Orchid Beach Lounge Batroun — Hotel in Thoum

Not the orchid it used to be when it opened. The place used to be a great “luxury” retreat where one could spend a day, enjoy delicious food and cocktails. We were 9-10, and took a we day off from our jobs to relax for the day.and took a private Jacuzi. First of all, it started with the shots. They were literally water with fruity taste. No alcohol. We obviously complained. We then tried 2 pitchers. Same story again, tasted like delicious fresh juice, and that’s it. No alcohol at all. When we complained, the waiter claimed that it’s due to the sweetness. But having 3 naive drinkers (who barely drink) and each having 1 shot and 2-3 drinks in less than an hour without feeling tipsy… we confirm there was no alcohol at all. Paying 12-14$/drink and 6$/shot for such a thing… what a shame! But the problem doesn’t stop here. As a “sorry”, the waiter suggested a pitcher that is stronger and better, so we took it. Turns out we had to pay for it, they’re not offering it. And they charged us for it lol. I asked 3 times to see the manager, but the manager never came. The manager should have come right away when we started complaining about multiple issues, but he never did. And then when we specifically asked to see him, he never came!! We could see him arguing with the waiter, refusing to come. And after 30min waiting for him, i passed next to him, and he acted like he was talking on the phone. That is unacceptable, and specially from a place that calls it self “luxurious”. What a shame that it has become that bad. Finally, i did call and bring it up to the management, but they never called back :) What a shame. We surely will never come back, and prefer to spend our free days in newer, more...

Very overated. Not what I expected after hearing people rave about it and looking at the images from google. The sunbeds are old and worn, the infinity pool is overcrowded, there is not much space between beds and service seems average. For what you're paying, you'd expect more.

EDIT - as requested from the reply by the owner... I think the whole place needs a lick of paint and general upkeep and maintenance. It doesn't look like any renovation has happened for a while. The bed cushion was old, cracked and weather-worn, as was the parasol. The tiles in the pool need a good clean or better yet, the grouting between tiles could be replaced. The lights in the changing room were flickering making it difficult to see. I would say the pool was probably too small for the number of guests. Personally I would rather pay a slightly higher fee, have less people and not feel crowded. I do not think the service was bad, but I don't think it was amazing either which is why I say "average". We had to request a parasol three times before one was delivered...

With no doubt it's the best place to spend a day in The view is a scenery The staff are so friendly and smiley But the F&B is way too expensive to a country like lebanon We all know that the situation is going worse and the days we’re passing through are so tough on everyone But it’s unreasonable for the prices to be more expensive than the one in Greece for example!! As a cosmopolitan country with high standards for tourists !! By coincidence, I’ve been there 2 days ago and today I was at Orchid beach Batroun and was shocked by the illogical raise of the prices. And please don’t convince me with the 20% discount if we pay the bill cash because the prices are basically very high priced !!! Go check GUIDE.LB and watch what foreign people are talking about the restaurants & hotels sector!! It’s a shame for lebanon and for our tourism. We are losing a lot because of your greediness guys!! I will definitely spend my days here but i will never eat and spend a penny on food! ORCHID IS A BEAUTIFUL PLANT TO BE SEEN BUT NEVER...