Overlooking the Bay of Jounieh and the iconic Casino du Liban, Burj on Bay Hotel is a triumph in luxury hospitality. We spoke with Nicolas Broumana, the hotel’s food and beverage manager, to hear about the latest developments and how Burj on Bay Hotel is elevating its five-star offering.
What makes Burj on Bay Hotel stand out?
Burj on Bay is one of the leading five-star hotels in the region. It is conveniently located between Beirut and the coastal city of Byblos, overlooking the magical Bay of Jounieh. It is indeed this enviable position and Burj on Bay’s proximity to touristic attractions, religious sites, beaches and the legendary Casino du Liban that attracts many business and leisure guests.
Furthermore, one of Burj on Bay’s core differentiators is its exquisite cuisine, which is managed by the internationally renowned Le Cordon Bleu, a leader in culinary arts that offers affordable luxury dining experiences.
How profitable was summer 2021 for the hotel?
Despite having modest expectations, summer 2021 was a great season due to the outstanding performance of our exceptional outlets: The View Restaurant & Lounge, boasting unparalleled views of the sea; Signatures Restaurant & Lounge; La Piscine pool bar; and Byblos Garden, our authentic Lebanese restaurant.
In addition, the high occupancy rates can be attributed to the surge in domestic tourism, which occurred as a result of the pandemic and difficulty/expense associated with overseas travel. Many Lebanese booked staycations with us, and we also welcomed many tourists and expats who spent their holidays in Lebanon due to the favorable exchange rate.
How are you confronting the challenges of the pandemic and the economic crisis in Lebanon?
The economic crisis has been a huge challenge. However, we are always trying to meet different budgets by offering several menus and event packages at very reasonable prices while maintaining the same exquisite quality and service, thus catering to both Lebanese residents and foreigners.
As for the Covid-19 pandemic, we were able to safeguard the health and well-being of our staff and guests at Burj on Bay Hotel with the help of certified companies by implementing strict protocols for sterilizing all rooms and taking Covid-19 preventive measures in food production and public areas within the hotel.
What recent changes have you made at the hotel?
Due to the high demand for events, especially in the Keserwan area after the Beirut 2020 blast, we created a large ballroom to host big weddings and other events. We also launched a new chill-out pool bar and restaurant, La Piscine.
Do you have any exciting plans in the pipeline?
Upcoming projects for 2022 include a new gym and spa. Furthermore, a fusion Mediterranean seafood restaurant, complete with a bar and chill-out lounge, will complement the dining options available at Burj on Bay Hotel.
Despite everything that is going on, we are committed to investing in the hotel, thereby offering a greater range of facilities to cater to the needs of our guests.
