There is something immediately welcoming about the Vendome… perhaps it is the luxurious but comfortable style, the unassuming friendly nature of the staff or just the fact that when you walk in you instantly feel like part of the Vendome family. After our pick up at the airport, we arrived at the hotel just ten minutes later, tired from the flight but excited about our residence for the next three days.
This five star hotel has an intimate exclusivity and is popular with celebrities and royalty, and after our tour of the venue I can understand why. There are several fabulously stunning suites at the top, decorated immaculately with classy artwork, sophisticated furniture and a refined details.
All the rooms have a decadent royal feel; we were upgraded to an Executive Suite overlooking the Mediterranean. It was a spacious room fully equipped with every necessary amenity. High speed free internet connection made my stay stress-free as it was very easy to use my computer for blogging whenever needed. Oh, and I almost forgot the best bit… on the bed a large pale brown cushion was specially embroidered with my initials! I adore anything personalised so was overjoyed to discover the special Milly pillow!
In one corner we had a large desk with a laptop available for our use, a fully stocked minibar, assorted fresh fruit and sweets replenished each day. The little balcony was perfect for catching a breath of fresh air and some sunlight. The large marble bathrooms were filled with lovely smelling l’Occitane products and an assortment of useful toiletries. The shower/ bath could have been a little more powerful as it took a while to get started but this is my only criticism. The rooms are so comfortable it causes a conundrum – you want to go out and experience Beirut but the room is too nice to leave! This was the issue one night when, exhausted after experiencing the crazy Lebanese nightlife we decided to stay in and enjoy our room whilst watching Bridesmaids on the DVD player.
The beds are massive and extra plush at Vendome, and with the curtains drawn it is blissfully dark, and easy to sleep well. The Vendome guests are permitted the privilege of using the beach La Plage across the street for free whenever they wish (saving a staggering $25 entry fee). We spent several afternoons at La Plage sunbathing by the pool and swimming while munching on club sandwiches and sipping cooling Pina Coladas! La Plage overlooks the sea and even has a bar in the pool for those craving a cocktail whilst splashing around!
In the mornings guests are invited up to Sydney’s on the top floor where breakfast is served. You can sit and admire the breathtaking views of the sea whilst munching on croissants and slurping the freshly brewed coffee. The breakfast display has everything you could want without overwhelming guests with too much choice. Most mornings we gorged on fresh orange juice, frothy cappuccinos and the assortment of pastries we were given. Everything was scrumptious and it was lovely to emerge from breakfast not feeling too full… making sure our bodies were beach-ready! But on the final day we indulged in cooked breakfast which the staff are willing to make however you desire it. Satisfying scrambled eggs with toast and mushrooms for my friend and deliciously sweet homemade pancakes with strawberries and maple syrup for me!
I found a true home at Vendome and was devastated to leave… I can imagine guests of this hotel return again and again, completely charmed by the comfort and character of this luxurious Lebanese hotel.
Visit the Vendome website here for more information.
Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with bmi, British Midland International. British Midland International flies direct from London Heathrow to Beirut offering ten flights per week. Flights are twice daily on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays with a daily service on all other days. Fares are available from £485 return including all taxes and charges. For more information and to book visit www.flybmi.com