Four Seasons Hotel

Beirut Central District (BCD) - Beirut, Lebanon


Five star hotel - 234 rooms, 26 floors


Owners: Kingdom Holding (www.kingdom.net)

Contractor: Kharafi National - Lebanon

Cost: US$ 150 Million



http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/Lebanon/four-Season-Beirut-KHI-L.jpg



Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL) signed a Package Deal Contract with the Kingdom Hotel Investment Group for the construction of a US$110million five-star hotel project in Beirut.

This is the second tourism project in the city for Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal – the first being the Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Beirut.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the leading operator of luxury hotels and resorts, will inaugurate the hotel in 2006. The 26-storey development, overlooking the new Beirut Western Marina, will have 234 rooms and suites, in addition to a health club and pool, several restaurants and amenities tailored to business and corporate guests.

Pics under construction (from the rear view):

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/FS1.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/FS4.jpg


The following taken on May 7th 2006 by naregkar:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/FS2.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/FS3.jpg

4 seasons is a class brand there also building one in Bahrain....btw which is the most prestigeous hotel in lebabnon at the moment?

Hmm, many such hotels are available in Lebanon. Although I'm not sure, but I guess either Intercontinental Phoenicia or Intercontinental Le Vendôme probably would be the most prestigious.

i herd the Phoencia is and the Metropolation Places are

Two new images taken in front of Four Seasons Hotel. (07/05/2006)

http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/2602/dscn07478pl.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2606/dscn07362xz.jpg

4 seasons is a class brand there also building one in Bahrain....btw which is the most prestigeous hotel in lebabnon at the moment?
the royal grand hotel is supposed to be really nice. its near the marina and they have a water park

Ok, at first I thought this was the Marina Tower! They are almost identical!

^^Really? I think they look very different, at least at this stage...

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/Lebanon/v1.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/Lebanon/four-Season-Beirut-KHI-L.jpg

I had these in mind. It's pretty close...

^^Well yea I guess I can see a similarty, except the first is a rear view and the second is a frontal view (so in reality they will look different next to each other, but the front of the Marina Tower is much different)... I was also thinking about the construction pics and how the Marina Tower is almost complete and at this stage looks very different.

btw which is the most prestigeous hotel in lebabnon at the moment?

The InterContinental Phoenicia is definitely by far the best hotel in Beirut. It consistently comes in as the best InterContinental in the Middle East and was ranked as the top Business Hotel in the Middle East last year by one survey.

It's considered a national landmark.

http://www.phoenicia-ic.com

It's a very nice hotel.

It will soon be facing stiff competition not just from the Four Seasons (which opens next year), but also Hilton, Kempinski, Grand Hyatt, and Ritz Carlton. There are numerous boutique hotels in development as well.

There is a rumor that a JW Marriott is in the works as well, but I haven't been able to find any details.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is in negotiations at the moment.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/Lebanon/v1.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/Lebanon/four-Season-Beirut-KHI-L.jpg

I had these in mind. It's pretty close...

They were intentionally designed to be similar to provide balance and symmetry. I remember reading this a few years ago.

Both the Marina Towers and Four Seasons will share an underground pedestrian tunnel access to the Beirut Marina.

Beirut!,

The Four Seasons will be 25 floors, not 26 floors.

prince alwalid bin tala,said the fairmont hotel will be Bigger project than the four-seasons hotel.this was said in an interview one and ahalf year ago.

prince alwalid bin tala,said the fairmont hotel will be Bigger project than the four-seasons hotel.this was said in an interview one and ahalf year ago.

He's building a Fairmont in Beirut????? When and where?

yet to be announced lebanese cedar,but it's for sure in downtown beirut.

^^ whats with this guy always building things that have to be BIGGER than other things ... he's and a few other billionaires have the same competition going when it comes to yachts and private jets ... sheesh ... all this money and someone has yet to buy this guy a monopoly board game to keep his busy!!!

the four seasons, marina towers, and there's a building in the background- can't tell what it is. is it the horizon?
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h118/arzliban/beirut_top08.jpg

^^ yes it is the horizon tower

Here is a new rendering of this tower at night:

http://www.kharafinational.com/kn/images/leb12.jpg

Construction of the hotel as of 22/06/2006.

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/3746/dscn09286zu.jpg

The Marina Towers and Four Seasons complement each other very well. I mentioned this before, but it was intentional, not coincidential. They were each designed by different architects, but they briefly worked together so that the two buildings created a sense of balance and symmetry.

The Marina Towers and Four Seasons complement each other very well. I mentioned this before, but it was intentional, not coincidential. They were each designed by different architects, but they briefly worked together so that the two buildings created a sense of balance and symmetry.

I too admire how the two towers are situated side by side, with similar architectural styles. But I have to admit, i am waiting to see the phoenician will rise, and if the project will clash with its surroundings.

29/06/2006

http://img437.imageshack.us/img437/7231/dscn09802li.jpg

http://img439.imageshack.us/img439/6033/dscn09814jb.jpg

Beautiful, tnxs Nareg, they are starting to put the balconies

Thanx nareg. how many floors yet to be built?????

From the pic I took yesterday, I count 22 floors. But probably there are 2 or 3 floors below. So I guess either two or three floors still to be added...

From the pic I took yesterday, I count 22 floors. But probably there are 2 or 3 floors below. So I guess either two or three floors still to be added...

They have 3 more floors to add before they add the crown.

Here is an update from the vice president for public relations of the Four Seasons company:

...the Four Seasons company, which has a hotel scheduled to open late next year in Beirut, still plans to complete construction. “Our Beirut hotel is still very much on the project pipeline,” said Elizabeth Pizzinato, the company’s vice president for public relations. “We go into projects with a long-term view, and once we commit to them we stay with them,” she said. “After 9/11 we were one of the few hotel companies that did not stop any of our projects.”

courtesy of bloggingbeirut.com
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/5307/leaflet1sx3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

hey guys.

this is the first time i comment in the Lebanon forum. i've been to Lebanon several times before, most recently in April '06. Beirut's becoming more and more beautiful, i'm really happy that people as warm and fun-loving as the Lebanese get a city as beautiful as this.

seems that the Four Seasons topped out, because there are concrete/steel pillars rising above the hotel for the construction of the crown. the Marina development is stunning, it'll be a signature landmark on the Beirut skyline. when the Grand Hyatt, Hilton, Kempinski, and Ritz-Carlton open in the near-future, Lebanon will re-establish itself as the luxury center of the Middle East. i'm sorry about the recent events in Haret Hreik and the south, but i'm sure that with the willpower and perseverance of the people, Lebanon will change for the better.

good luck!

kuwaiti_patriot

^^ Thank you for your nice comments and its always nice to have new forumers join us in discussion so you are more than welcome to visit us more often!

I hate how this tower gets ignored because the MT gets all the attention...

Here are some pics I forgot to post:


http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1053/dscn3763qk5.jpg

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4408/dscn3770tl4.jpg

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2601/dscn3782aw3.jpg

nah, the four seasons justs looks nicer than the Marina Tower the crown on the marina tower is too big. that four seasons is going to look great when its done

^^ I would prefer they werent so close to each other so we can really see how it looks on its own. It will be a very nice tower I cant wait until they start puting the glass on it.

yeah me too , since there so close to one and other wouldent people see each other from there windows ? lol
i hope there crown on top isnt so big

http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/2888/64669751zkrw1wpomn0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2204/278398645b6e3734e52oxn6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

On 03/11/2006

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6545/dscn1031ft7.jpg

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/3245/dscn1032uk8.jpg

^^ if im not mistaken Nareg told me he is seing updates on the Four Season Hotel, so no worries :)
Tnxxxxxxxxxxxxs Nareg :)

Yes, don't worry.

As Nadini mentioned, works are going pretty fast. I noticed that they have started placing the air conditioning installations on the base floor

with all the delays, when can we expect the openning date for the hotel... another 14-18 months?

I don't know, but at least 12 months are needed, because the interior works take a lot of time, especially to a hotel.

Good news:I was watching Al-arabiya today,and there was a report about lebanon's recent political tension.the camera showed the downtown area and i spotted this view::THE FOUR SEASON'S TOP mis beginning to take shape,,the CROWN is beginning to take shape.it was nice.

^^ It is really taking shape but still works haven't finished yet...

Thanks for this pic Leb-It:

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/4458/stp60736vm8.jpg

11/01/2007

http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/6996/dscn1101vl2.jpg

09/04/2007

The crown is taking a good shape.

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5293/dscn1545ez0.jpg

It looks very different from different angles (compared to posts 77 & 78)

I hope they have more buildings with crowns :)

Thanks Nareg

This crown is looking very similar to that of the MT (color, etc), I thought it was supposed to look different? Its a shame so few renders are available.

^^ Although they are under a different company, they were both designed to have similarities (as to the material, crown, facade etc..) so they compliment one another, I read that somewhere

^^ Yes,and i like this actually,the four seasons hotel will look so gr8 at night,u know,it's a hotel and lights will be on all the night :)

Yes Nadini, I was aware of that about how they were designed to complement each other, but the rendering of the FS made the crown look different than that of the MT.

yes I agree with what you said Beirut! but wait until its done. Like Nouggy told me, he said that from this angle it looks like an illusion, look at the pic that Sevag took, it looks far more like the rendering then the one Nouggy took a picture of, it depends from what angle you're looking at.

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/4458/stp60736vm8.jpg

the four seasons is flat and wide...i'm not such a fan of flat-wide buildings, i'd rather if it were narrower which would give it more of a 'skyscraper-ish' feel

aloha.

the Four Seasons is looking great. i only hope that exterior cladding will start sometime soon. otherwise, we're looking at an on-schedule 2008 opening for Beirut's finest.

i found some renderings of the hotel, including one large hi-resolution image. i'm attaching them below.

enjoy.

kuwaiti_patriot

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/3493/exteriordaytimeperspectum4.jpg

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/3730/exteriornighttimeperspeus9.jpg

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/7674/exteriorsq6.jpg

good one Kuwaiti_patriot!
The crown in the night render looks different, the other ones has an opening in the middle while the night render doesnt... is it just me or do you guys see it as well?

^^Actually the Night rendering also has an opening in the middle of the crown :)
Thanx Q8-Patriot:) ;)

First, thanks kuwaiti_patriot for the renders.

Nadini, you are not the only one not seeing an opening.
Actually, there are many renders. That nigh render in daylight would be:

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/8376/fourseasonshotel1ax0.jpg

^^ so which one will it be? They both look great though so Im not worrying

I'm not sure. It is little bit hard to predict.
Soon we'll see.

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/3314/fsqn9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

It seems they'll end up havening an opening in the crown from this side

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5559/4sjf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Even in this 2004 model it shows there is an opening:

http://www.tourismlebanon.com/news/four_seasons/four_seasons_p1.jpg

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/7060/4sat5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

courtesy of dalyed gratification
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/7314/507534055897e085939bzm8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Here is a recent construction pic from the 2006 Solidere Annual Report:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/fs.jpg

1st July

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/31/01072007179py6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/1516/01072007180pt6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^Is it Just me or they already started putting windows ?????

^^ I see glass doors reflecting light in the first pic in the lower floors; if that's what you're refering to

can't see much but better than nothing :)
http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/9303/stp61903sp1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Shot with Digimax L60 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Digimax+L60&make=SAMSUNG+TECHWIN+CO.%2C+LTD) at 2007-08-07

UPDATE: Yesterday, i passed near the 4SH and i saw a LOT of progress in the cladding and the glass ( but i did not have my cam).

UPDATE: Yesterday, i passed near the 4SH and i saw a LOT of progress in the cladding and the glass ( but i did not have my cam).

Well this is some much-needed encouraging news. As I said before I dont think construction on this tower was on hold I just think they were working on the interior. Thanks beirut_guy for the update, hopefully next time you will have your camera with you because we are all excited to see how the facade looks.

the poblem is that most of the pics in this thread are taken from the same angle ( see posts 61-64-87-96).
if you want to see the claddings, the pics should be taken from the post 86's angle.

Beirut!- i don't think i'll be able to post any new pics cause i'm travelling in 2 days and i don't think i'll go to the beirut marina in these 2 days

What a perfect shot:

http://www.michaeltotten.com/archives/images/Church%20and%20Mosque%20Beirut.jpg

http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=556959

Courtesy of Luciana Luciana
october 22
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4863/16938997148ff093f44dogv2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

2007/10/14


http://www.emporis.com/images/6/2007/10/567718.jpg

http://www.emporis.com/images/6/2007/10/568892.jpg


http://www.emporis.com/en/il/pc/?id=101289&aid=19&sro=1&yr=2007&mt=10

November 18

http://mixfm.xcellweb.net/images/beirut%20marathon/IMG_0275.jpg

2007-12-02

http://www.emporis.com/images/6/2007/12/576162.jpg

Direct Link: http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=576162

^^ Dec. 2 was a Sunday...
It seems to me that works are focused on the interior.

marina towers and 4 seasons behind it, nov 2006

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4557/november2006012md8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

we see some glass on the four season and looks like some cladding at the bottom
courtesy of jakopdalunde
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/2085/2137435559f475f2f739biy3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

picture courtesy of southbound228's
Amazing!
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/669/2148113571213b8a9ef7bqo5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/3672/2148909412d4214a9c74btx8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^
TAKEN ON DECEMBER 24th

December 2007

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1681/beirut598bs2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.emporis.com/en/il/pc/?id=101289&aid=19&sro=1&yr=2008&mt=1

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/599/img1976wu7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/2266/dscf1273at9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3724/4s1sb0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/63/DSC04934.jpg
By rabih_alt (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/rabih_alt) at 2008-03-02

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9941/DSC04941.jpg
By rabih_alt (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/rabih_alt) at 2008-03-02

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/4212/DSC04938.jpg
By rabih_alt (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/rabih_alt) at 2008-03-02

^^ The cladding is finally going on -- and fast! I only wish we could see the lower-rear part of the tower up close because the facade looks very nice. Unfortunately, there are no back-side renderings available...

march 15 2008

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/47/4sla9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^Houreeeey..lol...is that glass on the crown??

^^ I think so, its looking very nice
I like the Crown on the Four Seasons, it isnt to big.

^^Houreeeey..lol...is that glass on the crown??

Actually if u look Closer to Pics Posted by Rabih of March 2nd,you will See the Glass on the Crown Too.Nothing changed Since then.they are working on the Appendix more as i can see.

^^ Here is what i was talking about

April 10 2008

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2136/2424561985_30775b2372_o.jpg

Starting to look real Good.

Yesterday

http://www.bloggingbeirut.com/images/april08/george1.jpg

April 15 2008
Courtesy of Luciana
http://i29.tinypic.com/2lbfbdg.jpg

Is this Capital Plaza on the left?

^^ No, this would be the Garden View project (same plot as Capital Plaza). I will post this pic in the GV thread as well.

March 7 2008
Courtesy of Luciana
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2274/2456391384_57df063048_o.jpg

May 1st 2008
Courtesy of Luciana
http://i32.tinypic.com/6zam4z.jpg

I personally don't see why it should open now. I can see finnishing the building, as construction loans need to be used in a timely manner. However, unless the politics change, I do not see econmic benefits if the occupancy rate in Beirut remains at 30%. Why pay staff etc. If we elect a president..the summer can be a good one.

Kingdom Hotel and Investments (KHI) announced today that they will finnish the Four Seasons this year in the second half of the year

May 16 2008

courtesy of fadi F

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4641/2506385756c0cb02ac54hm3.jpg

Kingdom Hotel and Investments (KHI) announced today that they will finnish the Four Seasons this year in the second half of the year

Speaking to reporters when asked whether he would continue his investments in Lebanon, the prince replied, “Our Four Seasons hotel project is on the point of being completed, and it will be inaugurated in the near future”.

This was said after he visited the new president last week

^^ they r talking about Prince Al Waleed bin Talal right?
but i dont think their will be a summer opening maybe he's talking about the fall :dunno:

May 9th 2008 a bit old :S

courtesy of katherine.neumann

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2557459649_b3b23c2d87_b.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/81321143.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4236/lebanon365largeyv0.jpg

this morning...

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/7378/dsc05122cj8.jpg

June 14 2008

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8523/beirut809bos7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

a couple of weeks ago...
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/mohamadm/07072008758.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/mohamadm/07072008781.jpg

20 juillet 2008

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/mohamadm/IMG_1912.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/mohamadm/IMG_1913.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/mohamadm/IMG_3430copy.jpg

I took this pic on August 28, 2008:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/rhmud/P8270072.jpg

They should have made the Four Season's facade visible from the Corniche,
it looks great in person
http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/2811/p1040660vq1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/4545/p1040666uv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8531/p1040665ix9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

September 6 2008

Flickr

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/6774/beirutgt0.jpg

September 9 2008

Flickr

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/129/beirut3rp6.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/2856094027_f115467240_o.jpg

Latest reports say it will open second half of next year.

which reports are u reading?

Where are you getting that info..? all reports (including there site says end of this )

Sorry, meant first half of 2009:
http://www.cpifinancial.net/v2/news.aspx?v=1&aid=1017

Thats understandable...what i read said the CONSTRUCTION will be done this year...they need to furnish it, train people, and generally prepare for opening...

^^ Exactly, this isn't a regular residential tower it is a 5-Star hotel.

A bit old...August 9 2007
Courtesy of lelia mezher
http://i35.tinypic.com/e0h7p2.jpg

Courtesy of Luciana
October 16th 2008

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2957704888_34ae8e1407_o.jpg

taken: 20/10/2008

http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/7492/56201642tr2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/56201642tr2.jpg/1/w635.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img373/56201642tr2.jpg/1/)

courtesy of Luciana

October 16.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/2957703464_80abfc5be7_o.jpg

Courtesy of Luciana Luciana
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/2977832973_7b858f8fdb_o.jpg

Courtesy of robin_2711

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/9126/beirutmarathonaa7.jpg

Courtesy of Robin
http://i37.tinypic.com/16homxt.jpg

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/6255/dsc05527editedbf2.jpg

Courtesy of Wilfried
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/wilfried4545.jpg

courtesy of michael
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/michael.jpg

courtesy of jerome
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/3jerome.jpg

courtesy of luke
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/luke.jpg

courtesy of sebastiano
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/sebastianoooo.jpg

courtesy of Monika
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/Monk.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/moo.jpg

courtesy of Lauren
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/lauren.jpg

Taken on the 13/1/09 by Me

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g240/Jamie_Y/n592491535_1755586_517.jpg

I'll post more soon.

courtesy of Carreracaballo

January 16.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3201862230_5c3799f202_b.jpg

Courtesy of emilabirascid

January 23

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/6610/4seasonstz2.jpg

courtesy of gas
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/w.jpg

Feb. 3

courtesy of Khawaja

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3258273860_e1f4fd7da9_o.jpg

courtesy of luciana
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/luciana-3.jpg

courtesy of kspec
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/3272463106_8020b53e21_b.jpg

courtesy osmanagha
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/osmanagha.jpg

courtesy of Luciana Luciana
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/3291668691_5a9d48134b_o.jpg

Courtesy of lylycat
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk7/mohamadm/fsh.jpg

Does anyone know relatively when this hotel will open?
How is progress?

On the kingdom site it says 1st half of 2009

^^ on solidere's report I read it won't open till the end of 2009, we'll wait and see. They did do significant amount of works the past 2 month.

I also read recently that it will open in the first half of this year, but I'm thinking Nadini is probably right. It doesn't look like it will be ready that soon.

I think theyde be dumb to miss another summer season if they dont need to..

^^ Excatly that's my point,specially this summer.

so what are you guys expecting them to do, book tourists in an unfinished hotel??? It takes years to design the interior for a 5 star hotel guys, take in consideration the Hilton Hotel for example how long it is taking them to finish it, and its smaller than the Seasons

^^Both the Hilton and Four Seasons were supposed to be opened by now, but have been delayed because of the country's instability.

The Four Seasons was initially supposed to open in 2007.

so what are you guys expecting them to do, book tourists in an unfinished hotel??? It takes years to design the interior for a 5 star hotel guys, take in consideration the Hilton Hotel for example how long it is taking them to finish it, and its smaller than the Seasons

Actually the designs were done years ago..They dont build then design it all set to go in as soon as the major construction is done...Famous guy i forgot his name

@ Lebanese_Cedar : yes I know but I was giving an example of how long the Hilton Hotel was done externally yet it is still not finished from the inside.
@ AmeriLeb : by design I meant decorating the hotel to the finest details which takes a while... it is a 5 star hotel

Nadini,

They're taking their time finishing the interior because of the instability the country was going through. Everything was slowed down and some things came to a complete halt.

Interior finishing is a meticulous task that does take some time, but if they wanted to, they could have finished the exteriors and interiors long ago, but chose not to until the situation becomes stable because they don't want to open a hotel during unstable times.

It's also not a good idea to finish a building completely, but delay the opening for several years because of wear and tear that would occur since there would be no regular upkeep and maintenance. This is especially true in Beirut's very humid climate. Any humidity that builds up overtime inside a building can cause mold to build up.

Im sorry i dont mean to talk negativly..but i seriously think they actually sped up the construction since the sit ins and Doha..if you look at the pictures from then you will see..also regarding humidity...if the windows are in..and the furniture is also in i am so sure they will have the ac going LOl otherwise its a hot greenhouse + how can there be wear and tear when no one is staying in a building ?LOL

I hope you don't think i am rude..While i recognize yoru freedom to comment.. i find yoru postings rather negative. This site is read by many people.

^^Well I agree they definitely sped up construction since the sit ins ended along with the signing of the Doha Accords, but that was only last May. The political paralysis in the country was 18-months prior to that and in that period, A LOT of progress could have been made, but again, because of the political paralysis and instability in the country, they chose to slow down construction. This was a business decision.

Climate causes wear and tear, especially humid climates where rust and mold buildup are much more problematic. A dry climate is much more forgiving, but Beirut is anything but a dry climate. Buildings and infrastructure in places like Beirut do suffer more wear and tear and do require greater maintenance and upkeep than in a dry climate.

A running ventilation system would protect the interior, yes, but why incur the costs of running a ventilation system when the hotel is not in operation? It would make more economical sense to not finish the interior of a building so that you wouldn't have to run a ventilation system to protect it.

If they wanted to, this hotel could have been finished on schedule back in 2007. Assuming the decision was taken to not open the hotel until this summer, the hotel would have stayed empty and unused for 2 years. It's costly to run a ventilation system for such a building for 2 straight years without generating any type of income from it. Simply being connected to the power grid is costly.

I don't think you're rude, but I don't see how my posts are negative? I'm just explaining how this hotel and many other in projects in Beirut haven't been finished already because of the difficult years the country has been going through since 2005, especially since the 2006 summer war. It's just stating the reality. Now that the country has a functioning government and has been stable for the past several months, these projects can proceed at full speed. Please feel free to send me a private message if you wish to discuss this matter further.

Kingdom Hotel Investments:
The remaining 13 villas in the Four Seasons Mauritius development will be delivered in the first half of the year. We expect to open the Four Seasons Beirut in the second half of the year. Construction will also continue to advance on our other development projects in Morocco, Seychelles, Manila and Ghana, all of which are fully-funded.

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20090312072007/Kingdom%20Hotel%20Investments%202008%20preliminary%20results

^^ So this means after summer?

^^ or during! (July - August - September ..)
I think it all depends on the June elections

Could be any time after June.

March 9th 2009

courtesy of Havoc27

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7638/3353922761ff3fd870d8.jpg

Hey everyone... i'm new here. i haven't been to Beirut in over a year, do you know if there's a lot of difference in the four seasons since then?... i sure hope it opens at least while im there (until august)

courtesy of andy dilbert
http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/Nadini23/andydilbert.jpgclo

Kingdom Hotel Investments:
The remaining 13 villas in the Four Seasons Mauritius development will be delivered in the first half of the year. We expect to open the Four Seasons Beirut in the second half of the year. Construction will also continue to advance on our other development projects in Morocco, Seychelles, Manila and Ghana, all of which are fully-funded.

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20090312072007/Kingdom%20Hotel%20Investments%202008%20preliminary%20results

nobody can tell exactly when, it's all speculation.

courtesy of arnaud
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Update

Four Seasons Hotels And Resorts Continues Its Expansion With New Hotel To Open In Beirut This Year
Press Release
23 April 2009

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is set to increase its presence in the Middle East with the addition of Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, slated to open in the last quarter of 2009. The property, located on the Corniche, will offer 189 rooms and 49 suites, catering to discerning business and leisure travellers. The company has appointed one of its veteran staff, Stefan Simkovics, as General Manager, effective mid-May.

Update


hmmm....I would have expected it to be more than 189 rooms, I would have guessed about 300 but i guess the size of the building is deceiving.

You beat me to the posting LOL too bad not for summer...but at least for the xmas holidays...or maybe they are buying time to see the elections and formation of goverment..

I think there will be some politics at play since this is alwalids project and hes close to hariri etc

Hotel industry awards for The Address, Four Seasons Beirut and Hyatt Hotels Dubai
The award for Best Hotel Innovation was presented to the Four Seasons Beirut, opening later this year in the Lebanese capital. Unique properties of the waterfront hotel include earthquake design with a floating structure, an open-air pool 120 metres above ground, the highest sky bar in Beirut and direct tunnel access to a marina. Other contenders for this award were the Anantara Resort & Spa at Blue City, Oman and V...Greece, The World in Dubai.

http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20090505052905

I can't wait for this hotel to open!!

Courtesy of trent_manyard

April 23

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Courtesy of Nadini
it looks almost ready, I cant wait
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Notice the Chandelier on the left, the hotel is gonna be super
courtesy of Nadini
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^^ It has to be massive . it's the first in Lebanon , hopefully not the last four seasons to have.

courtesy of babu
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Just a small snippit about the opening of the Four Seasons Beirut.

General Manager Stefan Simkovics will be opening the Four Seasons Beirut, temporarily abandoning the long-delayed Four Seasons Beijing. Simkovics had originally joined Four Seasons in 1981 as Executive Assistant Manager at the Pierre in New York.

Hashem Melhem has moved to open the Four Seasons Beirut this summer as Hotel Manager. He was most recently the Hotel Manager of the Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence. He had previously served in management positions with the Four Seasons Toronto, the Four Seasons Houston and the Four Seasons Nevis.


http://www.4hoteliers.com/4hots_fshw.php?mwi=4163

Courtesy of Me

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss61/budkheir/4seasons1.jpg

^^ Balconies look gr8 now , don't you guys think the crown should be all covered by Glass ???

Its almost fully furnished now!! including all the balconies!
There is a huge poster upfront calling for job recruitment
pictures coming soon

Taken on July 11

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^^ Are these your photos? They're very good!!
Keep them coming :)

You can always tell its close to being done when you see plantings. I always thought the facade was smooth..i am noticing now the "boxes"

ya those are mine.. thank you :)

Have they begun taking reservations for next summer?

The Hotel isnt listed yet on the Four Season offical website.. but the employment website it is. Lots of postions for Lebanese.

Courtesy of Me...it just looks shity because it was taken from a very far distance

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss61/budkheir/beirut1111.jpg

^^ Balconies look gr8 now , don't you guys think the crown should be all covered by Glass ???


No cause of wind conditions will add lots of stress on the crown. It will create a sail effect. they left them open so the wind will go through.

Courtesy of Me:

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss61/budkheir/sky8pg.jpg

August 2nd

flickr

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With all these great building constructions going on in Beirut, i can't wait till May next year to see it in person. Haven't been there since 98 and it surely has changed.

Courtesy of Me:

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Courtesy of Lax Flyer:

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they're finally showing the beirut hotel on their webpage.

They picture they placed looks stunning !

http://www.fourseasons.com/beirut/

^^ it is!!
http://www.fourseasons.com/images/generated/property/beirut/landing_pages/basics_welcome.jpg

courtesy of me:

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(2) weeks ago, by me..

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amazing, courtesy four seasons:

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Beirut Four Seasons Hotel is going to be the 83rd one in the world, and the 9th in the Middle East! 48 years after the 1st one in Toronto (1961), and 9 years after the 1st in the Middle East (Cairo 2000)! Cool ey? :|

courtesy of michaelgmartell
http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/Nadini234/michaelgmartell.jpg

News Update

http://www.traveldailynews.com/images/site/logo.gif?1239015454

Four Seasons Hotel Beirut set to open December 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Above Beirut's Corniche rises a new standard in service and hospitality now being created by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The city is renowned for its vibrant social scene and Four Seasons Hotel Beirut will bring the caring, warm, personalised service that has made its name for nearly 50 years. Visitors and locals alike can trust Four Seasons to deliver the finest experience in dining, special occasions and Spa from the moment of booking as staff prepare for the guests' arrival and assist in planning their stay. Over 230 terraces adorn the glass and steel landmark, crowned by sky high rooftop pool and characterised by renowned Four Seasons service. Once at the Hotel, guests will immediately feel the soothing yet energizing environment created by the expansive lobby overlooking the sea and lively promenade.

Set to open in December 2009, the contemporary Hotel features over-sized furnished terraces from all 230 guest rooms and suites, affording sweeping views across the city, the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding mountains.

"As soon as guests are welcomed to Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, they'll be encouraged to step out and enjoy the sea air, sunset Mediterranean views and the sites and sounds of this cosmopolitan city," says General Manager Stefan Simkovics. "And there's more - as warmer weather arrives next May, Four Seasons will unveil a rooftop scene destined to be the talk of Beirut's summer season."

Four Seasons Hotel Beirut is located just 15 minutes from Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport, which brings direct flights from throughout the Middle East and major cities in Europe and Africa. Travellers arriving via private yacht will find an accessible marina adjacent to the Hotel.

Atop the 26th floor, the glass-enclosed, sun-drenched pool will be a haven for travel-weary guests by day. As the sun sets, the night sky will light up and the music will begin as the rooftop of Four Seasons Hotel Beirut is transformed into a chic urban cocktail and tapas lounge. Already anticipated by local scene makers and sophisticated travellers as one of the hottest openings of 2010, the rooftop pool lounge will be open to Hotel guests and non-guests alike.

With a nod to Beirut's long trade and cultural association with Paris, French designer Pierre Yves Rochon has created classic interiors that contrast the Hotel's contemporary exterior. Rich materials such as polished maple, bronzed wallpaper, and chinoiserie lamps, together with a warm palette of gold and yellow with brick, black and green, create a welcoming residential-style atmosphere. Rochon's impeccable attention to detail includes careful placement of locally-sourced antique brass pieces, carved wooden screens and sculptures.

A restaurant with large terrace and lounge will feature a Mediterranean-inspired steak and seafood grill menu, while a separate bar will offer a cellar of fine wines and spirits, plus cigars. A full-service Spa will also boast a large terrace for relaxation before, after or in between treatments.

Fully-appointed meeting and event spaces include a grand ballroom with pre-function space and outdoor terrace. A curving grand staircase from the main lobby to second floor ballroom provides an appropriate entrance for social events already being booked for 2010, and will likely become a favoured setting for bridal portraits.

"Perfectly situated in the Mediterranean gateway that links Europe to the Middle East, Four Seasons Hotel Beirut is an important addition to the company's portfolio," notes Kathleen Taylor, President and Chief Operating Officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "As the foremost hospitality brand in the Middle East, our presence will continue to grow as we open additional Hotels and Resorts to meet the business needs of the region, and welcome travellers from around the world."

With a history going back millennia, "the Paris of the Middle East" has recently been experiencing a renaissance of sorts. Strategically located along ancient and modern trade routes, Beirut is also an important diplomatic centre, home to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, and branch offices of the International Labour Organization and UNESCO. Long an exporter of fine silks (thus capturing French interest decades before the rest of Europe caught on), Beirut is now attracting global attention for its eclectic nightlife, thriving art scene and internationally renowned designers, including Elie Saab, best known as costumer to European and American celebrities. Lebanese cuisine is also finding its way to plates around the world, while gourmands trek to the city to taste the real thing.

Courtesy of Ahmad Ali-Khan:

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss61/budkheir/17600488.jpg

solidere
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Opening of the Four Seasons Beirut sees 10-year plan come to fruition

Four Seasons has decided it is finally safe enough to open a hotel in the Lebanese capital of Beirut.

Lebanon has been plagued by years of civil war, with over a thousand people killed during the most recent 2006 Lebanon War. However, in 2008 the country established diplomatic relations with Israel, and now the Four Seasons Hotel Beirut – which has been planned for 10 years - will launch this December.

General manager of the new hotel Stefan Simkovics said: “Beirut is the gateway to the Middle East and the only reason Four Seasons hasn’t been there up until now is because of the hostility. We started to plan this hotel 10 years ago but had set backs because of Israeli invasion, but now it feels safe.”

The hotel marks Four Seasons’ fifth opening in the Middle East and follows hot on the heels of new Beirut boutique hotel Le Gray, which shares the same owner as London’s One Aldwych.

Simkovics said development and tourism in the city were on the increase: “Tourism is rapidly growing, with 50 per cent more visitors this year than last – doubling from one million to two,” he said. “People need to come and take a look. People change, places change – and Beirut has changed.”

He added: “We expect to attract conferences and incentives and product launches from across Europe – so far 25 per cent out of two million visitors come from Europe and this will steadily increase as visitors increase.”

The 230-room Four Seasons Beirut, located by the marina, will feature numerous function spaces including a grand ballroom of 750sqm with a pre-function area, four boardrooms ranging from 50 to 80sqm and two with outside terraces and a rooftop pool area which turns into a sky bar at night.

To celebrate the launch, Four Seasons held a ‘Lebanese style rooftop’ party at the Four Seasons Hotel Canary Wharf, London, which this year marks its 10th Anniversary.

meetpie.com

Opening of the Four Seasons Beirut sees 10-year plan come to fruition

Four Seasons has decided it is finally safe enough to open a hotel in the Lebanese capital of Beirut.

Lebanon has been plagued by years of civil war, with over a thousand people killed during the most recent 2006 Lebanon War. However, in 2008 the country established diplomatic relations with Israel, and now the Four Seasons Hotel Beirut – which has been planned for 10 years - will launch this December.
meetpie.com

^^:?
hmmm...when did this happen??

LOL I didnt even see that line was I reading it.

I am sure they meant Syria,but even that one i guess was in 2009 :S

courtesy of Moody Arna
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Courtesy of uggboy:

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I'm really happy it is finally opening next month. It feels like a lifetime of waiting is finally done.

courtesy of francesco
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courtesy of francesco
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courtesy of maciej
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Ooh Laa Laa. I like the red lights! :D

Courtesy of Buñuelesco

November 13

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Fully dressed employees were at the reception! And they are doing some work in the entrance.

News is that its opening Dec 6!!

Courtesy of CristalArt


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^^ it hasn't even been opened but its already polluting the atmosphere ..out of the millions of dollars paid for this project they cheaped out on smoke filters ?

Could it be that it's just a start-up effect that will diminish as the new equipment 'seasons'? Hope so. Wouldn't like that plume of black sooty smoke becoming an image of the seafront...

Maybe its an electric generator

Its funny on expedia, orbitz or any hotel website there is not even ONE hotel room available in Beirut NOT EVEN ONE!!! Every hotel is sold out!! But four season being the smart busineess people they are are opening in January.

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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.
General information

Home to a culturally diverse population of over 2.1 million, Beirut is both Lebanon’s capital and its largest city and seaport. Set on a peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, its central position on Lebanon’s coast makes Beirut a strategic vantage point for visiting the country.

Founded by the Phoenicians in the 15th century BC, Beirut is a historic city with a decidedly modern outlook, epitomised by the new Beirut Central District. Phoenician, Roman, Crusader and Ottoman remains may be found a stone’s throw from sparkling new shopping areas and trendy nightclubs. Beirut’s lively nightlife and cosmopolitan sophistication are significant attractions of this picturesque seaside town.

Unlike other Middle Eastern countries, Lebanon has no desert. A mountainous central spine runs parallel to the sea coast, offering many opportunities for outdoor adventures close to Beirut, from scuba diving to skiing. Beaches dot the rugged Mediterranean shore, and day trips include well-preserved archaeological destinations such as the Roman ruins of Baalbeck, also the site of a major annual music and theatre festival.
Time zone

GMT +2 hours
Language(s) spoken

Arabic is the main language in Beirut, but English and French are widely spoken.
Electrical system

220 volts. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.
Shopping hours

Monday to Sunday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Working hours

Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Time and distance to city centre

5 minutes' walk/0.5 kilometres/0.3 miles
Time and distance to shopping

5 minutes' walk/0.5 kilometres/0.3 miles
Time and distance to financial district

5 minutes' walk/0.5 kilometres/0.3 miles


At Four Seasons, you enjoy a unique vantage point from which to explore the sights, sounds and experiences around you. We hope the highlights of local attractions below help simplify your planning. Please let us know how else we can assist you.

Attractions on this page
Art galleries
Agial Art Gallery 20 minutes drive

Attractions
Al-Omari Mosque 5 minutes drive
Casino du Liban 45 minutes drive
Downtown Beirut 5 minutes drive
Faraya Mzaar 50 minutes drive
Gemmayzé Street 5 minutes drive
Grand Serail 10 minutes drive
Monot Street 15 minutes drive
Raouché Searocks 15 minutes drive
The Cedars 1.5 hours drive

Museums
Beirut National Museum 20 minutes drive
Robert Mouawad Private Museum 10 minutes drive
Sursock Museum 10 minutes drive

Scenic day trips
Beiteddine Palace 40 minutes drive
Byblos 1 hour drive
Deir el-Qamar 50 minutes drive
Harissa 50 minutes drive
Jeita Grotto 40 minutes drive
Qadisha Valley 2 hours drive
Temples of Baalbek 2 hours drive
Tripoli Souks 75 minutes drive
Wineries 1.5 hours drive

Shopping
Mar Elias 5 minutes drive

Art galleries
Agial Art Gallery

The Agial Art Gallery showcases contemporary art from the Arab world, including paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Located on the famous Abdul Aziz Street, the gallery houses a permanent collection, as well as a series of monthly exhibitions featuring renowned Middle Eastern artists.
Visit this web site
Getting there
Estimated travel time 20 minutes drive

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Attractions
Al-Omari Mosque

Built in the 12th century, the Al-Omari Mosque was once the Crusader Cathedral of St. John. In 1291, the Mamluks converted the building into the city's grand mosque.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 5 minutes drive

Back to index
Casino du Liban

Casino du Liban is located in Maameltein, Jounieh. In addition to approximately 400 slot machines and 60 gaming tables, it offers a showroom, a nightclub and a theatre.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 45 minutes drive

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Downtown Beirut

The commercial centre and busiest area of the city, downtown Beirut has a selection of nightclubs and restaurants, as well as an upscale shopping district.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 5 minutes drive

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Faraya Mzaar

The mountain town of Faraya Mzaar is known for excellent skiing in nearby Ouyoun al-Siman, and the comfortable climate makes it a popular destination in summer as well. The ski resort has an elevation of 1,891 metres (6,204 feet), with the highest run starting at 2,463 metres (8,080 feet). The slopes offer some of the finest views in Lebanon.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 50 minutes drive

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Gemmayzé Street

Gemmayzé Street never sleeps. Beirut's artistic bohemian quarter, it is full of narrow streets and beautiful historic buildings from the French era. Known for its trendy bars and pubs, cafés, restaurants and lounges, it is the perfect place to have a drink and watch the night go by.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 5 minutes drive

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Grand Serail

The Grand Serail is a majestic Ottoman-era building that has been restored to its former grandeur and now houses government offices.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 10 minutes drive

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Monot Street

Located in the Sodeco neighbourhood of Ashrafieh, Monot Street is a busy commercial street known for its many restaurants, shops, bars and nightlife venues.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 15 minutes drive

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Raouché Searocks

Off the coast of Raouché is a natural landmark called Pigeons' Rock, also known as the Rock of Raouché. Located at Beirut's westernmost tip, these two huge rock formations, which stand like gigantic sentinels, are a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 15 minutes drive

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The Cedars

Known as Arz el-Rab or the Cedars of God, these trees are among the last survivors from the immense forests that lay across Mount Lebanon in ancient times. Their timber was exploited by the Assyrians, Babylonians and Persians, as well as the residents of Canaan-Phoenicia. The Egyptians prized the wood for shipbuilding, and Solomon used it for his temple.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 1.5 hours drive

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Museums
Beirut National Museum

The Beirut National Museum has an impressive collection of approximately 100,000 archaeological artefacts, statuettes and sarcophagi, most of which are ancient and medieval finds from excavations undertaken by the Directorate General of Antiquities. About 1,300 artefacts are exhibited, ranging in date from prehistoric times to the medieval Mamluk period.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 20 minutes drive

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Robert Mouawad Private Museum

The Robert Mouawad Private Museum is housed in Pharaon Palace, which was once the home of Robert Mouawad, a jeweller and collector of objets d'art including clocks, porcelain, jewellery, icons and watches. A beautiful respite from the city, the palace itself is as sumptuous as the items on display.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 10 minutes drive

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Sursock Museum

Located in the Sursock Quarter in Ashrafieh, the Sursock Museum features a permanent collection of modern art that includes paintings, sculpture and a variety of other art forms, and also showcases regular exhibitions.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 10 minutes drive

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Scenic day trips
Beiteddine Palace

A magnificent 18th-century palace located in the mountains in Druze, Beiteddine Palace was declared a historic monument in 1934.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 40 minutes drive

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Byblos

The ancient city of Byblos has been inhabited since Neolithic times and was one of the oldest Phoenician cities. For thousands of years, it has been closely linked to the legends and history of the Mediterranean region, and the ruins of many successive civilizations may be found here. Byblos played an important role in the history and diffusion of the Phoenician alphabet.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 1 hour drive

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Deir el-Qamar

Situated in the Chouf District, Deir el-Qamar is one of Lebanon's most historic towns, and it has been restored and maintained in a centuries-old style. The town's grand feudal architecture, old stepped streets, walled gardens and picturesque corners are all carefully preserved.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 50 minutes drive

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Harissa

Located high above the city of Jounieh, Harissa attracts both pilgrims who wish to see the site's 15-tonne white-painted bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Lebanon, and tourists who want to enjoy the views. At an altitude of 650 metres (2,132 feet), Harissa is accessible by gondola lift or a steep winding road.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 50 minutes drive

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Jeita Grotto

At Jeita Grotto, visitors can explore two separate but interconnected karstic limestone caves. These beautiful and fascinating caves are found north of Beirut, in the Nahr al-Kalb Valley.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 40 minutes drive

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Qadisha Valley

Located in North Lebanon, Qadisha Valley spans the area from Becharreh to the coast. A world heritage site, it is Lebanon's most famous natural site.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 2 hours drive

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Temples of Baalbek

Located in the Bekaa Valley, the town of Baalbek is famous for its temple ruins from the Roman period. Lebanon's greatest Roman treasure, they can be counted among the wonders of the ancient world. The largest Roman temples ever built, they are also among the best preserved.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 2 hours drive

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Tripoli Souks

The marketplace at Tripoli is noisy, crowded and exciting. Maze-like streets are lined with vendors, and fabric is drawn overhead, making the market feel as if it is indoors. The centuries-old stone and wood buildings dating from the time of the Crusaders are barely visible between stalls.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 75 minutes drive

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Wineries

The Bekaa Valley is the heart of one of the most beautiful vine-growing areas in the world. Enjoy a guided tour at the most popular Lebanese wineries and experience some of the finest wines the region has to offer.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 1.5 hours drive

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Shopping
Mar Elias

The shops and street markets of Beirut offer something for everyone, from fashion and jewellery to local crafts. Shoppers can explore the Mar Elias area, Hamra Street, Rashid Karamé Street, Ashrafieh and Furn el-Shebak.
Getting there
Estimated travel time 5 minutes drive



There are some great info and pics on their website: http://www.fourseasons.com/beirut/

^^ I think we're gonna hit the 2,000,000 visitor for 2009

hehe first time I hear mar elias being advertised :cry: I miss my hood!

I definitly think we are going to hit 2 000 000, but why is the four season's opening so late?

I love this picture:
http://www.fourseasons.com/image_library/BEI/custom_sizes/BEI_019_621x493.jpg

What a great filming location!

December 5

Courtesy of wainhouse

http://1.1.1.4/bmi/farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4175350094_5f9ba19cec_b.jpg

in case it doesn't appear.

http://1.1.1.4/bmi/farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4175350094_5f9ba19cec_b.jpg

^^ courtesy of wainhouse
http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af121/Nadini2345/ww.jpg

courtesy of cedarrick
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According to their website they will be "Opening January 2010" :banana:

Standard Rates start at 375 USD but they change with the seasons
Example: In the Summer (July) a standard room is 600 USD while it was 375 USD

^^Correct, it will take its first guests on January 10.

$600 in the summer? I definitely won't be staying here anymore.

^^ for a standard room not including breakfast

Unfortunately there is a lack of investment in mid-range hospitality properties in Beirut. Almost everything that is being built is in the luxury category. If Lebanon hopes to attract a wide range of tourists, there needs to be more investment in mid-range hotels.

At the going rate Lebanon is an up-market desination.. well Beirut is. There is many affordable Hotels Jounieh which a quite decent.

^^Yes, Jounieh has a number of affordable, hotels I agree, but Beirut, being the capital, needs to have a wide range of hotel properties, from affordable to luxury. If we want to attract European tourists, then we need more mid-scale properties. Hamra is pretty much the only area where there are decently priced mid-scale hotels. The hotels in Verdun like the Holiday Inn Dunes, while technically mid-scale, are very expensive.

^^Yes, Jounieh has a number of affordable, hotels I agree, but Beirut, being the capital, needs to have a wide range of hotel properties, from affordable to luxury. If we want to attract European tourists, then we need more mid-scale properties. Hamra is pretty much the only area where there are decently priced mid-scale hotels. The hotels in Verdun like the Holiday Inn Dunes, while technically mid-scale, are very expensive.

well we have this idea that building a luxuary hotel will bring more customers
by the way europian tourists aren't what lebanese hotels neither lebanese marker look for cause they dt spend money unlike khalijis

^^We don't just want khaliji tourists. We want tourists from around the world. Lebanon relies too much on khalijis and needs to diversify its tourism portfolio if it wishes to see continued growth in tourism numbers, especially if we want to see strong tourism numbers outside the summer season.

We should not just rely on khalijis. We get a great number of tourists in the summer (primarily khalijis), but during the rest of the year, tourism numbers are not very good. Half of our 2009 tourism numbers are from the month of July alone.

All tourists spend money and all tourists add value to the economy, even if they don't spend as much as khalijis.

It would be tough for Lebanon to welcome Huge number of tourists who are here to spend as minimum as possible.. as apposed to a smaller number who spend a $1000/day!

I think we should concentrate for Now on rich and luxury tourism, until we have the proper infrastructure for much larger numbers

It would be tough for Lebanon to welcome Huge number of tourists who are here to spend as minimum as possible.. as apposed to a smaller number who spend a $1000/day!

I think we should concentrate for Now on rich and luxury tourism, until we have the proper infrastructure for much larger numbers

That's not how tourism policies work. Tourism policies are aimed at attracting as much tourism as possible spread throughout the year. While Lebanon has excellent tourism numbers in the summer, the rest of the year tourism numbers are low and there is plenty of hotel rooms available. It means Lebanon is a very seasonal market. Part of tourism policy is not only to encourage tourism, but to encourage tourism during all parts of the year.

Khalijis come in large numbers to Lebanon during the summer and during Muslim holidays. What about the rest of the year? This is why Lebanon needs to diversify its tourism portfolio and try to attract European tourists and other middle income tourists. This would help make Lebanon a more year-round tourism destination, rather than only a summer and holiday destination.

I know MEA's Chairman and Director General, Mohammad El-Hout mentioned this in his recent conference, saying that Lebanon's traffic and tourism growth cannot grow much due to limited infrastructure in the country and that there should be efforts to increase tourism numbers outside the high season.

This is the only way Lebanon can see continued tourism growth with its present infrastructure, they need to boost tourism numbers during the low season and this is done by trying to attract different types of tourists, not just rich khalijis.

courtesy of ugoguido
http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af121/Nadini2345/ugoguido.jpg

view from the four seasons rooftop
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http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af121/Nadini2345/ugo.jpg

Entrance?? or is this another building?
Courtesy of 八抓鱼

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss61/budkheir/Entrance.jpg

The view is awesome!... lol I just applied for 2 job positions for assisant Management there, highly doubt I'll get an email back, one needs French :nuts:

The Four Season Hotel officially opened on January 7, 2009 :cheers:

The workers at the hotel opening ceremony
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http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af121/Nadini2345/610xjl.jpg
c of daylife

Kingdom Hotel Investments announces the opening of The Four Seasons Hotel Beirut
10 January 2010

Kingdom Hotel InvestmentsKingdom Hotel InvestmentsKingdom Hotel Investments
the leading emerging markets hotel investment company, today announces the opening of the Four Seasons Beirut. The hotel, in which KHIKHI has a controlling 38% equity ownership, is expected to cost $146M.

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 metre high rise tower with views across the Mediterranean coastline and the mountains. The hotel has over 47,671 square metres of total built up area.

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

KHIKHI now has eight Four Seasons hotels operating in our current portfolio across Europe, North Africa, The Middle East and Asia, as well as another set to open in Morocco next year. KHIKHI also owns the Movenpick Beirut, which has seen a strong improvement in trading in the last year.

Mr. Sarmad Zok, Chief Executive Officer of KHIKHI said:

"Beirut is a particularly exciting market for us. It has enjoyed a resurgence in travel and continues to be characterized by high barriers to entry. We expect the Four Seasons Beirut to establish itself quickly as the leading hotel in the market and to provide us with returns on capital in line with our targets. We also look forward to completing and opening four additional hotels within the next 24 months in Marrakesh, Accra, the Seychelles and Manila"

- Ends -


Notes to Editors
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.

The company has ownership interests in 26 properties in 18 countries including 22 operating hotels and resorts and four hotels and resorts currently under construction or in the initial stages of development. KHIKHI is listed on NASDAQ Dubai and the London Stock Exchange.



For more information, please contact:
Brunswick
Kate Holgate / Laura Cummings (London)
Tel: +44 207 404 5959

Rupert Young / Jeehan Balfaqaih (Dubai)
Tel: +971 4 365 8260


© Press Release 2010

Four Seasons Hotel Now Open in Magical and Intriguing Beirut

Posted : Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:14:58 GMT

BEIRUT, LEBANON -- 01/11/10 -

When the beaming smiles of the doormen at Four Seasons Hotel Beirut dazzle their very first guests, the city will take another quantum step forward in its renaissance as a 21st century metropolis. There are few in Beirut who won't share the uniformed front men's sense of pride; ten years in the planning and five years under construction, the Hotel opens as a gleaming statement of intent for the whole country: Come experience warm, genuine Lebanese hospitality.

Nowhere is the city's unique energy more intensely felt than through its own people - a proud culture with an indomitable spirit and an insatiable zest for life. The newest Four Seasons has filtered this energy down to its purest form, with over 300 local recruits amplifying the warm welcome found on the streets outside.

"I always look for the fire in the eyes of any prospective new recruit," says General Manager Stefan Simkovics - a 40+ year veteran of the hotel industry, nearly 16 of them with Four Seasons - "but I have never seen such fire as I have here in Beirut. Every hotel has the flowers, the decoration, the facilities... But here it is the team that shines the brightest."

From the moment of arrival in the pristine driveway, the welcome is as luminescent as the glittering light that bounces off the adjacent Mediterranean. Interiors inspired by local traditions are equally inviting: from the Lebanese artwork, carved screens and gilded calligraphy of the lobby to the buzzing Boulevard lounge that tempts visitors with the rich aromas of a European cafe and sofas designed for hours of conversation.

In the vibrant streets surrounding the Hotel, friendly faces await all visitors. A few minutes' walk away, downtown Beirut - resplendent with its restored architecture and branded boutiques - epitomizes the city's reincarnation. A rich maze of ochre alleys capped with red-tiled roofs reveal a muddle of art galleries and antique shops, cafes and restaurants. Brightly lit at night, magic and intrigue burst from every doorway.

Throughout the Hotel, the magic continues in the quality of details: from a prime cut of Executive Chef Ossola's Charolais beef on the The Grill Room's marina-view terrace (try it with a glass of Domaine Wardy, Private Selection 2004 from Lebanon's Bekaa Valley) to the heavenly homemade truffles that accompany coffees beneath The Bar's dramatic red and gold chandelier. Large terraces are standard in all 230 guest rooms and suites. The Spa, a cool statement of white marble and gold mosaics, has a suede-panelled couple's suite with private terrace and Jacuzzi. And the rooftop pool - a glittering 26th floor oasis with 360 degree views - towers above the raucous cityscape like a suspended haven of tranquillity.

A crack team of concierges holds the key to the sum of 5000 years of cultural creativity: insider access to fashion shows and art exhibitions as well as the city's never-ending programme of concerts and festivals. Elsewhere, religious architecture, Phoenician ruins, beachside bars and world-leading nightclubs are served up against the sublime backdrop of the Lebanon Mountains in areas that range from the achingly modern to the gritty and pock-marked. "I always tell people that wherever you are in Beirut, you can feel the magic," laughs Simkovics. "It is one of the sexiest cities in the world: enticing, vain, scarred, beautiful, complex and exciting."

Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalised 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees - people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently with 83 properties in 35 countries, and more than 40 projects under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. For more information on Four Seasons, visit press.fourseasons.com.

To view the photo, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/4SHotelbeirut.jpg Can someone post the picture?

courtesy of inbohyn
http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af121/Nadini2345/inbo.jpg

courtesy of surfer joe
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http://www.google.com/hostednews/img/afp_logo.gif?hl=en

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/media/ALeqM5gK84u2Fnj9KfB9EYnTXTbYlCdmTg?size=l
An employee walks up the stairs at the Four Seasons Hotel in the Lebanese capital Beirut

Beirut Welcomes its First Four Seasons

Jan 13, 2010
By Stacy Straczynski


http://www.contractmagazine.com/contract/photos/stylus/121028-fourseasonshrLG.jpg


The Four Seasons Hotel Beirut opened earlier this week. The 230-room destination, which marks the brand’s debut in Lebanon’s capital city, was designed by architect Dar Al Handasa and flaunts an interior design by French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, whose style choices incorporate traditional Lebanese artwork, carved screens, and calligraphy with a classic European flair to contrast the hotel’s modern exterior look.

Features of the hotel include terraces in all guestrooms and suites; a spa detailed in white marble and gold mosaics, complete with whirlpools, steamrooms, and a VIP couples suite and private terrace/Jacuzzi; a glass-enclosed rooftop pool with a 360-degree view on the 26th floor; The Grill Room restaurant with seating available indoors, outdoors on a terrace, or in a private eight-person dining room; and The Bar, which boasts oriental-inspired chandeliers and vivid red walls and seating. Meeting space includes a grand ballroom on the second floor with pre-function space and a terrace.