We chose the Habtoor after enjoying an outstanding stay at the neighbouring Metropolitan Palace in 2010. We had understood the Habtoor to occupy a level higher than the Metropolitan Palace, and were therefore greatly looking forward to our visit. Unfortunately there were numerous issues that we would not have expected to encounter in a hotel with the Habtoor’s reputation. We outlined the issues below in a letter to the Manager before we left, but so far have received no reply, which itself tells you a lot.

First, on our arrival we were placed in a small, dark room (722). From anywhere other than the desk the only view was of a grey dividing screen on the balcony. What was truly unbearable, though, was the traffic noise from the major roundabout that we overlooked. We moved room to a 'mountain view' room, which was certainly an improvement, but we were not warned that it overlooked a building site, also noisy.

Some unwelcome surprises regarding both rooms:

• Rooms do not provide a full-length mirror, clock, ironing board, ice bucket, or facilities to make tea or coffee. You can use room service of course, and ice and hot water were free.
• The minibar is not contained in a functioning fridge. We had expected such a facility to keep items fresh for our daughter, such as milk. The minibar prices were scandalous, even for a 5* hotel: does anyone really pay $US40 for a quarter bottle of warm champagne??!
• There is no wi-fi in the rooms. There is free but relatively slow wired connection, and costly faster options.

In addition we found:
• The showers in both rooms yielded only lukewarm water.
• The balconies and balcony furniture were covered in dirt and dust, and not cleaned during our stay (see photograph).
• Only once were dirty glasses and plates replaced.
the wake up call we requested for our early departure came 20 minutes late.

Other disappointments in respect of the hotel in general:

• Breakfast was adequate, but some foods were over-cooked or allowed to go stale. The breakfast room itself a very unappealing place: dark and claustrophobic, lacking in atmosphere. We would have liked the chance to take breakfast in the Metropolitan Palace, at least once, to enjoy the wonderful light-filled atrium and to have the chance to see the excellent staff there, who did much to make our last visit so enjoyable. However, we were told that we would have to pay for an additional breakfast to do so. This seems utterly ridiculous given that the hotels are twinned and the breakfast selection is identical.
• Sitting in the lobby one evening for almost an hour we were surprised to find full ashtrays at almost every table, and none were replaced during the time we spent there.
• The spa changing rooms are rather cramped, offering inadequate space to change.


On the upside, we should add that we enjoyed the spa facilities themselves, and most members of staff were professional and pleasant in their dealings with us. The complaints that we raised were dealt with immediately and satisfactorily. It is the sheer number of unsatisfactory issues that led to disappointment at what we hoped would be a special week. Staying in a hotel of this calibre ought to be a pleasure, and one should look forward to spending time in the building. Unfortunately this has not been the case, and we are unlikely to return to the Habtoor.

Don't ever come here because I hated it as the room had problems straight away but the pool was very nice with a tiny bar. We had others in our family coming aswell

The rooms are of high standard and the location makes the view of the surroundings very good. The breakfast buffet is fresh and with a lot to choose from.

The service is good and helpful although check in/out time is very long. It is also quite expensive for its combination of location and standard.

Stayed there for 2 nights. Service could have been better and the interior design is outdated. However compared to other hotels in Beirut this seems to be a better place as I had some bad experiences as well. Small shopping center beside it and nice view of the city if you have a high floor room.