What’s it like? Raouché Arjaan by Rotana is the third property by the Middle Eastern hotel group in the Lebanese capital, the other two being the Gefinor Rotana Beirut close to the city’s American University of Beirut, and Hazmieh Rotana Beirut in the southeast of the city.
Rotana’s Arjaan brand is aimed at extended stay guests and families, with facilities including kitchenettes in order to “close the gap between hotel room and home”. This 176-unit hotel is housed within a 17-floor new-build property overlooking the western coast of the city.
Where is it? On Raouché Boulevard, a busy area for hotels due to its proximity to the city’s corniche area, and to Pigeon Rocks, a set of two rocks just off the coast, popular with sightseers particularly during the early evening when the sun sets behind them.
Room facilities The hotel has no less than 13 room categories, ranging from the 25sqm Classic room, up to the 140sqm three-bedroom Raouché suite. Broadly speaking the higher the category the larger the unit, along with additional features including balconies, and free breakfast / internet access.
All room categories except the 14 Classic Rooms have kitchenettes, which in the case of my King Deluxe Studio (with sea view) included a basin, two hobs, a large fridge freezer, a microwave, plenty of cupboard space, and a fairly limited selection of crockery / cutlery.
Other in-room facilities included air conditioning, a Samsung flatscreen TV and DVD player, iron, electronic safe, trouser press, minibar, a coffee table and two chairs, and a combined bath and shower. Wifi internet access, where charged, costs US$5 for one hour, US$11 for three hours, or US$22 for 24 hours (all costs plus VAT). Rooms have a classic feel to them, with dark wood furniture and plush curtains and bed spreads.
Restaurants and bars There are three eating options at the hotel ranging from all day dining Murjan restaurant, serving international cuisine and seasonal themed nights, with buffet and a la carte choices, and the rooftop Aquarius pool bar, offering cocktails, light snacks and shishas. Breakfast is served in Bella Vita Café and Terrace, with its own street entrance and serving good quality coffee and pastries throughout the day.
Business and meeting facilities The hotel has two meeting rooms on the first floor, with the largest space accommodating up to 130 guests for a reception, and the smaller room accommodating boardroom meetings for up to 22 delegates. There is also a 24-hour business centre with secretarial support available.
Leisure facilities The rooftop swimming pool offer great views of the city’s coastline, and has comfortable loungers from which to enjoy the Beirut sunshine. The hotel also has separate male and female saunas, as well as Bodylines Health and Fitness Centre with cardiovascular and weight training facilities.
Verdict A well-located hotel with a wide range of accommodation options that will suit both short and extended stays.
All room categories except the 14 Classic Rooms have kitchenettes, which in the case of my King Deluxe Studio (with sea view) included a basin, two hobs, a large fridge freezer, a microwave, plenty of cupboard space, and a fairly limited selection of crockery / cutlery.
Other in-room facilities included air conditioning, a Samsung flatscreen TV and DVD player, iron, electronic safe, trouser press, minibar, a coffee table and two chairs, and a combined bath and shower. Wifi internet access, where charged, costs US$5 for one hour, US$11 for three hours, or US$22 for 24 hours (all costs plus VAT). Rooms have a classic feel to them, with dark wood furniture and plush curtains and bed spreads.
Restaurants and bars There are three eating options at the hotel ranging from all day dining Murjan restaurant, serving international cuisine and seasonal themed nights, with buffet and a la carte choices, and the rooftop Aquarius pool bar, offering cocktails, light snacks and shishas. Breakfast is served in Bella Vita Café and Terrace, with its own street entrance and serving good quality coffee and pastries throughout the day.
Business and meeting facilities The hotel has two meeting rooms on the first floor, with the largest space accommodating up to 130 guests for a reception, and the smaller room accommodating boardroom meetings for up to 22 delegates. There is also a 24-hour business centre with secretarial support available.
Leisure facilities The rooftop swimming pool offer great views of the city’s coastline, and has comfortable loungers from which to enjoy the Beirut sunshine. The hotel also has separate male and female saunas, as well as Bodylines Health and Fitness Centre with cardiovascular and weight training facilities.
Verdict A well-located hotel with a wide range of accommodation options that will suit both short and extended stays.
