FREEDOM WITHIN A FRAMEWORK

After undergoing a refurbishment and closing its doors for a year and a half, the Grand Hills Hotel & Spa in Broumana, Lebanon has recently become a Luxury Collection and subsidiary of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Owned and designed by Robert Mouawad, the hotel is now managed by Starwood.

Giuseppe Ressa, general manager, overlooked the rebranding and reopening of the hotel, which was set for mid-july 2015, followed by the official launching event in September.

With 32 years in the international hospitality industry and 12 years as a GM in five properties with Starwood, Ressa mentions that Lebanon’s hospitality industry has tremendous potential and the resilience of the market to bounce back is well-known. Commenting on challenges prior to the re-opening, Ressa says, “The Lebanese diaspora affects the quality of service the country has to offer. However it’s an exciting time to select and train the staff to ensure that the right attitude towards service emerges.”

Being the first Luxury Collection hotel to launch in Lebanon – one of five in the Middle East – the Grand Hills Hotel and Spa has become part of a network that is promoted worldwide. “The Grand Hills is set in an exquisite destination and the experience is a blend of luxury, attention to detail and relaxation, alongside refined Lebanese hospitality. Following the 125th Mouawad celebration, we believe similar events will revive Broumana as a superb destination to visit in Lebanon.” In addition to various room amenities and concierge services, the Grand Hills is home to the World’s Largest Hotel Suite by Guinness World Records TM.