The Luxury Travel Bible - LUXURY HOTELS: Four Seasons Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

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LUXURY HOTELS: Four Seasons Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

What do you get when you cross Lebanese hospitality with Four Seasons service? Absolute bliss. That's what I discovered on a recent visit to Four Seasons Beirut. After being greeted by name by the courteous staff manning the Four Seasons desk that sits directly outside the airport arrivals hall, we were whisked into a blacked out Mercedes. At the hotel, doormen and check in staff, who were apparently eagerly awaiting our arrival, graciously opened doors and took care of the luggage before the car had even come to a stop.

This super efficient and welcoming arrival was merely a taster of the treatment we were to receive at the Four Seasons Beirut that weekend. Being greeted by name is something that many will expect at a five-star hotel, a luxury hotel stands apart however when their staff are keen to know how your day has been and if they can make it better. The concierge knew all the best restaurants and bars in town and could even advise us on how much we should expect to pay at them. When we were running late for one restaurant booking they had made for us, however, I called concierge and asked them to cancel it at short notice. This they did without fuss. Shortly afterwards the doorbell rang and room service arrived with a trolley filled with wine, cheese, bread and fruit. They had anticipated our hunger and sent a snack up to abate the pangs.

Four Seasons Beirut also understand and make clever use of social media. Through their twitter account they welcome and engage with guests, share sightseeing tips and in our case used it to gain an impression of their guests in order to treat them. (My boyfriend received a beer bucket one evening with the attached note: @jm_deluxe we know you love beer and hope you become a fan of our local Almaza Beer. Have a great evening. Regards @fsbeirut) Simply charming!

The hotel itself possesses the expected Four Seasons style and elegance

The hotel itself possesses the expected Four Seasons style and elegance; opulent lacquered wallpaper, large bathrooms adorned with L'Occitane products, and little chic twists like leopard print cushions on the traditional chaise. Its location overlooking the marina provides glorious views of yachts and the ocean from the bedroom terraces, the perfect setting from which to enjoy breakfast.

Indeed you are sure to enjoy the breakfast, and lunch, and dinner. The Grill Restaurant on the second floor serves acclaimed steak (Time Out Beirut named the Grill as one of the city's best steakhouses) and superb desserts which look almost too good to eat and taste unbelievably good. (Try the crunchy orange profiteroles and ask about the macaroons!) Breakfast consists of a combination of local and international dishes - a traditional Lebanese selection of cheese, oil and flat bread are provided on your table but you may also order fancies such as French toast from the menu. This is in addition to the buffet table which offers fresh fruit, yoghurt, nuts and lots of their gorgeous pastries.

In the spa I sipped Jasmine tea before trying out their Meditterean massage treatment. Involving a hot wrap on my feet while the aches and knots were massaged out of the rest of my body this was a new experience for me which I am definitely keen to repeat. At the end of the treatment a discreet door was opened and I was led into a private room where an aromatic Jacuzzi was already prepared and a steam room was waiting to be tried out. This is the reason we were late for dinner that evening the cheese trolley was provided!

The Four Seasons hotels are renowned for their five-star service and style but the Four Seasons Beirut are taking it one step further. By providing that personal touch through social media, service that goes the extra mile, an acclaimed restaurant and enviable views of Beirut this is one luxury hotel in the Four Seasons family that stands out from the crowd.

Check in: 1418 Professor Wafic Sinno Avenue, 2020 4107 Minet El Hosn, Beirut, Lebanon

Ultimate Luxury: A concierge who knows the best places to eat and when exactly you might be hungry

Most Indulgent Moment: Couples massage followed by private jacuzzi

Insider Secrets: The rooftop pool bar is the place to be come summer

The Little Things: The morning newspaper delivered in a black, cloth bag. Never seen a paper look so chic.

Dress code: Glam - think big hair and designer suits - for men and women

Dent in the platinum: