First Crowne Plaza property in Lebanon opened by Prime Minister Hariri

Prime Minister Rafic El Hariri officially opened Lebanon’s first Crowne Plaza hotel last night during a glittering ceremony attended by 1000 invited guests and dignitaries.

Raymond Khalife, President, Six Continents Hotels, Middle East and Africa and Karam Karam, Minister of Tourism for Lebanon, joined the Prime Minister in cutting the ribbon, thus declaring the Crowne Plaza Beirut officially open. Guests were then treated to a spectacular fireworks and laser display, dinner, and refreshments. The Crowne Plaza Beirut, located on Hamra Street, once known as the Champs Elysees of Beirut, becomes the 9th Crowne Plaza property in the Middle East region.

“The introduction of the Crowne Plaza brand in Lebanon is part of the process bringing about the revival of its capital city,” said Raymond Khalife. “We’re committed to supporting the country’s redevelopment, and in particular that of Beirut, and are also looking towards more new projects in Lebanon.”

The modern and stylishly-constructed hotel is situated just a short stroll away from the Corniche, with all 168 rooms and 31 suites overlooking the Mediterranean, and just 15 minutes from the airport. Crowne plaze Beirut becomes the fifth property in Lebanon managed by Six Continents Hotels.

All guest rooms are air-conditioned and feature private bathrooms with separate bath and shower, hair dryer, bathrobe, satellite TV and in-house movies, radio, international direct dial telephones, voicemail and interactive internet access via TV. 24-hour room service, mini-bar, laundry and valet facilities are also available. 

The Crowne Plaza Club floors are specially designed for business travellers offering private express check-in and check-out, executive lounge with complimentary breakfast, light refreshments, internet access as well as a fax, scanner, colour printer and photocopier.

The hotel has four food and beverage outlets; the Vivaldi Mediterranean Brasserie, Top 21- the rooftop restaurant that boasts panoramic views of Beirut, Falls Lounge, and a food court. With excellent conference and banqueting facilities including a grand ballroom catering for 600 people, five natural daylight conference rooms, an intimate rosewood boardroom, as well as a fully equipped business centre offering extensive in-house audio-visual support, the hotel will become a key venue for business travellers and event organisers.

The hotel’s fitness centre has a temperature controlled rooftop swimming pool, fitness and health club with fully equipped gymnasium, steam room, jacuzzi and massage treatments. Further services available include underground parking for 400 vehicles, limousine airport collection, house doctor and nurse, concierge for ticket reconfirmations and post, and baby-sitting. The hotel also offers accommodation and facilities for the disabled. 

In the Middle East region, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts also operates properties in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Petra, Sharm El Sheikh, and Casablanca. In Lebanon, Six Continents Hotels also manages the Phoenicia Inter-Continental Beirut, Le Vendôme Inter-Continental Beirut, the Mzaar Inter-Continental Resort and the Holiday Inn Beirut-Dunes.