and gilded calligraphy. The Boulevard lounge has a European cafe and is surrounded by sofas.

A few minutes’ walk away from the hotel is downtown Beirut, with art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, cafés and restaurants.

Throughout the Hotel, there is a grill restaurant that has views of the marina, as well as a bar restaurant.

Large terraces are standard in all 230 guest rooms and suites. The Spa, built with white marble and gold mosaics, has a suede-panelled couple’s suite with private terrace and whirlpool. There is also a rooftop pool on the 26th floor that has 360 degree views.


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© Copyright Hotel Designs

wait... did it take ten years to Build the four seasons Hotel, I thought it was more like 5 years, but I remember it was proposed back in 2002.

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Courtesy of Joseph Eid

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Any photos of the lower back ?? (You know there are some blocks attached to the lower back adjacent to the Marina Court.)

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^^ Finally! some interior pics :cheers: thanks Nadini

not impressive though!

what did they do with the interior??? m3aoul

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Feb. 11

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not impressive though!


Its nice.... but after waiting for so long I was expecting more.

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some more appealing interior photos, courtesy of Four Seasons website:

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(well maybe not this particular set)
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Guys what were you expecting? It's just a hotel! If anything special, it has to be the Lobby, the Ball Room, the presidential Suite, and the pool. Having random rooms is perfectly ordinary and normal.

March 2010

Courtesy of Radikale Venstre

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So did this hotel snatch up the "premier hotel" to stay at in downtown beirut, or does the IC Phoenicia still hold that title? its been a few years since i've visited beirut, and i plan to go next month, so just wanted to know.

phoenicia will always have its name in beirut that being its one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels that survived the civil war. 4 seasons is just the frosting to beiruts new urbanization. so the phoencia is the cake and 4 seasons is the frosting lol

The Bar - Four Seasons

by Mahmoud Abdullah on Mar 8th, 2010
www.beirutnightlife.com

The diverse energy and ever evolving nature of the Beirut social scene is inspiring a new wave of innovative venues. Most of us, have long anticipated the opening of a sophisticated bar/lounge, which serves as a unique alternative to a conventional evening out. The Bar at the recently established Four Seasons Hotel, is a highly elegant hot spot, which captures the essence of refinement and distinct charm.

The Bar, located on the second floor, is a luxurious venue, created with an inspired vision for retreat and relaxation. The interior décor, designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, conveys intimacy and warmth with the strong use of rich colors and textures. The gold and red chandelier is a key feature of The Bar, gravitating in the centre of the room and softly illuminating the stylish space. The hearty fireplace and the unique ornaments and furniture, creates that familiar, home away from home feeling.

Whether you chose to enjoy pre- or post dinner drinks in the company of others or alone, the intimate space and inviting atmosphere of The Bar is an apt setting for any guest. The nature of the environment offers a level of privacy and exclusivity that is seldom found in other bars and venues.

A selection of wines, spirits, blended scotches and contemporary cocktails are available, as well as a collection of Cuban cigars. If you care to indulge in a light bite, The Bar also has a menu of delicious appetizers such as Asian inspired tapas and desserts including, house-made chocolates and truffles. The Bar manager, Jann Kaisar and staff, provide a flawless service to their guests and are always on hand to ensure that the finest drinks and cocktails are being served with the renowned excellence of Four Season’s hospitality.


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what did they do with the interior??? m3aoul

Yeah, seriously. All those chandeliers and that "classical" look, so wrong.

Its nice, but I was expecting something more modern, edgy looking.

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Official Grand opening


Four Seasons hotel in downtown Beirut opens under patronage of President Michel Sleiman


Sleiman praises Walid bin Talal’s role in Lebanon
June 22, 2010 share
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President Michel Sleiman met with Saudi Prince Walid bin Talal during the opening of the Four Seasons hotel in downtown Beirut Monday night.

Sleiman praised Talal for the role his institutions in providing Lebanon with humanitarian and economic assistance.

-NOW Lebanon

^^
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Lebanese President Michel Suleiman & Prince Alwaleed Inaugurate Four Seasons Hotel, Beirut

23 June 2010
Prince Alwaleed: "Our support of Lebanon on the economic, social & philanthropic fronts is unwavering"

HE President Michel Suleiman, HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) HE Nabih Barri, Speaker of Parliament, HE Prime Minister of Lebanon, Sheikh Saad Ed Deen Rafiq Hariri inaugurate the Four Seasons Hotel, Beirut Tuesday 22nd June, 2010. The Hotel is managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, in which KHC, holds a 47.5% stake.

To mark the occasion, Prince Alwaleed gave a speech in which he addressed the President and his distinguished guests. Following the speech, the three leaders and HRH unveiled the plaque during the prestigious ceremony. The event was attended by Members of the Lebanese Parliament, Members of the Council of Ministers, the Diplomatic Corps, other dignitaries, the media, H.E. Ms. Leila El Solh, Vice Chairman of Alwaleed Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation in Lebanon, business people, investors from the GCC, and a delegation from Kingdom Holding Company.

Prince Alwaleed commented: "Our support for Lebanon on the economic, social and philanthropic fronts is unwavering. We are proud to announce the opening of the FS Hotel, Beirut. This prestigious hotel is another landmark in the region. Beirut is currently one of the most attractive locations for tourism in the region. Lebanon is witnessing economic stability and is attracting global investors."

Mr. Sarmad Zok, Chief Executive Officer of KHI commented: "Beirut is a particularly exciting market for us and we believe that this hotel has already redefined the luxury market in Lebanon. Lebanon is a vibrant market that continues to be characterized by high barriers to entry. We expect the Four Seasons Beirut to provide us with attractive returns on capital in line with our targets."

The Four Seasons Beirut is a five-star luxury hotel, located on the corniche in central Beirut and directly opposite the new Solidere marina facilities. The hotel comprises a 120 meters high rise tower with views across the Mediterranean coastline and the mountains. The hotel has over 47,671 square meters of total built up area.

The hotel comprises 230 guest rooms and suites, four food outlets, a ballroom, a business centre with five meeting rooms and a spa and health club, which includes a rooftop swimming pool.

Kingdom Hotel Investments ("KHI") headquartered in Dubai (UAE), is the leading international hotel and resort acquisition and development company focused on high growth emerging markets such as the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. KHI has a controlling 38% equity ownership in the Four Seasons Hotel Beirut.

KHI has a balanced portfolio of hospitality assets in upscale, upper-upscale and luxury market segments. The company's portfolio currently includes six Four Seasons hotels across Europe, Middle East, North Africa and Asia. The company has ownership interests in 27 properties in 19 countries, including 23 operating hotels and resorts, and four hotels and resorts currently under construction.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is co-owned by Bill Gates' Cascade in which the company also holds a 47.5% stake, and 5% of the Four Seasons is owned by Isadore Sharp founder of the Four Seasons.

The Prince's other investments in Lebanon through Kingdom Holding includes the Movenpick Beirut in the hotels sector, and in the financial sector through Citigroup. HRH's private assets and investments in the media sector in Lebanon include Rotana and LBC, and various Lebanese newspapers.

- Ends -


© Press Release 2010

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June 22

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This hotel is awesome!!!

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Courtesy of Me
Taken Today

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Courtesy of me blogging

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Sept. 13

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24-Hour Room Service: Four Seasons Hotel, Beirut

By Toby Green

Saturday, 2 October 2010


There are times, walking through Beirut, when the city feels like a classic Mediterranean coastal city: a Marseilles, perhaps, or a Naples. Then you spot a bullet-scarred building or one of the many machine gun-toting police that are posted on streets corners, clear reminders to visitors that this is a city with a recent violent past.

It is Lebanon's history of volatility that has kept it off most travellers' to-visit lists, but despite the heavy police presence (which, surprisingly, rarely feels intimidating), Beirut's upbeatfeel and dizzying nightlife are helping it to regain the hot-spot tourist status it enjoyed in the 1960s. Back then, before the 15-year-long civil war, people were drawn to the city's glamour and style; now the bright young things are beginning to return.

In the centre of Beirut, the signs of this transition are clear, with the streets full of freshly opened boutiques and luxury hotels (albeit interspersed with building sites promising more to come). A 10-minute walk from the heart of the rebuilt downtown area lies one of Four Seasons' latest offerings, part of a blossoming set of international five-star hotels to have opened after a decade of standstill in the city.

Rising 26 storeys above the above the Mediterranean, Beirut's Four Seasons is no small boutique bolthole. Instead it's a soaring, purpose-built tower that looks to the future rather than the past. Still, despite its size and modern exterior, inside the plush décor (designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, who has had a hand in many of the Four Seasons' properties, as well as the new look at The Savoy) gives it a comfortable feel. Classically decorated throughout, there are subtle nods to the region with Lebanese artwork dotted around the lobby.

The hotel's star attraction is the rooftop pool – apparently the highest in the city – which provides a wonderful panorama of the cityscape and the Mediterranean to be enjoyed while you sunbathe as the attentive staff ferry towels and drinks to your lounger.

Rather than offering a panoply of restaurants, the hotel focuses its efforts on just one: the Grill Room. The food it offers is undoubtedly delicious, but the menu of fresh seafood and succulent grills is neither daring nor particularly Lebanese. If you want a real taste of the country's cuisine – especially fresh mezze – then you'll fare better exploring the city's numerous restaurants.

Location

The hotel's designers have been able to embellish and polish every aspect of the interior, but one area they have much less control over is the surroundings. The building enjoys a prime location opposite the Mediterranean, but thanks to the number of construction sites in the vicinity, it is slightly unclear quite how the area will take shape.

Apart from the St George Yacht Motor Club, one of Beirut's high-end beach clubs, there is currently little in the immediate neighbourhood. However the downtown area is close and the shops of Hamra and the numerous fashionable bars of Gemmayzeh – the place to be when night falls – can all be reached on foot. If you want to see more of the country, then Lebanon's size (half the size of Wales) makes much of interest accessible in a day trip, with the spectacular ruins of Baalbek less than two hours' drive away.

Comfort

The style plays it safe, with discreet, unthreatening décor – lots of golds, blacks and yellows – that wouldn't look out of place in a five-star hotel in New York, Paris or London. However, for an extra touch of opulence, each room also has a furnished terrace, with almost all having views either on to the Mediterranean or the city itself, while the marble bathrooms – with walk-in showers and very deep bathtubs – are as refined as you would expect from the Four Seasons brand.

Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, 1418 Professor Wafic Sinno Avenue, Minet El Hosn, Beirut (00 961 761 000; fourseasons.com).

Rooms 4 stars
Value 3 stars
Service 5 stars

Double rooms start at $413 (£275), room only.

Courtesy of Muleonor (http://www.flickr.com/photos/muleonor/)
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Taken by me, last month:

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Taken by me last month

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A Downtown Dream At Four Seasons Beirut
Posted on June 19, 2011 by cheriecity

Four Seasons Beirut is one of the luxury hotels leading the regeneration of Beirut’s flourishing downtown district. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, the spectacular, glass-fronted Four Season Beirut already feels like an established part of the city’s luxury, international scene.

Inside, Four Seasons Beirut has a more ornate, historic feel with a unique blend of Chinese and Arab influences.

I noticed design similarities to Four Seasons London and later found out that both hotels have been designed by the prolific Pierre-Yves Rochon.

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From the moment we arrived, the hotel staff anticipated our every wish and went out of their way to make our stay memorable.

As an indulgent treat, we were upgraded on arrival from a Deluxe Sea-View Room to a Four Seasons Room with a view of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains on the seventh floor.

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Our room was very spacious, 549 sq.ft. * to be exact, and was designed in an elegant contemporary style in soft beige and stone shades with light wood furnishings and touches of gold.

To make it feel as homely as possible, there was a large work space, an armchair and ottoman and a vanity table.

The sumptuous king-size bed was incredibly comfy and faced a huge 37 inch LCD satellite TV with over 60 international channels – perfect for relaxing at the end of the evening.

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We were given a plate of delicious baklava and large bottle of mineral on arrival and a fresh fruit bowl every day. There was also a constant supply of mineral water next to our bed and in the bathroom.

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Our balcony overlooked the marina and we had excellent views along the coastline. Downtown Beirut is a luxury developement in progress and despite numerous cranes and building works nearby, there was hardly any noise at all.

On the second evening, we ordered room service and ate on the balcony while watching an impromptu firework display over the marina – just magical!

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The huge bathroom felt decadent yet homely and boasted a walk-in shower, a separate bath and double sinks, all carved from marble. I loved the antique gold floral wallpaper and the plentiful L’Occitane bath products – a reference to Beirut’s French heritage. There were stacks of towels and flannels and embroidered bathrobes and slippers to lounge around in.

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In between the room and the bathroom was a dressing area with double wardrobe, shelf and drawer space and an area for our cases. The walk from the bathroom to the room was so much longer than any hotel I’ve experienced that I forgot about the dressing area and kept turning the corner into the wardrobe!

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Four Seasons Beirut boasts the highest rooftop pool in the city and the views from the 26th floor are really spectacular. We were shown to the pool loungers and were given towels and bottles of mineral water. Staff came round the loungers with plates of melon chunks while we soaked up the sun and dipped in the pool and jacuzzi. It felt like absolute heaven and it was difficult to tear ourselves away from the pool scene to explore the city.

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At night, the rooftop pool area becomes a cool rooftop bar with cocktails, champagne and Asian tapas. Our second evening was spent on the rooftop sipping Rose Mojitos and enjoying the breath-taking views.

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The dining facilities at Four Seasons Beirut are unbeatable and you can enjoy traditional Lebanese and international dishes at any of the bars or at all hours with in-room dining.

On the first evening, we enjoyed a three-course meal at The Grill Room. We feasted on the most superb Charolais steak and experience Lebanese wine for the first time.

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The Boulevard, located in the lobby, has the atmosphere of a Grand Cafe and serves light snacks, cakes and coffee throughout the day. The Bar is like a bijou jewel box, designed in seductive reds with stunning tassel chandeliers. You can smoke Cuban cigars or curl up in one of the nooks and enjoy a pre- or post-dinner cocktail.

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Guests also have access to the business centre, the fitness suite with sauna and steam room and can book treatments at the spa, which uses Sodashi natural skincare products.

What makes Four Seasons Beirut stand out is the immaculate service. Whenever we went to the reception or spoke to staff on the phone, they greeted me warmly by name. As I was tweeting throughout my stay, the staff anticipated our every wish and offered to make reservations for us.

The real cherry on the cake came on our last day when I tweeted to a friend that I would try to bring back some sumac (a traditional Middle Eastern spice) if I could find a market on time. A pouch was delivered to my room from the Concierge, filled with sumac! It was touching that the staff wanted to give us the best possible memories of Beirut and offered such a personal gift.

Apart from the pedestrian areas in the centre of town, Beirut isn’t particularly geared towards walking. Four Seasons Beirut help you avoid negotiating the busy roads with a complimentary limo service. I wish I’d remembered this when attempting to cross four lanes of high-speed traffic in heels…after a huge dinner…and a bottle of Champagne!

Four Seasons Beirut is an exceptional hotel that combines Middle Eastern hospitality with international comforts. It is a symbol of new Beirut and the city’s imminent return to being the Middle East’s most exciting destination.

Chérie City was a guest of Four Seasons Beirut and bmi British Midland International.

All photos by Chérie City.

Source: http://cheriecity.co.uk/2011/06/19/a-downtown-dream-at-four-seasons-beirut/

* Around 50 sq meters (-Zippo-)

August 17

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The Roof at the Four Seasons Hotel Beirut

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This is a long overdue review, but it was awesome enough that I remember every single detail even after 3 whole weeks.

Back in July, I was in James Zabiela’s gig in the Beirut New Waterfront. Bored as I was trying to get in, I looked up at the brand new, and very tall Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, wondering how annoyed the guests were that we were raving under their rooms. Then, much to my surprise, I see fluttering colorful lights on the rooftop. I was crushed… There was a rooftop I did not know about in Beirut.

Not sure what it would be like (mainly how much it would cost, and what I’d need to wear =P) I did not give it much thought until September, when summer begins to die a slow death none of us want to acknowledge. Then, a couple of tweets later, I find myself and Lori invited to check out the highest rooftop in Beirut.

Anyway, let’s get to the reviewing part now. We went there on a Thursday night, and Thursday nights at The Roof are usually in collaboration with a luxury brand. Our Thursday was with Laurent Perrier’s Rose Champagne, which I like to add tastes marvelous (and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t really drink alcohol. I’m serious, I don’t).

After handing your car keys to the valet at the entrance, you make your way through the lavish lobby to the elevators. You press the topmost button and you’re there in a few seconds. What was great was the courteous hotel staff, who were exceptionally polite and accommodating. Once you arrive to the top, you’re greeted by the hostess and shown to your table, or just let in to find your own seat or spot on the bar.

Once you go through the door, on your right is the hotel’s pool, which sports large metal drums floating around with fires blazing in them. To the extreme right is a jacuzzi I’d very much love to spend an evening in. It has the best view in town.

The tables around the pool are perfect for that long heart-felt or businessy talk. The sound of the water, the light from the fire and the subdued volume in that area make it a perfect spot to settle in after you’ve had your dinner or drinks.

Speaking of drinks, we had the amazing Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne that night, so I can’t say much about the cocktails. However, the prices are unexpectedly low compared to what you’d imagine for a top-notch venue like The Roof. For 19,000 LBP you can have one of several non-champagne cocktail, which I think is pretty reasonable assuming you’re not there to binge-drink.

As for the food, it’s Asian fusion. We had chicken and shrimp dumplings to kick things off. They were pretty good dumplings, but I’d definitely recommend the shrimp ones, a lot more flavor and texture in them. The real treasure though, was the savory meat. I am not a big fan of many flavors, but the sirloin steak bits were probably the best carnivorous treat I’ve had in quite a while. All you had to do is place a mouthful on your tongue, and close your mouth. The spices, sauces and garnishes will make all of your taste buds’ receptors fire at the same time, leaving an overwhelming taste and after-taste and the meat is cooked to be so tender that you barely even have to chew it.

The music is loungy, so don’t expect to dance the night away and end up jumping into the pool. Then again, The Roof isn’t a club, it’s more like a pre-clubbing spot, or an I’m-too-lazy-to-dance-but-wanna-have-a-nice-drink-and-dinner-somewhere-fancy kind of place.

Wearing shorts and a tank-top might not be the smartest idea. I’d go with a nice pair of jeans or pants and a polo or shirt. As to whom you should go there with, I’d recommend you take that special someone there for a date. Booking a table though isn’t a bad idea either. The insane view, comfortable sofas and subdued atmosphere permits an easy-going night out with your friends or colleagues, perhaps even the boss or client you want to impress…

Verdict: We tend to assume places like this are out of our reach, and probably our salaries’s reach, but The Roof is surprisingly accessible every now and then, and a must-go-to place for a date. Hurry though, you’re running out of summer night.

Price: 80 USD should be more than enough for dinner for two with drinks

Atmosphere: Laid back, relaxed and perfect for both the drinkers, and the diners, or preferably both!

Music: Chill-Out, Lounge music

Staff: Friendly, but make sure you become friends with the manager and hostesses too. They’ll help you pick and choose.

Location: Four Seasons Hotel Rooftop

link: http://ginosblog.com/2011/09/26/the-roof-at-the-four-seasons-hotel-beirut/

Nov 2011 - by me

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I took this on Jan 2012
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MARINA TOWER BEIRUT (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15724378@N05/6210195690/) by kamel2k3 (http://www.flickr.com/people/15724378@N05/), on Flickr

Love the building.
The area looks great.