We had two nights here for the first part of a Lebanon trip. We wanted a nice hotel in a good location and thats exactly what you get. A good standard and a great location for shops, bars and restaurants.
Its a little expensive compared to five star hotels in other cities but that seems more related to the accomodation costs in Lebanon.

Check in was very good, friendly and efficient
The rooms are not big but they are nicely furnished with a/c, large flat tv, mini bar and tea making.

There is a roof top leisure area with sauna, steam, gym and a small heated outdoor pool that looks out to sea. A nice place to sit if the weather is good.

The bar and reception area is modern and a nice place to sit. There is also an outdoor terrace to sit and have a drink when the sun is shining!

Breakfast was very good. There is a wide self service selection and you can have eggs cooked to order. Coffee and juice is served at the table.

The staff were all very helpful and professional in all parts of the hotel

The hotel is very close to the famous Al Hamra shopping district and the American University of Beirut. Several banking, educational, medical and business interests are in the neighbourhood. Middle East Airlines head offices are just next door.

Welcome and check-in process is relatively quick and professional. Rooms are clean but not wide enough. Only recently internet services were provided free of charge in the rooms.

The hotel is an important venue for meetings, seminars and conferences. There are workshops almost every day.

The ground floor restaurant was recently renovated and has a very rich breakfast but the service needs improvement.

A swimming pool is available on the roof from where you can enjoy the view of the Mediterranean. From lower storeys you can only see the adjacent buildings and the private park on the opposite side of the hotel.

24 hours parking is available in the basement for a certain fee. Beware that there is no fee for shorter periods.

Europe rent a car outlet can be found on the ground floor (separate entrance). Cars are easily available in the winter with much better rates. In the summer a prior booking is required (one or two weeks ahead). The rate of rented car is 30-50% higher in summer.

Europe rent a car provides also hotel-airport transfer in agreement with the hotel, with a rate of about US$ 30 (one way). You can arrange airport pick-up when you book for the hotel. The airport is 20 minutes away if there is no traffic.

Shopping areas in Al Hamra street are a walking distance away. There are many coffee and snack shops available near the entrance of the American University of Beirut.

Private taxis could be found in the corner of the street. The driver can spot you once you come out of the hotel and make a sign for him. Rate is relatively higher than normal taxis but you can always negotiate. Rates in Lebanon are accepted in local Lebanese pounds or US dollars.

The Gefinor is not a 5-star rating worth, maybe 3 star is more appropriate for the location, and the food. The breakfast buffet is very ordinary. For about $350 a night I was expecting much more. It is close to the Hamra area where you find good eateries such as BarBar for a taste of true Lebanese food. Many taxi drivers hang around in the vicinity of the hotel, and can be a nuisance. Be careful when booking daily sightseeing trips, very pricy for what you get. We had the bad experience that on short notice one place was closed for the day, and no refund was made.

A hotel where you can go walking to hamra, bliss, downtown. Overlooking. University campus and the sea. Decent prices for such quality and this is a place where I'll invite friends to. The lunch bufee is a good choice if you have none. The 3 minutes walk pasta di casa cozy resto is also a good choice.