Famed for its grandeur and high profile guests, the Phoenicia is very flamboyant while Le Vendôme is more of a boutique hotel and a true master at lavish, personalised attention. You come to the Phoenicia to see and be seen in the spacious lobby, while around the corner, in Le Vendôme, you immediately feel the cosy home atmosphere - with their easy room check-in you don’t even have to pass by the reception. When entering your Vendôme suite, you find your initials embroidered on your pillowcase. Le Vendôme offers you the ultimate privacy, giving you the perfect escape from the hectic hustle and bustle of the city. “What we have in common is luxury,” says Michelle Mallat Rishani, Director of PR & Communications at the Phoenicia. “Everything here is more exclusive,” explains Claudio Roscigno, Sales and Marketing Manager at Le Vendôme, and says that they have a niche clientele with many loyal customers. “We know them all by name; they’re mostly VIP’s.”
Le Vendôme and the Phoenicia, both managed by the InterContinental chain and owned by Societé des Grands Hotels du Liban, are among the oldest hotels in Beirut. In fact the Phoenicia will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Guests love the history of either landmark hotel, with kings, queens, world leaders, celebrities and important delegations calling this their home away from home.
The Phoenicia with 446 rooms as well as 33 Residence suites, and Le Vendome with 73 rooms say they never worry about being interchangeable. Roscigno underlines that the refined personnel service at Le Vendôme is a definite plus. “We know every guest by name, we know what their favourite welcome drink is and we are aware of their preferred room temperature. It is all in the details,” he says. At the Phoenicia they have other strengths: “While predominantly a luxury hotel, we are also Beirut’s leader in hosting major diplomatic and corporate delegations, even on short notice,” says Rishani.
Customers definitely overlap. Rishani: “It depends on the purpose of their trip. While travelling on a private trip with their partner, they might stay at the Vendome. For business they would choose the Phoenicia. But people staying at the Phoenicia will go for drinks at Le Vendôme, and Vendôme guests come and use the Spa facilities at the Phoenicia. The proximity is a real plus.”
Both hotels are currently undergoing a facelift. “When we make plans for the future, we do it for both hotels. We are now in the process of refurbishment and rebranding. These things happen at the same time for both hotels,” Rishani explains. Last summer saw the relaunch of the poolside terrace and the Amethyste Lounge at the Phoenicia. In autumn Eau de Vie, the top-floor dining venue, opened its stylishly renovated restaurant with stunning views over the Mediterranean. At Eau de Vie you now find new additions, such as a wine tasting room and a walk-in humidor. Sunday brunches here are perfect for families with and without children. “All this has marked the first phase of the ongoing refurbishing and there are still many changes to come. One of the surprises this year will be the opening of a new nightclub,” promises Rishani.
The British designer Martin Hulbert of Fox Linton was given a virtually unlimited budget to revamp the Phoenicia. He is using unconventional materials for furniture, such as shark and ray skin leathers, normally reserved for use in couture handbags and footwear. This first major renovation in nearly a decade promises to result in a more Western design with a refreshing Arab flair. The plush yet simple interior will look extravagant, but will most certainly keep its splendid luxury appeal.
Having two InterContinental hotels so close to each other is rather unusual. “We stand out in the InterContinental brand. Both owned by Societé des Grands Hotels du Liban, the partnership is a real strength. We always recommend each other and there is an exchange of personnel,” says Rishani. “We are from the same family. But like brothers and sisters, we have a very different mentality and taste. Together we have found the right balance,” concludes Roscigno.
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