ONE of my favourite cities is Beirut even when travelling for work as was the case during my recent stay at the Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Beirut.
I flew in quite late but the hotel is only a 20 minute taxi ride from the airport and, though on arrival the only member of staff on reception was busy, a quick phone call soon summoned someone to help me and I was soon being show to my executive club room.
The accommodation was very spacious with a lovely view of the Mediterranean seafront which made me envious I wasn’t there on holiday but certainly convinced me to come back!
The executive floor caters to every business traveller’s needs including free high-speed internet, which I would class as a ‘must’, and the Club Lounge serving a wide range of breakfasts and snacks and drinks in the evening which I find helpful as a woman travelling alone.
Although located in the heart of the city, the property has full resort facilities including three outdoor pools, a private beach and a marina. I was overawed by the Essential Spa and Health Club which occupies three levels with full state-of-the-art fitness facilities along with classes from yoga to spinning and aerobics and 11 treatment rooms plus a private spa.
Also located on the property is a shopping arcade and beauty salon where the helpful staff were able to book me in straight away.
Though I took my evening meals in the Club Lounge, I did make time one afternoon for an excellent salad in Hemingways Bar & Cigar Lounge where I relaxed and enjoyed the Mediterranean view. Unfortunately the quick break did not extend to the evening’s salsa dancing!
In addition to Hemingway’s, guests have a choice of the Mediterranee Restaurant, which offers all-day dining, and an authentic Lebanese restaurant Bourj Al Hamam. In the warmer months, there is also the Hurricane swim-up bar and restaurant.
I found my stay very enjoyable and, even with the property taking up 90,000 sq m of landscaping, the Mövenpick Beirut has the feeling of a boutique hotel.
By Kim Thomson