What a pleasure to go back to Le Vendome after several years! Since I was really looking forward, my expectations were quite high! And all were met!
A couple of days before arriving, I received an email asking for my arrival details. Nice touch, especially since I was actually landing at Beirut Airport rather late. I therefore asked for a pick-up and was a bit shocked by the price (USD 60 while a taxi would ask for about 20 USD 20 or 25, after negotiation - taxi meters is an unknown object in Beirut). Given my late arrival after a long day work and a flight, I went for it. I was nicely welcomed at the exit of the luggage hall (he hotel has a booth there) and escorted to the car. I was told they upgraded it: A Bentley! Nice touch!
Arrived at the hotel after a 15 minutes ride. Check-in was as smooth as usual: upon arrival at the hotel, I was immediately brought to my room where I was asked to sign the papers and give my passport. Nice not to have to queue and stand in front of a desk.
The room was as lovely as usual: well decorated, great bed and nice bathroom with all the necessary amenities ("L'Occitane"). Free wifi. I was however afraid of the noise given the fact, a building is under construction on each side of the hotel. But no major inconvenience.
The "Au Premier" restaurant is currently closed as a new one will open next year. But the iconic Sidney's is still there, on the top floor and still open 24/7. Gorgeous breakfasts! Lunch and dinners looked good as well. There is now furthermore a little corner where drinks and some food are offered at certain hours of the day to certain clients (the executive lounge" thing). Nice.
No spa at le Vendome itself, but still an outdoor swimming pool right in front and the access to the nearby Phoenicia spa is given.
Great, like really great, staff! Attentive and efficient at all instant.
All together, Le Vendome remains one of my favourite hotels in the world! And of course I look forward to go back as soon as possible!

Great hotel.
Very helpful staff.
We had a lovely room with a great view of the Mediterranean.
breakfasts were expansive with a lovely view.
Good location, right on the Corniche
Would definitely return

We booked the Intercontinental based on another friends booking without any research which was a little risky. The only other option was the Phoenicia Hotel (same price bracket) just down the road which is also worth a look from what our friends said.
On arrival to avoid having to barter with the dodgy Lebanon taxis we organised a hotel transfer which set us back around $60 USD yet I believe this is well worth it if you are not a local and want a quick exit from the airport. We were met at the transfer desk by a lovely girl by the name of Sarah who took us to a car park away from the crowded pick up drop off area of the airport & hopped into 7 series BMW. The trip took the 20min trip to the hotel and was nice and relaxing... chilling out time (start of the holiday). On arrival the hotel looks nice if not a little oldish from the outside yet inside foyer has beautiful chandelier and nice use of classic tiles and furniture.
We were taken to our room by Sarah all the while she gave us the information on the hotel and surrounding area. On entering the room it was a decent size, beautifully appointed with baroque chairs, super confirmable bed with the "city" view. The view is not the best as the city is a little under the weather if you know what I mean.
I mentioned to Sarah that the noise form the construction site was a little annoying and she mentioned if it was an issue she would move us. Sarah left and I had some of the amazing fruit/sweets/macaronis that was on a platter in our room. Some 5 minutes later we had a knock on the door and one of the staff had arrived with some rose water and served us a few drinks which was fantastic. We then left to pick up some tickets and just before leaving Sarah called to say she would move our room while we were out (she recalled us talking from the airport that we were picking up some tickets for the chili peppers playing that night). On returning to the hotel we had been moved to the Ocean View side of the hotel which was beautiful. We had a quick shower with the L`Occitane bath products (nice) and went to the hotel pool across the road called Le Plague (spelling may not be correct). We were told by multiple people this was the best pool bar in Beirut. It has a chilled vibe with hotel guests (free) and the public (pay a fee) to gain access. The service pool side is great and we never had to remind the staff of an order or request. The Dj plays fantastic beats and the ocean views are magic. We recovered at the pool after our nights out here both days from around 12-6pm (closing time) so I can highly recommend it as a must (not suitable for kids/families). Back to the hotel there is a roof top bar called Sydney's which has a breathtaking view of the ocean and marina with flawless service. Some friends we met at the pool came up for a few drinks before we headed out and we all enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. This is also where you can have breakfast in the morning which ends at 11am. The breakfast is nice .. i think we paid 21,000 Lebanese pounds each. The location is good and a short taxi ride will get you to most places.. Sky Bar is a 15 min walk as are a few nice little bars in the high end shopping strip which house the best the world has to offer (if your into that). After 3 days of late night adventures we checked out of the hotel and got a taxi to the airport. Every person we made contact with at the intercontinental were fantastic and the service was second to none. I can recommend this hotel, I know the price is not cheap yet you do get what you pay from. The stay at this hotel and the service made our stay in Lebanon much better than our last visit .. thank you to Sara especially she is an amazing person!

A boutique warm hotel, you feel the warmth of luxury as soon as walk into the entrance, wood, French style decor, typical Lebanese polite approach of the front desk staff “ Ziad and Chady” were at check in.
Rooms are clean very well kept and rich in amenities, MORE than 100 all HD TV channels, very fast trouble free internet you can especially in Lebanon. WOW
Fancy breakfast with breathtaking view of the sea on the 13th floor.
If any is seeking luxury, personalized efficient service… self pampering “Le Vendome Beirut” is certainly the best place to be.