Metropolitan Hotels International has marked its entry into Lebanon with the opening of its first five-star hotel in Beirut's central Sin El Fill district.

The new Metropolitan Palace Hotel Beirut, the group's sixth property, is poised to become a major landmark in the Lebanese capital.

Built over an 8,000 sq m area, the new hotel is only seven minutes drive from the city's international airport, five minutes from downtown and 45 minutes from famous historical sites such as BaalBeck, Byblos, Sidon, Cidars, Faraya Ksara and Jeita Grotto.

The hotel has 225 rooms, 12 executive suites, two presidential suites and a 1000 sq m Penthouse on the 17th floor of the hotel with a private terrace that offers stunning sea views.

All rooms feature Internet, a Biz-Comm system that is used as a voice mail, direct dial access, printer, scanner computer port and facsimile and an in-room safe deposit that can be operated manually or through personal credit card.

The hotel provides a variety of dining and entertainment options including Al Shindagah for all-day dining, Venezia, serving Italian delicacies, Summer Place for Chinese cuisine, The Terrace, an open air terrace for a snack or a drink, Tea Garden, a perfect place for an evening rendezvous and the Candle Lounge.

Conference facilities include eight meeting rooms and one Grand Ballroom "Dubai Hall" which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.

The Metropolitan Palace is also equipped with a range of sophisticated recreational activities including a gymnasium featuring state-of-the-art equipment and expert instructors, a swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam bath.