best bed: Le Gray Hotel, Beirut, Lebanon

Sleek, chic and contemporary,  Le Gray is Gordon Campbell Gray’s first hotel creation in the Middle East. Gems from the art collection that he has curated are everywhere, he personally decided where each of the more that 500 pieces scattered throughout the hotel should be hung. The rooms are large with huge bathrooms. You can even watch TV in the tub. Indigo on the Roof is the place for gourmet food, breathtaking views over Mohamed el Amine Mosque and a chance to sample wines from the hotel’s award-winning cellar. They have been three-time Wine Spectator Outstanding List in the World recipient. Try to be there during the call to prayer…magical! The spa is a destination in its own right. The deep tissue massage left me both relaxed and energized. Who knew a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice and chocolate fondue would be the perfect after treatment treat. Le Gray of course!

 

Number of Rooms: 103

Sweet Suite: The two presidential suites (one with two bedrooms). Not only are they enormous but they have huge terraces overlooking downtown Beirut.

Favorite Thing: the large square pillows… Pillow heaven and the best sleep ever.

Near By: Shopping…Beirut Souks (an upscale mall), Saifi Village and high-end international stores ( Chanel is across the street), St. George Maronite  Cathedral, St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Mohamed el Amine Mosque and the Maghen Abraham Synagogue, the monument to Samir Kassir, Le Grand Café to enjoy shisha and old-world glamour.

Amenities: spa, roof-top chlorine free infinity pool,  3 restaurants, gym, roof top  lounge bar (not to worry, the room floors are only accessible by a room key and are very quiet), room service, complimentary bottled and filtered water, free Wi-Fi, connecting rooms, Cigar Lounge offering the finest selection of cigars, whiskeys and single malts

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http://www.campbellgrayhotels.com/le-gray-beirut