Four Seasons Hotel Beirut set to open this December

In a city known for its vibrant social scene, Four Seasons will bring the caring, warm, personalised service that has made its name for nearly 50 years. Visitors and locals alike can trust Four Seasons to deliver the finest experience in dining, special occasions and spa treatments right from the moment of booking, as staff prepare for the guests' arrival and assist in planning their stay.

Once at the Hotel, guests will immediately feel the soothing yet energising environment created by the expansive lobby overlooking the sea and lively boardwalk. Their stay is sure to be a memorable one as attentive staff anticipate their needs and deftly respond with a genuine dedication and generosity.

Set to open in December 2009, the modern Hotel features over-sized furnished terraces from all 230 guest rooms and suites, affording sweeping views of the Mediterranean, the city of Beirut and surrounding mountains.

"As soon as guests are welcomed to Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, they'll be encouraged to step out and enjoy the sea air, sunset Mediterranean views and the sights and sounds of this cosmopolitan city. And there's more - as warmer weather arrives next May, Four Seasons will unveil a rooftop scene destined to be the talk of Beirut's summer season,"

says Stefan Simkovics, General Manager of the new Hotel.

Atop the 26th floor, the glass-enclosed, sun-drenched pool will be a haven for travel-weary guests by day. As the sun sets, the night sky will light up and the music will begin as the rooftop of Four Seasons Hotel Beirut is transformed into a chic urban cocktail and tapas lounge.

Already highly anticipated by local scene makers and sophisticated travellers to the city - which was recently hailed as 'the next cool destination' - the rooftop pool lounge will be open to Hotel guests and non-guests alike from spring 2010.

With a nod to Beirut's long trade and cultural association with Paris, French designer Pierre Yves Rochon has created classic interiors that contrast the Hotel's contemporary exterior. Rich materials such as polished maple, bronzed wallpaper, and chinoiserie lamps, together with a warm palette of gold and yellow with brick, black and green, create a welcoming residential-style atmosphere. Rochon's impeccable attention to detail includes careful placement of locally sourced antique brass pieces, carved wooden screens and sculptures.

A restaurant with large terrace and lounge will feature a Mediterranean-inspired steak and seafood grill menu, while a separate bar will offer a cellar of fine wines and spirits, plus cigars. A full-service spa will also boast a large terrace for relaxation before, after or in between treatments.

Fully appointed meeting and event spaces include a grand ballroom with pre-function space and outdoor terrace. A curving grand staircase from the main lobby to the second- floor ballroom provides an appropriate entrance for social events already being booked for 2010, and will likely become a favoured setting for bridal portraits.

"Perfectly situated in the Mediterranean gateway that links Europe to the Middle East, Four Seasons Hotel Beirut is an important addition to the company's portfolio," notes Kathleen Taylor, President and Chief Operating Officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "As the foremost hospitality brand in the Middle East, our presence will continue to grow as we open additional Hotels and Resorts to meet the business needs of the region, and welcome travellers from around the world."

With a history going back millennia, 'the Paris of the Middle East' has recently been experiencing a renaissance of sorts. Strategically located along ancient and modern trade routes, Beirut is also an important diplomatic centre, home to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, and branch offices of the International Labour Organisation and UNESCO.

Long an exporter of fine silks (thus capturing French interest decades before the rest of Europe caught on), Beirut is now attracting global attention for its eclectic nightlife, thriving art scene and internationally renowned designers, including Elie Saab, best known as costumier to European and American celebrities. Lebanese cuisine is also finding its way to plates around the world, while gourmands trek to the city to taste the real thing.

Four Seasons Hotel Beirut is located just 15 minutes from Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport, which brings direct flights from throughout the Middle East and major cities in Europe and Africa. Travellers arriving via private yacht will find an accessible marina adjacent to the Hotel.