InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut by IHG — Hotel in Minet el Hosn

We stayed last year for a weekend to celebrate our anniversary and my husband’s birthday. We enjoyed our stay but it could have been better. My husband can rarely take time off so if we ever go somewhere together, it is for a weekend only. We wanted to make that weekend memorable so we decided for newly re-opened Phoenicia. We were offered a free upgrade which was very nice, the staff also prepared a complimentary birthday and anniversary surprise in the room, the bathroom was amazing, shower was relaxing and bed very comfortable, staff tried to be polite and helpful and the breakfast was excellent, nice refreshments in the indoor pool and the gym... I was in touch with (I think) the reservation manager prior to our stay and he always replied to my emails and we managed to arrange all the details of our stay via email. After our stay, when I sent feedback (positive and negative) I never received a reply from him. I felt as if our opinion and discomfort due to certain things described in the feedback did not matter since we had already left the hotel... Here is what we sent negative feedback about: upon arriving, they blocked the payment for the room on my card. The following day a receptionist tried to charge me again, instead of using the blocked amount, but I did not have that much money on the card I had with me to pay for the hotel room “twice” (or there was a limit for the weekend), so we ended up paying in cash and I was unable to use the blocked money on my card for another 14 days. We usually pay directly from the card when checking out of hotels but we had always stayed in 4-stars, so maybe 5-star hotels all block the money and then charge the card again, instead of taking the blocked money as the payment?? If so, I would have appreciated some information about this when I finalized the booking online with the manager - I could have transferred more money onto my payment card and avoid the embarrassment at the reception. The stay was supposed to be my anniversary/birthday gift to my husband but in the end he ended up paying for it himself by cash, so it was a bit awkward :/ when checking out, the receptionist tried to charge us again for the dinner, even though it was already covered by the payment for the room. some facilities were not available or comfortable. I was told the hotel takes pride in their facilities but as I was heavily pregnant, my options were limited and some of what we were looking forward to was not available: the jacuzzi was out of service on both days, the first day the outdoor pool hosted some fashion market so it was busy with people and very loud music. Again, I would have appreciated some warning about this event at the time of the booking. the dinner in the room was nice but not something special that we would expect from a 5-star hotel but again, price was average so hence the average (but still nice) food. we wanted to eat on the balcony but the hotel staff did not know where the switch for the light was or the button they found in the end did not work. Nobody came to fix it so we ate in the dark. I would not expect this in a 5-star place.

The afternoon food we ordered in the restaurant was ok but nothing special. We expected more from a 5-star place. That being said, the prices on the menu were very reasonable and not 5-star high, so I should not be surprised 😁 It was ok but not something to return to. We also tried the afternoon tea on a different occasion and did not enjoy the scones.

So overall, we were glad we tried the hotel because the hotel is legendary but we would not need to come again. It is time to try a different hotel...

We had an amazing time here with our grown up children, visiting the magical city of Beirut and as usual The Phoenicia, led by its very proactive GM and his highly experienced, competent and pleasant colleagues delivered beyond our expectations. We were very graciously upgraded to a magnificent Diplomatic suite and were made to feel like royalty. I have written a couple of reviews before about this magnificent hotel below and can only say that we are impressed each time at how they manage to improve on perfection. This time the hotel was at pretty much 100% occupancy but still ran like a Swiss watch. Genuine sincere smiles and tireless service were delivered with sincerity. The people here are by nature and culture very hospitable and courteous, however, our Phoenicia family (for that’s how they make us feel) take this to another level. We look forward to retuning more frequently and hope that we are able to do so. There is still only one address in Beirut and it’s The Phoenicia. Well done Mathieu and team, sorry not to put everyone’s name here but then I would have to write a whole other review - you are collectively exceptional and we thank you, one and all, from the bottom of our hearts for making this long overdue holiday with our grown up children in my wife’s hometown to be memorable. We hope that their posterity will continue to be able to patronise this hotel for many generations to come, as we have been blessed to be able to do for four generations now.||Check out this review of Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut By IHG on Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g294005-d299159-r615826268-Intercontinental_Phoenicia_Beirut_By_IHG-Beirut.html||Check out this review of Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut By IHG on Tripadvisor:...

My stay at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut, Lebanon was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I stepped into the grand lobby, I was welcomed with genuine warmth and professionalism. The hospitality at Phoenicia is truly world-class—every staff member I encountered went above and beyond to make sure I felt at home, offering assistance with a smile and anticipating every need with grace.

The rooms are incredibly spacious, elegantly furnished, and designed for both comfort and luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the vibrant city of Beirut. The attention to detail was remarkable, with high-quality linens, plush pillows, and thoughtful amenities that made the experience feel truly indulgent.

What stood out most was the impeccable cleanliness of the entire hotel. From the lobby to the fitness center and spa, every corner was spotless and well-maintained. Housekeeping services were discreet yet thorough, ensuring the room remained fresh and organized throughout the stay.

The hotel also offers a wide range of top-notch facilities, including a beautiful pool area, a serene spa, and an impressive selection of restaurants and lounges. Each dining experience was a delight, combining local flavors with international flair.

Overall, Phoenicia Hotel perfectly blends luxury, comfort, and genuine Lebanese hospitality. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, it provides an unforgettable experience that lives up to—and even exceeds—its five-star rating. I would return in...