Where shall I begin? The first-class service, the delicious food, the luxurious rooms, or that incredible view… the list goes on and I’m at a loss for words.
We packed a weekend bag for a staycation away from the daily traffic, noise pollution, and stress to a luxury hotel in the mountains of Lebanon.
Grand Hills Hotel and Spa is a luxury collection hotel in the beautiful village of Broumana in Metn.
The 5-star majestic and spacious hotel (which actually looks more like an entire village) is spread over 35,000 square meters with over 150 suites, rooms, and apartments offering stunning mountain and coast views.
Additionally, Grand Hills Hotel houses over 1,200 pieces of artwork from sculptures and antiques, to the most unique hand-crafted furniture.
Grand Hills Hotel is only a short drive from Beirut and conveniently, the popular ski slopes in winter. What a great getaway location from the city!
Our Suite at Grand Hills Hotel and Spa
The luxurious suites at Grand Hills are inspired by a mix of classic Far Eastern and European themes. The bedroom balcony had a breathtaking view of the mountains. The big white plush king-sized bed is extremely comfortable and cozy; so much so that I didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning!
The suite has a separate living room area complete with a mini bar, TV, couches, dining table, and even a desk and chair. Oh, and a deep red velvet chaise longue for two facing another private balcony with the most beautiful view in the evening. Champagne, anyone?
The room was impeccably clean. The amenities included an awesome hairdryer (i.e. not the standard hotel hairdryer that takes hours to dry your hair) as well as non-generic deluxe soap, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and lotions by DAMANA, which are replenished daily.
The superior rooms at Grand Hills Hotel and Spa start at 230USD a night, while the suites start at 430USD a night.
Time for some relaxation at the spa!
It’s called Grand Hills Hotel and SPA for a reason. The hotel’s spa showcases treatment rooms for Balneo chromatherapy, body peeling, and massage as well as a beauty salon, saunas and steam rooms.
Don’t miss out on a relaxing massage for two and take a dip into your own private Jacuzzi in one of the spa “suites” in the Grand Hills sanctuary. The massage wasn’t the best I’ve had, however, it was very soothing and the ladies were polite and friendly.
The only thing that bothered us was the fact that we had to walk across the cold outdoor patio (in the rain) to get to the spa – even though it was literally a 1-minute walk.
Other Facilities and Services
The 5-star Grand Hills Hotel and Spa also offers facilities including a fitness club (which you can sign up to regardless of whether you’re staying in the hotel), saunas, steam rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, 13 meeting spaces, and an amphitheater, as well as services including valet parking, room service, free Wi-Fi, and more throughout your stay.
Breakfast
On our first morning in the hotel, we went downstairs for breakfast. A wide variety of breakfast options are available for hotel guests to indulge in. However, I would add some healthy muffins, granola, honey, and cut-up fruit (as opposed to the whole fruit) to the breakfast buffet.
You can also order eggs your way along with what’s showcased at the buffet.
After breakfast, find a couch to plop yourself on with a cup of tea and a good book.
Room service was next. The room service menu in our room was outdated with many items no longer offered. So off the top of my head, I ordered pancakes, my favourite breakfast dish. T had the “Full English Breakfast”, his favourite breakfast dish. We also had a selection of viennoiserie, bread, jam, butter, and more! Our breakfast spread was seriously epic. However, that view was even more epic.
Which would you go for: Buffet or A La Carte Room Service?
Dining Options at Grand Hills Hotel and Spa
There are many options to have lunch or dinner at Grand Hills Hotel. On our first night, T and I had a romantic dinner date at Chez Alain, a sophisticated restaurant featuring excellent French cuisine with an Eiffel Tower view. No joke – check out the review of Chez Alain Restaurant!
Our next dinner was at Pool Café – also an excellent choice and slightly more casual than Chez Alain. I highly recommend the Indian shrimp curry dish served with steamed basmati rice and a fried Papadum to scoop it all up – it was seriously delicious.
Pool Café at Grand Hills Hotel also offers a regular Sunday brunch at a steal – 45 USD per person for an entire buffet complete with mezza, sushi, traditional Lebanese dishes, international dishes, dessert, and more.
In the summer time, the Italian “Pasquale” and the Lebanese “Shisha Hills” restaurants open their doors. I’ll be sure to try them once the weather gets hot again.
The Garden
We took a few pictures in the picturesque garden of Grand Hills Hotel on Sunday before setting off to Beirut. The garden is right next to The Royal Residence, which is the largest hotel suite in the entire world! In fact, this USD$80,000 a night “suite” aka mansion was actually featured in the Guinness World Record. We didn’t get to take a peek inside, though.
Things to do in and around Broumana
The list in summer is a little longer since many restaurants and bars come to life in the dry seasons. However, Broumana still has plenty to offer in winter.
- Visit some of the great restaurants, bars, and cafés that remain open. I recommend Calvados Pub and Cheers Pub for great tunes, Unicorn Café for an epic milkshake in a cozy ambiance, and Mounir for a typical Lebanese lunch on a Sunday.
- Visit Mar Chaaya Monastery and, if the weather permits, go for a walk surrounded by nature.
- Cruise around and admire Broumana’s architecture and surrounding nature.
- Go skiing in Faraya, only a short drive away.
- Visit the picturesque town of Dhour Choueir.
- Check out the annual Al Bustan Festival in Beit Meri in February.
Final Verdict?
I’ve been to the luxury 5-star Grand Hills Hotel a number of times for spectacular weddings and even dance classes when I was 10 years old! However, I never thought to spend a night here, and I’m glad I did.
Here are my thoughts:
It’s quiet. Due to the size of the hotel (aka village), we barely saw other humans – and I’m not complaining. During the high season, it is usually busier.
It’s not exactly the most affordable hotel stay; it is in fact a 5-star luxury hotel and spa. However, the memorable, relaxing experience and remarkable service you get are well worth the price.
The food is delicious. Guest or not, you have to try the romantic Chez Alain Restaurant and the laid-back Pool Café for yourself.
The staff is super friendly.
It definitely left a great impression. Our stay at Grand Hills Hotel and Spa in Broumana was one of the best we’ve had so far!
Grand Hills Hotel and Spa is THE place for that sought-after perfect, peaceful, and romantic weekend in the mountains.
WHAT DID YOU THINK OF MY EXPERIENCE AT GRAND HILLS HOTEL AND SPA? HAVE YOU EVER STAYED HERE YOURSELF OR ARE YOU THINKING OF BOOKING?
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Grand Hills Hotel and Spa Broumana
Address: Charkieh Main Road, Broumana
Contact: +961-4-868888
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Disclaimer: I was a guest at Grand Hills Hotel & Spa, and as always, all opinions are my own.
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I LOVE the breakfast pics
Grand Hills is such a beautiful hotel. Thinking of booking in the summer!
I think this is the most beautiful hotel in Lebanon!
Thank you for sharing your review on Grandhills and your tips on what we can do in the area! Planning to go to brumana soon with my husband so they are very helpful.
Chez Alain looks like the perfect dinner date. Thanks for sharing!